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

Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads
Score comparison
The Ordinary Buffet edges ahead, winning 3 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: July 2026
Attribute battle
Hydration Efficacy
The Ordinary WINSIrritation Risk
The Ordinary WINSActive Ingredient Strength
The Ordinary WINSIngredient Transparency
TIEFormulation Safety
TIEIngredient face-off
6% overlapOnly in ALPYN Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads
38 unique
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
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.


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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