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Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Versus The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Facial Treatment
Serum
American Brand United States
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on March 04, 2025

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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About this product

About this product

At a glance

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Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

When to use

3,429 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
69% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
776 Routines
6% use in am
94% use in pm
69% 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 (14)
christychen's avatar

Christy C

11 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 Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 5 ratings
Great Value (3) No Scent (3) Oily (3)
CaroleD's avatar

CaroleD

1 year ago
Review

It’s a great value but it’s definitely like rubbing pure oil on your face, squalane breaks me out apparently.

I don’t like the feeling of oil on my face, it’s just too much for me.

#great value
#hydrating
#broke me out
#heavy
Ninamujer's avatar

Nina

3 years ago
Review

Like the texture
I've tried a lot of retinols and liked the texture of this one the most