Versus

Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum Versus The Ordinary GF 15% Solution

Serum
Serum
American Brand United States
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on January 08, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

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

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

Benefits

Benefits

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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin
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
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

When to use

94 Routines
51% use in am
49% use in pm
88% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
181 Routines
49% use in am
51% use in pm
92% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum 7 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1)
harshulnarang's avatar

H N

8 months ago
Review

Best one I’ve tried so far! Hydrating, absorbs well, and lets other serums through.

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well

The Ordinary GF 15% Solution 12 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Light (1)
ThomasvV's avatar

Thomas VV

2 months ago
Review

This product does deliver soothing and plumping effects, but I feel it's creating another unnecessary step in an already big skincare routine.

Skintype: 25yr old acne prone - combination/sensitive - target anti-ageing

The consistency is really runny/watery, yet it absorbs quickly. At first I saw zero results, but I do feel it does something and makes my skin a bit more plumped. However, I Show more

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent