The Ordinary "Buffet" Versus Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils
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 "Buffet" 51 ingredients
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 62 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary "Buffet" 51 ingredients
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 62 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Pentapeptide-18
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycine
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingSerine
Masking
Valine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Histidine
Humectant
Phenylalanine
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Trehalose
Humectant
Fructose
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Maltose
MaskingUrea
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
PCA
Humectant
Sodium Lactate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingSodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Water, Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Urea, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Water
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract 77%
Cleansing
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Pyruvic Acid
MaskingTartaric Acid
Buffering
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSyringa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Angelica Keiskei Extract
Antioxidant
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Boswellia Carterii Oil
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract
AntimicrobialPearl Powder
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
Masking
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicDisodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Centella Asiatica Extract 77%, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Propanediol, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract, Syringa Vulgaris Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Madecassoside, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract, Pearl Powder, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 WaterGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCASodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and sometimes used to adjust the pH of a product.
This ingredient is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin. NMF also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Fun fact: Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolXanthan 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 GumCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary "Buffet" 51 ingredients
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 62 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary "Buffet" 51 ingredients
I love it soooooo much my fav serum ever
Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 62 ingredients
It works great! Reduces the scars (red and the darker ones) after a breakout. I feel like it also prevents it. I use it with a cosrx cleanser.
Oily oily oily oily. It's like putting essential oil on your face. Gave me really bad acne and clogged my pores. I'm staying away from this brand.
