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The Beauty Wonk

June 2, 2019

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Review | Removes Acne

Hello! The Ordinary Salicylic acid 2% solution is yet another gift from the brand that works amazingly on oily, acne-prone skin.

Whether you’re looking for a chemical exfoliator that helps you get rid of dead skin cells, blackheads and prevent acne or a spot-treatment for stubborn acne that come right before a special event, this has got you covered.

Read on to know why I absolutely recommend this to everyone with oily skin.

Price: USD 8.40 or £4.20 for 30ml. I bought it from cult beauty and it cost me around INR 350 after UK sales tax deduction.

What is Salicylic Acid?

It is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin. If you have oily skin that is prone to acne, blackheads and milia, BHA is the solution to those problems.

It exfoliates the top layer of skin and penetrates into it to loosen clogged follicles, hence preventing acne and blackheads. It also works on existing acne (I have proof with pictures, keep reading) due to its anti-inflammatory properties. For the face, Salicylic Acid is effective in a concentration between 0.05% and 2% and a pH between 3 and 5.

Now that we have our basics cleared, let’s move on to know how this particular Salicylic acid based product performs.

Note: If you have dry skin, salicylic acid might dry you out further. It’d be better if you include this active in your routine in a cleanser form. One of my favourites is the By Wishtrend Acid-duo Cleanser that has a combination of BHA & PHA.

Ingredients

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Solution Ingredients
Ingredients

*Alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free.

Product Description & Directions

Product Description and Directions
Product Description and Direction

The ordinary salicylic acid solution also has witch hazel which is anti-inflammatory and helps fight acne.

Packaging

The salicylic acid solution comes in a thick and heavy glass bottle that has a matte finish. The bottle is transparent so you can check the quantity and it has a dropper to dispense the product.

All of this comes inside a white cardboard box that mentions all the details like ingredients, product description and directions to use. The ordinary is known for its minimalist and elegant packaging and this is how it looks like.

Many other products from the brand come in the exact packaging like their Niacinamide & Zinc solution that works excellent for oil-control and makes your skin glow like a diamond.

Texture & Smell

The solution has a slightly thick and viscous consistency and is off-white in colour. When you take excess quantity and massage it all over your face, this gives some white lather. Generally, I go for patting motion and take a small amount to avoid that foaming.

The salicylic acid solution is fragrance-free and it smells a little chemical-like but won’t make you want to throw up/ not overpowering. The smell goes away when you apply the product, it’s only detectable when you sniff the container. The pH is between 3.2-4.0.

Texture of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Solution
Texture

How to use?

If you have acne, use this directly as a spot treatment and the acne will dry up in two days. And you can use it all over your face to gently exfoliate it and avoid/cure blackheads and breakouts.

For that, cleanse your face using a pH balanced cleanser then apply toner (optional) and take 2-3 drops of the ordinary salicylic acid solution in your palm and pat on to the skin.

It dries down quickly and gives a matte finish so don’t worry about oiliness. Follow up with your serum and moisturiser. Use this only at night and not more than 2-3 times a week.

Review of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Solution
Review of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Solution

Does it work?

YES! It works for me and a lot of other people. But keep one thing in mind, when you start using acids, you might experience purging (acne breakout that can occur when you’re starting a new active skincare product).

Don’t freak out, your skin is starting to clean up. If you’re not used to acids, the initial uses might cause a little stinging which is completely harmless.

However, if the irritation lasts for more than 10-15 minutes, wash it off immediately. Now that I have rambled enough, you can check out the pictures below to see how well it works on pimples.

How i get rid of acne in two days
How I Get Rid of Acne in Two Days

The last pic was taken under flash, hence skin looks whitewashed.

1st Pic: Pimple attack is en route
2nd Pic: It’s starting to compress and dry out
3rd Pic: Almost dried out
4th Pic: After it dried out completely and shed whilst I was taking a power nap

Once the acne is gone, I switch to regular AHA exfoliation routine to lighten the scar followed up by a Niacinamide serum or Propolis based serum to calm & brighten the skin.

My favourite AHA toner is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid that literally works on blemishes and uneven skin tone. Mostly, I’m alternating between their AHA & BHA when I’m not testing other products.

