The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum is one of The Ordinary's bestselling serums which consists of Alpha-Arbutin & Hyaluronic Acid. The Ordinary's Alpha Arbutin Serum purposes to treat pigmentation and fade marks, it's one of the best actives that suits well with all ingredients. Read on to know what The Ordinary's Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum has to offer.
Disclaimer: This product was sent to me by threebs.co for review purposes. I was not paid to write a review but that does not affect my thoughts on it. Do take note that my experience with this product may not be the same as yours as each skin type is different. Your Milage May Vary (YMMV)
What is The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum?
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum is a daily serum that could be treated as a spot serum. The Ordinary claims it to be a concentrated serum with pure alpha-arbutin and hyaluronic acid. Alpha-Arbutin is known for its ability to reduce the appearance of acne marks, age spots and also improve skin tone. The Ordinary uses a high 2% concentration versus a standard concentration of 1% and is supported with a next-generation form of Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced delivery. They also claim that the pH of this formula is the most suitable pH to minimize degradation of Alpha Arbutin.
What The Ordinary Claims on Its Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum
Product Details
Purchase:
Price: 68MYR | XXUSD (30ml)
Origin: Canada
Skin Concern: Dark Marks, Pigmentation
Skin Types: All Skin Types
PAO: 12 Months
Full Ingredients List (INCI):
How To Apply
My Thoughts on The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum
Ingredients
Looking into the full list of ingredients for The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum, its active ingredient is, of course, Alpha-Arbutin and also Hyaluronic Acid. The Ordinary claimed that it's paired with the next-generation form of Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced delivery. Which seems to be Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, another cousin of Hyaluronic acid, which has smaller particles that can penetrate deeper into the skin. This serum also contains Lactic Acid, a milder form of exfoliation which is also great to treat dark spots. Other than that, the formulation shows moisturizing ingredients for the rest. It's free from any kind of irritating and comedogenic ingredients.
Packaging
It comes in a clear frosted glass bottle with a screw lid dropper. Design is simple and neat for both bottle and outer box. It gives an elegant feel with the glass bottle, and the dropper functions well. The labels are in English and French, and even though it's small, it's packed with every detail needed. I have no complaint about their packaging.
Texture
Its clear serum is runny, but the consistency of it is denser than I thought. It glides smoothly on the skin and absorbs pretty fast as well. However, it is sticky once applied, but once it is dried out and fully absorbs, it gives a nice smooth feel to the skin.
Scent-Wise
The labels state that it's fragrance-free, but it has a strong earthy scent which I guess is from one of the ingredients used. As long as it doesn't use artificial fragrance, then it should be fine.
Experience
I made sure I studied Alpha-Arbutin first before I started using this serum, which is probably why I'm seeing fine results after a week of using it. I'm using this in my AM and PM routine just after applying another layer of serum on top. I applied hydrating serums first because this serum is tacky, and it feels heavy on the skin. I make sure my first layer of serum is completely absorbed before I applied the Alpha-Arbutin serum; this is to make sure I don't degrade it and have its full benefits absorbed. I also use the Alpha-Arbutin serum as a spot treatment, where I only pat it in areas where I want to reduce dark marks on my cheeks. The hydrating serum I used in my first layer is used for the whole face, so my skin doesn't feel so dry before applying moisturizer. I also make sure this Alpha-Arbutin serum is completely absorbed before I apply moisturizer afterwards.
After a week of using this, I can visibly see a reduction in my past acne marks. Honestly, I tried so many products to clear these marks, but none of them manages to completely clear them out before my skin starts to grow acne again. But with this one, I'm impressed, it's been a week, and I see no new acne popping out. My skin is smooth, but past acne marks are still visible. I'm guessing it may take a while before I can fully see clear results. Right now, I can only see minimal fading of my acne marks.
UPDATE: 16/8/2021
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| Pictures are taken at the same place and time, colour varies due to natural lighting |
Overall Thoughts
I've read excellent reviews for the brand and also the product. This is also my first time trying a serum from this brand, and I regret not trying it sooner. I was probably always afraid of their actives' potency since this brand is famous for potent actives and zero shity ingredients. I'm glad that I chose to use The Ordinary's Alpha Arbutin Serum first because Alpha-Arbutin is an active ingredient that goes well with any ingredient, especially exfoliants, vitamin c's and retinol. So I didn't have to change my current routine to start using this.
Overall, I feel like this is my next holy grail product!
Rate: 5/5
Repurchase: Yes!
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