The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Versus Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster 41 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster 41 ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningPolymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Silver
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-3
HumectantLysophosphatidic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Lysolecithin
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingDisodium Adenosine Triphosphate
Skin ConditioningPichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ribose
HumectantUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningErgothioneine
Antioxidant
Glutathione
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sea Water
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Bisabolol, Silver, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-3, Lysophosphatidic Acid, Lysolecithin, Lecithin, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ribose, Ubiquinone, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Astaxanthin, Ergothioneine, Glutathione, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sea Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Maltodextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
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 WaterErgothioneine is an amino acid found naturally in mushrooms, grains, and meat. It has antioxidant and skin soothing properties.
According to a manufacturer, this amino acid helps with:
- Maintaining DNA stability and cell reproduction
- Enhances cellular immunity
- Skin brightening
- Anti-aging
- Skin soothing
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Citric 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 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 HydroxidePhenoxyethanol 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
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