The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA vs Dr.Althea 0.1 Gentle Retinol Serum

The Ordinary

Dr.Althea

A serum built around Alpha arbutin and AHA, for antioxidant protection and pollution defence.

A serum built around Panthenol and Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Serum

15 ingredients

32 ingredients

Brand price

USD 10.35 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 23.90 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Canada

Brand from South Korea

At a Glance

They come out differently on Pore-clogger-free, Oil-free and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Alpha arbutin1
A gentler glycosylated relative of hydroquinone.
Alpha-Arbutin
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Bakuchiol1
A plant-derived ingredient studied as a retinol alternative.
Bakuchiol
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Propanediol
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Citric Acid
Brightening1
Restores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Alpha-Arbutin
Dark Spots1
Fades dark spots for a more even tone.
Alpha-Arbutin

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polysorbate 20

May Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Glycine Soja Oil

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
- Alpha arbutin
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion Stabilising
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Ergothioneine
Antioxidant
0 / —
Polysorbate 20
Cleansing
0 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Citric Acid
Buffering
0 / —
- AHA
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Sodium Citrate
Buffering
0 / —
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering
0 / —

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
3 / 0
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

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