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
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
MooGoo Vitamin C Brightening Active Serum 22 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 12 ingredients
MooGoo Vitamin C Brightening Active Serum 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Oleate Citrate
Emulsifying
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Tromethamine
BufferingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningGlycine 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.
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 WaterLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
MooGoo Vitamin C Brightening Active Serum 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
This product has became a holy grail for me so quick. The Hyaluronic Acid in this serums works wonders and makes my fine lines to disappear almost completely, like no other HA product i've ever tried has done before. The Alpha Arbutin has also helped a lot with fading my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, that used to fade much slower with my previous routine.
And it can do all of this Show more
(Tried Nov 2022) This turned out to be one of those products that I had a bit of a hard time determining whether or not it worked even after a few purchases. If anything, I appreciated how budget friendly it was and the hydrating feel of the serum, but I can't say it did much for my stubborn dark spots.