Not only do I use salicylic acid as a spot treatment, but I also love to incorporate it in my routine as a regular chemical exfoliator to help me shed some dead skin & get a glow!

NOTE: Don’t combine the ordinary salicylic acid with AHA, retinol or vitamin C in one routine especially if you’re a starter.

Conclusion

If I have to suggest one ingredient to people with oily, acne-prone skin, it has to be Salicylic acid! And this one by The Ordinary is an amazingly affordable option that works on acne, clogged pores and blackheads.

It gives quick results and is very safe to use! I have sensitive skin and faced no problems the entire time I’ve used this and it’s been months.

Why You Should Buy The Ordinary Salicylic Acid?

  • Prevents & cures acne
  • Reduces blackheads
  • Exfoliates skin gently
  • Vegan & Cruelty-free
  • Affordable
  • Gives clearer & healthy skin
  • Removes dead skin cells

Why You Should Avoid the Ordinary Salicylic Acid?

  • Can be drying for dry skin types

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Related Posts That You Might Like:

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension

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By: Rifat Yaseen · In: Skincare

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Comments

  1. Stella says

    November 4, 2020 at 4:58 am

    Hi , I have oily acne-prone skin .I use a face wash 2x a day, apply the ordinary’s niacinamide serum and then a moisturizer and in the morning I also use a spf 50 sunscreen. To exfoliate once a week I use the bha aha peeling solution from the ordinary,but I still get some pimples and my skin is bumpy. I ordered from the ordinary the azelaic acid 10% cause I heard some great things about it and the salicylic acid 2% to use as a spot treatment .How can I incorporate all of them in my skincare routine ??

    P.s. I’ve been using the aha bha peeling solution for months so my skin has got used to it

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      December 18, 2020 at 12:12 am

      Hello, I use their azelaic acid as a spot treatment over the areas that feel bumpy and is red. I have written a post on TO routine, you can check here: https://thebeautywonk.com/the-ordinary-skincare-routine-for-oily-acne-prone-skin/
      Use salicylic acid in the exfoliation step 2x/ week and azelaic acid on areas that need treatment.

      Reply
  2. Jackie S says

    October 8, 2020 at 6:31 am

    Hi,

    I’m currently using the TO pigmentation set (Glycolic Acid, Alfa Arbutin and Azelaic Acid) mainly to target my dark spot from acne scar. At the same time new acne are prone to come out which will in fact turn to another dark spot. Do you have any suggestion on face cleanser I can use to solve the problem and incorporate into the routine or is it okay to use this Salicylic Acid to tackle the problem? Thanks

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      October 31, 2020 at 7:15 pm

      Yes! Try a cleanser that has Salicylic acid. Inkey list and cerave both have cleansers with Salicylic acid.

      Reply
  3. Justin says

    August 29, 2020 at 7:42 am

    Hi I am currently using the ordinary Hyaluronic and Niacinamide Acids (about 3 weeks already) and a Salicylic Carrot Soap as my cleanser. I am breaking out but not that much I have this small slightly painful little pimples in my cheek area, which some would slightly grow and became inflamed. Do you think Salicylic Acid would help as a spot on treatment on these pimples and if I use it how should I layer it as a spot treatment only together with my Hyaluronic and Niacinamide? Thank You So Much!

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      September 12, 2020 at 1:25 pm

      In my case it has worked great on the pimples that already came to the surface. You can try using it as a spot treatment and see how that works specifically on the issue you mentioned.

      Reply
  4. Eunice says

    July 14, 2020 at 8:02 am

    Hi, can I use this together with niacinamide? Thnk u

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      July 15, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      Yes you can!

      Reply
  5. Ayesha says

    June 21, 2020 at 1:21 am

    I have to spots on my cheeks and I’ve had them for over a year. Do you think this will help?

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      June 22, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      It doesn’t work much on reducing acne spots, try their glycolic acid and niacinamide for it. I have reviewed both the products on my website, you can put it in the search box and give it a read 🙂

      Reply
      • Soundharya says

        August 18, 2020 at 1:39 pm

        Hello !
        I want to use both The ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension and this Salicylic Acid 2% solution.
        Can I do that ?
        If yes , then how should I place them in my daily skin care routine ?

