What's In My Jar
Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel
Differin

Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel

Efficacy50/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Tripeptide-1, Dimethicone + 12 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Hydrates to soften the appearance of scars and surface imperfections”
Source: Ulta

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dextran, butylene glycol.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: tripeptide-1

Tripeptide-1Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.3%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~6.1–9.2%
Dimethicone crosspolymerKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface~3.8–5.7%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2.9–4.4%
Bis-peg-12 dimethiconeKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.2–3.2%
DextranKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the most upper layer of the skin. Derived from sugar~1–1.6%
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oilKey activeEffect: MediumA plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritating~0.85–1.25%
Asiatic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.4–0.9%
AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.35–0.75%
Rosa rubiginosa seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighPlant oil that due to the high content of linoleic acid can support skin's barrier function and reduce moisture loss~0.35–0.8%
Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.7%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.1–0.4%
Madecassic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.05–0.2%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%
Exfoliation
No ingredient credited for this claim
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Resurfacing Scar Gel”
Source: Ulta

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Evens skin tone
Side benefit the brand mentions · Bakuchiol
Works well
What the product description says
“Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel minimizes the appearance of post-acne scars, which is a top concern for adult acne sufferers, while visibly improving the appearance of rough, textured skin Benefits Minimizes the appearance of post-acne scars, while visibly improving the appearance of rough, textured skin.”
Source: Ulta

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: bakuchiol

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~1.3–1.9%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Bakuchiol, Asiaticoside + 1 more
Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains bakuchiol.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: asiaticoside, tripeptide-1.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~1.3–1.9%
AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.35–0.75%
Tripeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.3%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Bakuchiol, Asiaticoside + 2 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (asiaticoside, bakuchiol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~1.3–1.9%
AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.35–0.75%
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oilEffect: LowA plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritating~0.85–1.25%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.1–0.45%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit · Bakuchiol
May help

This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains bakuchiol.

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~1.3–1.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Rosa rubiginosa seed oil
Medium risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oilA plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritatingHigh~0.85–1.25%est.
Rosa rubiginosa seed oilPlant oil that due to the high content of linoleic acid can support skin's barrier function and reduce moisture lossHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~2.9–4.4%est.
Glyceryl oleate citrateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.7–2.6%est.
EthoxydiglycolHelps to improve the product consistencyMedium~1.4–2.1%est.
BakuchiolA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritationMedium~1.3–1.9%est.
Asiatic acidAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
AsiaticosideAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.35–0.75%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.55%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.5%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.1–0.45%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Madecassic acidAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Peel & revive
Iconix Peel & revive
Higher efficacy · 90/10066% match
Advanced Retinol Night Repair Treatment
Dr. Zenovia Skincare Advanced Retinol Night Repair Treatment
Higher efficacy · 68/10060% match
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Dimethicone~6.1–9.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Dimethicone crosspolymer~3.8–5.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface

More about Dimethicone crosspolymer
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.9–4.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Bis-peg-12 dimethicone~2.2–3.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Bis-peg-12 dimethicone
Glyceryl oleate citrate~1.7–2.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Glyceryl oleate citrate
Ethoxydiglycol~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to improve the product consistency

More about Ethoxydiglycol
Bakuchiol~1.3–1.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation

More about Bakuchiol
Dextran~1–1.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the most upper layer of the skin. Derived from sugar

More about Dextran
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil~0.85–1.25%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritating

More about Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil
Hippophae rhamnoides seed oil~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Hippophae rhamnoides seed oil
Asiatic acid~0.4–0.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Asiatic acid
Asiaticoside~0.35–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationReduces irritationAnti-aging

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Asiaticoside
Rosa rubiginosa seed oil~0.35–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Plant oil that due to the high content of linoleic acid can support skin's barrier function and reduce moisture loss

More about Rosa rubiginosa seed oil
Butylene glycol~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate~0.3–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Citric acid~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Tocopheryl acetate~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Disodium edta~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Squalane~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Madecassic acid~0.05–0.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritation

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Madecassic acid
Tripeptide-1~0.05–0.3%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Tripeptide-1
Ingredient list view

Water, Dimethicone, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Bis-peg-12 dimethicone, Glyceryl oleate citrate, Ethoxydiglycol, Bakuchiol, Dextran, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil, Hippophae rhamnoides seed oil, Asiatic acid, Asiaticoside, Rosa rubiginosa seed oil, Butylene glycol, Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Tocopheryl acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Squalane, Madecassic acid, Tripeptide-1

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon US1 ouncesPrice as of 11/10 00:13 GMT
$16.79
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Ulta1 oz
$26.99
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
DifferinResurfacing Scar GelYOUR PRODUCTIconixPeel & reviveDr. Zenovia SkincareAdvanced Retinol Night Repair TreatmentDr. BrandtBRIGHTENING PEEL ESSENCE
Match—66%60%52%
Price$26.99——$46.50+$19.51
Shared key ingredients—2 of 103 of 103 of 10
Key difference—Glycolic AcidBisabololRetinol
Irritancy Medium Low Medium High
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  2. 2
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  3. 3
    Bakuchiol in the Management of Acne-affected Skinresearchgate.net
  4. 4
    Prospective, randomized, double‐blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract and mannitol improves the efficacy of adapalene in patients with acne vulgaris: result from a controlled randomized trialncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Contact dermatitis due to Madecassolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel
DifferinResurfacing Scar Gel
Buy at Ulta$26.99$16.79as of 11/10 00:13 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Ulta$26.99$16.79as of 11/10 00:13 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.