Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Versus The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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, 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
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIsoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientIngredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 HydroxideWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
