Versus

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Versus The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Facial Treatment
Exfoliator
American Brand United States
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on May 19, 2025

Overview

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

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Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

When to use

3,650 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
68% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
475 Routines
9% use in am
91% use in pm
26% use every week
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients

4.7 /5
from 40 ratings
Works Well (21) Absorbs Well (20) No Scent (19)
christychen's avatar

Christy

2 months ago
Review

Honestly I was skeptical because it took my skin the FULL 12+ weeks to adjust to this. It was my first time using a retinoid and the purging was rough, but genuinely I’ve never seen my skin look so good after the purging ended. It absorbs well and a little goes a long way. I had to stop using it because I got too crazy with actives and I messed up my skin barrier super bad, but I’m hoping I can go Show more

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
colettegannon's avatar

Colette Gannon

10 days ago
Review

Don’t give up on this product. After suffering a sudden and severe breakout three months ago, I started on Differin in combination with a few other treatments. The first 8 weeks were hard, but in combination with a few other acne treatments, my skin has improved SO MUCH. I am on week 11 and am so glad I stuck it out with Differin. Looking forward to seeing continued improvement.

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 11 ratings
Works Well (7) Great Value (6) Light Scent (4)
PurpleRiot's avatar

Alanas Strukčinskas

6 months ago
Review

The best exfoliator i ever tried. I think it's the best choice for those who has stubborn blackheads, because it literally melts them away. People with sensitive skin should be cautious, because it's an intense product and maybe too harsh for sensitive and dry skin types. I would highly recommend to use a deeply hydrating mask and restore skin's barrier after the procedure, because as I said Show more

#great value
#drying
#light scent
#works well
mikasaalonso's avatar

Mikasa Alonso

7 months ago
Review

Very good but beware it’s very strong. It says use once or twice a week but I would recommend once very 2 or three weeks. If it’s too strong for you, use the Glycerin Acid Toner 7%. After that don’t put any toner. Pair it up with Hyaluronic acid of your choice and a very moisturizing cream in the night time and you’re all set :)

#great value
#drying
#hydrating
#absorbs well