MDacne
Differin gel* and Cerave retinol serum* are intended to help people with acne-prone skin. Differin gel contains the retinoid adapalene, and Cerave retinol serum contains retinol. What are the pros and cons of each of these two products?
Differin gel 0.1%
Pros:
- OTC medication for acne treatment
- Water-based formula, oil-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free
- Simple to use plastic tube
Key ingredients:
- Adapalene 0.1%
Cons:
- Contains methylparaben
- Contains propylene glycol
- Does not help with skin texture and fine wrinkles
- Not customized
- Risk for skin irritation
Full ingredients:
Adapalene 0.1%, carbomer 940, edetate disodium, methylparaben, poloxamer 182, propylene glycol, purified water, and sodium hydroxide. It may contain hydrochloric acid to adjust pH.
How to use:
Use once daily. Clean skin gently and pat dry before applying the product. Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer. Applying more than directed will not provide faster or better results and may worsen skin irritation.
Cost:
$14/15gr tube
Cerave retinol serum
Pros:
- Contains retinol
- Contains niacinamide, ceramides and licorice
- Can help with skin texture and fine wrinkles
Key ingredients:
- Retinol
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- Contains Behentrimonium methosulfate (preservative)
- Not customized
- Air bottle delivery
Full ingredients:
Water, propanediol, dimethicone, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, niacinamide, ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, hydrogenated lecithin, potassium phosphate, ceramide np, ceramide ap, ceramide eop, carbomer, cetearyl alcohol, behentrimonium methosulfate, dimethiconol, lecithin, sodium citrate, retinol, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, cholesterol, phenoxyethanol, alcohol, isopropyl myristate, caprylyl glycol, citric acid, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, pentylene glycol, phytosphingosine, xanthan gum, polysorbate 20, ethylhexylglycerin
How to use:
Apply evenly to the face daily. Apply sunscreen while using this product.
Cost:
$12/Bottle
The alternative:
MDacne Retinol + Niacinamide treatment system
Pros:
- High-quality pure retinol combined with niacinamide to reduce irritation and redness.
- Powerful treatment boosters to help fight acne, dark spots, and fine wrinkles
- Customized for sensitive skin
- Start with Retinol 0.25% + Niacinamide 2% and continue with Retinol 0.5% + Niacinamide 4%
- Fragrance-free, Paraben free, Alcohol-free, Silicone free
- Provides free 24/7 medical chat support
Key ingredients:
Retinol 0.25% + Niacinamide 2% or Retinol 0.5% + Niacinamide 4%
Treatment boosters:
Tea Tree Oil - Potent antimicrobial and anti-fungal with proven medical-grade efficacy for acne
Aloe Vera Leaf Extract - Powerful antioxidant that hydrates and reduces redness and irritation
Chamomile Extract - Effective antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal with potent skin-soothing properties
Calendula Officinalis Extract - A highly effective anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial compound used by dermatologists to soothe irritated skin
Sunflower Extract - Powerful ingredient that helps neutralize free radicals and exhibits strong anti-glycation properties.
Licorice Extract - Potent antioxidant that prevents and helps fade brown spots
Cons:
- Best used in combination with MDacne cleanser and active moisturizer
How to use:
Apply evenly to the face daily. Apply sunscreen while using this product.
Cost:
Full system (2 tubes) - $39.95
Retinol 0.25% + Niacinamide 2%
Retinol 0.5% + Niacinamide 4%
Full ingredients:
Aqua (Deionized Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera Gel) Juice, Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Stearic Acid, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Retinol (Vitamin A), Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyhexyl glycerin
Shop:
MDacne's Retinol + Niacinamide Kit 60 Days (amazon).
Retinol Treatment System - Perfect Retinol starter kit
Differin gel 0.1%
Retinol 0.25% + Niacinamide 2% (Amazon)
Retinol 0.5% + Niacinamide 4%
Cerave retinol serum
*The data is based on public sources and can change without notice. Please confirm with the manufacturer's website before making any purchase decision.
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