Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream Versus Galderma Differin Cream
Updated on January 20, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both prescription. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening 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
Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream 20 ingredients
Galderma Differin Cream 10 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
Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream 20 ingredients
Galderma Differin Cream 10 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Tretinoin 0.025%
Skin Conditioning
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Glycol Stearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
BHA
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Propylparaben 0.05%
Preservative
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
Methyl Dihydroxybenzoate 0.1%
Disodium EDTA
Triethanolamine
BufferingIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Sorbic Acid 0.2%
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningTretinoin 0.025%, Polyethylene, Glycol Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Squalane, BHA, BHT, Propylparaben 0.05%, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Glycerin, Methyl Dihydroxybenzoate 0.1%, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Isopropyl Myristate, Sorbic Acid 0.2%, Water
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualanePropylparaben 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 PropylparabenCarbomer 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Methyl Dihydroxybenzoate yet.
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 EDTAIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream 20 ingredients
Galderma Differin Cream 10 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Galderma Retacnyl (Tretinoin) 0.025% Cream 20 ingredients
Acne treatment. Cant tell if its working right now bc im actually experiencing purging. But i came from 0.05 effederm that was burning my skin so much even if i use it once a week during 6 month. After a break to heal my skin barrier i got this one i'm now at 2 or 3 times a week without any irritation or burning (sandwich method with barrier cream). Hope my acne will be gone!
I started using retinol for 6 months and wanted to explore Tretinoin. I use it on alternative days sandwich between moisturizer and its works.
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
