Differin treats acne. CeraVe's retinol serum treats the marks acne leaves behind.
Differin Gel is 0.1% adapalene, an acne drug that keeps pores from clogging. It clears current breakouts and prevents new ones, but it’s a bare gel that usually causes some dryness at first. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a milder cosmetic retinol with niacinamide, a licorice-derived soother and three ceramides, built to fade the look of post-acne marks and smooth texture.
So the choice comes down to one question: are you still breaking out? If yes, buy Differin. If breakouts have settled and marks, rough patches or visible pores are what bother you, buy CeraVe. Differin’s tube and pump hold the same gel, so choose either on price or convenience.
Breakouts or marks? Pick by what you see in the mirror
| For active breakouts Differin Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel in Tube | VS | For post-acne marks CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum |
|---|---|---|
0.1% adapalene (acne drug) | Active |
Encapsulated retinol |
None; a plain gel | Supporting ingredients |
Niacinamide, licorice root extract, three ceramides |
Stronger; expect early dryness | Strength |
Milder; easier first retinoid |
Active acne and clogged pores | Best for |
Post-acne marks and rough texture |
15 g tube | Size |
1 fl oz |
| View | View |
Different retinoids, different jobs
Differin's tube and pump hold the same gel with 0.1% adapalene, an acne drug that used to need a prescription. Adapalene acts directly on skin cells to keep pores from clogging, so it treats the breakouts you have and prevents new ones. It's a bare gel with no fragrance and nothing to soothe, which is why dryness and peeling are common in the first few weeks. If you still get new pimples or clogged pores most weeks, this is the one to buy.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a cosmetic retinol for the marks and texture breakouts leave behind. Retinol has to be converted in your skin before it acts, which makes it milder than adapalene. The serum pairs it with niacinamide for uneven tone and pores, a licorice-derived soother, and three ceramides with cholesterol to keep your skin comfortable. It's the better pick when breakouts have mostly stopped but flat dark or red marks, rough patches or visible pores remain.
Don't try to compare them by strength. Adapalene and retinol work differently, so the numbers on the labels don't line up. What matters is the job: Differin for active acne, CeraVe for what's left after it. Neither will fill in indented scars. Whichever you choose, use it at night, start every other night and wear sunscreen in the morning. If your acne hasn't improved after three months of nightly Differin, see a dermatologist.
Differin Gel: 0.1% adapalene for active breakouts
0.1% adapalene gel for active breakouts.
Differin is an acne drug, not a cosmetic. Its active ingredient is 0.1% adapalene, a retinoid that acts directly on skin cells to keep pores from clogging. That’s why it treats the breakouts you have and prevents the next ones, including blackheads and whiteheads.
The gel itself is bare: carbomer, propylene glycol, poloxamer, water and a preservative. No fragrance, but also nothing to soothe or moisturize, so follow it with a plain moisturizer. Apply a thin layer once a day to the whole area where you break out, not just on spots. Dryness, redness and peeling are common in the first few weeks, and acne can look worse before it gets better. Full results take up to three months.
The 15 g tube is compact and easy to pack. It holds the same gel as the pump.
- 0.1% adapalene treats and prevents breakouts
- Plain gel with no fragrance
- Once a day at night
- Compact tube travels easily
- Dryness, redness and peeling are common in the first weeks
- Acne can look worse before it improves
- Nothing in the gel to soothe or moisturize
Differin pump: the same gel for your counter
The same adapalene gel in a pump.
The pump holds the same 15 g of 0.1% adapalene gel as the tube, with the same plain base. Nothing about the formula changes.
It’s the more convenient choice if Differin lives on your bathroom counter: it stands upright, and one press gives a small, consistent amount, which helps if you tend to squeeze out too much. Too much adapalene doesn’t work faster, it just irritates more. If the pump costs more than the tube, the tube is the better buy.
- Same 0.1% adapalene gel as the tube
- Stands upright on a counter
- Dispenses neatly without squeezing
- Bulkier to travel with
- Sometimes costs a little more than the tube
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol: a gentler retinoid for marks and texture
Encapsulated retinol with niacinamide for marks and texture.
CeraVe’s serum is a cosmetic retinol, not an acne drug. Retinol has to be converted in your skin before it works, which makes it milder than adapalene. Here it’s encapsulated, which slows its release, and set in a smooth, silicone-softened base.
The supporting cast is what makes it a good first retinoid. Niacinamide sits fifth on the list and helps even out tone and the look of pores. Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, a licorice-root derivative, calms redness. Ceramides NP, AP and EOP, cholesterol and sodium hyaluronate help offset the dryness retinol can cause. It has no added fragrance and won’t clog pores.
Use it at night on breakout-free skin with flat marks, rough patches or visible pores. If you’re still getting new pimples, it won’t keep up; that’s Differin’s job.
- Retinol is milder than adapalene, so it’s easier to start
- Niacinamide fifth on the list for tone and pores
- Three ceramides, cholesterol and hyaluronic acid to offset dryness
- No added fragrance and won’t clog pores
- Not an acne treatment
- Retinol can still cause dryness or flaking at first
- Night use only
How to choose
- Are you still breaking out?
If you get new pimples or clogged pores every week, buy Differin. Adapalene is an acne drug and works on the clogged pores that start breakouts. CeraVe’s retinol serum isn’t made to treat active acne.
Look forDifferin for ongoing breakouts.AvoidUsing a cosmetic retinol to treat active acne. - Is the problem marks and texture?
If breakouts have calmed down and you’re left with flat dark or red marks, rough texture or visible pores, CeraVe is the better fit. Retinol speeds up cell turnover, and niacinamide helps even out tone.
Look forCeraVe for marks left behind.AvoidExpecting either product to lift indented scars. - How sensitive is your skin?
Retinol is milder than adapalene, and CeraVe’s serum adds ceramides, niacinamide and a soothing licorice derivative. Differin is a plain gel with nothing to cushion it, so dryness and peeling in the first weeks are common.
Look forCeraVe if you're new to retinoids and easily irritated.AvoidStarting nightly with either one. - Tube or pump?
The two Differin formats hold the same 15 g of 0.1% adapalene gel. The tube is easier to travel with; the pump stands on a counter and dispenses neatly. Pick whichever costs less.
Look forThe lower price between tube and pump.AvoidPaying more for the pump expecting a stronger gel.
Apply a thin layer at night to clean, dry skin, every other night for the first two weeks. Follow with a plain moisturizer. Go to nightly once your skin stops flaking. Don’t add another retinoid or exfoliating acid in the same weeks, and wear sunscreen every morning, since both products make your skin more sun-sensitive and sun darkens post-acne marks.
Choose Differin if you’re still getting breakouts. Its 0.1% adapalene is an acne drug that keeps pores from clogging, so it treats current breakouts and prevents new ones. Expect some dryness in the first few weeks and give it up to three months. The tube and pump hold the same gel; buy whichever costs less or suits your counter.
Choose CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol if your breakouts are mostly gone and you’re left with marks, rough texture or visible pores. Retinol is milder than adapalene, and the serum adds niacinamide, a licorice-derived soother and three ceramides to keep your skin comfortable.
Start with one, not both. Use it at night and wear sunscreen every day.
