The Ordinary
Balancing & Clarifying SerumThe Ordinary
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% SolutionA serum built around AHA, for hydration and barrier repair.
A serum built around Lactic acid and AHA, for hydration and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 17.91 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 13.05 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
Every check both products could be assessed on comes out the same. Tap any answer to see why.
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Hydrating5
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Lactate
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.
Ingredients Side-by-side
Skin Conditioning
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Dark Spots
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
Hair Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine (in both products)
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Dark Spots
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- 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
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Acetyl Glucosamine →Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Learn more about Pentylene Glycol →Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →Isoceteth-20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Isoceteth-20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isoceteth-20 →Ethylhexylglycerin
Deodorant, Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Chlorphenesin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Chlorphenesin →
Similar Comparisons
Each product against its closest dupes.
- View the comparison
The Ordinary
Balancing & Clarifying Serum
The Derma Co
Nia-Zelaic Oil Control Face Serum
- View the comparison
The Ordinary
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
The Ordinary
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- View the comparison
The Ordinary
Balancing & Clarifying Serum
Geek & Gorgeous
aPAD
- View the comparison
The Ordinary
Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
The Derma Co
10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc PCA