        Reply
        • Rifat Yaseen says

          August 18, 2020 at 6:51 pm

          Hey! I’d do it like this – salicylic acid 2x a week at night, azelaic acid rest of the nights. However, I find their azelaic acid too silicone-y so I use it as a spot treatment over redness or the areas where I have too much congestion or whiteheads. I have reviewed the azelaic acid too, you can search it on the website 🙂

          Reply
  6. Rebecca says

    June 10, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    Hi, I have combination and sensitive skin. I’m currently experiencing a breakout (possibly hormonal acne) . I use mandelic acid from the ordinary and it’s good but I still have some breakouts on my cheeks and chin. Do you think the Salicylic solution could be good for me?

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      June 12, 2020 at 12:01 pm

      Yes, you can include it in your routine. It wasn’t too harsh, just don’t use it daily 2-3x a week is more than enough or just use as spot treatment on areas with acne, blackheads, etc.

      Reply
  7. Amira says

    December 6, 2019 at 2:29 pm

    Hi,
    If I’m using somebymi AHA BHA Miracle Toner as daily toner, do I skip this toner on the night I use the salicylic acid? Or I can just keep my normal routine and add the acid?

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      December 13, 2019 at 2:01 pm

      Yeah, I’d skip the toner on nights I do salicylic acid 🙂

      Reply
  8. lia says

    December 3, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    Ohhh…not more than 2-3 times a week? I used it every night since I got it a month or 2 ago my skin actually got better. I guess depends on everyone’s skin?

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      December 4, 2019 at 3:57 pm

      Hey! Ideally, such acids should not be used daily as there are chances of overexfoliation and skin barrier damage. But yes some skin types are quite resilient but better safe than sorry I guess 🙂

      Reply
  9. Sowmya Sonairaja says

    August 6, 2019 at 7:33 pm

    Salicylic acid dries out skin .what moisturizer do you apply after using actives.

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      August 6, 2019 at 9:07 pm

      Yes, it does dry out the skin. I use a hydrating serum like the By Wishtrend propolis drops or The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid serum and any basic moisturizer over that. I have the propolis drops reviewed on my blog, here’s the link if you want to check that out. https://thebeautywonk.com/by-wishtrend-polyphenols-in-propolis-15-ampoule-review/
      And if a leave-on salicylic acid treatment still doesn’t work for you because of its drying nature then use a salicylic acid face wash, Neutrogena has one so does By Wishtrend.

      Reply
  10. Bhavna says

    July 9, 2019 at 4:28 pm

    Keep up the good work ?

    Reply
  11. Bhavna says

    July 8, 2019 at 11:55 am

    In ingredients, water can be seen clearly written and you have written it’s water free. How is this possible ?

    Reply
    • Rifat Yaseen says

      July 8, 2019 at 3:26 pm

      Hey! Thank you so much for pointing that out. I have changed it now 🙂

      Reply
      • Girija says

        July 11, 2019 at 11:33 pm

        Hi!
        From The ordinary brand, what’s the difference between the salicylic acid serum and the AHA BHA peeling serum? Both are used for exfoliating?
        I have a very oily skin and gave frequent breakouts on my cheeks. What would be better to use?
        Thanks,
        Girija

        Reply
        • Rifat Yaseen says

          July 16, 2019 at 7:06 pm

          Hi! Yes, they’re both exfoliators. The Ordinary salicylic solution has only one active ingredient that is salicylic acid in 2% concentration but the peeling solution is very potent and might irritate the skin especially if you’re new to acids since it has a total of 32% acid (30%aha + 2% bha). So if you’re starting out, use the 2% solution. Hope this helps 🙂

          Reply
        • Bushra khan says

          June 18, 2020 at 4:06 pm

          Hello! I’ve textured skin (grainy, bumpy) on my cheeks and between my eyebrows. What should I use to get rid of that textured skin?? Ordinary peeling solution or this one?? Plzz help me to find out…

          Reply
          • Rifat Yaseen says

            June 22, 2020 at 2:37 pm

            Hey! The peeling solution is too strong in my opinion. I think you should try their azelaic acid suspension or glycolic acid toner for the same. I have reviewed both the products on my website, do give them a read. The search box should help 🙂

            Reply
      • Sowmya Sonairaja says

        August 6, 2019 at 7:45 pm

        What moisturizer do you use after using actives.

