Head to head

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution vs The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

The bottom line

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution does more across the board (it leads on oil-control & blemishes, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is the simpler, more pared-back pick.

Reach for The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if you want the actives; The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.

The OrdinaryAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionExfoliant · ~€8See every ingredient in AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, decoded
The OrdinaryLactic Acid 10% + HAExfoliant · ~€13See every ingredient in Lactic Acid 10% + HA, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if

  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
  • fine lines and firmness are the goal
  • you want the more affordable option

Pick Lactic Acid 10% + HA if

  • you are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
  • you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionLactic Acid 10% + HA
  • Hydration
    1010
  • Barrier repair
    87
  • Brightening / tone
    43
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    103
  • Anti-aging
    75

Side by side

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionLactic Acid 10% + HA
TypeExfoliantExfoliant
Key activesGlycolic acid 30%, Salicylic acid (BHA) 2%, GlycerinGlycerin, Lactic acid 10%, Crosslinked sodium HA
TextureA middleweight lotion, enough to comfort without feeling heavy.A middleweight lotion, enough to comfort without feeling heavy.
FragranceNone detectedNone detected
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyLikely
PregnancyNo flagged activesNo flagged actives
Ingredients24 listed15 listed
Price~€8~€13

What's in one but not the other

Only in AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Only in Lactic Acid 10% + HA

The molecule doing the work

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionGlycolic acid
Lactic Acid 10% + HAGlycerin

Better for…

  • Fine lines & firmnessAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
  • Breakouts & congestionAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
  • Dryness & dehydrationEither works

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€13).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA better for fine lines & firmness?

For fine lines & firmness, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution does more across the board (it leads on oil-control & blemishes, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if you want the actives; The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.

Which is cheaper, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA?

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€13).

Can I use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA together?

They are both exfoliants, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.

Compare it with…

All 6 comparisons
Chemical structure of Glycolic acidChemical structure of Glycerin