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ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads vs The Ordinary Buffet

The Ordinary Buffet scores 8.9/9.8 vs ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads at 8.5/9.8. The Ordinary Buffet wins for hydration.

Head to head

ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads
ALPYN

Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads

cleansermid-range
8.5
VS
The Ordinary Buffet
The Ordinary

Buffet

serumbudget
8.9

Score comparison

The Ordinary Buffet edges ahead, winning 3 of 5 attributes.

2
3
ALPYN wins 0
Tied 2
The Ordinary wins 3
8.5ALPYN
+0.4vs
8.9The Ordinary

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

The Ordinary WINS
5.8
8.7
ALPYN
The Ordinary

Irritation Risk

The Ordinary WINS
9.2
9.5
ALPYN
The Ordinary

Active Ingredient Strength

The Ordinary WINS
6.0
8.4
ALPYN
The Ordinary

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
ALPYN
The Ordinary

Formulation Safety

TIE
8.9
9.0
ALPYN
The Ordinary

Why The Ordinary Buffet comes out ahead

Where The Ordinary Buffet really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 8.7 compared to ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads's 5.8. With Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Glycine in its top ingredients, The Ordinary Buffet delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.

Active Ingredient Strength is another area of separation. The Ordinary Buffet scores 8.4 here versus 6.0 for ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.

The Ordinary Buffet brings Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 as actives, while aLPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads relies on Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, and Lactic Acid. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations

The Ordinary Buffet is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
  • Targeting specific concerns like aging or uneven tone — Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 does the heavy lifting

Value comparison

At mid-range pricing with a score of 8.5, ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads is a decent pick. The Ordinary Buffet sits at the budget level with a 8.9 score — the higher investment pays off in formulation quality.

Our verdict

✶ Our verdict
+0.4 lead

The Ordinary Buffet edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads is still a solid pick.

8.5ALPYN
vs
8.9The Ordinary

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads or The Ordinary Buffet?

Based on ingredient analysis, The Ordinary Buffet scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads and The Ordinary Buffet share ingredients?

Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.

What's the main difference between ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads and The Ordinary Buffet?

The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.

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