Head to head
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%.
The bottom lineDifferin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% does the same job for less.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 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 Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if
- your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- you want the more affordable option
What each delivers
Side by side
| Adapalene Gel 0.1% | Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Adapalene | Niacinamide 10%, Zinc PCA, Pentylene Glycol |
| 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 | 11 listed |
| Price | ~€17 | ~€6 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Both share
No active in common.
Only in Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven toneNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Breakouts & congestionAdapalene Gel 0.1%
- Sensitive, reactive skinNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 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 Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% better for dark spots & uneven tone?
For dark spots & uneven tone, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% does the same job for less. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 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 Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the cheaper of the two (~€6 vs ~€17).
Can I use Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 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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