Galderma Differin Cream Versus Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel
Updated on January 20, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both prescription. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any 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
Galderma Differin Cream 10 ingredients
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Galderma Differin Cream 10 ingredients
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Retinoic Acid 0.05%
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Butylparaben
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylparaben
Preservative
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Isobutylparaben
Antimicrobial
Methylparaben
Preservative
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Triethanolamine
BufferingIngredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPropylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
This ingredient can be naturally found in plants and insects, but most of it is synthetically manufactured for human use. In cosmetics, it is usually created by reacting para-aminobenzoic acid and propanol (an alcohol).
You can usually find this ingredient in water-based products.
Parabens have come under controversy due to the claim they are hormone disruptors. Studies show conflicting results. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Propylparaben is commonly found in food, medicine, and cosmetics.
Learn more about PropylparabenPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Galderma Differin Cream 10 ingredients
Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Gel 16 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Galderma Differin Cream 10 ingredients
This cream is prescribed to me and I LOVE it. It isn't drying for me and I don't suffer any side effects from using it. I only need a fairly thin layer of this cream on my affected areas. It cleared up most possible developing whiteheads for me and leave my skin really bright and even.
I used this as a spot treatment for my stubborn/hidden acne and allergy pimples. It works great and the result might be visible after 1 or 2 days of use. The problem is it burned the area when I applied the cream with redness, it took weeks to get rid of the redness
