The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution

Information regarding formula-There's 2 different the Ordinary Salicylic Acid solutions. The other is a very simple, basic 2% Salicylic solution. This one is the serum, it's formulated to be more nourishing and less irritating by combining the 2% Salicylic Acid with plant derived squalane. Make sure you understand which you want before you buy.If you aren't familiar, squalane feels quite oily but it isn't really like other oils. Squalane is a natural component of sebum. Our skin sebum is naturally made up of about 12% squalane. It is a good moisturizer, soother for red or inflamed skin that is also suitable for sensitive skin and strengthens the skin barrier. It's suitable for all skin types because It also helps your skin stay clean of impurities and ... MoreInformation regarding formula-There's 2 different the Ordinary Salicylic Acid solutions. The other is a very simple, basic 2% Salicylic solution. This one is the serum, it's formulated to be more nourishing and less irritating by combining the 2% Salicylic Acid with plant derived squalane. Make sure you understand which you want before you buy.If you aren't familiar, squalane feels quite oily but it isn't really like other oils. Squalane is a natural component of sebum. Our skin sebum is naturally made up of about 12% squalane. It is a good moisturizer, soother for red or inflamed skin that is also suitable for sensitive skin and strengthens the skin barrier. It's suitable for all skin types because It also helps your skin stay clean of impurities and pollutants. Because squalane mimics our skin's natural sebum, or oil, it can actually help to control natural oils. The skin recognizes squalane as a naturally occurring oil and therefore produces less on its own, making it a great choice for anyone with oily skin as well as dry. Of course, individual experiences may vary.Its always best to do your research with the Ordinary products. They're an excellent and affordable way to curate a skincare routine with the maximum amount of effective ingredients for your skin needs, but there's a little homework required. Their website is a great resource.

"The girls that get it, GET IT!"

As a preface, I realize lot of people struggle with skin because they do not understand it. TO has 2 options- water based & this is oil based. Water & oil do not mix, right? Many falsely still believe that you don't moisturize oily skin🤦‍♀️ or to avoid oil. Since water and oil don't mix... oil helps oily/acne skin even more! Because it's the only thing that will penetrate oil! Hello! The only people who complain about this product are people who still haven't figured out skin and don't understand that. No this product isn't meant to be used under makeup, etc & that's okay. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have its place- you have to actually understand skin, this product, etc. This is a wonderful safer/more studied alternative to tea tree oil for oily skin. It's ... MoreAs a preface, I realize lot of people struggle with skin because they do not understand it. TO has 2 options- water based & this is oil based. Water & oil do not mix, right? Many falsely still believe that you don't moisturize oily skin🤦‍♀️ or to avoid oil. Since water and oil don't mix... oil helps oily/acne skin even more! Because it's the only thing that will penetrate oil! Hello! The only people who complain about this product are people who still haven't figured out skin and don't understand that. No this product isn't meant to be used under makeup, etc & that's okay. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have its place- you have to actually understand skin, this product, etc. This is a wonderful safer/more studied alternative to tea tree oil for oily skin. It's meant to be oily lol. Oil mixes better with oil- not water! Basic chemical principle. This is for use at night before you go to sleep- and wooweee ! Lol, it will help clear up your skin while your skin goes into overdrive work while you're asleep. Think of the "slugging" trend- many of us already knew about oiling before "slugging" went TikTok viral and this would be a perfect product for it for oily/acne people vs Vaseline, since Vaseline isn't acne friendly.The people who give it low stars just don't understand it & it would help them to check out a chemistry 101 class. But as they say the girls that get it, GET IT! Thank you @theordinary this is an amazing product!!

