The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Versus The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution

See how these products line up with your preferences

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA versus The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on April 17, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

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.

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The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution

Serum Canadian Brand Canada

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Shop

Buy Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Starts at $11.50

Shop

Buy Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution

Starts at $14.50

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution 18 ingredients

alcohol-free

silicon-free

fragrance-free

sulfate-free

paraben-free

oil-free

fungal-acne safe

reef-safe

eu-allergen-free

vegan

cruelty-free

alcohol-free

silicon-free

fragrance-free

sulfate-free

paraben-free

oil-free

fungal-acne safe

reef-safe

eu-allergen-free

vegan

cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution 18 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

AHA

Benefits

Skin Texture

Reduces Large Pores

Anti-Aging

Dark Spots (2)

Scar Healing (2)

Brightening

Concerns

Irritating

Rosacea

Eczema

Notable Ingredients

AHA

Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating

Skin Texture

Reduces Large Pores

Anti-Aging

Dark Spots

Scar Healing

Brightening (2)

Concerns

Irritating (2)

Rosacea

Eczema

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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution 18 ingredients

Water • Alpha-Arbutin • Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 • Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate • Propanediol • Ppg-26-Buteth-26 • Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil • Lactic Acid • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Ethoxydiglycol • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin

Water • Propanediol • Glycerin • Dipropylene Glycol • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder • Acetyl Glucosamine • Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 • Biosaccharide Gum-2 • Pentylene Glycol • Xanthan Gum • Isoceteth-20 • Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone • Sodium Lactate • Lactic Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Ethylhexylglycerin • Phenoxyethanol • Chlorphenesin

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Water

What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 1.

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution contains this as ingredient number 1.

Propanediol

What it does: Solvent

Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

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 Propanediol

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 5.

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution contains this as ingredient number 2.

Lactic Acid

What it does: Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Community Rating: Loved

Lactic 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 Acid

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 8.

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution contains this as ingredient number 14.

Phenoxyethanol

What it does: Preservative

Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution contains this as ingredient number 17.

Chlorphenesin

What it does: Antimicrobial, Preservative

Community Rating: Disliked

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 Chlorphenesin

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains this as ingredient number 12.

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution contains this as ingredient number 18.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution 18 ingredients

42% are loved or liked

17% have mixed ratings

42% are disliked or very disliked

0% have no rating yet

50% are loved or liked

17% have mixed ratings

28% are disliked or very disliked

6% have no rating yet

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

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution 18 ingredients

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients

3.8 /5

from 10 ratings

Hydrating (2) Great Value (2) Absorbs Well (2) Light (2) Doesn't Work (1) Works Well (1)

AshN.

3 months ago · Dry Skin

Review

(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.

The Ordinary

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Qinasofree

2 years ago · Combination Skin

Review

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.

The Ordinary

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution 18 ingredients

4.5 /5

from 2 ratings

Absorbs Well (1) Works Well (1)

MamzelleMarie

4 months ago · Combination Skin

Review

I love this so much I kicked Niacinamide off my routine because this seems to finally be doing all the things Niacinamide was supposed to do for me...

I love this so much I kicked Niacinamide off my routine because this seems to finally be doing all the things Niacinamide was supposed to do for me skin. Now that I have checked the ingredients it makes sense :)
My skin is clearer, less textured and breakout spots fade noticeably faster. It feels amazing and goes great over and under other serums. Absolute new holy grail product.