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
*Alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free.
Product Description & Directions
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.
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.
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.
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
Related Posts That You Might Like:
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension
Pixi Glow Tonic vs The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
Stella says
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
Rifat Yaseen says
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.
Jackie S says
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
Rifat Yaseen says
Yes! Try a cleanser that has Salicylic acid. Inkey list and cerave both have cleansers with Salicylic acid.
Justin says
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!
Rifat Yaseen says
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.
Eunice says
Hi, can I use this together with niacinamide? Thnk u
Rifat Yaseen says
Yes you can!
Ayesha says
I have to spots on my cheeks and I’ve had them for over a year. Do you think this will help?
Rifat Yaseen says
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 🙂
Soundharya says
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 ?
Rifat Yaseen says
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 🙂
Rebecca says
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?
Rifat Yaseen says
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.
Amira says
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?
Rifat Yaseen says
Yeah, I’d skip the toner on nights I do salicylic acid 🙂
lia says
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?
Rifat Yaseen says
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 🙂
Sowmya Sonairaja says
Salicylic acid dries out skin .what moisturizer do you apply after using actives.
Rifat Yaseen says
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.
Bhavna says
Keep up the good work ?
Bhavna says
In ingredients, water can be seen clearly written and you have written it’s water free. How is this possible ?
Rifat Yaseen says
Hey! Thank you so much for pointing that out. I have changed it now 🙂
Girija says
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
Rifat Yaseen says
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 🙂
Bushra khan says
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…
Rifat Yaseen says
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 🙂
Sowmya Sonairaja says
What moisturizer do you use after using actives.