The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Versus MooGoo Vitamin C Brightening Active Serum
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin, 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 oils
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 12 ingredients
MooGoo Vitamin C Brightening Active Serum 22 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
MooGoo Vitamin C Brightening Active Serum 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Oleate Citrate
Emulsifying
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Tromethamine
BufferingPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Glycolipids
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Piroctone Olamine
Preservative
Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Lactic Acid, Tromethamine, Phospholipids, Glycine Soja Oil, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja Sterols, Tocopherol, Piroctone Olamine, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic 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 Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
MooGoo Vitamin C Brightening Active Serum 22 ingredients
Reviews
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