Serum comparison

Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum vs The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

For acne-prone skin, Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum scores higher (100% vs 67% clean). For fungal acne, Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum is the safer pick.

	Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum	The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Clean score	100%	67%
Pore-clogging	Acne-safe	Acne-safe
Fungal acne	Fungal-acne safe	Not fungal-acne safe
Ingredients rated 3+	0	0
Recognised ingredients	5 / 23	3 / 15
Type	leave-on	leave-on

Only in Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum

No extra flagged ingredients compared with the other product.

Only in The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Polysorbate 20: rated 0/5, fungal-acne trigger

Frequently asked questions

Which is better for acne-prone skin, Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum or The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA?

For acne-prone skin, Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum scores higher (100% vs 67% clean). For fungal acne, Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum is the safer pick.

Do Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum and The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA have similar ingredients?

They share 2 recognised ingredients, including Water and Sodium Hyaluronate.

Both scans use each brand's official ingredient list. See the product pages for sources and dates.

More free tools

Pore-Clog CheckerIs it acne & fungal-acne safe? Can I Mix…?Check two actives or your routine Routine Builder7-day AM/PM plan in 30s Hair Porosity TestOils & wash schedule for your hair Spray CalculatorHow many sprays is right? Perfume DupesLuxury smell, budget price Batch Code CheckerIs your makeup expired?