Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA versus Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin .
Last updated on December 26, 2023. Published on February 18, 2022
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 need an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin 24 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
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
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin 24 ingredients
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 Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterThe Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 1.
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin contains this as ingredient number 1.
Alpha-Arbutin is made from hydroquinone and glucose. It may be derived from the fermentation of soybeans.
It is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage your skin cells.
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-ArbutinThe Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 2.
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin contains this as ingredient number 4.
This 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 HyaluronateThe Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 4.
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin contains this as ingredient number 20.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 11.
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin contains this as ingredient number 22.
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 ChlorphenesinThe Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 12.
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin contains this as ingredient number 23.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin 24 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
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
AshN.
(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...
(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.
Qinasofree
LOVE THIS
I love TO products, and this Alpha Arbutin is def my skin favourites! It helps in reducing my hyperpigmentation and the added HA keeps my...
LOVE THIS
I love TO products, and this Alpha Arbutin is def my skin favourites! It helps in reducing my hyperpigmentation and the added HA keeps my skin hydrated.
Ruruberry 2% Alpha Arbutin 24 ingredients
JohnnyLeeZongHeng_352
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...
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.
Alternatives
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