The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Versus Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . 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, 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
Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier 38 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
Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier 38 ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Callus
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Phytic Acid
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lecithin
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Callus, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Coffea Arabica Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Niacinamide, Phytic Acid, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Adenosine, Ubiquinone, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sucrose Stearate, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, 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 WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolPolysorbate 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 20Sodium 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 HydroxideEthoxydiglycol is a synthetic solvent.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Ethoxydiglycol also helps deliver other key ingredients into the skin.
Learn more about EthoxydiglycolPhenoxyethanol 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
Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier 38 ingredients
It is such a beautiful formula. It has all the right ingredients and feels great on my skin. Unfortunately, I cannot tolerate potent forms of Vitamin C. This product causes me to break out and I suspect it is the Ascorbyl Glucoside.
Great for redness reducing on dry/textured cheeks
