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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA versus The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on December 11, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 1 ingredients in common

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.

Serum Canadian Brand Canada
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 Pycnogenol 5%

Starts at $11.50

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant 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

Notable Ingredients

AHA

Benefits

Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Side-by-side

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

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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.

1
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 Pycnogenol 5% contains this as ingredient number 1.

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

42% are loved or liked
17% have mixed ratings
42% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
100% are loved or liked
0% have mixed ratings
0% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 12 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 8 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Doesn't Work (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) Light (1)
AshN.'s avatar

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.

Qinasofree's avatar

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 Pycnogenol 5% 2 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) Light (1) Light Scent (1) Oily (1)
CustardBunny's avatar

CustardBunny

2 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

i like this alot buti just have no idea what it does lmao. i use it for feet, hands and dry areas after a scrub. It softens and feels nice (smells...

i like this alot buti just have no idea what it does lmao. i use it for feet, hands and dry areas after a scrub. It softens and feels nice (smells a bit coppery) but i can do just as well without it so meh. :3 i dolike it tho!

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 39 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA.

See 39 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 6 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%.

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