The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% VS Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial

Is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution a dupe for Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial? To be fully honest, I don’t use either product. I believe high concentrations of acids are safe only in professional hands. Sure, a facial costs more, but if your aesthetician knows what she’s doing, it’s less risky.

But if you’re the adventurous kind and want to do peels at home, you’re probably wondering if you should go for Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial or the much cheaper dupe, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Here are my thoughts on it:

What Ingredients Do These Peels Contain?

ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS TO FIGHT SUN DAMAGE

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a family of exfoliants. Both Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% use the same members: glycolic, tartaric, lactic and citric acids. These exfoliants work by dissolving the glue that holds skin cells together, so they can leave the building (ermm, I meant your skin) and give way to the smoother and brighter skin cells underneath. Glycolic acid is the most effective. It’s the smallest member so it easily penetrates skin. While it’s at it, it also hydrates skin and boosts collagen.

Lactic acid deserves special mention too. It’s the gentlest member of the family so it’s suitable for sensitive skin too. But don’t let that trick you into thinking there’s anything gentle about these exfoliants. At these concentrations, and coupled with its siblings, even lactic acid can irritate your skin.

So what are the concentration? Drunk Elephant uses a 25% blend of AHAs while The Ordinary ups the game and gives you a whooping 30%. More isn’t necessarily better in this case. The higher the dose, the higher the irritation (especially if you don’t follow the instructions to a T!).

FYI: both products are formulated at a 3.5-3.6 pH. That’s the ideal pH for this kind of exfoliation. Low enough to make the acids work their best. Not low enough to burn your skin (yes, acids at a low ph can do that! See why I prefer to rely on experts for peels?).

Related: The Complete Guide To Glycolic Acid

BHA TO UNCLOG PORES

AHAs are great for treating sun damage but if you want to keep your pores clean, you need to add BHA (salicylic scid) to the mix. Why? Unlike AHAs, salicylic acid is oil-soluble. In plain English, it means it can penetrate inside the pores, removing all the crap (think excess oil and dead skin cells) that clog them up and give you pimples. While it’s at it, it exfoliates the surface of the skin, too.

Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritations and the redness that always comes along with pimples. Both products use 2% of salicylic acid. That’s a standard dose that’s more than enough to do the exfoliating, pore-unclogging jobs.

Related: Why Salicylic Acid Is Key To Keeping Your Skin Pimple-Free

What Else Is In These Peels?

DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. SUKARI BABYFACIAL

• Water: This is your base ingredient, the foundation that everything else dissolves into. Without it, you’d just have a pile of powder and oils that wouldn’t do much for your skin.
• Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer: Okay so this mouthful is basically a gel-forming ingredient that gives the product that nice, spreadable texture. It’s what makes it feel silky instead of watery.
• Glycerin: This is one of the best humectants out there. It pulls moisture from the air into your skin and helps keep it there, so your face doesn’t feel tight or dry after using all those acids.
• Sodium Hydroxide: This is basically a pH adjuster. Acids can be super harsh on their own, so this balances everything out to a skin-friendly pH level so you don’t end up with a chemical burn situation.
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: Good old aloe vera. After all those exfoliating acids, your skin needs some TLC, and aloe is super soothing and anti-inflammatory. It helps calm everything down.
• Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract: This is from the tea plant family and it’s packed with antioxidants. Basically protects your skin from environmental damage and free radicals that age you.
• Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract: Fermented pumpkin sounds weird but it’s actually really cool. The fermentation process creates enzymes that gently exfoliate and brighten your skin, plus the probiotics can help balance your skin’s microbiome.
• Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract: Same deal but with pomegranate. It’s fermented to release all the good stuff like antioxidants and gentle exfoliating enzymes. Also helps with brightness and evening out skin tone.
• Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract: This is prickly pear cactus, and it’s surprisingly hydrating and soothing. It’s got minerals and antioxidants, and it helps calm irritation while keeping moisture locked in.
• Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract: Apples have natural fruit acids (malic acid mainly) that contribute to the gentle exfoliation party. Plus antioxidants because, why not add more good stuff.
• Silybum Marianum Seed Extract: Milk thistle extract is known for being anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich. It helps protect your skin and calm any redness or irritation from all the exfoliation going on.
• Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract: This is yeast extract, and it’s actually pretty great for skin. It helps with cell turnover, brightening, and can improve your skin’s texture over time.
• Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract: Grape extract is loaded with polyphenols and antioxidants that protect against aging and environmental damage. Plus it’s got some natural AHAs for gentle exfoliation.
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder: This is literally powdered green tea leaves. It’s an antioxidant powerhouse that fights inflammation and protects against free radical damage. Also has some anti-aging benefits.
• Cicer Arietinum Seed Powder: Chickpea powder acts as a very gentle physical exfoliant. It’s way less harsh than something like walnut shells, and it also has some skin-brightening properties.
• Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil: Marula oil is super rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants. It’s deeply moisturizing without being heavy, and it helps repair and protect your skin barrier.
• Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil: Passion fruit seed oil is lightweight but still moisturizing. It’s got linoleic acid which is great for balancing oil production and keeping your skin soft without clogging pores.
• Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate: This is a natural preservative made from fermented radish. It keeps the bad bacteria away without being as harsh as some synthetic preservatives.
• Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer: This is a special form of hyaluronic acid that’s been modified to hold even more water and penetrate deeper into your skin. It’s like hyaluronic acid on steroids for hydration.
• Sodium PCA: This is a natural component of your skin’s natural moisturizing factor. Adding it topically helps your skin hold onto water better and stay hydrated longer.
• Allantoin: This is a really gentle ingredient that soothes irritation and helps with healing. It’s great for sensitive skin and helps calm any potential irritation from the acids.
• Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: Derived from licorice root, this is anti-inflammatory and helps calm redness and irritation. It’s gentler than the straight licorice extract and plays nice with other ingredients.
• Dextrin: This is a type of starch that helps with the texture and consistency of the product. It also helps bind moisture to your skin.
• Polydextrose: Another texture modifier that also acts as a humectant to help your skin retain moisture. Makes the product feel nicer when you apply it.
• Sorbitan Isostearate: This is an emulsifier that keeps all the oil-based and water-based ingredients mixed together nicely. Without it, everything would separate and look gross.
• Amylopectin: This is a component of starch that helps create a smooth film on your skin and improves the product’s texture. Also helps with moisture retention.
• Niacinamide: This is vitamin B3 and it’s honestly a superstar ingredient. It brightens dark spots, minimizes pores, strengthens your skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and regulates oil production. It does basically everything.
• Phytosphingosine: This is a lipid that naturally occurs in your skin’s barrier. Adding it helps restore and strengthen that barrier, especially important when you’re using exfoliating acids regularly.
• Propanediol: This is a humectant that draws moisture to your skin, but it also helps other ingredients penetrate better and improves the overall texture of the product.
• Citric Acid: Mostly here to adjust the pH, but it’s also a very mild AHA that contributes a tiny bit to the exfoliation. Comes from citrus fruits.
• Titanium Dioxide: This is a white mineral pigment that makes the product look nice and opaque. It can also provide a tiny bit of physical sun protection, though not enough to rely on.
• Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate: This is a chelating agent that binds to metal ions in the water, which helps preserve the formula and keep it stable over time.
• Polysorbate 60: Another emulsifier that helps keep oil and water mixed together. Also helps the product spread smoothly across your skin.
• Caprylyl Glycol: This pulls double duty as both a humectant for moisture and a preservative booster that helps the main preservatives work better.
• Chlorphenesin: This is a preservative that keeps bacteria and other nasties from growing in your product. Nobody wants a moldy face mask.
• Phenoxyethanol: This is the main preservative workhorse in the formula. It’s widely used and effective at keeping your product safe to use over time.
• Tocopherol: This is vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects your skin from free radical damage. It also helps preserve the oils in the formula so they don’t go rancid.
• Pentylene Glycol: This is a humectant that helps with hydration, but it also has some antimicrobial properties that boost the preservative system.
• Potassium Sorbate: This preservative specifically targets mold and yeast, making sure nothing funky grows in your product.
• Sodium Benzoate: Another preservative that works alongside the others to create a complete preservation system. It’s particularly good against bacteria.
• Ethylhexylglycerin: This is a preservative enhancer that helps the other preservatives work more efficiently, and it also conditions your skin to make it feel soft and smooth.

THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% PEELING SOLUTION

• Aqua (Water): This is your base ingredient that everything else dissolves into. It’s the vehicle that carries all the active ingredients onto your skin and helps them spread evenly.
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water: This is basically aloe vera juice, and it’s super soothing and hydrating. After all those acids go to work, this helps calm everything down and keeps your skin from freaking out.
• Sodium Hydroxide: This is the pH balancer that keeps all those acids at a safe level for your skin. Without it, the acids would be way too harsh and could actually damage your skin barrier.
• Daucus Carota Sativa Extract: This is carrot extract, and it’s loaded with beta-carotene and antioxidants. It helps protect your skin from damage and can contribute to a brighter, more even complexion over time.
• Propanediol: This is a humectant that pulls moisture into your skin, but it also helps improve the texture of the product and helps other ingredients penetrate better. It’s derived from corn usually.
• Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine: This is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It helps with cleansing and also acts as a buffering agent to keep the pH stable, plus it makes the product foam a little if it’s meant to be rinsed off.
• Panthenol: This is provitamin B5, and it’s incredibly soothing and moisturizing. It helps repair your skin barrier and reduces inflammation, which is super important when you’re using multiple exfoliating acids.
• Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer: This is a fancy version of hyaluronic acid that’s been modified to hold even more water and penetrate deeper into your skin. It creates this moisture cushion that keeps your skin plump and hydrated.
• Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract: This is Tasmanian pepper extract, and it’s actually really soothing and anti-inflammatory despite being from a pepper plant. It helps calm irritation and reduce redness, especially helpful with all these acids.
• Glycerin: This is one of the most effective humectants out there. It draws moisture from the air into your skin and creates a protective barrier that prevents water loss, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
• Pentylene Glycol: This is a humectant that helps with hydration, but it also has antimicrobial properties that boost the preservative system. Plus it improves how the product feels when you apply it.
• Xanthan Gum: This is a natural thickener that gives the product a nice gel-like consistency. It helps everything stay suspended evenly so you’re not getting all the actives in one pump and just water in another.
• Polysorbate 20: This is an emulsifier that keeps oil-based and water-based ingredients mixed together nicely. It also helps the product rinse off cleanly without leaving a residue.
• Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate: This is a chelating agent that binds to metal ions in the water, which helps keep the formula stable and prevents the ingredients from breaking down over time.
• Potassium Sorbate: This preservative specifically fights mold and yeast, making sure nothing grows in your product. It’s pretty gentle as far as preservatives go.
• Sodium Benzoate: This is another preservative that works against bacteria and other microorganisms. It teams up with the other preservatives to create a complete defense system for the formula.
• Ethylhexylglycerin: This boosts the effectiveness of the other preservatives so they can use less of them overall. It also conditions your skin and makes it feel soft and smooth after application.
• 1,2-Hexanediol: This is a solvent and preservative booster that helps improve the texture and stability of the product. It also has some antimicrobial properties that help keep everything fresh.
• Caprylyl Glycol: This pulls double duty as both a humectant for moisture and a preservative enhancer. It helps the main preservatives work more efficiently while also making your skin feel nice.

WHICH FORMULA IS BETTER?

Sorry, The Ordinary. Drunk Elephant wins hands down here. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial has its fair share of anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as fermented extracts and green tea. It’s true these ingredients work best when left on the skin. But in this case, they can still help to make the exfoliating process less irritating.

The Ordinary only has a tiny amount of anti-inflammatory extracts. That’s one way they keep the price low: they give you the actives absolutely necessary to make the product work and little else. But, there’s a thing The Ordinary does better. Its bloody colour helps you spread the exfoliating liquid evenly all over your face. No way you’ll miss a spot with it.

Related: My Full Review Of The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

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What’s The Texture Like?

What’s The Texture Like?

So texture-wise, these two are pretty different experiences. The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is this blood-red, runny liquid that’s definitely more serum-like – honestly, it’s pretty watery and can be a bit tricky to apply because it wants to drip everywhere. You only need like half a dropper for your whole face though. Fair warning: it literally looks like blood when you put it on (that’s from the Tasmanian pepperberry extract). Some people joke that it looks like a vampire facial, so definitely don’t surprise your partner by walking into the bedroom with this stuff on.

Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is way more manageable. It’s this beige, creamy lotion with a slightly grainy texture from the chickpea flour, but once you spread it out, those little particles disappear and it goes on clear. It’s thick enough that it stays put, which makes things less stressful. You’ll need about 3-4 pumps for your face.

Both are gonna tingle for the first few minutes, which is totally normal – that’s just the acids doing their thing. But remember: tingling is fine, stinging means your skin is angry and you should rinse immediately. If you’re new to strong acids, start with shorter times and work your way up.

Related: What Does It Mean When Your Skincare Products Tingle?

What’s The Fragrance Like?

Okay, fragrance is where things get real – neither smells great, honestly. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is fragrance-free and smells like basically nothing. That’s because they avoid fragrances entirely as part of their ingredient philosophy. Some people pick up a very faint sour smell, but most say they can’t smell anything at all, which is perfect if you’re sensitive to scents.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution though? Yeah, it’s got a pretty strong sour vinegar vibe that’s not exactly pleasant. Some people describe it as sweet and fruity, but let’s be real – most notice that acidic, vinegary quality. The smell does fade pretty quickly once it’s on your skin, but those first few minutes can be rough. It’s not added fragrance though – that’s just what super concentrated acids smell like naturally.

What’s The Packaging Like?

These two couldn’t be more different vibe-wise. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial comes in their signature look – a sleek white bottle with that cute baby pink pump top. Very Instagram-worthy, very millennial pink. The airless pump keeps everything fresh and looks bomb on your bathroom counter.

The Ordinary is all clinical and no-frills, which is totally their brand. Clear frosted glass bottle with a basic dropper. You can see exactly how much product is left, and everything’s straightforward and functional. It’s not trying to be trendy – just practical.

How To Use Them

Drunk Elephant says to use T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial once a week and to leave it on for only 20 minutes before rinsing it off. The Ordinary recommends you use AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution no more than twice a week and to leave it on for only 10 minutes. Once the time is up, rinse off with cold water to neutralise the peel.

Personally, I think this is too much. For weekly use, I prefer a smaller concentration of acids used more frequently. Like leave-on glycolic acid two or three times a week or salicylic acid daily. That does pretty much the same thing but in a much gentler way.

These high-concentration peels are something that I would use only once a month or a week before a special occasion (no, not the night before. If something goes wrong, you want to give your skin time to recover 🙂 ).

Oh, and you know how I always bang on about that acids should be left on the skin for hours to work their best? That’s true for small concentrations. High doses work even in 10-20 minutes. Anything more than that will irritate your skin pretty. badly.

One last thing: if you get a small tingling, that’s totally normal. If the tingling is very intense or, worse, you experience a burning sensation, get this off your skin pronto! Acids are serious business. Playing with them is like playing with fire. Don’t get burned.

Related: The Complete Guide To Glycolic Acid: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It

Which Of The Two Should You Go For?

If I can get the same benefits for less money, I usually go for the cheap option. But in this case, I’m team Drunk Elephant all the way. Sure, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution may give you the same exfoliating benefits and make your skin as soft as a baby’s, but the soothing agents in Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial make it a gentler option. There’s just a little less risk of irritation with it. That’s something I’m willing to pay more for.

Availability

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial: $80.00 at Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, and Ulta

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2%: $9.50 at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta

Is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% A Dupe For Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial?

I wouldn’t call it an exact dupe. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution will give you same exfoliating results as Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial. Smoother, baby soft skin that glows. But it’s more irritating. 🙁

About Gio

Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.