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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment versus The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane .

Last updated on August 14, 2023. Published on March 21, 2021

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and anti aging

Free From

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

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

Serum American Brand United States
Facial Treatment Canadian Brand Canada

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Price

Shop

Buy Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Starts at $14.97
Shop

Buy Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Starts at $8.30

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid

Benefits

Anti-Aging
Acne Fighting

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Eczema
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

25% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
38% are loved or liked
38% have mixed ratings
13% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 16 reviews
ClaireCummings_200's Avatar'
Jun 20, 2023

great for acne

great for acne

crubby's Avatar'
Jul 2, 2023

god send

god send

JessShaw_716's Avatar'
Nov 20, 2023

Clears up my acne and smooths my skin.

Clears up my acne and smooths my skin.

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 reviews
CaroleD's Avatar'
Dec 26, 2023

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.

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
Oily
No Scent
glasscasita's Avatar'
Sep 13, 2021

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

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

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 9 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment.

See 9 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 4 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane.

See 4 alternatives
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