The Ordinary

Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution

face serum

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
55%
Combination (dry)
55%
Balanced
81%
Combination (oily)
89%
Oily
89%

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18
Ingredients
4
Benefits
2
Actives
Find Dupes

A water-based serum for all skin types that targets post-acne marks, visibly improves skin’s texture, and supports a strong protective barrier.

Key Insights

Benefits

4
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

2
AHA Signal peptides

Full Ingredients

18 total
AQUA PROPANEDIOL GLYCERIN DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4 Signal peptides BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-2 PENTYLENE GLYCOL XANTHAN GUM ISOCETETH-20 HYDROXYMETHOXYPHENYL DECANONE SODIUM LACTATE LACTIC ACID AHA SODIUM HYDROXIDE ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN PHENOXYETHANOL CHLORPHENESIN

About Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution

Overview

Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution is a lightweight serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 18 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Propanediol, Glycerin and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Propanediol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin and Acetyl Glucosamine.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and cell renewal. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list
  • No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 7 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 5 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Evens Skin Tone 2 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Propanediol

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
Glycerin

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is the powder obtained from the dried juice leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae

Anti-Aging
Acetyl Glucosamine

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

N-acetyl-.alpha.-D-glucosamine

Hydration Soothing Evens Skin Tone
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Signal peptides

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Lysine, synthetic pentapeptide with serine, and threonine, hexadecanoyl derivatives

Anti-Aging
Pentylene Glycol

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3-Decanone, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-,[6]-Gingerone

Anti-Aging Soothing
Sodium Lactate

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium lactate

Hydration
Lactic Acid AHA

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration
Ethylhexylglycerin

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Low

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling Low

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (2)

Supporting ingredients (16)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Aqua Propanediol Glycerin Dipropylene Glycol Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder Acetyl Glucosamine Biosaccharide Gum-2 Pentylene Glycol Xanthan Gum Isoceteth-20 Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone Sodium Lactate Sodium Hydroxide Ethylhexylglycerin Phenoxyethanol Chlorphenesin

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Treat" step.

  • Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
  • Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 18 ingredients on the label.

5
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

3
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

2
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Peptide

Amino-acid chains that signal for repair or firmness

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Aqua Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Water

2 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
3 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
4 Dipropylene Glycol Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1,1'-Oxydipropan-2-ol; Oxydipropan-2-ol; Hydroxypropyloxypropanol

5 Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder Plant extract
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is the powder obtained from the dried juice leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae

Anti-Aging
8 scientific references
  • 5 Super Anti-Aging Antioxidants Your Skin Needs
  • How to Keep Your Neck & Chest Looking Young
  • Acne & Aging Skin
  • How to Diminish Uneven Skin Tone and Get Your Glow Back
  • What Are Peptides and What Do They Do for Skin?
  • The Truth About Firming Creams
  • Top 5 Reasons to Add Antioxidants to Your Skin Care Routine
  • Anti-Aging Superstars
6 Acetyl Glucosamine
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

N-acetyl-.alpha.-D-glucosamine

Hydration Soothing Evens Skin Tone
6 scientific references
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, July 2022, pages 1-25
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2020, pages 1-10
  • Life Sciences, May 2016, pages 21-29
  • Drug Design, Development and Therapy, August 2014, pages 1, 923-1, 928
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2013, pages 96-102; and December 2006, pages 309-315
  • Dermato-endocrinology, July 2012, pages 253-258
7 Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Peptide

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Lysine, synthetic pentapeptide with serine, and threonine, hexadecanoyl derivatives

Anti-Aging
8 Biosaccharide Gum-2
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Biosaccharide Gum-2 is a fermentation gum derived from sorbitol. It is described as a polymer of alpha-L-Rhap-beta-D- Galp- alpha-L- Rhap- beta-D-GlepA- alpha-L Rhap- alpha-D-Galp

9 Pentylene Glycol Solvent
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
  • Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
10 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

11 Isoceteth-20 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Alcohols, C16-branched, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)

12 Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3-Decanone, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-,[6]-Gingerone

Anti-Aging Soothing
13 Sodium Lactate Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Exfoliant, pH adjuster

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium lactate

Hydration
6 scientific references
  • Nutrition Reviews Advance Article, July 2020, pages 1-16
  • Code of Federal Regulations, April 2020, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, March 2014, pages 321-326
  • Materials Sciences and Applications, January 2012, pages 18-23
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, February 2007, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 1998, pages 1-241
14 Lactic Acid Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active, pH adjuster

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration
9 scientific references
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2020, pages 116-126
  • International Journal of Dermatology, March 2019, ePublication
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, October 2018, pages 491-497
  • International Journal of Dermatology, September 2018, ePublication
  • Molecules, April 2018, ePublication
  • Journal of the American Dental Association, April 2016, pages 255-263
  • Cutis, January 2016, pages E9-E11
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
  • The Journal of Dermatology, January 2006, pages 16-22
15 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydroxide

16 Ethylhexylglycerin
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
17 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

18 Chlorphenesin Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution?

AQUA, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER, ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE, PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-2, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, ISOCETETH-20, HYDROXYMETHOXYPHENYL DECANONE, SODIUM LACTATE, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN.

What are the active ingredients in Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution?

PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4, LACTIC ACID.

How do I use Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution?

-Apply a few drops to your face in the morning and evening

What skin types is Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution fungal acne safe?

No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.

Can I use Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution?

It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution?

Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution have?

It lists 18 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada
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