Works for
Evens skin toneAlpha-arbutin, Lactic acidWorks well
“evens out skin tone”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
MoisturizingLactic acid ~1–1.5%, below the ~2% it needsUnder-dosed
“soothing and hydrating”
Does not contain good ingredients to help with moisturization.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Alpha-arbutin2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin
More about Alpha-arbutinPolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~4.8–7.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~3.9–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronatePropanediol~2.7–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolPpg-26-buteth-26~2–3%
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilLactic acid~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateEthoxydiglycol~0.15–0.7%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolChlorphenesin~0.05–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Water, Alpha-arbutin, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Propanediol, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Lactic acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| The OrdinaryAlpha Arbutin 2% + HAYOUR PRODUCT | Be MinimalistAlpha Arbutin 02% | Peace OutDark Spots Serum | Urban Skin RxHydraFirm + Brightening Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 59% | 58% | 55% |
| Price | $10.00 | $10.99+$0.99 | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Ferulic Acid | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum FaceMedik8 White Balance Original Serum
Product summary
"The Ordinary - Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA" is effective for: Evens skin tone
Ingredient callouts
- This product contains acids (lactic acid 1.00% - 1.50%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "The Ordinary" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 1999.99KSH in Kenya, from 8.60$ up to 22.40$ in the United States, from 8.60£ up to 24.69£ in the United Kingdom, from 10.90CA$ up to 28.40CA$ in Canada, from 12.74A$ up to 32.08A$ in Australia and for 84.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 4 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
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