The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Versus SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment Moisturizer
Updated on July 29, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any 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
SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment Moisturizer 37 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment Moisturizer 37 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Squalane
Emollient
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSilica Silylate
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
Astringent
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingLactic Acid
Buffering
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citronellol
Perfuming
Morus Alba Root Extract
BleachingCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Squalane, Alpha-Arbutin, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica Silylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Parfum, Butylene Glycol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Benzyl Benzoate, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Potassium Sorbate, Citronellol, Morus Alba Root Extract, CI 19140, CI 42090, Tocopherol
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-ArbutinLactic 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 AcidWater. 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
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When to use
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment Moisturizer 37 ingredients
Reviews
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