Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% vs Clinique Acne Solutions™ Clinical Clearing Gel

Differin

Clinique

An acne treatment built around Adapalene, for hydration and barrier repair.

An acne treatment built around Astringent, for controlling oil and refining pores.

Acne treatment

9 ingredients

8 ingredients

Brand price

Not recorded

Brand price

USD 23.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Alcohol-free, Paraben-free and Fungal-acne-safe; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Adapalene1
A third-generation retinoid, sold over the counter for acne.
Adapalene

Astringent (witch hazel / tannin)1
Tannin-bearing astringents such as witch hazel.
Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Propylene Glycol
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Propylene Glycol
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Adapalene
Acne Fighting1
Helps clear breakouts and keep pores clear.
Adapalene

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Hamamelis Virginiana Water

No concerns found

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
May Worsen Irritation2
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol, Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Eczema2
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol, Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Rosacea2
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol, Alcohol Denat.

Show highlights for:

Alcohol Denat.
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Skin Conditioning
- Astringent (witch hazel / tannin)
- Oil Control
Alcohol
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin Protecting
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Benzalkonium Chloride
Preservative

Each product against its closest dupes.