Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser Versus The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser 27 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser 27 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventSalicylic Acid
Masking
Sea Water
HumectantHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Sodium PCA
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Anhydroxylitol
HumectantGlyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Xylityl Sesquicaprylate
AntimicrobialDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Sea Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Zinc PCA, Sodium PCA, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Anhydroxylitol, Glyceryl Oleate, Xylityl Sesquicaprylate, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser 27 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser 27 ingredients
64 year old woman but still get breakouts. I found this a couple years ago, it’s a face wash I like that isn’t too harsh for my sensitive skin even though it’s not fragrance free but scent is mild & it doesn’t irritate me. It foams up nicely but the label doesn’t state the amount of salicylic acid (ie 2%) However it works great for me! Unfortunately I cannot find it at Ulta or Target anymore,I did Show more
