Differin and CeraVe Retinol Serum are both popular affordable skincare products that contain retinoids.
However, Differin gel is better for acne prone skin while CeraVe Retinol Serum is better for mature skin and dark spots.
This article will explain everything you need to know about Differin adapalene gel 0.1%, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, and which one is right for you.
Differin Adapelene Gel 0.1%
Differin gel is a popular alcohol free over the counter acne treatment formulated with adapalene.
Key Ingredients
Key Ingredients
- Adapalene 0.1%
Adapalene
The retinoid adapalene is an active ingredient that fights acne and clogged pores by speeding up cell turnover.
Benefits
Adapalene is a phenomenal treatment for acne prone skin. By speeding up cell turnover, Differin fights mild to moderate acne.
It can also pair well with benzoyl peroxide throughout your weekly skincare routine to fight acne.
Alternatives
La Roche Posay also makes an adapalene gel treatment.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol is a popular alcohol free skincare product for mature skin and hyperpigmentation.
It can also be used as an acne treatment, although Differin gel is a better choice for that.
Key Ingredients
Key Ingredients
- 0.3% encapsulated retinol
- Licorice root extract
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
- Sodium hyaluronate (similar to hyaluronic acid)
Ceramides
CeraVe is known for including ceramides in their formula, such as ceramide ap and ceramide np.
Benefits
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol has a bunch of anti aging benefits, such as:
Stimulates collagen production
Fights fine lines and wrinkles
Gets rid of dark marks
Evens out skin tone
Comparison: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Both skincare products can be a great addition to your routine, but how do they stack up? Let’s take a look!
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient in Differin is adapalene, while the active in CeraVe is retinol. Both of these are vitamin A derivatives that speed up cell turnover.
Generally, adapalene is better suited to treat acne prone skin while retinol is better suited to treat aging skin or uneven skin tone.
Strength
Differin gel has 0.1% adapalene while CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol has 0.3% retinol. Adapalene is stronger than retinol, so Differin is stronger than CeraVe.
Therefore, Differin is more effective at fighting acne than Cerave. However, for some people, this extra strength may cause irritation and redness.
Because CeraVe is not as strong, it is a better choice for sensitive skin.
To avoid irritation, be sure to follow up either treatment with a moisturizer.
Skin Type
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol is a better choice for mature and sensitive skin. Differin gel is the better choice for acne prone skin.
Other Ingredients
Differin’s only important ingredient is adapalene. On the other hand, CeraVe is formulated with other skin loving ingredients to fight hyperpigmentation and dullness as well as soothe irritation
However, Differin is alcohol free while CeraVe contains alcohol.
Thankfully, both products are oil free and non comedogenic which make them great retinoid treatments.
Differin Gel vs CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol: Which should you get?
If you are looking to treat acne, go for Differin. If you’re more concerned about signs of aging or dark marks, go with the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol.
