Head to head
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%.
The bottom lineDifferin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) does the same job for less.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) 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 (Original Formulation)See every ingredient in Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation), 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 prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
Pick Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) 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 (Original Formulation) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Likely |
| Pregnancy | One caution | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 8 listed | 17 listed |
| Price | ~€17 | ~€8 |
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 (Original Formulation)
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Fine lines & firmnessAdapalene Gel 0.1%
- Breakouts & congestionAdapalene Gel 0.1%
- Dryness & dehydrationHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- Sensitive, reactive skinHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) is the cheaper of the two (~€8 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 (Original Formulation) 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 (Original Formulation) land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) does the same job for less. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) 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 (Original Formulation)?
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€17).
Can I use Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) 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 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs The Ordinary GF 15% Solution
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
- Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation) vs CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum