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The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, Exfoliating Serum for Acne
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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.
Questions
Q&A
Showing 20 out of 47 Questions
- 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
Should this product be woren with or without makeup? Is this to prep the skin before applying makeup?
- Asked by Teri
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution was not created to prep the skin before applying makeup. It was formulated to target Acne, Textural Irregularities and signs of congestion. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can this be used with the 0.5 retinol and niacinamide and zinc?
- Asked by Britt
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHey there! Salicylic Acid 2% Solution can be used with Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, however, we do not recommending using it in the same routine as Retinol 0.5% in Squalane. We'd recommend using Salicylic Acid 2% Solution and Retinol 0.5% in Squalane in alternating regimens. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can you use this with Glyic acid
- Asked by Ava
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! We recommend using Salicylic Acid 2% Solution and Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner during separate regimens (For example, Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner on Monday night, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution on Tuesday night). We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi would this product and your niacinamide serum be okay for sensitive oily skin?Also would it help my pores
- Asked by A
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! If your skin is sensitive you may wish to explore our Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution. However, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Salicylic Acids may be used together in the same regimen and will help target both oily skin and the appearance of pores.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hello, will this make my skin purge? If so, are there any steps or recommendations on how to avoid purging?
- Asked by Ingrid
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngagePlease note that with any active ingredient that affects skin behaviour, there can be an initial purging period during which breakouts are normal. Trying test patches of each new product first will allow you to identify whether you are sensitive or intolerant to a particular formulation. If you wish to begin using multiple new active ingredients, it is best to introduce one new product into your regimen at a time and allow your skin enough time to adjust before incorporating another. We would recommend taking a break from the products until your skin has calmed. Once calmed, you may wish to try test patches of each product to see which ingredients your skin likes and which ones it doesn't.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Does this product work for removing blackheads and helping treat them?
- Asked by Beauty Bella
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Yes, our Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is lipophilic (oil-soluble) which means it can penetrate the pores to control acne blemishes and blackheads. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi will this help with my white heads and my irritated pimples
- Asked by Human
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Yes, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution offers surface level exfoliation, encouraging the natural shedding of dead skin. It's also lipophilic (oil-soluble) which means it can penetrate pores to control acne blemishes! We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
i have bumps and uneven texture on my forehead and cheeks. it's probably clogged pores. will this product help with that?
- Asked by tia
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Our Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is lipophilic (oil-soluble) meaning it will penetrate the pores to help control blemishes! We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will this reduce the look of acne, as well as post acne marks? I want to get rid of both.
- Asked by Layla
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, for acne we do recommend Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, and for post-acne marks we recommend Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution! We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I have acne on my face. I have been using this serum for the past 2 weeks but I am not seeing any results. What should I do?
- Asked by Viny
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! Individual results may vary - your skin is adjusting to the new ingredient at 2 weeks. Please allow 4-8 weeks to see some changes. We hope this helps!Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can I use this product on my back? I have pimples across my shoulders and find my back?
- Asked by Back Acne
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there, for body acne we recommend Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body SerumWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi! Is this a good salicylic acid to help with facial psoriasis spots?
- Asked by Lindsey
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHello! As none of our products can be considered medical treatments for psoriasis, you may wish to discuss suitable treatments for persistent signs of psoriasis with your physician or dermatologist. :-)Was this answer helpful to you
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...
342 results
Face was bumpy everywhere and burnt and red for 2 weeks.
Ordinary, I love your products, what happened here? This was not a one-time use thing; I finished at least half the bottle, so this review will be as accurate as they can be. I put this on areas where I had acne, and I didn't go in the sun or outside. I followed the instructions on the bottle. The next day, every area where I applied this product was red and had bumps everywhere, and my face stung and was itchy. This stayed like this for 2 weeks, and finally, the bumps and redness went down. My pimple was gone, but I'd rather have a small pimple on my face than have a horrible reaction. A few months later, I tried again, thinking I had just done it wrong. The same thing happened. I kept on repeating this until last month when I tried again. The same reaction happened, and I will just stop using this product completely. My face suffered from this 😭. I still love Ordinary, this is just a personal reaction, I don't know if anyone else had this reaction.
Ordinary
I had used it on my forehead and exit clear up the acne really well, but it had gotten by my eye area and now I have two bad eye infections
Made my nose break out worse
I can't believe this actually made my nose break out worse immediately had to stop using it
Great product
Great price easy dispense
Would 100% buy again, will buy again when I'm out.
Had a terrible break out that I couldn't get to go away for mover two months got this and it cleared up almost completely in two days just in time for a big event I have coming up.