CLEANSE
Cleanse with Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser for a minimum of 30 seconds to help dissolve surface oil & impurities. Pat dry with a towel.
Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser
Boost skin's natural hydration & promote a healthy pH balance while cleansing to support an acne-fighting routine.
This hydrating cleanser features a unique amino-acid based cleansing system that helps to dissolve surface oil and impurities. Formulated with 5% polyhydroxy acids to rebalance for cleaner, smoother, more hydrated skin.
How to Use in a Routine
Cleansers help to remove dirt, oil, makeup & impurities from the skin & should be applied daily AM and PM. The Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser is a gentle cleanser & can be paired with powerful Rx strength acne treatments like Differin Adapalene Retinoid or Differin Epiduo to help mitigate irritation.
TREAT
Apply acne-fighting acne treatments like Differin Gel or Differin Epiduo once daily to effectively treat and help prevent new acne from forming.
MOISTURIZE
Apply the Oil Absorbing
Moisturizer with
Sunscreen in the AM to
help support the skin
barrier. Apply liberally 15
minutes before sun
exposure & reapply at
least every two hours.
OPTIONAL STEP
Patch
Apply Differin Fast Fix Patches to emerging pimples or Differin Skin Restore Patches to white head or gunk-filled pimples as needed to help spot treat. Not all patches are formulated the same- know which type works best for your acne.
Repair
Repair the skin with Differin Dark Spot Correcting Serum or Differin Scar Gel to help soothe the skin & reduce the appearance of post-acne marks & discoloration as needed.
PATCH
Patches often work
best when applied
directly to clean, dry
skin. Leave on for a
minimum of 6-8 hours.
REPAIR
Apply post-acne
treatments after
cleansing but before
moisturizing.
Remember: Consistency matters more than intensity.
FAQ’s
Select a question below to see what happens during each phase.
What does Differin® Gel do to clear acne?
Differin® Gel contains adapalene, a type of retinoid. Topical retinoids, like Differin® Gel, play a crucial role in the treatments of acne. Retinoids have vitamin A activity which helps regulate cell turnover to make sure your skin goes through the right process, creating a healthier environment for skin. Regulating cell turnover helps to keep the pores from clogging and target acne before it even starts. Don’t think of Differin® Gel as a spot treatment only to be used when acne rears its ugly head. In fact, if used daily, Differin® Gel stops new acne from forming, resulting in improved skin tone and texture.
What is Differin® Gel?
Differin contains the only full prescription fighting retinoid available over the counter: adapalene. It’s the first new OTC active ingredient to treat acne approved by the FDA in more than 30 years.
How long has Differin® Gel been on the market?
Differin® Gel is dermatologist-developed, and its active ingredient — adapalene — has been prescribed to over 40 million people globally for more than 20 years. It was approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use without a prescription in 2016.
What makes Differin® Gel unique from other options currently available?
Differin® Gel contains adapalene, a multi-benefit, dermatologist-recommended retinoid, available without a prescription, to clear breakouts where they start (deep in the pores); prevent acne before it begins; and, as a result, restore the skin’s texture and tone.
Is Differin® Gel dermatologist developed and tested?
Yes, Differin® Gel is dermatologist developed and includes a dermatologist-recommended retinoid.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) therapeutic treatment guidelines, topical retinoids like adapalene are recommended as a primary therapy for initial treatment of mild and moderate acne, even ahead of popular over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid. The AAD is the largest organization of dermatologists (over 19,000 worldwide) who provide public education about dermatology and dermatologic health.
All Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Gluconolactone, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Niacinamide, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Propanediol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Zinc Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid
Our Misson
Differin is a dedicated acne fighting brand rooted in science & innovation.
Explore effective Differin acne treatments & supporting products that when properly paired can help you acheive clearer looking skin.
Related Products
NEW
Reviews
Rated 1 out of
5
by
in2puck32 from
Absolutely the WORST replacement!!!
This cleanser is absolutely the WORST cleanser for my skin. It didn't leave my skin feeling clean, it left a film on my skin and the worst part was I broke out in whiteheads all around my nose and chin. It is GOD AWFUL. I was a faithful user of
the Daily Refreshing gel cleanser with ZERO problems. My skin looked bright, healthy. With NO breakouts.
So if Galderma thinks this crap replacement for the discontinued Daily Refreshing is going to cut it,they're dead wrong!!! I returned the 2 bottles I purchased and have moved on to another brand. Shame on you Galderma!!!
Date published: 2024-12-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
DrM97 from
Works fantastic despite my skin type
Got along great with my oily skin. As someone with shiny, greasy skin, hydrating cleansers aren’t my go-to’s. I try to stick with very harsh foamy gel or benzoyl peroxide cleansers that will give me a matte finish. But I got this as a gift so I gave it a go, and I’m honestly impressed: no excess sebum, face feels clean without being stripped, and—most importantly—absolutely no break outs from the time I started using it in tandem with my adapalene (approximately four months now). I will continue to purchase it.
Date published: 2024-09-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Brooke11 from
Great cleanser!
My skin feels/looks smoother and hydrated. Actually feels like I’m getting rid of impurities on my skin. I give it a ten out of ten! Please don’t stop making this cleanser!
Date published: 2023-04-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
GT83 from
Miracle cleanser for perioral dermatitis
This cleanser cured my perioral dermatitis! I'm a physician and know how difficult it can be to treat. So happy I stumbled across this and on a whim decided to try it - within a week of twice daily usage the dermatitis that had aggravated me for months was resolving. Please consider some clinical trials for this indication specifically!
Date published: 2023-08-31
Rated 1 out of
5
by
SG24 from
Burns badly
Do not use if you have acne/broken out skin... this SERIOUSLY burns when you try washing your skin. I was hoping it will be fine for my skin because it says "gentle" on the package as well as no indication on the bottle that you shouldnt use it on said skin. Yet another failure in my attempt to clear up my treatment-resistant acne, as this product is not cheap either
Date published: 2024-11-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ann Owl from
Gentle non-irritating cleanser
I have sensitive rosacea-prone skin that reacts to everything. Foaming gel cleansers are usually too harsh for me but this is by far the gentlest cleanser I've found. I use it at night as a second cleanse after removing my makeup and before going to bed. It also has a subtle brightening/clarifying effect. A fantastic product-- please don't ever discontinue it!
Date published: 2024-01-11
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Js12 from
Makes your skin worse
This cleanser made my face worse. I only had a couple pimples I was trying to clear up, but after a few weeks of using it my entire face including my eyelids broke out. Threw it away! I don't usually write negative reviews, but I highly recommend NOT using this product.
Date published: 2023-12-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
rpapi5 from
Daily Cleansing Solution
one of the best cleansers! it doesn't dry out my face and leaves it feeling clean and smooth, without drying my face out. it foams which is a plus and lasted me 3 months! very good cleanser in my opinion will for sure buy again! This and and the oil absorbing moisturizer is my holy grail.
Date published: 2024-03-03