        Reply

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Hello, it's Rifat! Welcome to my beauty space where I talk about makeup, skincare & haircare. My aim is to talk about healthy skin and not run after unrealistic beauty standards.

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Rifat 🇮🇳 Skincare Blogger
Not every product will remove your acne or stubbor Not every product will remove your acne or stubborn dermal PIH. But do they suck? Maybe they have ingredients that will help you in maintaining your skin?🤔

In many cases, the brands are to be blamed too. They tend to overpromise and underdeliver which sets wrong expectations in consumers.

👉 Anyway, these were just my thoughts and idk about the research behind it. Take it with a grain of🧂

✨Feel free to drop in your skincare queries.✨

‼️By no means I want to imply that skincare is as important and necessary as food. That was just an analogy.😌
I see too many "Oh it's just hydrates the skin" bu I see too many "Oh it's just hydrates the skin" but,

What if your skin is dull because it's not hydrated? What if you're breaking out because your barrier is impaired due to lack of moisturization? What if your face feels tight because it's dehydrated? What if the minor fine lines are a result of lack of hydration? Hydrate your skin... with skincare products ofc, not by drinking water😋

PS: apologies for playing with the emoji. I got carried away🥳

Feel free to comment in case you need product suggestions 😊

#skincarequotes #skincaredaily #skincaretips #skincarelove #igskincare #365skincare #skincareaddiction #skincareaddict #takecareofyourskin #dryskincare #oilyskin  #skincarecommunity #skinroutine #skinproducts #skintips #skincareadvice #skincarereview #sensitiveskin #dehydratedskin #skincaretips101 #skincarethread
I have a super low maintenance hair (not the scalp I have a super low maintenance hair (not the scalp though but that's another story). They're straight, moderately frizzy, not too dry, and not too dense. Now let's see how the @nykaabeauty Onion & Fenugreek haircare worked for me. (gifted)

TL;DR Shampoo is good.

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹?
I don't know. I do shed a lot of hair in general but I don't sit and count them. I don't want to stress about nothing. I do have certain areas that lack density but idc atm, I'll marry rich and use the guy's money to get a transplant or something.

👉All I can say is, the shampoo cleanses the hair well, lathers really well for an SLS free shampoo, doesn't strip the hair, and didn't trigger more hairfall in my case. The texture is runny and the packaging is convenient.💙

𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞-𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙛𝙛 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙤, 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙥 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙮.🥳

Which shampoo are you using these days? Do you like it? Hate it? Meh it?

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿?
I expect a conditioner to soften and detangle my hair. And this one failed. The softness is OK-ish, doesn't help with frizz, and my hair feel tangled. It's as good as not applying any conditioner. And as I said, my hair is easy.

👉I tried different combos and the shampoo works great with other conditioners. In my case, it's the flawsome kinky berry mask.

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 & 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴
The packaging attracted me to these products the most. White and lavender 🥺 make me look forward to hairwash days. They're priced well too considering how everything costs atleast 700 these days🌚

#NykaaAffiliates #NykaaBeautyXNAP #GoodHairDayEveryday #NykaaHairCare #NykaaNaturals #NykaaBeauty
Why do you take hard balm, rub it directly on your Why do you take hard balm, rub it directly on your cheeks harshly, immediately add water, and then complain it's not working? Heinn?

PS: Yes I know some brands have really soft cleansing balms that melt as soon as you touch them. Exception. Also depends on the weather condition. But I'm mostly referring to when people take a chunk that resembles cold, hard butter on their cheeks and aggressively try to rub it. Don't do it imo.
It's a close call between the two but if you refer It's a close call between the two but if you refer to the comparison, @spektacosmetics wins... for everyone except me😭 Hear me out, okay?

For me, strategically placing oil on skin with a tool is OK. But rubbing oil between my fingers is like scratching fingernails on a chalkboard. The squeal sends shivers down my body and same is the case with oils. I know it's weird and isn't the case with most and I get it. But that's just me. So it's a very personal choice. For you, it'll be a plus point because the oils actually nourish your nails and the skin around it. Also, the packaging is cute.

➡️Talking about nailpolish removal,

They both work fine when I'm working with lighter colours but the true ability of a nailpolish remover is revealed when I test it with my OPI Big Apple Cherry.

