COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum Versus The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, parabens 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
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid 23%
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Tromethamine
BufferingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ethyl Ether
SolventSqualane
Emollient
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Glutathione
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Dextrin
AbsorbentTocotrienols
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Arginine
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningWater, Ascorbic Acid 23%, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Ethyl Ether, Squalane, Caffeine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Sulfite, Disodium EDTA, Glutathione, Adenosine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Dextrin, Tocotrienols, Tocopherol, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Butylene Glycol, Arginine, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Methyl Trimethicone, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Beta-Carotene
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.Â
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 PropanediolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 34 ingredients
I didn't like the consistency of this serum at all.
It felt like I was putting oil to my face, but since I always use the whole product to see results this did nothing to me other than feeling uncomfortable.
Cured my acne scars
I had mix feelings when I first bought this as I read that the smell can be off-putting. But I am glad I bought it. My acne scars faded a lot more after 3 days of using it and saw great results in one week. It also didn't break me out despite containing alcohols and oils. It does sting a little on the first application but doesn't irritate my skin. The smell can be quite strong Show more
