Head to head

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%.

The bottom line

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum does the same job for less.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye 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
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye SerumThe OrdinaryCaffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye SerumSerum · ~€10See every ingredient in Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Adapalene Gel 0.1% if

  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
  • fine lines and firmness are the goal
  • you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula

Pick Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum if

  • your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
  • plump, lasting hydration is what you want
  • you want the more affordable option

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Adapalene Gel 0.1%Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
  • Hydration
    610
  • Barrier repair
    17
  • Brightening / tone
    24
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    103
  • Anti-aging
    75

Side by side

Adapalene Gel 0.1%Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
TypeSerumSerum
Key activesAdapaleneGlycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Lactic 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 detectedNone detected
Fungal-acne safeLikelyLikely
PregnancyOne cautionNo flagged actives
Ingredients8 listed25 listed
Price~€17~€10

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
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye SerumGlycerin

Better for…

  • Fine lines & firmnessAdapalene Gel 0.1%
  • Breakouts & congestionAdapalene Gel 0.1%
  • Dryness & dehydrationCaffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
  • Sensitive, reactive skinCaffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€10 vs ~€17).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% or The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum better for fine lines & firmness?

For fine lines & firmness, Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum does the same job for less. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye 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 The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum?

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum is the cheaper of the two (~€10 vs ~€17).

Can I use Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye 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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