“Should you get another serum now that The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is out of stock?”
“Will another product work just as well?
“Should I look for the same ingredients, or try one with kojic acid or niacinamide instead?”
If you’re asking these questions, your concerns are valid. Beauty By Daz has five alternatives to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin that are worth considering, and we’ve broken down their key ingredients and how they compare to help you find one that suits your skin.
Here’s everything you need to know.
TL;DR: The Best Alternatives to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin
- Garden of Wisdom Alpha Arbutin 2% + Kojic Acid 1% Serum pairs 2% alpha arbutin with kojic acid, a vitamin C derivative and niacinamide.
- Cosmo 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum is the closest like-for-like swap, with 2% alpha arbutin and hyaluronic acid.
- MacGregor Discoloration Fade Serum Alpha Arbutin 7% is a pigmentation-focused treatment with advertised 7% alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide.
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin delivers 2% alpha arbutin in a 68.6% rice bran water base for dark spots and dullness.
- Cos De BAHA Arbutin + Niacinamide Serum uses 5% beta-arbutin with 5% niacinamide, so it’s an arbutin alternative rather than a direct alpha arbutin match.
- Alpha arbutin is generally well tolerated, but patch-test any new serum and wear sunscreen every morning.
- All five are available at Beauty By Daz, Ogudu City Mall, Lagos, with delivery across Nigeria in 2026.
A Quick Look at the Alternatives to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin
The five best alternatives to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin serum at Beauty By Daz are Garden of Wisdom, Cosmo, MacGregor, Beauty of Joseon, and Cos De BAHA.
Four use alpha-arbutin, like The Ordinary, while Cos De BAHA uses beta-arbutin.
Here is a closer look at the differences between them:
| Product | Why you might choose it | Arbutin type and concentration | Main ingredients |
| Garden of Wisdom Alpha Arbutin 2% + Kojic Acid 1% | Want several brightening ingredients in one serum | Alpha arbutin, 2% | Kojic acid, a vitamin C derivative, and niacinamide for the look of uneven tone |
| Cosmo 2% Alpha Arbutin | Want a simple 2% alpha arbutin serum | Alpha arbutin, 2% | Brightening plus hyaluronic acid hydration |
| MacGregor Discoloration Fade Serum | Dealing with stubborn dark spots and post-acne marks | Alpha arbutin, 7% | Tranexamic acid and niacinamide for the look of persistent discolouration |
| Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum | Want to target dark spots while adding hydration and glow | Alpha arbutin, 2% | Rice bran water base for hydration and glow |
| Cos De BAHA Arbutin + Niacinamide | Want arbutin and niacinamide in one product | Beta-arbutin, 5% | 5% niacinamide plus hyaluronic acid |
What Are the Benefits of Alpha Arbutin for Your Skin?
The benefits of alpha arbutin include:
- Fades dark spots: Helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation.
- Evens skin tone: Can make your complexion look clearer and more even.
- Gentle on skin: A milder brightening option for people who find stronger actives irritating.
P.S. Give it two to three months of consistent use before judging your results, and don’t skip your daily sunscreen.
Wondering why your dark spots aren’t fading? Skipping sunscreen and switching products too quickly are two common reasons. Read our guide on how to use a face serum for dark spots properly, or explore our top face serums for hyperpigmentation.
Alpha Arbutin vs Arbutin: What’s the Difference?
“Oh, I thought alpha arbutin and beta-arbutin are the same?”
Well…
Alpha arbutin and arbutin (also called beta-arbutin) are two forms of the same brightening molecule, and both are used in skincare that targets the look of dark spots and uneven tone.
On an ingredient list, alpha arbutin appears as “Alpha-Arbutin,” while beta-arbutin is usually listed simply as “Arbutin.”
So we won’t tell you one is better because there are mixed results. What matters when you shop is knowing which form you’re buying, because their concentrations aren’t directly comparable.
5 Alternatives to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin
The five alternatives to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin are Garden of Wisdom Alpha Arbutin 2% + Kojic Acid 1%, Cosmo 2% Alpha Arbutin, MacGregor Discoloration Fade Serum 7%, Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum, and Cos De BAHA Arbutin + Niacinamide; four of them use alpha arbutin, while Cos De BAHA uses beta-arbutin.
Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
1. Garden of Wisdom Alpha Arbutin 2% + Kojic Acid 1% Serum
The Garden of Wisdom Alpha Arbutin 2% + Kojic Acid 1% Serum is the pick if you want several brighteners working in one bottle.
It has the same 2% alpha arbutin as The Ordinary, but adds 1% kojic acid, 2% sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a stable form of vitamin C), and 1.5% niacinamide.
The Ordinary keeps things simple with alpha arbutin and hyaluronic acid. Garden of Wisdom takes a multi-ingredient approach to the look of dark spots, post-acne marks and uneven skin tone. So if your current routine feels too basic, this is worth a look.
P.S.: Because it already contains niacinamide and a vitamin C derivative, check your other products so you don’t double up.
It’s in stock at Beauty By Daz, so you can shop it today.
2. Cosmo 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum
Did you love The Ordinary because it was simple? Then the Cosmo 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum is the closest match on this list.
Like The Ordinary, it pairs 2% alpha arbutin with hyaluronic acid (listed as sodium hyaluronate) in a water-based serum.
The difference is that Niacinamide also appears in Cosmo’s ingredient list, although the brand doesn’t disclose how much.
It’s a simple switch if you don’t want to change much about your routine.
You can shop the Cosmo 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum here.
3. MacGregor Discoloration Fade Serum Alpha Arbutin 7%
The MacGregor Discoloration Fade Serum contains 7% alpha arbutin with tranexamic acid and niacinamide. These ingredients are commonly used in products that target the look of excess pigmentation. It also contains licorice root, mulberry root and centella extracts.
Compared with The Ordinary’s single-active formula, this is a more targeted, multi-active option. It’s designed to help fade the look of dark spots, brighten dull skin and promote a clearer, more even, naturally radiant-looking complexion.
Just make sure you’re getting the original MacGregor Discoloration Fade Serum. You can find it at Beauty By Daz.
4. Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin is a good fit if you’re dealing with dark spots and dullness at the same time.
It contains 2% alpha arbutin, the same strength as The Ordinary. But instead of a plain water base, most of the formula is 68.6% rice bran water. It also lists niacinamide and panthenol.
Where The Ordinary relies on hyaluronic acid for hydration, Beauty of Joseon uses its rice bran water base and grain extracts to help your skin feel hydrated and look brighter.
For more on the serum, read our Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum review.
5. Cos De BAHA Arbutin + Niacinamide Serum
The Cos De BAHA Arbutin + Niacinamide Serum is the one on this list that’s slightly different.
It uses 5% beta-arbutin (listed simply as “Arbutin”), not alpha arbutin. So it’s an arbutin-based alternative rather than a direct alpha arbutin equivalent.
Both forms of arbutin are used in skincare that targets the look of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone.
Cos De BAHA pairs its arbutin with 5% niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, plus aloe, green tea, and alpine flower extracts. Two key actives, one step. That makes it worth considering if you want brightening and niacinamide without adding another serum.
Also, if you’re looking for more niacinamide options, see our top niacinamide serums for oily skin, or shop the Cos De BAHA Arbutin + Niacinamide Serum.
Now that you know the five alternatives to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin Serum, let’s talk about how to use them in your routine.
How to Introduce Alpha Arbutin Into Your Skincare Routine
To introduce alpha arbutin into your skincare routine, patch test first, apply the serum to clean skin, follow with moisturiser, and wear sunscreen every morning, because sun exposure can make dark spots look darker and slow down your progress.
Here’s a simple way to start:
- Patch test: Apply a small amount to one area, such as your jawline or inner arm, and watch for a day or two before using it on your whole face.
- Cleanse gently: Use a mild cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser to remove dirt without stripping your skin.
- Apply your serum: Follow the product’s directions for how much to use and whether to apply it morning, night or both. Most water-based serums go on after cleansing and before creams. Here’s our step-by-step guide to applying face serum.
- Moisturise: A lightweight option like the Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer helps keep your skin barrier comfortable.
- Wear sunscreen every morning: This step matters most when you’re fading dark spots. Try the NIVEA Sun Protect Water Gel SPF50, or compare more picks in our best sunscreens in Nigeria guide.
- Add one new active at a time: Give your skin a couple of weeks to settle before introducing anything else, so you know what works and what doesn’t.
P.S.: More products and higher strengths don’t mean faster results. Layering several brighteners at once can irritate your skin, and on melanin-rich skin, irritation can leave new dark marks behind.
Does Alpha Arbutin Have Side Effects?
Alpha arbutin is generally well tolerated, but some people may notice redness, stinging, dryness or small breakouts, especially when it’s layered with other strong actives.
Keep in mind that the arbutin itself doesn’t always cause a reaction. Other ingredients in the formula, such as kojic acid, niacinamide or botanical extracts, can also be the trigger.
Getting new breakouts after starting a brightening serum? Alpha arbutin doesn’t exfoliate, so a flare-up is more likely irritation than purging. Learn the difference in our guide to skin purging, and watch for these signs of a damaged skin barrier.
Who Should Consider Alpha Arbutin Alternatives and Who Shouldn’t?
- If you have post-acne marks that stay after breakouts heal, you can try, but if you have a damaged or severely irritated skin barrier, don’t.
- If you have dark spots or uneven skin tone, but don’t if your pigmentation is spreading, changing, or appearing suddenly.
- You can get an alpha arbutin alternative if you’ve used The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin and want a similar option, but don’t if you’re allergic to The Ordinary.
- If you want a gentle brightening serum for a simple routine, an alpha arbutin alternative can work well; if your skin is highly reactive, it’s not a good choice.
- It’s great if you want a brightening serum plus ingredients like niacinamide or kojic acid.
- Don’t buy one if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or using prescription treatments such as tretinoin or hydroquinone.
If you’re not sure where you fit, then book a skin consultation with Beauty By Daz, and our aestheticians will help you choose based on your skin and routine.
Which Is Better for Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C or Alpha Arbutin?
Neither vitamin C nor alpha arbutin is better for everyone, because alpha arbutin mainly slows down melanin production, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that also helps brighten the look of uneven tone, and many people get good results by using both in the same routine.
| Alpha arbutin | Vitamin C | |
| Main role | Slows tyrosinase, the enzyme behind melanin production | Antioxidant that also helps brighten |
| Common forms | Alpha-arbutin | Pure vitamin C or gentler forms like sodium ascorbyl phosphate. |
| Texture and feel | Usually lightweight and gentle | Pure forms can sting; derivatives are usually milder |
| What to note | Alpha arbutin stays stable and effective when it’s properly formulated. | Pure vitamin C can break down when exposed to light and air. |
You can also read our Beauty Formulas Vitamin C Serum review if you’re considering introducing vitamin C to your routine.
What to Consider Before Buying an Alpha Arbutin Alternative
Before buying an alpha arbutin alternative, you should check the following:
- The actives and their concentrations: Look for “Alpha-Arbutin” or “Arbutin” on the ingredient list, and note any percentage the brand discloses. A higher percentage doesn’t guarantee better results.
- The rest of the formula: Four of these five alternatives list niacinamide. If you already use a niacinamide serum, you may not need two.
- Your skin’s tolerance: Sensitive skin usually does better with simpler formulas and one new product at a time. Our skincare routine for sensitive skin can help.
- Your main concern: Post-acne marks, sun spots and hormonal pigmentation don’t always respond the same way. Choose the formula that matches what you’re treating.
- Authenticity: A fake serum can waste your money and irritate your skin, so buy from a trusted store like Beauty by Daz.
Beauty By Daz Tip: Before buying a serum, check the packaging, batch number, ingredients and the product itself for anything unusual. If the price seems too good to be true or the seller can’t confirm where it came from, walk away.
Still deciding which serum suits your skin? Browse our collection of face serums for dark spots to compare more options for your skincare routine.
Where to Buy Original Alpha Arbutin Serums in Nigeria?
