Head to head
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%.
The bottom lineDifferin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% does the same job for less.
The OrdinaryGranactive Retinoid 5% in SqualaneSee every ingredient in Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane, decodedWhich should you pick?
Pick Adapalene Gel 0.1% if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- you want the more affordable option
Pick Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane if
- your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- you want more actives working at once
What each delivers
Side by side
| Adapalene Gel 0.1% | Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Adapalene | Squalane, Jojoba Oil, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate 5% |
| 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 | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | One caution |
| Ingredients | 8 listed | 10 listed |
| Price | ~€17 | ~€19 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Both share
No active in common.
Only in Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneGranactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Fine lines & firmnessEither works
- Breakouts & congestionAdapalene Gel 0.1%
- Dryness & dehydrationAdapalene Gel 0.1%
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the cheaper of the two (~€17 vs ~€19).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% does the same job for less.
Which is cheaper, Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane?
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is the cheaper of the two (~€17 vs ~€19).
Can I use Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 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…
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- Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
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