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Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Versus The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

Facial Treatment
Serum
American Brand United States
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on May 16, 2024

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid

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, fragrances, silicones or sulfates

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Ingredient Info

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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

When to use

3,463 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
69% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
144 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
72% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients

4.6 /5
from 34 ratings
Works Well (16) Absorbs Well (15) No Scent (15)
christychen's avatar

Christy C

16 days 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
jazzzzz1's avatar

jazzzzz1

1 year ago
Review

I've been using this on and off for around 2 years. I thought this was going to help my acne, but looking back at pictures I actually think it's made my acne worse! It's made my acne areas really inflamed and red with angry spots. Think it's time to cut it out of my routine... Given it 2 stars as it soaks in pretty fast and is hydrating.

#irritating
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Oily (2) Great Value (2) Light (1)
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

1 year ago
Review

(Tried May 2023) Another retinoid in The Ordinary's lineup that I enjoyed using. As far as efficacy, it's the strongest of the three formulations. This is what I upgraded to after using The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. I experienced no irritation with this product despite it's strength and I liked how radiant my skin felt the next morning. Very affordable for the amount and how long Show more

#great value
#light
#oily
#light scent
YuxuanP's avatar

YuxuanP

1 year ago
Review

This serum is really greasy and not easy to absorb, but for its price point I think the skin feel is just what it is. I personally would not repurchase

#great value
#heavy
#oily
#no scent