Versus

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution Versus COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum

Serum
Serum
Canadian Brand Canada
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on June 28, 2024

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, dry skin, brightening skin, scar healing and dark spots

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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

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
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

When to use

306 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
86% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
69 Routines
43% use in am
57% use in pm
87% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution 18 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 4 ratings
Absorbs Well (3) Works Well (3) Great Value (2)
MamzelleMarie's avatar

MamzelleMarie

1 year ago
Review

I love this so much I kicked Niacinamide off my routine because this seems to finally be doing all the things Niacinamide was supposed to do for me skin. Now that I have checked the ingredients it makes sense :)
My skin is clearer, less textured and breakout spots fade noticeably faster. It feels amazing and goes great over and under other serums. Absolute new holy grail product.

#absorbs well
#works well
MercyNicine's avatar

Mercy Nicine

3 months ago
Review

I started using this product in 2023 and have repurchased it a couple times since and I really enjoy the way it keeps PIH away following acne breakouts. Another reviewer said this serum replaced Niacinamide in their routine and I definitely feel the same, I enjoyed this more!

I have very oily skin that’s prone to acne and congestion and I really appreciated the lactic acid in the ingredients as Show more

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent

COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum 21 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 4 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Expensive (1) Great Value (1)
324's avatar

Ines Round

10 months ago
Review

Really love this serum. It's super calming and hydrating for my dry-sensitive skin. I recently had a reaction to a dermaplaning and this serum along with the pads were the only thing that truly calmed my skin. Highly recommended

#great value
#hydrating
#works well
lasya.'s avatar

lasya.

5 months ago
Review

Literally does nothing for soothing, not too hydrating either. Save your money

#expensive
#light
#absorbs well
#light scent