A comprehensive review of The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA. Learn about the benefits of alpha arbutin, how it works, and where you can purchase this product.
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Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA from The Ordinary is a treatment serum meant to help reduce the appearance of dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
This serum contains a 2% concentration, whereas most others contain just 1%. It also contains hyaluronic acid to help the delivery of the alpha arbutin into the skin.
On EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database website, this product is rated a 2, which falls into the green, or generally regarded as safe, category.
It’s suitable for all skin types and should be used in the AM and PM.
Benefits of Alpha Arbutin
The benefits of alpha arbutin include:
- reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation
- sun protection properties (daily sunscreen is still recommended)
- fade acne scars
- brighten skin
My Review
The majority of the reviews that I read regarding this alpha arbutin serum are positive. Most mention that this product is very effective at reducing the appearance of dark spots.
However, there were some negative reviews. Some reviews state that there was no improvement, while others didn’t see as much improvement as they would have liked.
My Skin Type
I have normal to combination skin. I do get a tad oily, mostly around my nose. There are visible pores on my nose and cheeks. I do not get blemishes often.
There is a larger dark spot on one check and some smaller spots or freckling around my eyes. I also have several areas of melasma under my eyes and on my cheeks. These are the areas that I was hoping to see improvement with.
I am 42 with only slight fine lines around my eyes that become more visible when I smile. I am also noticing a decrease in firmness lately.
How I Use Alpha Arbutin
I have been using alpha arbutin for approximately 2 months. I use it in the morning and the evening.
In the morning, I use it immediately after cleansing, before applying any moisturizers or eye creams.
In the evening, I have been using The Ordinary Toning Solution first, then alpha arbutin, followed by either retinol or rose hip seed oil.
While I do love the way that the alpha arbutin feels on my skin, I have not noticed much, if any, improvement with my main areas of concern. My one larger dark spot may have faded slightly, but it’s hard to say for sure. There is no change with the areas of melasma.
Cons
No one product is perfect for everyone, however, there are not many cons to trying Alpha Arbutin.
There is the possibility that it may not work on its own, or at all, for you. And, there is also the fact that once you stop using it, the pigmentation will likely come back.
It doesn’t have any side effects.
I do still recommend trying this product. There are many reviews with positive results, the cost is very low and the it won’t harm your skin.
Where To Buy
You can buy The Ordinary products, including Alpha Arbutin, at the websites below:
More Reviews of The Ordinary Products
This is the second product of many that I am testing from The Ordinary.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Review was written about the first product that I tried and absolutely love.
You can also check out my post on the 10 Best The Ordinary Products to help you decide which other products from this brand may work for you.
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