The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA Versus Indie Lee Banish Stick
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, 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
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
Indie Lee Banish Stick 18 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 Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
Indie Lee Banish Stick 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIsoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Glycerin
Humectant
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingArctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Reticulata Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingJasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Lecithin
Emollient
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPullulan
Water, Alcohol Denat., Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Pentylene Glycol, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Citrus Reticulata Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Jasminum Grandiflorum Flower Extract, Propanediol, Lecithin, Saccharide Isomerate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinPentylene 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 GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
Indie Lee Banish Stick 18 ingredients
Reviews
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