The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Versus Differin 0.1% w/w Cream
Updated on March 15, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 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 and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
Differin 0.1% w/w Cream 13 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
Differin 0.1% w/w Cream 13 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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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:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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 WaterSodium 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 HydroxidePhenoxyethanol 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
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
Differin 0.1% w/w Cream 13 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 32 ingredients
GemKelly
This is a very effective product at an incredible price point. It has a bright lemon yellow colour that will stain your skin for the night, as well...
This is a very effective product at an incredible price point. It has a bright lemon yellow colour that will stain your skin for the night, as well as your pillowcases, but washes out. I use it every second night and have seen significant improvement in the fine lines on my face since I started using it about 4 weeks ago. One and a half pumps does my whole face. I've experienced no retinization symptoms from either retinoid emulsions that I've used from The Ordinary, and prior to the using them I had never used a retinoid, and I believe that the emulsion is an effective yet gentle delivery method.
I really like the pump that the Retinal 0.2% is sold in. The product is light safe and doesn't need to be kept in the fridge.