Head to head
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%.
The bottom lineDifferin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane does the same job for less.
Which should you pick?
Pick Adapalene Gel 0.1% if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- you are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
Pick Retinol 0.5% in Squalane if
- your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
- fine lines and firmness are the goal
- you want the more affordable option
What each delivers
Side by side
| Adapalene Gel 0.1% | Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Serum | Serum |
| Key actives | Adapalene | Retinol 0.5%, Squalane, Jojoba Oil |
| 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 | 8 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 Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Fine lines & firmnessRetinol 0.5% in Squalane
- Breakouts & congestionAdapalene Gel 0.1%
- Dryness & dehydrationAdapalene Gel 0.1%
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 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 Retinol 0.5% in Squalane better for fine lines & firmness?
For fine lines & firmness, The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane does the same job for less.
Which is cheaper, Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane?
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€17).
Can I use Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% and The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% 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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