The 9 Best Differin Products To Try In 2020

If you have been struggling with acne and pimples, it’s time to take a “Differin” approach to treatment. Differin is the first brand that launched adapalene, a prescription-grade form of retiuse. The FDA approved Differin Gel 0.1% in 2016, and since then, Differin products have been a top choice of many women across the globe who struggle with acne.
What contributes to Differin’s success is its wallet-friendly price range, which is much affordable than any other similar retinol product. Its proven efficacy reduces inflammation and gives you clear and blemish-free skin. Scroll down to check out the 9 best Differin products you can buy.
Table Of Contents
Top 9 Differin Products Of 2020
Note: Do not use Differin products with AHAs and BHA or any other acne medication.
1. Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
The Adapalene Gel 0.1% by Differin clears breakouts and prevents further growth, helping to restore skin complexion, tone, and texture. This gel normalizes skin cell turnover and targets acne inflammation and clogged pores. This water-based formula contains 0.1% adapalene, a form of retinoid that reduces inflammation, risk of hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring. The product is FDA-approved, has proven efficacy, and is well-tolerated.
Caution: The product may cause skin purging. If you have sensitive and dry skin, consult a doctor before using it.
Key Ingredient: 0.1% Adapalene
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Works on hormonal acne
- Dermatologist approved
Cons
None
2. Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
The Differin Daily Deep Cleanser contains 5% benzoyl peroxide and is formulated for sensitive skin. This dual-action deep cleanser has a micronized formula that penetrates deep into the skin and regulates excess oil and sebum production. It kills acne-causing bacteria in the pores to reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts without drying the skin. This dermatologist-developed formula is great for daily use.
Key Ingredient: 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Micronized formula
- Dermatologist-developed
- Soothes adult acne
Cons
- May irritate the skin initially
3. Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum
The Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum contains 2% hydroquinone that gradually fades post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation, spots, and blotches to improve skin tone. This serum is infused with antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn berry oil that soothes the skin and citric acid that renews and brightens the skin surface. The gel-like formula blends well under and helps improve skin luminosity. It is gentle and safe for daily use.
Key Ingredient: 2% Hydroquinone
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Moisturizing
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Gentle
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Contains alcohol
4. Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen
The Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen contains broad-spectrum SPF 30 that protects your skin from UV damage. It has a lightweight, non-comedogenic, and oil-free formula developed with Micro Pearl Technology that absorbs surface oil and gives a matte finish. The moisturizer uses Oleosome Technology that keeps the skin hydrated without any irritation. This non-greasy product is perfect for oily skin.
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
Pros
- Offers sun protection
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Dermatologist-developed
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Avobenzone may irritate the skin.
5. Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer
The Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer is a hydrating formula containing hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and ceramides. The hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture, ceramides restore the skin and nourish it from within, and allantoin soothes dry and flaky skin. It also contains shea butter and licorice extract that further soothe and calm the skin and keep it plump and radiant.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Allantoin, and Ceramides
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy
- 24-hour moisture lock
- Pleasant fragrance
- Dermatologist-developed
Cons
- May feel heavy
6. Differin Gentle Cleanser
The Differin Gentle Cleanser has a non-foaming and pH-balanced formula, perfect for sensitive skin. This daily cleanser does not contain soaps, fragrances, and any active ingredients that might irritate sensitive skin. The hypoallergenic formula rinses off easily and protects the natural moisture barrier, leaving the skin feel smooth, soft, and healthy. This non-irritating formula is dermatologically tested and safe for daily use.
Key Ingredients: Water and Cetyl alcohol
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Gentle cleanser
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Mild
- Soap-free
Cons
- Contains parabens
- Contains SLS
7. Differin Daily Refreshing Cleanser
The Differin Daily Refreshing Cleanser has a clinically proven formula that gently cleans sensitive skin without drying and irritating it. This low-lather and pH-balanced formula contains Pro-Vitamin B Complex that nourishes the skin, panthenol to calm and soothe the skin, and glycerin to keep it moisturized and improve its texture. It smoothly removes dirt, pollutants, and oil from the skin surface, making it feel clean, balanced, and refreshed. The cleanser is suitable for oily and sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Pro-Vitamin B Complex, Panthenol, and Glycerin
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Low lather formula
- Soothing
- Clinically proven
- Gentle on skin
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Strong fragrance
8. Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel
The Resurfacing Scar Gel by Differin is a breakthrough innovation that promotes cell turnover and visibly improves the appearance of post-acne scars and uneven skin tone. The peptides present in the gel firm the skin and make it healthy, and the bakuchiol and seaberry oil soothe the skin and strengthen the natural moisture barrier. The gel softens the appearance of scars and other skin imperfections to improve skin texture. It is dermatologist approved and suitable for all skin types.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, Bakuchiol oil, and Sea Berry oil
Pros
- Softens acne scars
- Improves uneven skin tone
- Moisturizing formula
- Non-irritating
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May not improve ice pick scars
9. Differin Detox + Soothe 2-Step Treatment Mask
The Differin Detox + Soothe 2-Step Treatment Mask has a self-warming and cooling formula that helps detoxify the skin, reduce excess sebum, minimize pore appearance, and improve clarity. Step one is a face mask containing kaolin clay, hectorite, and Hotflux. This mask draws out impurities and excess oil from the skin and detoxifies it. The next step is a gel formula containing blue tansy oil and allantoin that minimize pores and redness and moisturize the skin. This gel layer should be left overnight. The face mask is dermatologically tested and is suitable for all skin types. For best results, use it thrice a week.
Key Ingredients
Step 1: Kaolin clay, Hectorite, and Hotflux
Step 2: Blue Tansy oil, Licorice extract, and Allantoin
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Smoothens the skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Expensive
While you will find many retinol-based products on the market, finding retinoid OTC products is not easy. This is because retinoid is a prescription ingredient, and retinol is a milder derivative of retinoid. Differin is the only brand with OTC retinoid products that ensure visible results. If you are willing to give it a try, pick any of the products from our list.
Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions
Is Differin a good product?
Yes, Differin contains adapalene, a type of retinoid and a proven ingredient to fight acne, scars, and blemishes.
Should I moisturize before or after using Differin gel?
Use a moisturizer after 30-40 minutes of applying Differin gel.
Can other products be used along with Differin products?
Avoid using AHAs, BHA, retinol-based products, and any other acne medication along with Differin products.
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