Versus

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Versus The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution

Serum
Serum
Canadian Brand Canada
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on June 28, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, reducing pores and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Solvent

Propanediol 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 Propanediol
Emulsifying

Isoceteth-20 comes from Isocetyl Alcohol. It is an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.

Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

When to use

443 Routines
72% use in am
28% use in pm
91% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
306 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
86% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% 12 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 4 ratings
Great Value (1) Light (1) No Scent (1)
Veema's avatar

Veema

8 months ago
Review

Great starter Vit C product. Would highly recommend for beginners as it's a derivative and not direct -> less irritation and interactions with other acids. Repurchased multiple times.

#great value
#light
#no scent
#works well

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

4.8 /5
from 4 ratings
Absorbs Well (3) Works Well (3) Great Value (2)
MamzelleMarie's avatar

MamzelleMarie

1 year ago
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 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.

#absorbs well
#works well
MercyNicine's avatar

Mercy Nicine

3 months ago
Review

I started using this product in 2023 and have repurchased it a couple times since and I really enjoy the way it keeps PIH away following acne breakouts. Another reviewer said this serum replaced Niacinamide in their routine and I definitely feel the same, I enjoyed this more!

I have very oily skin that’s prone to acne and congestion and I really appreciated the lactic acid in the ingredients as Show more

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent