The Ordinary
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HAA serum built around Alpha arbutin and AHA, for antioxidant protection and pollution defence.
A serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for hydration and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 10.35 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 24.99 · checked 5 Oct 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 Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
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.
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
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
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
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion Stabilising, Viscosity Controlling
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 →Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →Citric Acid
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Citric Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Citric Acid →Sodium Citrate
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Trisodium citrate
Learn more about Sodium Citrate →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →
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