The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA vs The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

Two night treatments, compared on what the catalogue records about each.

Which should you buy? The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion costs about $3 more. Pick The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA for melasma, starting out gently, pregnancy and nursing. Pick The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for fine lines, textured hair, fragrance-free.

The Ordinary

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Nine dollars and one of the gentlest ways to start on dark spots. Slow. Give it 8 to 12 weeks.

1 oz, around $9. Dark spots, Melasma, Post-acne marks, An affordable pick

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The Ordinary

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

The amber bottle. Texture, fine lines and tone over months, not weeks, and only if you will actually wear sunscreen daily. Do not start it the same week as an acid, and not while pregnant or nursing.

1 oz, around $12. Fine lines, Textured hair, Post-acne marks, Dark spots

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Side by side

  The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
1 oz, around $9
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
1 oz, around $12
Pricearound $9around $12
Size1 oz1 oz
Suited toDark spots, Melasma, Post-acne marks, An affordable pick, Deeper skin tonesFine lines, Textured hair, Post-acne marks, Dark spots, An affordable pick
Only this oneMelasma, Starting out gently, Pregnancy and nursingFine lines, Textured hair, Fragrance-free

What they share

Both are night treatments suited to dark spots, post-acne marks, an affordable pick, deeper skin tones, sensitive skin.

Questions people also ask

What is the difference between The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA and The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion costs about $3 more. Pick The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA for melasma, starting out gently, pregnancy and nursing. Pick The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for fine lines, textured hair, fragrance-free.

Which is cheaper, The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion?

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, at around $9 for 1 oz, against around $12 for 1 oz. Retail prices move, so check the retailer.

What do The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA and The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion have in common?

Both are night treatments suited to dark spots, post-acne marks, an affordable pick, deeper skin tones.

Catalogue entries last updated . Prices move constantly and are checked against the retailer, not stored here.