Colorbar stains the hand I use to hold the cotton and my nail bed, Red. I kind of have to work hard to get rid of that. Don't enjoy that. It's relatively easier to remove with Spekta.

Which nailpolish remover would you choose?
❗Spekta (gifted by brand), affiliate code - RIFAT15 for 15% off.
Khadija (@beautyanomaly) tagged me to share 8 thin Khadija (@beautyanomaly) tagged me to share 8 things about myself and it really took me a while to think of all these points. I didn't know that I didn't know much about myself but here you go:

1. I've always achieved well academically just by putting in the least efforts.

2. I like to impress people (both online and offline) and make them happy so I get really nervous and tired while socialising.

3. I haven't watched Harry Potter. Ok maybe I have (a part or two) when I was a kid. But I really don't care about it. Same with DC/Marvel or whatever sci-fi comic stuff that exists. Don't unfollow me.

4. I like to overplan, decorate, and organize. I can't wait to have my own place so I can decorate it the way I want.

5. I'm very scared of October. I have lost 3 close family members in the past 3 years - each of them in October.

6. I'm camera shy and that's why I've been delaying my YouTube appearance. I just don't wanna look ugly and awkward.😭

7. I sometimes sniff my underarms on days I don't take a shower. The weird smell makes me gag but I still like it.

8. No matter how hard things get, I never actually complain about life. I'm always very grateful. Might be surprising because I don't talk much about positivity and shitting rainbows🌈. But that's because it's a part of my nature so I just think it's like, idk, brushing your teeth? You don't need to tell people to do that because you think they already do.

Tell me one RANDOM thing about yourself. Please embarrass yourself so I feel better🥰
My love letter📝 to @aveenous For more than 3 y My love letter📝 to @aveenous

For more than 3 years, I stepped out of the shower with red, itchy skin mostly on the upper body. It'd take at least half an hour to settle down no matter how much I moisturized. I changed bodywashes and soaps and even changed water as I moved  cities but nothing worked.

Initially I accepted that this is how it's going to be but the annoyance made me decide to visit a doctor and get it checked. But the pandemic happened and my appointment was postponed indefinitely.

Around the same time, I found the Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash. It was fragrance free and had oatmeal to soothe the skin. It felt like a perfect match so I asked my followers about it. They unanimously approved it✔️ (thanks guys!) and I went ahead with the purchase.

Ever since I have started using it, there hasn't been a single case of redness. No itching either. So gentle, calming, non-foaming - truly a skin relief💙 I can't imagine trying any other body wash now 🥺 Thank you for making this!

With love❤️
Rifat

🏷️

#aveeno #bodycare #bodycareproducts #bodycareroutine #bodycaretips #takecareofyourbody #bodywash #bodywashes #sensitiveskin #sensitiveskinsolution #sensitiveskincare #sensitiveskinproducts #showergel #showergels #beautyreviews #skincarescience #skincarefavourites #igbeautyblog #skincareaddicted #kbeautylover #skincareobsessed #igskincare
𝗝𝗮𝗻 '𝟮𝟭 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 For me emptying existing products >>> buying new ones. Tell me what you finished this month!

Before the world shut down, I had moved cities multiple times in just a year and a half. And I had to allot an entire huge suitcase for my cosmetics. I'd literally walk in railway stations and airports with 2 big suitcases and a heavy backpack all alone😭 and that made me abhor clutter even more.

So my life goal (lol) now is to finish everything I have. Let's see my empties:

💦 @pixibeauty Vitamin-C Cleanser - Good quality micellar water. If you're not into cleansing oils and balms, try it. (PR)

💦 Pixi Glow Cleansing Gel - What an underrated cleanser! No foam at all and absolutely non-drying. Love it, do try💙 (PR)

🧴@sulwhasoo.india FCA - It surprised me! Was expecting irritation but I got hydration, calmness, and supple skin. Wasn't suprised enough to repurchase though. But I'm intrigued by the brand and want to try the emulsions and sleeping packs. (PR)

💠 @laneigeindia White Dew Essence - Has a viscous, gel-like texture. Decent in terms of hydration but the sweet artificial scent is too strong for my liking. Skip🤞

🏷️

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