*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link! This supports me and keeps my blog running.* This post will be reviewing The Inkey List Alpha Arbutin vs The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin serums. When The Ordinary Skincare first launched, the first treatment serum I bought was Alpha
Arbutin. I struggled with hyperpigmentation, and I was excited to see how this serum would perform. Even though I had to use several bottles, getting results took quite a while. I should have paired it with a Retinol to speed up the process in hindsight. After The Ordinary released a standalone Alpha Arbutin serum, it’s safe to say many other brands followed suit either by formulating their own serums or including it in a brightening product. Alpha Arbutin comes from the family of Arbutin with a sibling
called Beta Arbutin, which are tyrosinase inhibitors. They help fade dark spots by stopping the melanin from forming on its tracks. It prevents new dark spots and old dark spots from getting more pigmentated. So if you have acne-prone skin prone to pigmentation, it is good to have Alpha Arbutin in your routine to prevent dark spots from forming, which is a hassle to altogether remove. To fade existing dark spots, you need to pair Alpha Arbutin with SPF
50, Retinol and other tyrosinase inhibitors like 15 – 20% Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Licorice Root Extract, etc. My favourite combined Alpha Arbutin serums include: Other Alpha Arbutin serums worth checking out include:
- Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Gel
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
The standard percentage you’ll find in the market is 2% Alpha Arbutin so don’t look for higher percentages because you won’t find them.
Let’s get down to the reviews!
The Ordinary has two Alpha Arbutin serums; one with 8% Vitamin C and one without. This is the one without which can be layered with The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid and Retinol to target hyperpigmentation. For complete routines, check out The Ordinary Skincare Regimen for Acne Scars.
Ingredient List & Fragrance
Like the rest of the products in The Ordinary’s portfolio, this has a basic ingredient list that comprises;
- Hyaluronic Acid
- 2% Alpha Arbutin
- Lactic Acid.
It is also alcohol, essential oil and fragrance-free.
Packaging, Texture & Consistency
The serum is packaged in a transparent dropper bottle. It has a viscous consistency that is not watery. Instead, as a result of the Hyaluronic Acid used in the formulation, it feels like the actual Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. The only difference is that it is less tacky. If you don’t use this serum on damp skin, there’s a good chance that it will pill. So, make sure you’re using a toner mist before and after application. It is water-based, lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin on application. It doesn’t sting or causes any kind of irritation, so it is completely safe for sensitive skin.
Availability, Price & Size
You’ll find this 30ml serum anywhere The Ordinary products are sold globally. The 30ml retails for $10 while the 60ml for $19.
Performance
As I mentioned earlier, I went through a few bottles before noticing any visible difference because I was using them alone. You need to pair it with one or two other brightening serums to get results quicker. It definitely works, and just like any other skincare product, you need to be patient and consistent. If you don’t want to deal with pigmentation, wearing your SPF50 religiously is a surefire way.
Review: The Inkey List Alpha Arbutin
Compared to The Ordinary Retinol, many people don’t really find alternatives to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin because it is easy to use across all skin types. If you can get past the piling, you don’t have to contend with greasiness like The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane. Still, I was interested to see what makes The Inkey List Alpha Arbutin tick hence this review.
Ingredient List & Fragrance
This serum is formulated with the following ingredients:
- 2% Alpha Arbutin
- Hyaluronic Acid
- 0.5% Squalane
- Tetrapeptide 30
- Soybean Extract
The Inkey List had a great opportunity here to make a banging brightening serum which would give the products on the market a run for their money. Instead, they went basic. Yes, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane are nice, but how does that improve hyperpigmentation? To spice things up, they should have thrown in some Retinol, Kojic Acid, or even Rice Bran or Liquorice Root Extract.
Anyway, this serum is also alcohol, essential oil and fragrance-free.
Packaging, Texture & Consistency
This serum is packaged in The Inkey List’s default 30ml tube, which will forever be a scam because of how little product is there. It has a lightweight gel-cream consistency which is quite hydrating and absorbs immediately on absorption. It gives a fresh, dewy finish as well. This formula is suitable across all skin types, so you don’t have to worry about piling or tackiness. All that has been taken care of.
Availability & Price
The serum is available everywhere The Inkey List products are sold. It retails for $12.49/£10.49 for 30ml.
Performance
Just like The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin, you also need to use this serum in conjunction with other brightening serums to get quicker results. Otherwise, you might need to go through a few tubes to get your desired results. Thankfully, it’s nice to apply and doesn’t really conflict with other actives. You can use it with Vitamin C, Retinol and Exfoliating Acids.
In Conclusion
These are two great Alpha Arbutin serums on the market. I’m honestly spoilt for choice. Personally, I prefer my Alpha Arbutin to be mixed with other tyrosinase inhibitors but if your skin is super sensitive and you’re struggling with post-acne hyperpigmentation, you can use any of these serums.