The Ordinary

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Name: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Brand: The Ordinary

Available in 30ml, 60ml

Quick Summary

Best forNot stated by the brand

Worth notingNo fragrance listed

Key ingredientsAlpha Arbutin, Hyaluronic Acid, Ergothioneine

OverallAlpha Arbutin 2% + HA is a skincare product from The Ordinary built around alpha arbutin (brightening), hyaluronic acid (hydrating) and ergothioneine (antioxidant). No fragrance is listed in its ingredients.

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Ingredient Analysis

14 of 15 ingredients identifiedNo fragrance listed

Key ingredients

Alpha Arbutin Hyaluronic Acid Ergothioneine

Full ingredient list (15) — tap a highlighted ingredient to learn more

Aqua (Water) Solvent & base Generally gentle
Alpha-Arbutin Brightening & dark spots Generally gentle
Propanediol Humectant & solvent All skin types
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Texture & smoothing agents All skin types
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate Hydration & moisture retention Generally gentle
Ergothioneine Antioxidant Generally gentle
Polysorbate 20 Emulsifier & solubiliser All skin types
Citric Acid pH adjuster All skin types
Sodium Citrate pH adjuster All skin types
Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster All skin types

Show the other 5 ingredients

Sodium Metabisulfite pH adjuster All skin types
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Chelator & stabiliser All skin types
Ethoxydiglycol
Phenoxyethanol Preservative All skin types
Chlorphenesin Preservative All skin types

Ingredients from the Boots.com listing, checked 19 Oct 2026, in INCI order. Brands reformulate, so check the pack if you react to an ingredient. Highlighted ingredients link to our guide. Informational only — not medical advice.

Common questions

Is The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA fragrance-free?

Yes. No fragrance, essential oils or fragrance allergens are listed in its ingredients.

Does The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contain alcohol?

No drying alcohol (alcohol denat. or ethanol) is listed.

Is The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA safe for fungal acne?

It contains one ingredient that fungal-acne (Malassezia) guides usually avoid: polysorbates (polysorbate 20). How much it matters depends on the amount and the rest of the formula. The evidence comes mainly from lab studies of yeast growth, and fungal acne needs a diagnosis from a GP or dermatologist.

Is The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA suitable for sensitive skin?

Its ingredient list avoids the most common irritants: no fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohol or strong exfoliating acids are listed. Reactions are individual, so patch-test anything new.