Image: theordinary.com
The Ordinary
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
A serum built around Alpha arbutin and AHA, for antioxidant protection and pollution defence.
Brand price
USD 10.35 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · on the brand's site
From the brand
What the brand says about this product. Our ingredient analysis follows below.
The brand recommends it for
- Normal skin
- Dark spots & pigmentation
- Dullness
How to use
Apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening. Use sun protection during the day. If irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Keep out of reach of children.
Caution
If irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician.
What's inside
Ingredients List
2 trigger at least one check · 13 trigger none
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Antioxidant3
Shields skin from free radical damage.
Anti-Pollution3
Helps defend against airborne pollutants.
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Ingredients Explained
Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
Aqua
Solvent
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant, Bleaching, Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Arbutin is alpha arbutin.
Learn more about Alpha-Arbutin →Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion Stabilising, Viscosity Controlling
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 →Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is the hydrolysate of Sodium Hyaluronate derived by acid, enzyme or other method of hydrolysis
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate →Ergothioneine
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Ergothioneine is the heterocyclic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Ergothioneine →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 →
Dupes
- Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid65% match
- The Derma Co 1% Kojic + Arbutin Night Repair Face Serum-Gel63% match
- The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum63% match
- Plum 15% Vitamin C & Mandarin Serum For Glowing Skin62% match
- The Derma Co 10% Cica-Glow Face Serum with Tranexamic Acid & Kojic Acid61% match
- No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum61% match