The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum vs Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration
Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration scores 7.8/9.8 vs The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum at 4.9/9.8. Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration wins for active ingredients.
Head to head
PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum
Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration
Score comparison
Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration takes this one, winning 3 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: July 2026
Attribute battle
Hydration Efficacy
Topicals WINSIrritation Risk
TIEActive Ingredient Strength
Topicals WINSIngredient Transparency
Topicals WINSFormulation Safety
TIEIngredient face-off
8% overlapOnly in The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum
8 unique
Only in Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration
22 unique
Why Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration comes out ahead
Where Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration really shines is active ingredient strength, scoring 6.1 compared to The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum's 2.0. Its formula features Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, and Ceramide Eop in high positions, signalling meaningful concentrations.
Hydration Efficacy is another area of separation. Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration scores 6.9 here versus 3.9 for The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.
Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration brings Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, and Ceramide Eop as actives, while the Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum relies on Gluconolactone and Ectoin. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.
Best for your skin type
The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
Value comparison
The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum comes in at budget pricing with a 4.9 score, which is reasonable for what you get.
Our verdict
Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration wins this comparison with a meaningfully stronger ingredient profile and overall score.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum or Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration?
Based on ingredient analysis, Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.
Do The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum and Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration 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 PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum and Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm for Soothing + Hydration?
The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.