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 serums exfoliate and brighten the skin transforming your skin from drab to fab. But what is aha and bha? Is The Ordinary’s peeling solution an exfoliator? And, more importantly, what ingredients are in the K-beauty brand Mixsoon’s top-selling product exactly?
Prepare to be dazzled as we unravel the mysteries behind these skin-brightening champions comparing their potency and results, and revealing the spellbinding benefits that have made them the talk of the beauty town.
The Products at a Glance
Pressed for time but keen to make an informed choice? No problem! This quick yet thorough guide breaks down each product, allowing you to easily compare and select the best brightening product for your needs.
Comparing Products
Your path to a radiant, lit-from-within glow starts here. So, let’s look at what makes each product special, its benefits, and of course, its pros and cons.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin Serum
| Pros | Cons |
What it is
The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA works for all skin types, especially those with dryness, uneven skin tone, and dull skin appearance. It works by brightening skin, reducing pores, healing scars, reducing ageing, moisturising, and smoothing texture.
The top benefits of alpha arbutin for the skin include clearing up dark spots, fighting hyperpigmentation, and deeply hydrating skin.
Hero Ingredients
Naturally, the top ingredient in this serum is alpha arbutin — a naturally occurring antioxidant. Alpha arbutin benefits include a reduction in melanin formations helping brighten dull skin, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. This humectant allows moisture to travel deep below skin layers for more intense moisture which not only helps keep skin plump but also helps minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
Why it Works
Adding alpha arbutin to your skin routine will give you the ultimate boost in your end goal of reaching flawless skin. This water-based serum only has a 2% concentration of alpha arbutin making it gentle enough to use daily and in conjunction with other serums like AHAs and Vitamin C.
How to Use it
Apply a few drops of the serum to the face both in the morning and evening as part of your regular skincare routine. Be sure to follow up with sun protection during the day when using this product, as it may increase sun sensitivity.
For best results, apply the serum after cleansing the skin and before any anhydrous (waterless) serums, oils, suspensions or creams in your regimen. This allows the serum to absorb effectively into the skin before layering on other products.
The Ordinary Peeling Solution (AHA BHA Serum)
| Pros | Cons |
What it is
Carefully formulated, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution helps anyone with textural irregularities, dullness, and uneven skin tone. The chemical exfoliant cuts down the costs of chemical peels by allowing you to do it at home. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) help remove multiple layers of skin cells to unveil a clear, glowing complexion.
While it can be used at home, it’s only for experienced users and isn’t compatible with anyone with sensitive skin. For those looking to get rid of blackheads, This peeling solution can be an effective option, but it’s crucial to follow usage guidelines carefully to avoid potential issues like chemical burns or over-exfoliation
Hero Ingredients
Glycolic and Lactic Acid exfoliate the skin’s surface, improving texture and radiance by removing dead skin cells.
Salicylic Acid penetrates deep into pores to clear congestion and reduce blemishes, making it effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a modified, cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that reduces water loss and promotes a plumper, more elastic complexion.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract has plenty of anti-inflammatory and capillary strengthening benefits instantly soothing sensitive and irritated skin.
Why it Works
This serum is one of our top Ordinary skincare power picks because the texture and water-based formula help the acids penetrate the skin layers to exfoliate and unclog pores. Formulating it as a serum allows for better control over the acid concentration and pH compared to other formats like creams or lotions.
How to Use it
Aim to use this exfoliant only once or twice a week in the evening. Apply an even layer on a dry face using your fingertips before any serums, oils, or creams. Leave the masque on the skin for no longer than 10 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Remember to use sunblock and limit sun exposure while using and at least one week after using this serum.
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Mixsoon Bean Essence
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What it is
Mixsoon’s Bean Essence is a cult favourite among K-beauty stans. The gentle yet effective essence has the perfect balance at hand whether you’re seeking hydration or exfoliant with minimal irritation.
Bean Essence is very gentle and best for exfoliating and hydrating textured skin. It strengthens skin health, moisturises, and revitalises skin tone while taking care of dead skin cells to achieve a smooth skin texture.
Hero Ingredients
Fermented ingredients have been a cornerstone of Korean skincare for years, prized for their antioxidants and natural AHAs which assist in revitalising benefits to the skin. So, it’s no surprise that this Korean essence includes a handful of fermented hero ingredients.
The added fermented soybean contains peptides which promote collagen production helping to give skin a natural glow.
Fermented barley holds essential vitamins and minerals that revitalise and hydrate the skin.
Many people don’t know this, but fermented pomegranate contains natural AHAs which exfoliate rough skin to give it a renewed, smooth texture.
Thanks to fermented Korean pear, this serum is high in Vitamin A and E which aids in hydrating and plumping fine and dehydration lines.
Why it Works
Mixsoon’s Bean Essence is a beloved gem among skincare enthusiasts because it is gentle yet versatile. It’s formulated to be slightly thicker than traditional essences but remains lightweight so it’s easily absorbed without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.
How to Use it
Mixsoon’s Bean Essence can be used in two ways: as an exfoliant or a hydrating essence.
As an exfoliator (2-3 times a week): After toning, but before any other essences or creams, pump one drop onto your skin and massage in circular motions. You should feel small balls forming in the skin as the essence exfoliates and clears away dead skin.
As a hydrating essence (twice daily): As a hydrating layer, pour 2-3 pumps into your palm or fingertips. Pat this on after your other essences to help the product absorb into your skin. After the essence is fully absorbed, follow up with your favourite moisturiser to lock in hydration and benefits.
FAQ
Can I Use Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C Together?
Yes, you can use Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C together. They complement each other effectively, targeting dark spots, and enhancing skin brightness. This combination also provides antioxidant benefits, promoting a more youthful appearance. Just ensure to apply them correctly in your skincare routine for optimal results.
Can I Use AHA BHA With Niacinamide?
Yes, you can use AHA and BHA with niacinamide, but applying them at different times of the day is best. Combining them may reduce their effectiveness due to differing pH levels. For optimal results, consider using AHA or BHA in the morning and niacinamide at night to avoid irritation and enhance benefits.
Does Alpha Arbutin Cause Acne?
Alpha Arbutin is generally safe and can help reduce acne scars, but in rare cases, it may cause mild breakouts — particularly for those with sensitive skin. That is why it’s essential to perform a patch test to gauge your skin’s reaction before incorporating it into your routine.
Unveil Your Glow: Our Top Pick for Going from Dull to Dazzling
Mixsoon’s Bean Essence stands out as our top choice for skincare, thanks to its unique blend of fermented ingredients that hydrate, exfoliate, and enhance skin texture. To achieve similar results with The Ordinary products, you would need to combine their AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution for exfoliation and Alpha Arbutin for hydration.
The convenience and effectiveness of Mixsoon’s formula make it a compelling option for anyone seeking a radiant complexion.
Curious about how other products in these skincare brands stack up? Head to our The Ordinary vs Mixsoon comparison blog for more side-by-side brand reviews to make your choices easier!
Mixsoon Skincare
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