Glow-Off: Side-by-Side
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin + AHA/BHA vs. Mixsoon Bean Essence
Feeling like your skin’s glow has gone into hiding? Bring back your radiance with these skin-brightening powerhouses: The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin + AHA/BHA vs. Mixsoon’s cult-favourite Bean Essence.
These enchanting formulas exfoliate and brighten, transforming skin from drab to fab. But what is AHA and BHA? Is The Ordinary’s peeling solution an exfoliator? And what exactly is in K-beauty brand Mixsoon’s top-selling essence? Let’s compare benefits, potency, and who each product is best for.
The products at a glance
Pressed for time but keen to make an informed choice? This quick guide compares each product so you can choose the best brightening option for your needs.
- Best for daily tone support: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
- Best for powerful weekly exfoliation: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- Best for gentle “all-in-one” glow care: Mixsoon Bean Essence
AHAs (like glycolic/lactic acid) exfoliate the skin’s surface for brightness + smoothness, while BHAs (like salicylic acid) go deeper into pores to clear congestion.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
What it is
A water-based brightening serum that supports a more even-looking tone and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and post-acne marks, without feeling harsh.
Dullness, uneven tone, dryness, post-acne marks, and beginners who want a gentle daily brightening step.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Can increase sun sensitivity, so SPF is essential |
| Helps reduce the look of dark spots and uneven tone | Sporadic use = slower results |
| Generally gentle for most skin types | Some users find it slightly tacky |
| Visible improvements can show within a few weeks (with consistency) | — |
Hero ingredients
- Alpha arbutin (2%) — supports a more even-looking tone by helping reduce the look of excess pigment
- Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate — a humectant that helps draw hydration into skin for a plumper look
Why it works
A gentle daily brightening step. The 2% concentration is beginner-friendly and layers easily with other routines—especially if you’re chasing glow without overdoing exfoliation.
How to use it
Apply a few drops morning and/or night after cleansing. Layer before heavier creams and oils. Always follow with sunscreen during the day.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
What it is
A strong at-home chemical exfoliant designed to help with dullness, uneven texture, visible congestion, and uneven-looking tone. Yes—this is an exfoliator, and a powerful one.
Experienced exfoliant users with textured, congested, or dull-looking skin (not for sensitive skin).
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Only recommended for experienced chemical exfoliant users |
| Instant glow + helps clear congestion | Can cause purging and irritation |
| Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free | Not compatible with many actives in the same routine |
| Helps reduce the look of fine lines over time | Makes skin more prone to sunburn (SPF is non-negotiable) |
Hero ingredients
- Glycolic + lactic acid (AHAs) — surface exfoliation for glow and smoother texture
- Salicylic acid (BHA) — helps clear pores and visible blemishes
- Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer — supports hydration and a plumper look
- Tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract — soothing support for the look of redness
Why it works
High-strength acids in a serum format allow controlled application and effective exfoliation—helping refine texture and clear congestion for a brighter-looking finish.
How to use it
1–2 nights per week only. Apply an even layer to a clean, dry face before other products. Leave on for no longer than 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Retinoids, peptides, additional direct acids, ethylated vitamin C, EUK 134.
Mixsoon Bean Essence
What it is
A cult K-beauty essence that sits in the sweet spot between hydration and gentle exfoliation—ideal if you want glow support with minimal irritation.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fungal acne safe | Pricier than similar products |
| Gentle + fragrance-free (sensitive-skin friendly) | Slippery, “web-like” texture takes getting used to |
| Mild exfoliation without irritation | Can run out faster if used as both essence + exfoliant |
| Antioxidants help defend against environmental stressors | Not suitable for soy allergies |
Hero ingredients
Fermented ingredients are a K-beauty cornerstone—loved for antioxidants and naturally occurring gentle exfoliation support.
- Fermented soybean — peptides that support a plumper, glowier look
- Fermented barley — vitamins and minerals for revitalised-looking skin
- Fermented pomegranate — naturally occurring gentle exfoliation support
- Fermented Korean pear — vitamin A & E support for hydration and bounce
Why it works
It’s versatile and easy to slot into routines. The texture is slightly thicker than traditional essences but still lightweight—absorbing without sticky residue.
How to use it
- As an exfoliator (2–3x/week): after toner, massage 1 pump in circular motions. You may feel small “balls” as it lifts dead skin.
- As a hydrating essence (daily): pat 2–3 pumps into skin to add glow-supporting hydration, then seal with moisturiser.
FAQ
Can I use alpha arbutin and vitamin C together?
Yes—many people pair them to target dark spots and boost brightness. Apply in a routine that feels comfortable for your skin and use sunscreen daily for best results.
Can I use AHA/BHA with niacinamide?
Yes, but it’s often best to use them at different times to reduce irritation. Consider using acids on certain nights and niacinamide on alternate nights.
Does alpha arbutin cause acne?
Alpha arbutin is generally well-tolerated, but any product can cause breakouts for some people. Patch test first—especially if your top concern is sensitivity.
Unveil your glow: our top pick for going from dull to dazzling
Mixsoon’s Bean Essence stands out as our top choice thanks to its unique fermented blend that supports hydration, gentle exfoliation, and smoother-looking texture in one step.
To recreate similar results with The Ordinary, you’d likely use Alpha Arbutin for tone support and AHA 30% + BHA 2% as a separate weekly exfoliation step. Mixsoon’s convenience makes it an easy, glow-friendly option for many routines.
- Choose Alpha Arbutin if you want a simple, affordable daily brightening serum.
- Choose the Peeling Solution if you’re an experienced user targeting texture + congestion weekly.
- Choose Bean Essence if you want a gentle, multi-tasking glow step with minimal fuss.
Curious how other products stack up? Head to our The Ordinary vs Mixsoon comparison blog for more side-by-side reviews.
Mixsoon Skincare
Enhance your skincare routine with Mixsoon—hydration, glow, and that glass-skin finish, without the drama.
Shop NowKey takeaway
For brightening, you can go two ways: targeted + strong (The Ordinary’s AHA/BHA peel + Alpha Arbutin) or gentle + multi-tasking (Mixsoon Bean Essence). Whichever route you choose, consistency and daily sunscreen are what keep your glow visible long-term.
