The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum Versus The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
Updated on May 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 1 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin and scar healing
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
The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum 13 ingredients
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum 13 ingredients
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
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 PropanediolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum 13 ingredients
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum 13 ingredients
CentellaAddict
Very good for acne
Saw an immediate overnight change in my inflammation overnight after using for the first time, haven't had any inflammatory...
Very good for acne
Saw an immediate overnight change in my inflammation overnight after using for the first time, haven't had any inflammatory whiteheads since I finished purging (which lasted 2 weeks) and my skin is slightly less oily. However it did nothing really for my sebaceous filaments.
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% 3 ingredients
Clover
I'm orange...
When I first started using this I was like, “great, a vitamin C that doesn’t burn”. So I began using it frequently. Slowly, I noticed...
I'm orange...
When I first started using this I was like, “great, a vitamin C that doesn’t burn”. So I began using it frequently. Slowly, I noticed my skin was turning orange, but just on my face. Turns out this product was oxidizing ON MY SKIN. The serum itself was still pretty clear, so I wasn’t applying an old or bad product, but when exposed to oxygen while on my face it began to STAIN it as if I had applied self tanner only to my face.
Now to be fair— I am fair. As in I am very very pale. Honestly even if this product was oxidizing on other people I don’t think the majority of skin tones would even notice it. But if you are like me just be warned! Vitamin C can stain your skin and it’ll take like a week for the effects to go away.
Let’s just say I’ve given up on finding a vitamin C serum and I’ll be sticking to other brightening ingredients.