Versus

Differin 0.1% Cream Versus Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Prescription
Facial Treatment
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on July 05, 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, oils, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain parabens

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

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What's inside

What's inside

At a glance

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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.

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid and is best known for treating mild to moderate acne. It’s also commonly as for its brand name, Differin.

Adapalene has some great benefits:

You can buy over-the-counter adapalene at 0.1% gel strength. Higher concentrations require a prescription.

Oleyl adapalenate is a cosmetic-grade derivative of adapalene that does not require a prescription since it is considered a cosmetic ingredient.

Learn more about Adapalene

When to use

297 Routines
6% use in am
94% use in pm
74% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
4,300 Routines
8% use in am
92% use in pm
68% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Differin 0.1% Cream 10 ingredients

4.60
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
What people say
Works Well 100% Light 60% No Scent 60%
4.51
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
What people say
Works Well 54% Absorbs Well 51% No Scent 51%