Head to head
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary GF 15% Solution
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary GF 15% Solution vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%.
The bottom lineThe Ordinary GF 15% Solution 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 The Ordinary GF 15% Solution if you want the actives; Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
The Ordinary GF 15% Solution keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.
Which should you pick?
Pick Adapalene Gel 0.1% if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
Pick GF 15% Solution 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
Side by side
| Adapalene Gel 0.1% | GF 15% Solution | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Adapalene | Glycerin, Epidermal Growth Factor |
| 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 | Likely | Likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 8 listed | 12 listed |
| Price | ~€17 | ~€16 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Both share
No active in common.
Only in GF 15% Solution
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneGF 15% Solution
- Breakouts & congestionAdapalene Gel 0.1%
- Dryness & dehydrationGF 15% Solution
- Sensitive, reactive skinGF 15% Solution
The Ordinary GF 15% Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€17).
Ready to pick one?
Affiliate links, so a purchase sends us a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Glow Simplified earns from qualifying purchases. We make and sell nothing here, so the verdict above never bends toward a sale.
Common questions
Is Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% or The Ordinary GF 15% Solution better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, The Ordinary GF 15% Solution is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary GF 15% Solution 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 The Ordinary GF 15% Solution if you want the actives; Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently. The Ordinary GF 15% Solution 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 GF 15% Solution?
The Ordinary GF 15% Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€16 vs ~€17).
Can I use Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary GF 15% Solution 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 37 comparisons
- 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 CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- 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 Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
- Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- GF 15% Solution vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- GF 15% Solution vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- GF 15% Solution vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- GF 15% Solution vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- GF 15% Solution vs Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
- GF 15% Solution vs CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum