The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + Hyaluronic Acid

Alpha arbutin works on pigment at the source, slowing the enzyme that produces melanin, which makes it one of the more useful options for melasma, sun spots and the brown marks left behind after a breakout. Paired here with hyaluronic acid so it hydrates rather than drying the skin. It is a slow, cumulative ingredient -- give it eight to twelve weeks, and understand that without daily sunscreen it will not work at all, because new sun exposure re-triggers the pigment faster than any serum can fade it. The Ordinary publishes one fixed price and effectively never discounts, so unlike the drugstore brands there is no waiting for a deal -- what you see is what you pay. That predictability is why these clear the margin bar when most skincare does not.

Morning and night on clean skin, before heavier creams. Sunscreen every morning is essential -- this product is close to pointless without it. Safe to layer with niacinamide and vitamin C.

Alpha Arbutin 2%, Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. Vegan, oil-free, alcohol-free.

Ingredient lists are transcribed from the packaging of the batch we hold. Manufacturers reformulate — always read the carton you receive, and patch test if you react easily.

Check the batch code and expiry first. On a genuine unit both are printed or embossed directly into the carton and the container rather than added on a stuck-on label, and the two match each other. The seal should be intact and machine-applied, the pump or dropper should move cleanly and firmly, and the ingredient list on the pack should match the one shown on this page. Texture and smell are worth a moment too: a thinner, more strongly perfumed version of a familiar product is a common sign of a copy. We photograph every unit as it arrives and record its batch code and expiry from the carton, so the item you receive is the one we checked. If anything does not match, send us photographs before you use it and we will sort it out with you.

Read the full counterfeit-spotting guide

• This one is a pre-order. We buy it in the United States for you and bring it over with our next shipment — normally about two to three weeks. That is an estimate, not a promise: we give you the date we expect when you order, and tell you if it moves.
• In and around our own area we deliver ourselves. Anywhere further goes by courier, and you are welcome to collect from us instead.
• The delivery charge is quoted and paid up front, never added afterwards. The rest is paid when the item reaches you.
• Damaged, incorrect or expired: tell us within 7 days with a photograph and we replace it on our next shipment — or refund you if we cannot. See our delivery and returns policy.