Gracie

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum scores 8.7/9.8 vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening at 8.2/9.8. Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum wins for hydration.

Head to head

✶
Glow Recipe

Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum

exfoliantmid-range
8.7
VS
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening
The Ordinary

AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening

exfoliantbudget
8.2

Score comparison

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum edges ahead, winning 2 of 5 attributes.

2
3
Glow Recipe wins 2
Tied 3
The Ordinary wins 0
8.7Glow Recipe
+0.5vs
8.2The Ordinary

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Glow Recipe WINS
6.8
3.7
Glow Recipe
The Ordinary

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Glow Recipe
The Ordinary

Active Ingredient Strength

Glow Recipe WINS
7.6
6.5
Glow Recipe
The Ordinary

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
Glow Recipe
The Ordinary

Formulation Safety

TIE
9.0
9.0
Glow Recipe
The Ordinary

Why Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum comes out ahead

Where Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 6.8 compared to The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening's 3.7. With Methylpropanediol, Pentylene Glycol, and Sodium Hyaluronate in its top ingredients, Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.

Active Ingredient Strength is another area of separation. Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum scores 7.6 here versus 6.5 for The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum brings Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid, and Mandelic Acid 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

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Targeting specific concerns like aging or uneven tone — Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract does the heavy lifting
  • 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 mid-range pricing with a score of 8.7, Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid 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

✶ Our verdict
+0.5 lead

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid 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.

✶
8.7Glow Recipe
vs
8.2The Ordinary

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum or The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening?

Based on ingredient analysis, Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid Serum scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid 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 Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Acid 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.