Best for winter dryer weather, makes skin velvety

I bought this product when the weather was still warm and when i started using it, couple of days later my skin (forehead, temples, chin) was covered in multiple small red-ish pimples. I am not prone to breaks out even though I have oily T-zone. I immediately thought this product must be the reason, as I did not change anything else in my skin care routine, and basically all my other products are The Ordinary also, which I am using for years. So after a week my skin went back to normal. Then I tried again and the same happened.I left it for couple of months and tried again during the winter because i kept seeing nice reviews on the product at different communities. So when I tried it again, and then again and again, I did not have any break outs! The product has ... MoreI bought this product when the weather was still warm and when i started using it, couple of days later my skin (forehead, temples, chin) was covered in multiple small red-ish pimples. I am not prone to breaks out even though I have oily T-zone. I immediately thought this product must be the reason, as I did not change anything else in my skin care routine, and basically all my other products are The Ordinary also, which I am using for years. So after a week my skin went back to normal. Then I tried again and the same happened.I left it for couple of months and tried again during the winter because i kept seeing nice reviews on the product at different communities. So when I tried it again, and then again and again, I did not have any break outs! The product has squalene and since it was dry and cold-ish during Australian winter in Sydney, my skin felt so moisturized and dewy and velvety on touch! I was amazed. I used it every single night for another 3 months and really liked it, especially seeing my pores definitely became much smaller (I am not imagining! It is like I knew every single pore by name before this product! LOL ) and cleaner.I think I was breaking out in the beginning just because my skin was getting used to it, so if you have the same reaction, do like me and use it again. The product is great!

Can't Live Without It

This is my favorite product from The Ordinary hands-down. I have dry, sensitive acne prone skin. I use this mainly as a night serum. This is the first acne serum I have used that does not dry out my face to the point of peeling. It seems to have an oily consistency. This works wonders for my dry, sensitive skin. It clears and treats acne without drying out the skin. It cleared the blackheads on my nose and forehead. The Salicylic Acid works as an effective exfoliator. I cannot frequently use peels or scrubs because they are too harsh for my skin. I have finally found an exfoliator that doesn't cause irritation. It really clears out my pores. A few months of using this product has made my skin smoother, reduces blackheads, reduces skin congestion and reduces pore ... MoreThis is my favorite product from The Ordinary hands-down. I have dry, sensitive acne prone skin. I use this mainly as a night serum. This is the first acne serum I have used that does not dry out my face to the point of peeling. It seems to have an oily consistency. This works wonders for my dry, sensitive skin. It clears and treats acne without drying out the skin. It cleared the blackheads on my nose and forehead. The Salicylic Acid works as an effective exfoliator. I cannot frequently use peels or scrubs because they are too harsh for my skin. I have finally found an exfoliator that doesn't cause irritation. It really clears out my pores. A few months of using this product has made my skin smoother, reduces blackheads, reduces skin congestion and reduces pore size. This product is GOLD.Because of the oily consistency, I find this product difficult to use with other moisturizers. I usually skip applying this product in the morning when I apply my normal moisturizer. When I apply this product at night, I only apply my eye cream and skip face moisturizer all together. To use with moisturizer, I recommend spot applying this serum to only the acne prone areas. I don't recommend applying this serum under foundation.

Great for first time SA users with combination/dry skin!

This is one of the gentlest salicylic acid products I've used thanks to the squalane and moisturizing factors. After finishing the bottle I've noticed my skin is softer and acne flare-ups occur much less frequently. Having dry arms and combination skin, the dry patches on my cheeks and shoulders saw the most benefit so this has become my holy grail product this past winter. This product would definitely help if you have other dry, acne-prone concerns in areas like the neck, chest, and arms. My only critique is that because the vehicle is oily and not lightweight, it's difficult to layer this in my morning routine without pilling, so I did incorporate this into my evening routine instead.The concerns about the greasy residue are valid and the feeling is pretty ... MoreThis is one of the gentlest salicylic acid products I've used thanks to the squalane and moisturizing factors. After finishing the bottle I've noticed my skin is softer and acne flare-ups occur much less frequently. Having dry arms and combination skin, the dry patches on my cheeks and shoulders saw the most benefit so this has become my holy grail product this past winter. This product would definitely help if you have other dry, acne-prone concerns in areas like the neck, chest, and arms. My only critique is that because the vehicle is oily and not lightweight, it's difficult to layer this in my morning routine without pilling, so I did incorporate this into my evening routine instead.The concerns about the greasy residue are valid and the feeling is pretty noticeable at the start, but I didn't mind it. If you're just starting the anhydrous solution it pays to be patient and gently rub in 2-4 drops at night once or twice per week before slowly ramping up to daily use by the 4th or 5th week. Personally, after about a 3-week introduction period that came with some purging I noticed my skin would absorb the product more quickly and left less of the "oily" feeling. I'd wake up with velvety soft skin the next morning and never felt the need to use an evening moisturizer :) Would repurchase again!

