Versus

Galderma Cutacnyl 5% Cream Versus Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Facial Treatment
Facial Treatment
Swiss Brand Switzerland
American Brand United States

Updated on May 16, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe facial treatments. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and dry skin

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.

A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Poloxamer 182 yet.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol
Buffering

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 Hydroxide

When to use

25 Routines
24% use in am
76% use in pm
60% use every day
2,936 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
70% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Galderma Cutacnyl 5% Cream 12 ingredients

Cutacnyl 5% Cream hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 27 ratings
Works Well (12) Absorbs Well (11) No Scent (9)
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
BrittBrine's avatar

BrittBrine

1 year ago
Review

This has probably been the product that has made the most difference in my skin. It's clearing up breakouts and acne that I've had for the longest time. My skin looks and feels so much better and I've only been using it for about 2-3 months now.

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#works well