Naturium Alpha Arbutin Serum 2% Versus The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Naturium Alpha Arbutin Serum 2% 20 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Naturium Alpha Arbutin Serum 2% 20 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Betaine
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Butylene Glycol, Alpha-Arbutin, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glycerin, Panthenol, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Betaine, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol
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 WaterAlpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.
It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Phenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Naturium Alpha Arbutin Serum 2% 20 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Naturium Alpha Arbutin Serum 2% 20 ingredients
Not bad but not good is what this product is. I've used the entire bottle and I haven't seen any difference in my skin. I bought this for my hyperpigmentation but I haven't seen any improvement in healing it.
I haven't repurchased it as I've found another alternative that I'm trying out now that is suppose to be really good in healing past acne marks.
I bought this from SpaceNK.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
This product has became a holy grail for me so quick. The Hyaluronic Acid in this serums works wonders and makes my fine lines to disappear almost completely, like no other HA product i've ever tried has done before. The Alpha Arbutin has also helped a lot with fading my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, that used to fade much slower with my previous routine.
And it can do all of this Show more
(Tried Nov 2022) This turned out to be one of those products that I had a bit of a hard time determining whether or not it worked even after a few purchases. If anything, I appreciated how budget friendly it was and the hydrating feel of the serum, but I can't say it did much for my stubborn dark spots.
