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Highlights
Summary
The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Acne Serum is a lightweight serum that offers surface-level exfoliation, encouraging the natural shedding of skin. It penetrates pores to control acne blemishes, resulting in clearer, smoother-looking skin.
Benefits
- Suitable for the use in teenagers with mild to moderate acne
Key Ingredients
- Salicylic Acid 2%
- Saccharide Isomerate
Research Results
- Helps clear up acne blemishes and allows the skin to heal *
- *Clinical efficacy study was performed on 29 subjects applying Salicylic Acid 2% Solution once daily in the evening for six weeks
Item 2600087
Apply once daily in the evening. Apply a small dot to the target area or apply a small amount over the face for general use.
Do not use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes.
Patch testing prior to use is advised.
Precautions: Sunburn Alert: This product contains a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
Aqua (water),saccharide Isomerate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid,hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose, Polysorbate20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
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FAQs
What does Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Exfoliating Serum do for acne?
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Exfoliating Serum is an exfoliating acne serum that helps reduce the look of blemishes and congestion. It is designed for oily and acne-prone skin.
When should I use this serum?
This exfoliating serum should be used once daily in the evening after cleansing and before moisturizer as part of your nightly skincare routine.
Can I use it with other actives?
This acne serum is not recommended for use with other acids, retinoids, or peptides in the same routine. Using this formulation with other strong actives may also lead to skin irritation and dryness.
Is Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Exfoliating Serum suitable for sensitive skin?
This exfoliating serum may not be suitable for sensitive skin. Patch testing is recommended.
Does it increase sun sensitivity?
Yes, this exfoliating acne serum may increase sun sensitivity, so sunscreen is recommended during the day.
Reviews
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Ratings Distribution
Skin Type
Most Helpful Positive Review
Helping treat my hormonal acne
Sharing my skincare journey because I was desperate for help when I was trying to figure out my skincare routine. I am 26 years old, fair skin, I have never had major skin issues (acne, oiliness, dryness, etc). I used to not wash my face at all, I would only use makeup remover to take off my eye m...
Most Helpful Critical Review
Used to be a favorite
I was dependent on this product to keep acne and sebaceous filaments away for a long time. Then the formula changed and without it actually going near my eyes, I had a massive allergic reaction. It sensitized my skin so badly that now other products that I was able to use before make my eye swell up...
360 results
Works amazing!
Could not be better! I loved it!
Re-purchase
The same as or better than more expensive products. This product is great for sensitive skin. It has helped with acne that pops up around my jawline randomly. It did not aggravate my Rosacea or MCAS.
BEST PRODUCT EVER
I loveee it so much I've repurchased many many times and it really helps my skin plus it's affordable!
Best product
I really love this product, i got it because it said that clears scars like acne or pimple scars, i have been using this product for about 2 years and my skin has been clear, the scars i used to have on my face are hardly there anymore, when you first apply the product on your face it does sting and make it alittle red but after doing it twice a week you dont feel the sting or get red anymore, i got my sister the bundle because she has really bad acne and now her face is clear and most of her acne scars are gone, if you really do have bad acene i will recommend getting the bundle and trying it out for a month. I told my sister she needs to be consistent with the product in order to see a difference, which she ended up having clear skin within 2 months and on the 3 month her face was clear.
A staple
Helped clear my skin so well! Make sure to pair with an acne friendly moisturizer.
Questions
Q&A
Showing 20 out of 54 Questions
- Q
Did this product change its formula?
- Asked by Wendy
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, thanks so much for reaching out. We recently chose to update our Salicylic Acid 2% Solution to align with our commitment to the continuous improvement of our formulations. The formulation has been updated with an enhanced texture and now also uses a pure powder form of Salicylic Acid. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Should this be applied with finger tips/palms and pressed into the skin or should I use a cotton round to apply and press into the skin?
- Asked by Emma
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, thank you for reaching out. Either way will be beneficial, it's up to personal preference. We recommend patch testing first, and starting with one application daily (preferably in the PM). We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use this if my forehead has close commedones my nose has blackheads and oily ?
