Head to head
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%.
The bottom lineDifferin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) does the same job for less.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) keeps clear of pregnancy-flagged actives, while Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% carries one that is best paused in pregnancy.
The OrdinaryHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)See every ingredient in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides), decodedWhich should you pick?
Pick Adapalene Gel 0.1% if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- fine lines and firmness are the goal
- you are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
Pick Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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% | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Adapalene | Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid 2%, Crosslinked sodium HA |
| 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 | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 8 listed | 23 listed |
| Price | ~€17 | ~€10 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Both share
No active in common.
Only in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Fine lines & firmnessAdapalene Gel 0.1%
- Breakouts & congestionAdapalene Gel 0.1%
- Dryness & dehydrationHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- Sensitive, reactive skinHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) does the same job for less. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)?
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) is the cheaper of the two (~€10 vs ~€17).
Can I use Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) 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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- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs The Ordinary GF 15% Solution
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) vs CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum