Differin Soothing Moisturizer Versus Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel
Updated on June 13, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils and silicones
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 Soothing Moisturizer 17 ingredients
Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel 26 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 Soothing Moisturizer 17 ingredients
Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Stearoxytrimethylsilane
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialWater, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Stearoxytrimethylsilane, Stearyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Anisate
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Oleate Citrate
Emulsifying
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Dextran
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin Protecting
Hippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil
Skin Protecting
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
Antioxidant
Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Squalane
Emollient
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Water, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Ethoxydiglycol, Bakuchiol, Dextran, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Squalane, Madecassic Acid, Tripeptide-1
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Differin Soothing Moisturizer 17 ingredients
Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
