The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Versus The Face Shop Alltimate Panthenol 2% Exfoliating Gel
Updated on May 19, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones 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
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients
The Face Shop Alltimate Panthenol 2% Exfoliating Gel 25 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
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients
The Face Shop Alltimate Panthenol 2% Exfoliating Gel 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Water
Skin ConditioningCellulose
Absorbent2,3-Butanediol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingCarnitine
CleansingSerine
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTrisodium EDTA
Tromethamine
BufferingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingWater, Cellulose, 2,3-Butanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Allantoin, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Carnitine, Serine, Arginine, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Trisodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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 AcidPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWater. 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
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When to use
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients
The Face Shop Alltimate Panthenol 2% Exfoliating Gel 25 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