Some of these reviews are for a different product!

I adore this original REGULAR 2 percent salicylic solution, it makes such a difference in acne! I wanted to respond to the review that is posted as the main "con" review. There are TWO versions of the Ordinary Salicylic products. THIS PRODUCT listed is their ORIGINAL SALICYLIC 2% SOUTION, which is water based and helps remove congestion and acne. It's what most of us think when you hear "Salicylic acid". The Ordinarys OTHER salicylic version, is the Salicylic Acid 2% ANHYDROUS solution which is quite different. While it does have some salicylic acid properties in it, it is an OIL based solution that is meant to target uneven skin tone, texture and redness, NOT for flared acne and congestion. I have used both and I promise you they work totally differently. I used ... MoreI adore this original REGULAR 2 percent salicylic solution, it makes such a difference in acne! I wanted to respond to the review that is posted as the main "con" review. There are TWO versions of the Ordinary Salicylic products. THIS PRODUCT listed is their ORIGINAL SALICYLIC 2% SOUTION, which is water based and helps remove congestion and acne. It's what most of us think when you hear "Salicylic acid". The Ordinarys OTHER salicylic version, is the Salicylic Acid 2% ANHYDROUS solution which is quite different. While it does have some salicylic acid properties in it, it is an OIL based solution that is meant to target uneven skin tone, texture and redness, NOT for flared acne and congestion. I have used both and I promise you they work totally differently. I used this listed product first to help get rid of my acne and congestion and once that was under control I switched to the Anhydrous salicylic solution to lighten up the (dark) pigmentation spots and scars my previous acne left behind. AND it made my texture so much better and smooth and if I was having redness it took that away. If in doubt please go to The Ordinarys official site which helps educate you on all their products and target the specific problems your own skin has. After this novel, lol, I highly recommend this specific version to start with if you are struggling with acne, black heads, congestion, even the hormonal and cystic types. Even after my skin cleared I still use this salicylic 2% solution as a spot treatment along with their salicylic mask they also sell. Then move on and try the anhydrous version to finish up. Good luck on your journey, I know it's a hard one!

Treatment for acne-prone skin

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is a great option for anyone dealing with acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, making it an effective ingredient for treating acne. Since incorporating this solution into my skincare routine, I've noticed a significant improvement in the overall texture and appearance of my skin. My pores are less noticeable, and I've experienced fewer breakouts. One of the things I appreciate most about this product is that it's very affordable, yet still highly effective. The formula is also anhydrous, which means it's water-free, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types. The solution is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, making it a convenient ... MoreThe Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is a great option for anyone dealing with acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, making it an effective ingredient for treating acne. Since incorporating this solution into my skincare routine, I've noticed a significant improvement in the overall texture and appearance of my skin. My pores are less noticeable, and I've experienced fewer breakouts. One of the things I appreciate most about this product is that it's very affordable, yet still highly effective. The formula is also anhydrous, which means it's water-free, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types. The solution is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, making it a convenient addition to my skincare routine. However, I do recommend using a moisturizer afterward, as it can be a bit drying. Overall, I highly recommend The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution to anyone looking for an affordable yet effective treatment for acne-prone skin. It's a great option for those on a budget who still want to incorporate an effective BHA into their skincare routine.

