The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Versus L'Oreal 12% Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid Dark Spot Serum
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens 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
L'Oreal 12% Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid Dark Spot Serum 29 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 Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
L'Oreal 12% Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid Dark Spot Serum 29 ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingDimethicone
Emollient
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientPEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsohexadecane
EmollientMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Poloxamer 338
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDimethiconol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Octyldodecanol, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Citric Acid, Ferulic Acid, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, CI 77891, Isohexadecane, Mica, Poloxamer 338, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Dimethiconol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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 WaterCitric 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 AcidTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Phenoxyethanol 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
L'Oreal 12% Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid Dark Spot Serum 29 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
L'Oreal 12% Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid Dark Spot Serum 29 ingredients
Good product whould recomend
this product works much weaker than popular korean serums with niacinamide like anua (it is not an ad hahah). smells strange. dries in the wrong places, does practically nothing with PIH and PIE. you and your skin deserve a better serum than this one.
