Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum scores 9.1/9.8 vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening at 8.2/9.8. Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum wins for hydration.
Head to head
1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening
Score comparison
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum edges ahead, winning 1 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: June 2026
Attribute battle
Hydration Efficacy
Farmacy WINSIrritation Risk
TIEActive Ingredient Strength
The Ordinary WINSIngredient Transparency
TIEFormulation Safety
TIEIngredient face-off
18% overlapOnly in Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
32 unique
Shared ingredients
7 in common
Only in The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening
14 unique
Why Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum comes out ahead
Where Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 8.6 compared to The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening's 3.7. With Glycerin, Isopentyldiol, and Panthenol in its top ingredients, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.
Active Ingredient Strength is another area of separation. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening scores 6.5 here versus 5.9 for Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum brings Ceramide Np, Tocopherol, and Retinol as actives, while the Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening relies on Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Lactic Acid. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.
Best for your skin type
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
Value comparison
At premium pricing with a score of 9.1, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum delivers strong value. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening sits at the budget level with a 8.2 score — the extra cost doesn't translate to better scores here.
Our verdict
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening is still a solid pick.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum or The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening?
Based on ingredient analysis, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.
Do Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening share ingredients?
Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.
What's the main difference between Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening?
The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.