White Heads on Nose and Below Lower Lip Area

I purchased this because I wanted something that would help me with the sebum build up on my nose and lower lip/chin area. I have a lot of pores on my nose and chin that has buildup that prevents my skin from looking smooth. It's difficult to put makeup on these areas without it looking dry, flaky or disturbed.I have been using this product on and off for a month, but more regularly in the last 2 weeks (Ween yourself into products, don't go all in. You never know how your skin is going to react. Slowly introduce products). I use it both day and night in area with large pores or rough skin. I have noticed that since using this more regularly, that the sebum buildup has lessened and my skin has a more smooth appearance. This product is a lovely addition to my ... MoreI purchased this because I wanted something that would help me with the sebum build up on my nose and lower lip/chin area. I have a lot of pores on my nose and chin that has buildup that prevents my skin from looking smooth. It's difficult to put makeup on these areas without it looking dry, flaky or disturbed.I have been using this product on and off for a month, but more regularly in the last 2 weeks (Ween yourself into products, don't go all in. You never know how your skin is going to react. Slowly introduce products). I use it both day and night in area with large pores or rough skin. I have noticed that since using this more regularly, that the sebum buildup has lessened and my skin has a more smooth appearance. This product is a lovely addition to my regimen. This bottle will last me so long, since the formula is so thin. I do wish that the dropper was better to accommodate the thinness of the liquid.I also love the dewiness that the serum gives my skin. I do end up layering a few more products on top of this, but I think it still helps with the dew.I can't wait to see what the long term effects of the serum are. I know that there are a lot of people that say that this brand does not work. While there are some products on the line that I do not care for (hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, natural moisturizing factor). There are items on their line that I absolutely LOVE and have already repurchased several times (glycolic acid, retinoid 2% emulsion, the buffet, caffeine under eye serum, lactic acid). There are a few other products that I would like to try. I love that this brand makes affordable products that are effective.

how This + 2 clean facecloths/day cleared acne

I love this and will be ordering bottle #2. I have been using it daily for maybe 8-10 weeks and it helped a lot. That said... Acne prone skin is caused by a ton of factors and it has taken me about 3 months to really narrow down all my triggers and deal with them. Salicylic acid couldn't make it ok that I was drying my face with dirty towels. Salicylic acid also couldn't make it ok that I was spending about 33% of my life with the right side of my face pressed against sheets or the back of my hand and was causing a lot of acne simply while I slept (see photo for how I fixed it). Salicylic acid also couldn't make it ok that my skin barrier was destroyed from years of using products like OxyPads, full of alcohol. HOWEVER... as part of a legit and comprehensive ... MoreI love this and will be ordering bottle #2. I have been using it daily for maybe 8-10 weeks and it helped a lot. That said... Acne prone skin is caused by a ton of factors and it has taken me about 3 months to really narrow down all my triggers and deal with them. Salicylic acid couldn't make it ok that I was drying my face with dirty towels. Salicylic acid also couldn't make it ok that I was spending about 33% of my life with the right side of my face pressed against sheets or the back of my hand and was causing a lot of acne simply while I slept (see photo for how I fixed it). Salicylic acid also couldn't make it ok that my skin barrier was destroyed from years of using products like OxyPads, full of alcohol. HOWEVER... as part of a legit and comprehensive skincare routine (drying my face with clean facecloths; sleeping with face touching only clean facecloth that is changed every day; using other products to restore my skin barrier; etc etc)... then yes this an excellent product.The squalane is a bit oily. I don't mind because I switched to high linoleic acid, small molecule oils like Hemp, safflower and rosehip oil instead of moisturizers. It all sinks in after about 10 minutes. It does not make me feel or look oily. The temporary oily sensation is worth it since, in all my life, my skin has never been so balanced or looked so good.I think if someone who is acne prone isn't getting results with this 2% salicylic solution, then they need to examine other factors... like whether a damaged skin barrier or stomach sleeping or towel drying is depositing more bacteria than any topical can magically fix. ❤️