The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With a plethora of products available, each boasting a variety of health claims, it can be difficult to decipher which products will truly deliver on their promises. Unfortunately, the reality is that many of these claims can be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It is, therefore, crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Rather than taking claims about products at face value, it is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within these products. This will help to establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA brightening serum from The Ordinary. This brand is known for its transparency and affordability, but does this product truly deliver on its promises?

Let’s look at the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Targets Uneven Skin Tone and Improves Pigmentation

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is a water-based serum specifically designed to target uneven skin tone and visibly improve pigmentation.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The product contains Alpha-Arbutin, a known skin-brightening ingredient. Alpha-Arbutin works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of melanin in the skin. By doing this, it can help to prevent the formation of melanin, leading to a reduction in dark spots and an improvement in overall skin tone. Therefore, the claim that the product targets uneven skin tone and improves pigmentation is true.

Claim #2: The Product Contains a High Concentration of Purified Alpha Arbutin

The Ordinary’s Website States: “It combines a high concentration of purified alpha arbutin, a well-known skin-brightening ingredient, with hyaluronic acid.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredients list confirms that Alpha-Arbutin is the second ingredient after water, suggesting that it is present in a high concentration. The order of ingredients on a product label usually reflects their concentration, with ingredients listed in descending order of weight. Therefore, the claim that the product contains a high concentration of purified Alpha Arbutin is true.

Claim #3: The Product Contains Hyaluronic Acid to Support Product Absorption

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid helps to support product absorption into the skin.”

Truth Assessment: Possibly

Explanation: The product does contain Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to retain moisture and create a plumping effect, but its role in enhancing product absorption is less clear. Some sources suggest that it can enhance penetration of other ingredients, but more research is needed to confirm this. Therefore, the claim that hyaluronic acid supports product absorption is possibly true.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 8/10

Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Likely

The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA appears to be largely truthful in its claims. The product does contain Alpha Arbutin, a known skin-brightening ingredient, in a high concentration, and it does target uneven skin tone and improve pigmentation. The claim about hyaluronic acid supporting product absorption is less clear, but it’s possible that it could enhance the penetration of other ingredients. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

Users should be mindful that while the ingredients list suggests a high concentration of Alpha Arbutin, the exact percentage is not disclosed. In skincare formulas, the order of ingredients reflects their concentration by weight, but this doesn’t tell us everything. For example, a product could contain a high concentration of an ingredient, but if it’s not used in an effective quantity, it may not deliver the promised benefits.

Remember, not all skincare products are created equal. It’s important to do your own research and not take all claims at face value. Look for evidence to back up claims, such as clinical studies or peer-reviewed research. Be skeptical of claims that sound too good to be true, and remember that everyone’s skin is different – what works for one person may not work for another.

This product review has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The review is conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, who utilizes a variety of reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided. These sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), and The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, various publicly available sources are also consulted to provide a well-rounded perspective on the product under review.