What’s the best moisturizer to use with Differin?

The best moisturizer to use with Differin gel (also known as adapalene) is any hydrating and healing moisturizer.

However, the exact right moisturizer for you will depend on your skin type!

Some of my favorites are:

• Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
• Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin: Stratia Liquid Gold
• Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
• Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Tula Hydrating Day & Night Cream
• Best Budget Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Best Moisturizer to Use with Adapalene

Among other acne treatments, adapalene is my favorite active ingredient. However, it can make your skin extra sensitive.

The best moisturizer to use with Differin is one that:

• Fits into your skincare routine
• Helps repair your skin’s barrier function
• Will prevent dryness

Here are my favorites for every skin type:

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin

SkinCeuticals moisturizers are incredible for dry skin and irritated skin. Honestly, it’s like a holy grail in the skincare community for keeping your skin soft.

This moisturizer in particular is known for its unique fatty acid formulate that mimics your natural skin barrier and oils.

It’s a thick cream that will quickly become one of your favorite skincare products if you try it out.

Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin

For acne prone skin, you want moisturizers that are super gentle and won’t clog pores.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and moisturizing glycerin, Stratia Liquid Gold is great if you deal with unwanted blemishes!

Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

For sensitive skin and irritated skin, Ultra Repair Cream is awesome because the 1% colloidal oatmeal in the formula is clinically proven to:

• Protect skin
• Reduce redness
• Attract moisture
• Help maintain your protective barrier

Ultra Repair Cream also has hyaluronic acid and moisturizing glycerin, so it’s a great option to buffer Differin (or other retinoids) and reduce skin irritation.

You may also like green tea moisturizers as active ingredients like camellia sinensis can help even out your skin tone!

Best Moisturizer to Use with Differin for Oily Skin

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost line is formulated with plenty of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Plus, the gel texture is gentle enough to use when you’re treating acne.

However, be warned that this line does have a light fragrance which can cause allergic reactions in some people. This is especially important to keep in mind with you’re using an irritating acne treatment like Differin gel or benzoyl peroxide.

Remember, for oily skin types, you want to steer clear of heavier ingredients like shea butter and instead opt for lighter stuff like a hyaluronic acid serum.

Best Budget Moisturizer

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is one of my personal favorites. The thick texture is ideal to restore lipids back to your face and prevent future breakouts by protecting your skin barrier!

And, as far as drugstore brands go, I’ve always preferred CeraVe to Cetaphil.

What is Differin Gel?

Differin gel, also known as the active ingredient adapalene, is used to treat acne by speeding up skin cell turnover. It works for light to moderate acne. Plus, unlike other topical retinoids, you can find it over the counter.

In addition to the ability to fight acne, Differin adapalene gel can also help with:

• Clearing up acne scars
• Unwanted texture on your skin’s surface

Alternatives to Differin Adapalene Gel

Other common topical acne medications include:

• Benzoyl peroxide (like PanOxyl)
• Salicylic acid (like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA)
• Glycolic acid

For use with Differin gel, make sure you apply these on different nights and never layer them together.

Frequently Asked Questions