Versus

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads With Glycolic + Lactic Acids Versus The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Exfoliator
Serum
American Brand United States
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on March 04, 2025

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 fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

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

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

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.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

Antimicrobial, Preservative

Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.

Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.

Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.

Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.

Learn more about Chlorphenesin

When to use

243 Routines
39% use in am
61% use in pm
70% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
16,141 Routines
48% use in am
52% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads With Glycolic + Lactic Acids 20 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Works Well (2) Absorbs Well (1) Hydrating (1)
dorothygommel's avatar

Dorothy Gommel

11 days ago
Review

So far I’m loving these pads. I am 55 with dry and very sensitive skin. I am still prone to little spots of whiteheads at this age for clog poring items. I was definitely afraid of this burning my skin or causing redness reaction. Surprisingly it has done none of that. I bought the small size to try before spending $ on the larger size. Great for traveling. I can’t really speak to any long term Show more

#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
apee's avatar

April

4 months ago
Review

I use this once a week for exfoliation. Helps keep my skin bright and smooth. I have really reactive/ sensitive skin with hormonal acne. At first, it seemed like my skin reacted angry to this, but only after the first time using. I think my skin just needed to get used to it. It’s gentle yet effective. This is a staple in my routine.

#works well

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients

3.2 /5
from 246 ratings
Great Value (58) Broke Me Out (50) Irritating (48)
Clover's avatar

Clover

1 year ago
Review

Gotta give credit where credit is due
WOW… lot of people ganging up on this incredibly affordable/popular serum. I understand the criticisms, but personally I don’t believe the intensity is warranted. For so many people this was the start of their skincare journey; it certainly was mine! And because I had never used ingredients like niacinamide or zinc on my face before, of course I noticed an Show more

nicolecrs's avatar

nicolecrs

10 months ago
Review

I've repurchased this so many times and tried different niacinamide serums but this one is my fav. It improves my hormonal acne so much and controls sebum production. Also, when I had the worst fungal acne flare-up ever, this and the lactic acid 5% SAVED ME. It burned a lot but now I don't have any bumps whatsoever. It won't work immediately so consistency is key. (I have combo-oily skin)

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#light scent