Updated on May 16, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and anti aging
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils 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
Olay Retinol24 Max Night Serum 20 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Olay Retinol24 Max Night Serum 20 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
8 Benefits 3 Concerns
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
7 Benefits 2 Concerns
Retinyl Propionate is a retinoid. Retinoids are the gold-standard class of anti-aging ingredients.
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
You might know this ingredients as Matrixyl. It is a peptide.
Dimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Laureth-4 is created by reacting ethylene oxide with Lauryl Alcohol. It is a surfactant and emulsifier.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
Laureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.
Non-Reef-Safe
Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.
C13-14 Isoparaffin is created from petroleum-based mineral oils. It is an emollient and helps thicken a product.
2 Concerns
DMDM Hydantoin has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It is a preservative that works by slowly releasing formaldehyde over time.
Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Niacinamide, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Dimethiconol, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyacrylamide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, C13-14 Isoparaffin, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
2 Benefits 2 Concerns
Adapalene is a type of retinoid and common acne treatment.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
Paraben 2 Concerns
Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
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.
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.
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 WaterDisodium 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 two products.
When to use
Olay Retinol24 Max Night Serum 20 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Olay Retinol24 Max Night Serum 20 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
BrittBrine
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...
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.
jojoswrld_
Works! Doesn’t irritate my skin when used on a dry surface. I hate how my skin looks when it sends all the clogged sebum to the surface of my skin,...
Works! Doesn’t irritate my skin when used on a dry surface. I hate how my skin looks when it sends all the clogged sebum to the surface of my skin, but it clears over time and leaves the skin incredibly firm and smooth. It’s the only not cruelty-free product I use just because it’s benefitted me so greatly and, in my opinion, is indisputably the best prescription-grade retinoid especially for sensitive skin.
