Versus

Cos De BAHA Lactic Acid 12.5% Face Peel Serum with HA Versus The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

Serum
Exfoliator
Korean Brand South Korea
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on March 04, 2025

Overview

What they are

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

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.

Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.

Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.

Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.

Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Lactic Acid
Solvent

Propanediol 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 Propanediol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 

When to use

8 Routines
0% use in am
100% use in pm
38% use every day
731 Routines
15% use in am
85% use in pm
60% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cos De BAHA Lactic Acid 12.5% Face Peel Serum with HA 11 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 1 rating
Ericj89's avatar

Ericj89

1 year ago
Review

Texture: Very lightweight. Absorbed easily.
Scent: No scent
Performance: I use this when I feel my skin is rough textured. Hydrating.
Pros: Slightly higher strength than The Ordinary (10%)
Cons: Oily free ingredient list but it makes my fingers slippery, my gel type moisturizer just running off my fingers.
WRP/WNRP: WNRP

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 7 ratings
Works Well (3) Absorbs Well (2) Great Value (2)
featherstone's avatar

flora

5 months ago
Review

Holy grail for real. This stuff works instantly overnight to sooth acne and balance skin tone/texture. Everytime I do some damage picking at my skin, this serum basically undoes it all. Fantastic for maintenance whilst purging acne, I use this in rotation with the inkey list BHA serum and they have resurfaced and evened out all my fungal acne, going to move onto the 10% for clearing up my scars Show more

#light
#absorbs well
#works well
somaliskin's avatar

h♡

8 months ago
Review

🤍 been using this for 2 years now, and i've really seen significant changes in my skin—especially with hyperpigmentation and texture ♡ however, it can be a bit irritating since i have sensitive skin, and it feels a little harsh when i combine it with the niacinamide 10% + zinc from the ordinary too. so, on my heavier days where my skin is extra sensitive, i skip this serum and just use moisturizer Show more

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well