The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Versus The Derma Co 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 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, 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 15 ingredients
The Derma Co 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum 20 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
The Derma Co 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum 20 ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningArbutin
Antioxidant
Propanediol
SolventTartaric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPsidium Guajava Fruit Extract
AstringentEthoxydiglycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentPunica Granatum Seed Cell Culture Lysate
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Arbutin, Propanediol, Tartaric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Maltodextrin, Punica Granatum Seed Cell Culture Lysate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
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.
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 PropanediolPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a texture enhancer and pH adjuster.
It is be used to thicken water-based products and create a gel-texture with a velvet feel.
One manufacturer claims this ingredient to have a pH range of 2-8 and to be biodegradable.
Learn more about Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6Sodium Metabisulfite is an antioxidant and is a preservative.
Ethoxydiglycol 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.
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
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