Uriage Dépiderm Anti-Dark Spot Brightening Booster Serum Versus The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for scar healing and dark spots
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
Uriage Dépiderm Anti-Dark Spot Brightening Booster Serum 19 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Uriage Dépiderm Anti-Dark Spot Brightening Booster Serum 19 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Diglycerin
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Citrate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentCitric Acid
Buffering
Sucrose Dilaurate
Emollient
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Diglycerin, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Niacinamide, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Sucrose Dilaurate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Pisum Sativum Extract
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 WaterPropanediol 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 PropanediolPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideCitric 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Uriage Dépiderm Anti-Dark Spot Brightening Booster Serum 19 ingredients
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 15 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Uriage Dépiderm Anti-Dark Spot Brightening Booster Serum 19 ingredients
From the ingredient list it seemed like a good bet but I unfortunately got patches of redness and itchiness from this product, I tested it on different occasions with no other actives and even using only 2 drops only for the whole face resulted in irritation (nothing crazy but definitely not fun either). Also the packaging is kind of deranged as it comes in a bottle with a screw-on cap and a loose Show more
