Head to head

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%.

The bottom line

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%DifferinAdapalene Gel 0.1%Serum · ~€17See every ingredient in Adapalene Gel 0.1%, decoded
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated SerumLa Roche-PosayHyalu B5 Suractivated SerumSerum · ~$40See every ingredient in Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Adapalene Gel 0.1% if

  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
  • your skin is sensitive or reacts to fragrance
  • you want the more affordable option

Pick Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum if

  • your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
  • plump, lasting hydration is what you want
  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Adapalene Gel 0.1%Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
  • Hydration
    610
  • Barrier repair
    18
  • Brightening / tone
    23
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    103
  • Anti-aging
    77

Side by side

Adapalene Gel 0.1%Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesAdapaleneGlycerin, Pro-vitamin B5, Hyaluronic acid
TextureA 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.
FragranceNone detectedContains fragrance
Fungal-acne safeLikelyNot likely
PregnancyOne cautionNo flagged actives
Ingredients8 listed32 listed
Price~€17~$40

What's in one but not the other

Only in Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Both share

No active in common.

The molecule doing the work

Adapalene Gel 0.1%Adapalene
Hyalu B5 Suractivated SerumGlycerin

Better for…

  • Fine lines & firmnessEither works
  • Breakouts & congestionAdapalene Gel 0.1%
  • Dryness & dehydrationHyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
  • Sensitive, reactive skinAdapalene Gel 0.1%

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the cheaper of the two (~€17 vs ~$40).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% or La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum better for breakouts & congestion?

For breakouts & congestion, Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.

Which is cheaper, Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% or La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum?

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the cheaper of the two (~€17 vs ~$40).

Can I use Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum 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.

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