The 9 Best Differin Products To Try In 2023

Bid farewell to acne with these skin-restoring and gentle ingredients of these formulas.

By Shiboli ChakrabortiShiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

If you have been suffering from acne and pimples, it is time to try a ‘Differin’ treatment method. Here, we have listed the best Differin products that work magic on the above skin issues. Adapalene, a prescription-grade version of retiuse, was first introduced by Differin.

Differin Gel 0.1% was approved for acne treatment by the FDA in 2016. Soon, it became a hot favorite among women across the world. Differin’s reasonable price range makes it different from other brands. In addition, the efficacy of their products has been known to minimize inflammation and provide you with clear, blemish-free skin in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our top picks from their range.

Top Picks

Top 9 Differin Products Of 2023

Note: Do not use Differin products with AHAs and BHA or any other acne medication.

1. Best Anti-Inflammatory: 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. Take a look at this video to learn more about the product.

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

protip_icon Remember
Overusing or applying in more quantities will not help you get rid of acne overnight. Instead, use it once daily for a week for visible results.

Price at the time of publication: $13.47

2. Best For Sensitive Skin: Differin Daily Deep Cleanser

4.4
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Image: Differin

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
Price at the time of publication: $10.97

3. Best For Daily Use: 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

protip_icon Remember
Apply this spot-correcting serum only on the targeted dark spots or patches instead of the entire face.

Price at the time of publication: $17.93

4. Best For Oily Skin: 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.
Price at the time of publication: $11.97

5. Best Hydrating Formula: 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. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about the product and its features.

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

protip_icon Pro Tip
Follow up with Differin gel to get supple and even toned skin.

Price at the time of publication: $22.99

6. Best pH-Balanced: 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
Price at the time of publication: $15.79

7. Best Hypoallergenic: 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
Price at the time of publication: $8.99

8. Best Non-Comedogenic: 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. This video will give you a better insight into the product.

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
Price at the time of publication: $18.99

9. Best For All Skin Types: 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
Price at the time of publication: $15.79

When looking for a new skincare product for your acne-prone skin, look no further than Differin products. This FDA-approved brand offers acne-combatting formulas at an affordable price. However, it can be overwhelming to figure out which Differin product best suits your acne issues. This is why we have put together a list of things to look for when choosing a Differin product.

Things To Look For In Differin Products

  • Ingredients To Look For: The first thing you should look at when choosing a Differin product is the active ingredients. The main active ingredient in Differin products is adapalene, a retinoid that helps reduce inflammation and acne. Other ingredients in Differin products are niacinamide which helps to brighten the skin, and salicylic acid, which exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores.
  • Ingredients To Avoid: Avoid products containing potential toxins like synthetic fragrances and dyes, parabens, alcohol, gluten, and SLS. Additionally, stay away from formulas infused with comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil and isopropyl myristate.
  • Concentration: When looking at the active ingredients, it is also essential to consider the concentration of each ingredient. You want to ensure that the ingredients’ concentrations are high enough to be effective but not too high to irritate the skin. The active ingredient in Differin is adapalene. Look for products containing 0.1% and 0.3% concentrations of adapalene.
  • Texture: Consider the texture of Differin products. Choose gel formulas if you sweat a lot and have greasy skin throughout the day. A gel formula absorbs quickly and treats acne immediately. On the other hand, if you like a more moisturizing formula, go for lotions or creams that are not overtly oily. Additionally, ensure to buy lightweight formulas that control excess shine.
  • Dermatologist-Tested: If you have acne issues, you have delicate skin. So, use products tested or recommended by skin specialists to keep your skin safe and free from further damage.
  • Sun Protection: Acne-prone skin is delicate and prone to severe sunburns. Therefore, look for products containing SPF 30 or more to doubly protect your delicate skin from UV damage and retain its healthy shine.

Acne is annoying. But nothing gets on the nerves like ineffective skin care products. So ditch the creams that are not working for you and switch to Differin products that are specially formulated to treat acne and related problems. These tropical medication products contain adapalene that works effectively on acne. They penetrate deep into the skin to protect its natural barrier and lighten the acne spots. These products are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and hydrating. However, some products may not heal ice pick scars.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and has carefully curated the list of the best Differin products in this post. She went through numerous product specifications and user feedback available on multiple online forums and brand websites to help you pick the best skin care formulas offered by the brand. The products recommended in this list minimize inflammation and provide you with clear, blemish-free skin in no time.

Frequently Asked 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.

Can you put the Differin gel all over your face?

Yes. Apply the Differin gel all over your face to get rid of acne-related signs.

Can I use a Differin product under my eyes?

Yes, but do not put a Differin product under your eyes directly. Since the skin around your eyes is too delicate, consult your dermatologist before putting on any product.

Does Differin work for wrinkles?

Yes, Differin works for wrinkles, acne, and other aging signs.

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