The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA vs Pilgrim 10% Niacinamide Face Serum With 1% Zinc PCA

The Ordinary

Pilgrim

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

A serum built around Niacinamide and PHA, for hydration and barrier repair.

Serum

15 ingredients

20 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

INR 499.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Canada

Brand from India

At a Glance

Every check both products could be assessed on comes out the same. 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.
Tocopheryl Acetate
PHA1
Polyhydroxy acids — larger and milder than AHAs.
Gluconolactone
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Zinc salt (sebum/soothing)1
Zinc salts, used for sebum control and soothing.
Zinc PCA

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

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Panthenol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Betaine, Niacinamide, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation3
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Panthenol, Zinc PCA
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Niacinamide

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

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 20

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
- Alpha arbutin
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Propanediol (in both products)
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 (in both products)
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 / —

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Aqua
Solvent
Water
Learn more about Aqua →
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →
Polysorbate 20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20 →
Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →