The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Versus Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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 12 ingredients
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin 24 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
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantBetaine
Humectant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glucose
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Alpha-Arbutin, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Betaine, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Citric Acid
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 WaterAlpha-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-ArbutinThis ingredient is created by putting sodium hyaluronate through hydrolysis.
You might know this as 'mini' or 'ultra low-molecular weight' hyaluronic acid. The small molecule size means it is able to travel deeper in the skin.
According to studies, low molecular-weight hyaluronic acid can:
One study from 2011 found ultra-low weight HA to show pro-inflammatory properties. Another study from 2022 found it to downregulate UV-B induced inflammation.
Hydrolysis is a process of changing a molecule using water or enzymes.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin 24 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.
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin 24 ingredients
The product didn't break my oily and acne prone skin out and it did significantly reduced my PIH and acne scars within 2 weeks. It hydrates my skin too due to the hyaluronic acids it contains which helps me to replace my 6HA serum. It has a translucent appearance with a slimy consistency, and it gets sticky after rubbing it. However, it gets light after you let it dry.
