Head to head
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
The bottom lineCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, brightening / tone), while Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which should you pick?
Pick Resurfacing Retinol Serum if
- your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- you want the more affordable option
Pick Adapalene Gel 0.1% if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- you are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
What each delivers
Side by side
| Resurfacing Retinol Serum | Adapalene Gel 0.1% | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Niacinamide, Ceramide 3, Retinol | Adapalene |
| Texture | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. | A light, fast-absorbing texture that layers cleanly under the rest of your routine, with no greasy film. |
| Fragrance | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | One caution |
| Ingredients | 33 listed | 8 listed |
| Price | ~€16 | ~€17 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Both share
No active in common.
Only in Adapalene Gel 0.1%
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Fine lines & firmnessResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Breakouts & congestionAdapalene Gel 0.1%
- Dryness & dehydrationResurfacing Retinol Serum
- Sensitive, reactive skinAdapalene Gel 0.1%
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€17).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, brightening / tone), while Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you want the actives; Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which is cheaper, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%?
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€17).
Can I use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% together?
They are both serums, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.
Compare it with…
All 48 comparisons
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- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
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- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary GF 15% Solution
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum