Obagi C-Exfoliating Day Lotion Versus The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Updated on May 19, 2025
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and hyaluronic acid
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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Obagi C-Exfoliating Day Lotion 32 ingredients
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 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
Obagi C-Exfoliating Day Lotion 32 ingredients
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Arginine
Masking
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
Emollient
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
PEG-8 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
PEG-8 Ricinoleate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Dimethicone
Emollient
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingTetrasodium EDTA
Bisabolol
Masking
Methylparaben
Preservative
Ethylparaben
Preservative
Butylparaben
Masking
Propylparaben
Preservative
Isobutylparaben
Antimicrobial
Parfum
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Arginine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-8 Dimethicone, PEG-8 Ricinoleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Steareth-2, Tetrasodium EDTA, Bisabolol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Parfum
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDaucus Carota Sativa Extract
Perfuming
Propanediol
Solvent
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycolic Acid, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycerinGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Obagi C-Exfoliating Day Lotion 32 ingredients
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
