Versus

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum Versus The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Serum
Exfoliator
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 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

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

Free From

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

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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
Buffering

Sodium 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 Hydroxide
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
Buffering, Masking

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 Acid
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.

When to use

314 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
93% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,751 Routines
28% use in am
72% use in pm
78% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum 35 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Expensive (1) Hydrating (1) Light Scent (1)
veronicall's avatar

Veronica ll

1 day ago
Review

I have acne-prone, slightly sensitive skin, this serum has been good for me during the winter. It really gives a big boost of glow and moisture! It has a scent (plum), but mild. I experienced this as mild for my skin but unfortunately I can't use it anymore because I have become more of a combo skin type and my skin is no longer dry. Now it's a bit too much/unnecessary in my routine. But for a dry Show more

#expensive
#hydrating
#light scent
#works well

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients

3.4 /5
from 19 ratings
Great Value (5) Sticky (5) Doesn't Work (4)
JohnnyLeeZongHeng_352's avatar
Review

The BHA didnt remove my acne, the clogged pores, and the sebaceous filaments. I've been using it for 4 months, and my acne condition is still the same.

#sticky
#no scent
#doesn't work
charlee's avatar

charlee

1 year ago
Review

stops bumps coming up