Beauty By Daz is one place to shop for authentic alpha arbutin serums in Nigeria, located at 175 Ogudu Road, Lagos.
At Beauty By Daz, we go straight to the manufacturers for our skincare products, so there’s no need to worry about getting a counterfeit product.
Don’t just take our word for it. Customers have shared their experiences with the store.
One customer praised Beauty By Daz for “not compromising on quality,” while another mentioned being impressed with the quality of the products and described the customer service as “top-notch.”
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Other customers have also highlighted the authenticity of the products, good prices and their overall shopping experience.
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That’s the kind of reassurance you want when buying skincare products, especially ingredients like alpha arbutin, where getting the original product matters
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If you can’t make it to the physical store, you can shop online instead. Beauty By Daz offers nationwide delivery across Nigeria, so getting your alpha arbutin serum doesn’t have to be a struggle.
P.S.: Delivery within Lagos takes 1 to 3 working days, and outside Lagos takes 3 to 10 working days. The store is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin
1. What Is the Best Alternative to The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin?
The closest is the Cosmo 2% Alpha Arbutin Face Serum, because it pairs the same 2% alpha arbutin with hyaluronic acid in a simple water-based serum. If you want extra brightening ingredients, Garden of Wisdom or MacGregor may suit you better.
2. What Ingredients Should You Avoid Combining With Alpha Arbutin?
No ingredient is universally off-limits with alpha arbutin, but layering it with several strong actives at once, such as retinoids, exfoliating acids, or benzoyl peroxide, can raise your risk of irritation. Follow each product’s directions and introduce one active at a time. If you are using retinol too, read our guide to the best retinol serums.
3. What Are the Disadvantages of Alpha Arbutin?
Alpha arbutin works gradually, needs consistent use and daily sunscreen, and may not fully fade deeper or hormonal pigmentation like melasma. Some people also find it irritating, depending on the formula.
4. Where Can I Buy Alpha Arbutin in Nigeria?
You can buy alpha arbutin serums from Beauty By Daz at Ogudu City Mall, Lagos, or online with delivery across Nigeria. Garden of Wisdom, Cosmo, MacGregor, and Beauty of Joseon all contain alpha arbutin.
5. What Can I Use Instead of Alpha Arbutin?
Other ingredients used for the look of hyperpigmentation include niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C and licorice extract. See our Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA review and our Ezanic Azelaic Acid Gel review.
6. What Makes Hyperpigmentation Worse?
Unprotected sun exposure, picking or squeezing spots, harsh scrubbing and irritation from too many actives can all make hyperpigmentation worse. Hormonal changes and unregulated skin-lightening creams can also cause uneven patches.
7. Which Is Better for Hyperpigmentation: Niacinamide or Glycolic Acid?
Neither is better for everyone, because niacinamide is gentle and helps reduce the look of dark spots, while glycolic acid exfoliates surface marks but can irritate skin and increase sun sensitivity. If your skin is prone to dark marks after irritation, start gently. Our lactic acid serum guide covers lactic acid, a milder exfoliating acid.
8. What Happens If I Use Alpha Arbutin Every Day?
Most alpha arbutin serums are designed for daily use, and consistent use is what helps dark spots fade over time. Follow your product’s directions on whether to apply it in the morning, at night, or both, and wear sunscreen every morning.
So… Should You Switch From The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin in 2026?
Yes, switching from The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin makes sense if it’s unavailable or you want a formula with extra brightening ingredients, as long as you choose the alternative that matches your main concern and that your skin can tolerate with consistent, everyday use.
Go for;
- Cosmo, if you want the closest swap.
- Garden of Wisdom or MacGregor. If you want more brighteners in one bottle, look at
- Beauty of Joseon, if your dullness is part of the problem,
- and consider Cos De BAHA. If you want arbutin with niacinamide in one step.
Whichever you choose, consistency and daily sunscreen will do more for your dark spots than strength alone.
If you’re ready to make the switch, Beauty By Daz has got you. You can shop online or reach us on WhatsApp on +234 703 975 6477 if you need help choosing. :))