Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum Versus The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
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 anti aging, dry skin, brightening 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
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum 10 ingredients
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum 10 ingredients
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIsoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIngredients 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.
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 PropanediolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum 10 ingredients
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum 10 ingredients
irritating
didn't notice much a difference with my dark spots/PIH. had to stop using it because it broke me out :(
(Tried Jun 2022) Can't say I was particularly fond of this product mainly because of the fact that I didn't really see a difference in any of my dark spots/hyperpigmentation improving. Not sure if this is more so formulated to be stronger for those with fairer skin.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
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
🤍 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
