The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution, Gentle Exfoliating Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin and Uneven Texture

I accidentally ordered this instead of the water-based SA solution, and when it arrived, I groaned because I have not particularly cared for the feeling of squalane. However, I also have been dissatisfied with the texture and drying potential of the water-based serum, so I decided to give this one a chance. I am glad I did. First things first, I concur with those who say that this leaves an oily cast behind on the skin. My skin is mildly oily (moderately so on my forehead), and it definitely does not all "soak in" and leave me dry. However, as long as I don't overdo it, I don't have a problem using a water-based moisturizer on top of it. I am a serum minimalist, though; I only use one active serum each AM or PM routine (with the exception of spot treatments as needed), so I can't say how it would do if you layer actives. However, I have not found the squalane base to be comedogenic. In fact, this product wiped out a whitehead in under 24 hours, as if it had never been there. And the really good thing about this, which the water-based SA didn't do so well for me, is that it's VERY, VERY soothing. I mean this stuff suppresses the "salicylic acid tingle" down to maybe 10 seconds of very light sensation, and then it's bliss. And my skin is not flaking or dry the next day, as it has been with water-based salicylic acid exfoliants. I've also noticed that my skin is markedly less itchy since I began using this. I think I'm going to exfoliate twice a week instead of just once, as I was doing before. My skin is the opposite of sensitive, by which I mean it can take a 15% L-Ascorbic Acid solution every morning, and The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion every night that I don't use this SA solution (that's 5-6 nights a week for the retinal), without any irritation or sensitivity resulting from those actives. The only problem with my routine was exfoliation, and this may have solved that problem. It does have a mild smell, but I don't mind it, because I don't smell it unless I rub my hands all over my face and sniff them. I personally find products with added fragrances much harder to put up with, because those are designed to linger and they sit right around my nose. I don't smell this merely from the fact that it is on my face. So basically, if you have mildly oily skin that can dry out and itch after exfoliation if you use very strong actives at other times of the day or week, this is probably a better option for you than the water-based salicylic acid. If you're oilier, more acne-prone, layer a lot of serums, or don't go for the "hard stuff," then the water-based one might be better. But I'm sticking with this. It was a fortuitous mistake for me!

Menopause skin is really testing me- wrinkles and blackheads and congestion all at the same time. Good times 🙄 I love products from The Ordinary and this serum is no exception. I'm over 50 with thin and redness prone skin, so I always use products for sensitive skin & have had really clear skin for most of my adult life. In the last few months I've started hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone. I have noticed more oil production overall but especially the T zone, and a tendency to be congested. I get a few breakouts, but more than anything it's congestion below the surface (bumps) with blackheads. I'm too sensitive and reactive to use most acne products. I recently tried a recommended mandelic acid serum but it made my skin really angry and the breakouts actually got worse. I was worried this would exacerbate the redness but it feels great and hasn't caused any redness or irritation. I use it twice a week at night in the T zone, followed by a light hydrator and my skin is improving nicely! My esthetician has commented that my skin is clearer and calmer. I give it 2 thumbs up 👍🏻👍🏻

I purchased this because it was cheap and I wouldn't feel as though I wasted money if it didn't work. This product worked better than most I have purchased. I'm literally amazed.

The last couple of years, I have been battling hormonal cystic acne and rosacea. I am 49 and I feel like I have tried everything. My skin just kept getting worse. I made some lifestyle changes and still had the cystic acne. It hurt incredibly bad. I decided to try some of the Ordinary products. This little bottle transformed my skin and my life. It has only been a couple of months, and the texture of my skin is different. The rosacea is gone. I get compliments daily about my skin. Game changer!

The product is superb. However, there is a need for Ordinary to improve the packaging. I've had to deal with every one of their products giving way along the line and not sealing up properly after several uses. This increases the risk of spilling if care is not taken.

I purchased this product after researching what I could do to help with my pores and this is what I found would work best for sensitive skin amd at a reasonable price. I use it every other day amd it did irritate my skin so I'm using it 2 or 3 times a week and that's a lot better for my skin. The directions say to use 2 times a day but I use it during only since at night I put on retinol. I havent noticed a big difference yet but I got to give it time. No issues with packaging or delivery

Since I started using the salicylic acid, the texture of my skin has improved dramatically. Large pores and blackheads? Gone! I’ve used this for several weeks and have seen improvement.

Very mild and non drying. The bottle lasts a long time. I will definitely make sure I always have a bottle.

Love this product. It's quite oily which i like and feels very moisturising

El ácido salicílico tiene muchos beneficios: atenúa manchas, evita y reduce imperfecciones, acné y cúmulos de grasa y es un exfoliante. Puede causar fotosensibilidad, mejor hacer una prueba y usar por la noche. Buen precio, abierto dura 6 meses.

El UNICO producto que me logró después de 3 meses quitar los granos de la barbilla .

Ottimo prodotto, rende la pelle molto liscia. Avendo la pelle molto secca e che si arrossa facilmente, mi trovo bene ad usarlo una volta a settimana senza avere irritazioni sul viso. Pulisce la pelle in profondità, senza essere aggressivo. Acquisto consigliato.

magic for damage skin