Compare · Retinoids
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion: which is better?
Both are praised for acne-related results, but the trade-off is between a steadier acne-focused option and a stronger, faster-feeling retinal with more sensitivity risk.
The quick answer
Depends what you need
- Rated higher: Retinal 0.2% Emulsion — 88 vs 78 nextscore
- Better for anti-aging & texture/pores: Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
- More reviewed: Adapalene Gel 0.1% — 919 vs 29 verdicts
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% suits acne and clogged pores; The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion suits faster texture improvement and a stronger retinoid step-up.
Choose Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% if
- you want acne and blackhead help
- you have sensitive or dry skin
Choose The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion if
- you want a stronger retinoid step-up
- you care most about texture and bumps
1,724mentions
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At a glance
| Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% | The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion |
|---|---|
| — | $0.99/ml |
| 78 · 919 verdicts | 88 · 29 verdicts |
| — | Anti-AgingTexture/Pores |
| Adapalene | — |
What Reddit says
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
What Reddit likes
- OTC retinoid strength without a prescription
- Clears clogged pores and blackheads
- Less brutal than tret for some skin
Watch out for
- Purge can last 6-12 weeks
- Dries skin out hard
- Eye-area irritation and dry eyes are common complaints
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
What Reddit likes
- 0.2% retinal — legit step-up from retinol
- Texture and bumps improve for some users
- Cheap enough to test without drama
Watch out for
- Purge can hit hard before it clears
- Dryness, tightness, and sensitivity show up fast
- Can wreck barrier if you start too fast
Compare full ingredient lists · 1 in common
In both · 1
- Sodium Hydroxide
Only in Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% · 7
- Adapalene
- Carbomer 940
- Edetate Disodium
- Methylparaben
- Poloxamer 182
- Propylene Glycol
- Purified Water
Only in The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion · 31
- Aqua (Water)
- Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
- Propanediol
- Pentylene Glycol
- Hydroxyapatite
- Retinal
- Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
- 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
- Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
- Ergothioneine
- Biosaccharide Gum-1
- Bisabolol
- Brassica Campestris Sterols
- Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
- Butylene Glycol
- Isohexadecane
- Hexyldecanol
- Maltodextrin
- Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
- Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
- Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
- Stearic Acid
- Isoceteth-20
- Polysorbate 60
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Tocopherol
- Lactic Acid
- Sodium Lactate
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Phenoxyethanol
- Chlorphenesin