The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution vs The Derma Co 1% Kojic + Arbutin Night Repair Face Serum-Gel

The Ordinary

The Derma Co

A serum built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

A serum built around Alpha arbutin, for hydration and pollution defence.

Serum

9 ingredients

15 ingredients

Brand price

USD 6.75 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 599.00 · 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.

Face oil1
An oil formulated to be used on the face.
Squalane
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic Acid

Alpha arbutin1
A gentler glycosylated relative of hydroquinone.
Alpha-Arbutin
Kojic acid1
A fungal-derived tyrosinase inhibitor used on pigmentation.
Kojic Dipalmitate

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Squalane
Smoothing3
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Salicylic Acid, Squalane
Acne Fighting1
Helps clear breakouts and keep pores clear.
Salicylic Acid

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Propanediol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Kojic Dipalmitate
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Kojic Dipalmitate
Brightening2
Restores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Alpha-Arbutin, Kojic Dipalmitate

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Squalane

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Kojic Dipalmitate

Show highlights for:

Squalane
Emollient
1 / 0
- Face oil
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Oily Skin
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —
Salicylic Acid
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Perfuming
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol (in both products)
Preservative
0 / —
Chlorphenesin
Preservative
0 / —

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
Absorbent
0-1 / —
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
- Alpha arbutin
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
C15-19 Alkane
Solvent
Kojic Dipalmitate
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Kojic acid
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning
CI 77163
Colorant
0-1 / —

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →

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