9 Best Differin Products Chosen By A Professional Esthetician – 2025
Bid farewell to acne with these skin-restoring and gentle ingredients of these formulas.
Anna is a licensed esthetician and the founder and owner of Beauty and Cutie® hair, skin and nails vitamins from New York. Her interest in nutrition analysis and beauty propelled her to obtain a certification in Nutrition Science from the Stanford Center for Health Education and then develop and successfully market her product to improve hair, skin, and nails.
Read full bio of Anna Misztela
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
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 (a retinoid), 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 is the key difference that separates it 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 to include in your skin care routine.
Top Picks
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Best pH-Balanced Differin Gentle Cleanser Differin $15.79 ON AMAZON Read More › $15.79 ON AMAZON - 7
- 8
- 9
In This Article
Top 9 Differin Products Of 2025
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 acne 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 facial product formula contains 0.1% adapalene, a form of topical retinoid that reduces inflammation and risk of hyperpigmentation and also helps reduce acne scarring. It is effective for hormonal acne. The dermatologist-tested product is FDA-approved and has proven efficacy. Take a look at this video review to learn more about this topical acne 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
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 5,370 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin: 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 helps prevent future acne breakouts without drying the skin. This dermatologist-developed formula is great to include in your daily skin care routine, according to multiple Amazon reviews.
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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 19,629 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
3. Best For Daily Use: Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum
The Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum contains 4% niacinamide and skin brightening botanicals that gradually fade post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation, spots, and blotches to improve skin tone. This dermatologist-tested serum is infused with antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn berry oil that soothes the skin. The gel-like formula blends well under makeup and helps improve skin luminosity. Multiple reviewers have confirmed that the serum 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
Remember| Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Best Anti-Inflammatory | Differin Daily Deep Cleanser Best For Sensitive Skin | Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum Best For Daily Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | Sensitive | Sensitive |
| Dimensions | 1.5 x 2.1 x 6.5 inches | 2.38 x 2.38 x 6.5 inches | 2.38 x 2.38 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.48 Ounces | 4.32 Ounces | 4.32 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,370 | 19,629 | 6,009 |
| Price | $13.79 | $10.97 | $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 and caters to different skin conditions. 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 to give you hydrated skin without any irritation. This non-greasy product is perfect for oily skin and it delivers visible results.
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.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 19,490 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
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 retain moisture in the skin, ceramides restore the skin and nourish it from within, and allantoin soothes dry and flaky skin. This non-drying formula also contains shea butter and licorice extract that further soothe and calm the skin and keep it plump and radiant. Add it to your skin care routine and enjoy the visible results that it delivers every morning after an overnight application. 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
- Dermatologist-developed
Cons
- May feel heavy
Pro Tip6. 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 you with smooth, soft, and healthy skin. This non-irritating formula is dermatologically tested, has proven efficacy, and is safe for daily use.
Key Ingredients: Water and Cetyl alcohol
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Fast-acting formula
- Gentle cleanser
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Mild
- Soap-free
Cons
- Contains parabens
- Contains SLS
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 and stabilizes the skin moisture barrier and glycerin to keep it moisturized and improve its texture. It smoothly removes dirt, pollutants, and oil from the skin’s surface, making it feel clean, balanced, and refreshed. Multiple Amazon reviewers recommended testing out this cleanser and their reviews highlight that it works wonders 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
"This cleanser is great for my oily and acne-prone skin. It deeply cleans my skin without over-drying. Moreover, it pairs well with the rest of my skin care products."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 19,577 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
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 promotes surface skin cell turnover while seaberry oil soothes the skin and strengthens the natural moisture barrier with its antioxidant properties. The gel softens the appearance of scars and other skin imperfections to improve skin texture and reveal smoother skin. It is dermatologist-approved and suitable for all skin types. This video review 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
"I like that this spot treatment is soothing. It applies smoothly and makes my skin texture appear even. I use it because it has a fragrance-free formula."
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 packed with blue tansy oil and allantoin that soothes the skin and improves the capability to retain moisture in the skin, while the licorice extract helps reduce redness. 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
When looking for a new skin care product for effective treatment of 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 skin and gives you a perfect acne solution. 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 like niacinamide help to brighten the skin, while a salicylic acid product exfoliates the skin for dead skin cell removal 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-Recommended And 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. Also, consult your dermatologist before using a product to confirm if it is suitable for you as there are different types of acne.
- 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 healthy skin from UV damage.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Differin Products
Unlock the secret to clear skin with the powerful formulations in Differin products! Keep an eye out for staple ingredients in these products like Adapalene that unclogs pores, combats existing acne, and prevents breakouts. Many other ingredients along with Adapalene make up the ideal formulas that the brand boasts of. Check out the infographic below to know more about them.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
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 skin conditions for healthy skin. The Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment helps by reducing inflammation and promoting skin cell turnover, while the Differin Daily Deep Cleanser preps the skin to receive these benefits by unclogging the pores effectively. You can amplify these perks with the Differin’s Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen that gives you hydrated skin and provides broad-spectrum sun protection. These tropical medication products contain adapalene which works effectively on acne. They penetrate deep into the layers of 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.
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.
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.
Read full bio of Anna Misztela
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.