The Ordinary
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HAA serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for hydration and smoothing.
A serum built around Alpha arbutin and AHA, for antioxidant protection and pollution defence.
Brand price
USD 24.99 · checked 5 Oct 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 10.35 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
They come out differently on Fragrance-free and EU-allergen-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Benefits
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polysorbate 20
May Worsen Irritation4
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
May Worsen Eczema4
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polysorbate 20 (in both products)
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 (in both products)
Emulsion Stabilising
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20 (in both products)
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aqua
Solvent
Sodium Citrate
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Trisodium citrate
Learn more about Sodium Citrate →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion Stabilising, Viscosity Controlling
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 →Citric Acid
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Citric Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Citric Acid →
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