The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA 30ml

A high-strength water-based brightening serum built around 2% alpha-arbutin — a stable, biosynthetic glycoside that inhibits tyrosinase to gradually fade the look of dark spots, post-acne marks, and uneven tone. At 2%, the concentration is double the industry-standard 1% and has stronger fade-action than regular arbutin or beta-arbutin, while remaining well tolerated even on sensitive skin. The current formula is supported with ergothioneine — a powerful amino-acid antioxidant — to protect skin against environmental stress, plus hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate as a low-molecular-weight HA delivery support.

The pH is approximately 4.9, the level The Ordinary publishes as optimal for keeping alpha-arbutin chemically stable in a water-based system. The serum is gentle, easy to layer, and designed to be used daily in any regimen. Alpha-arbutin itself is not a chemical exfoliant and does not increase sun sensitivity — but daily broad-spectrum SPF is still essential during any pigmentation treatment, since UV exposure will undo brightening progress on existing spots.

• 2% pure alpha-arbutin for visibly fading dark spots and uneven tone
• pH around 4.9 — optimised to keep alpha-arbutin stable
• Lightweight, layers cleanly with niacinamide, retinol or Vitamin C