The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Versus Nacomi Spotless Skin Serum Niacinamide 20%
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both 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 dry skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any 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
Nacomi Spotless Skin Serum Niacinamide 20% 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
Nacomi Spotless Skin Serum Niacinamide 20% 29 ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Trehalose
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Abrasive
Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Polyglucuronic Acid
Skin ConditioningLecithin
Emollient
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCellulose
AbsorbentHectorite
AbsorbentPropanediol
Solvent
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRaspberry Ketone
Masking
Benzyl Glycol
SolventBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Alpha-Arbutin, Trehalose, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Polyglucuronic Acid, Lecithin, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dehydroacetic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose, Hectorite, Propanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Raspberry Ketone, Benzyl Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may also be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
This ingredient an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your skin cells against damage.
Studies show this ingredient helps improve hyperpigmentation and fade discoloration.
Alpha-Arbutin may be used with other ingredients that help with hyperpigmentation. These ingredients include retinol, Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Alpha-ArbutinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Nacomi Spotless Skin Serum Niacinamide 20% 29 ingredients