- Asked by Confused
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is suitable for treating blackheads, and oily skin. We have not tested its efficacy on closed comedones and would recommend seeking the guidance of a healthcare professional for suitable treatments.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use this salicylic acid for my oily skin, black heads and acne or is your niacinamide serum better or is there something different I should use?
- Asked by s
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, based on your concerns we'd recommend Salicylic Acid 2% Solution! We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use it for a black head on my belly close to my belly button?
- Asked by Chance
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageSalicylic Acid 2% Solution has only been tested for use on the face, and neck. For body, we'd recommend Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum . We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will this help treat closed comedones or small bumps on the skin that in time turn into pimples?
- Asked by Broadway
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is great for penetrating the pores to clear out trapped oil and dead skin. You may also be interested in exploring our Retinol range.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Do we wash off?
- Asked by Lulu
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is meant as a leave-on treatment! We hope this helps.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hello! I recently purchased this product(Salicylic Acid 2% Solution)and the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum, I was just wonder in which order should I use them? Thank you!
- Asked by (-:
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageWe suggest using no more than 3 serum formulations in a single routine for optimal skin penetration. If you have more than one water-based serum, you can apply based on the priority of your concern (the product that targets the most important concern should go first). About 2-3 drops of each serum and 1 pea-sized amount of creams should be enough for the full face and neck.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used after a benzoyl peroxide cleanser? If not is there a way I can still incorporate this?
- Asked by mara
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageUnfortunately, it is difficult for us to comment on the pairing of our products with those of other brands. We recommend consulting with your doctor/dermatologist, gradually incorporating one new product into your regimen at a time, and applying test patches first to see what works best for your skin.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used after a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide?
- Asked by mari
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageUnfortunately, it is difficult for us to comment on the pairing of our products with those of other brands. We recommend consulting with your doctor/dermatologist, gradually incorporating one new product into your regimen at a time, and applying test patches first to see what works best for your skin.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will help with ingrown hair bumps
- Asked by Jo
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! While exfoliation can be beneficial for ingrown hairs, we have not assessed the efficacy of Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum in targeting this concern. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hello, Is this safe to use on the scalp as is or with a carrier an oil or aloe vera?
- Asked by Kandi
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution has been formulated for use on the face and neck. We do not recommend applying to the scalp. However, Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner can be applied to the scalp to help rebalance, hydrate, and reduce dryness. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I use the cerave moisturizing lotion and the cerave hydrating toner at night, how would i add this into my routine can i even use it with the cerave toner? and how many days a week do you use it?
- Asked by B
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageUnfortunately, it is difficult for us to comment on the pairing of our products with those of other brands. We recommend consulting with your doctor/dermatologist, gradually incorporating one new product into your regimen at a time, and applying test patches first to see what works best for your skin.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is it leave on seum or needs to be washed off after application?
- Asked by K
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a leave-on treatment.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
How does this compare to your other salicylic acid 2% and anhydrous solution?
- Asked by Mak
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is water-based, whereas Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is slightly more gentle and an anhydrous (water-free) solution.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will help with ingrown hair bumps
- Asked by Jo
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! While exfoliation can be beneficial for ingrown hairs, we have not assessed the efficacy of Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum in targeting this concern. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hello, Is this safe to use on the scalp as is or with a carrier an oil or aloe vera?
- Asked by Kandi
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution has been formulated for use on the face and neck. We do not recommend applying to the scalp. However, Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner can be applied to the scalp to help rebalance, hydrate, and reduce dryness. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I use the cerave moisturizing lotion and the cerave hydrating toner at night, how would i add this into my routine can i even use it with the cerave toner? and how many days a week do you use it?
- Asked by B
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageUnfortunately, it is difficult for us to comment on the pairing of our products with those of other brands. We recommend consulting with your doctor/dermatologist, gradually incorporating one new product into your regimen at a time, and applying test patches first to see what works best for your skin.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is it leave on seum or needs to be washed off after application?
- Asked by K
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a leave-on treatment.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
How does this compare to your other salicylic acid 2% and anhydrous solution?
- Asked by Mak
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is water-based, whereas Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is slightly more gentle and an anhydrous (water-free) solution.Was this answer helpful to you