The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening vs The Ordinary Buffet
The Ordinary Buffet scores 8.9/9.8 vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening at 8.2/9.8. The Ordinary Buffet wins for hydration.
Head to head

AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening
Score comparison
The Ordinary Buffet edges ahead, winning 2 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: June 2026
Attribute battle
Hydration Efficacy
The Ordinary WINSIrritation Risk
TIEActive Ingredient Strength
The Ordinary WINSIngredient Transparency
TIEFormulation Safety
TIEIngredient face-off
23% overlapOnly in The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening
10 unique
Shared ingredients
11 in common
Only in The Ordinary Buffet
37 unique
Why The Ordinary Buffet comes out ahead
Where The Ordinary Buffet really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 8.7 compared to The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening's 3.7. 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 6.5 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.
The Ordinary Buffet brings Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 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
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
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
Both sit in the budget bracket, so value comes down to formulation quality. The Ordinary Buffet gets the nod here with its 8.9 overall score — you're getting more for a similar outlay.
Our verdict
The Ordinary Buffet 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: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening 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 The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening 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 The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% High-Strength Peeling Solution for Brightening and The Ordinary Buffet?
The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.
More comparisons
We may earn a commission from purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gracie free and independent.