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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser versus The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on February 19, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Face Cleanser American Brand United States
Serum Canadian Brand Canada

Face Cleanser

Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser

Starts at $7.50
Shop

Buy Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Starts at $11.50

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

BHA

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

AHA

Benefits

Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 1.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

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 Propanediol

Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 8.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 5.

3
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.

Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 24.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 11.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

37% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
37% are disliked or very disliked
11% have no rating yet
42% are loved or liked
17% have mixed ratings
42% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser 27 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) Light Scent (1) Works Well (1)
Liz8's avatar

Liz8

3 months ago · Unsure Skin
Review

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...

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 get it at Walmart 6 months ago but now not in stores. I hope this is not being discontinued!! I can order it online from Walmart but really prefer buying in stores. If anyone knows the details of what’s happening to Bliss clear genius clarifying gel cleanser post under this review thanks!

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 8 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Doesn't Work (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) Light (1)
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

3 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

(Tried Nov 2022) This turned out to be one of those products that I had a bit of a hard time determining whether or not it worked even after a few...

(Tried Nov 2022) This turned out to be one of those products that I had a bit of a hard time determining whether or not it worked even after a few purchases. If anything, I appreciated how budget friendly it was and the hydrating feel of the serum, but I can't say it did much for my stubborn dark spots.

Qinasofree's avatar

Qinasofree

2 years ago · Combination Skin
Review

LOVE THIS
I love TO products, and this Alpha Arbutin is def my skin favourites! It helps in reducing my hyperpigmentation and the added HA keeps my...

LOVE THIS
I love TO products, and this Alpha Arbutin is def my skin favourites! It helps in reducing my hyperpigmentation and the added HA keeps my skin hydrated.

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