Last updated on 5 January, 2024
When The Ordinary was launched on Nykaa I didn’t think twice before picking up the The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution. I highly recommend the serum so read on the The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Review to know why.
Brand Claims
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is formulated for all skin types, including those prone to congestion and blemishes. This light formula removes dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores, providing skin clarity with continued use over time.
Concern: Anti-Blemish, Pores, Congestion
Skin Type: Oily skin, Regular skin, Combination skin, Dry skin
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Saccharide Isomerate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Price, Shelf life and Availability
500 INR for 30 ml with a shelf life of 3 years from date of manufacturing. The Ordinary products are exclusively available on Nykaa.
Packaging, Texture and Fragrance
The solution is available in a thick, dropper glass bottle with a matte finish. Even after having a matte finish you can see through the bottle to check the quantity. The dropper works fine in dispensing the solution. The bottle is housed inside a white cardboard box that mentions all the details like ingredients, product description and directions to use. The solution is slightly thick with viscous consistency and is transparent in colour. When you take some quantity and try to massage it on your face, it kind of forms some white lather. The foaming thing doesn’t last long and is not a reason for any worry. The product is fragrance-free and I didn’t find any particular smell other than the smell of a liquid glue. The fragrance fades away quickly as you apply the product.
My experience with The Ordinary Salicylic Acid solution
Salicylic Acid is an oil-soluble, beta hydroxy acid (BHA) so it can enter the deeper layers of the skin to treat acne and clogged pores. I use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution in my PM routine after washing my face. I do follow it up with an oil free moisturizer.
The solution is little bit sticky in nature, but once it is absorbed into the skin it doesn’t leave any residue. I have used it several times to reduce my under the skin acne and it works beautifully to exfoliate the skin without causing any irritation. My under the skin acne that just shows up as a bump reduces in a matter of two uses. But one must use it just 1-3 times per week according to your skin’s tolerance.
I have even applied the solution to a painful bump I experienced on my shoulder. It vanished in just one use. It neither came up nor left any mark. I am super impressed with The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution to tame away my under the skin bumps.
I have used it on pus filled acne too, that I experienced this month, and it didn’t have a significant effect on it. But the pus filled acne responded well to salicylic acid face wash rather than this solution.
Before concluding my review I would like to mention a few things to remember while using any salicylic acid serum
- Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen
- Don’t use salicylic acid if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
- Don’t over exfoliate while using salicylic acid
- Don’t pair it with other actives like glycolic acid, retinoid, lactic acid, retinol, vitamin c
- If you are using salicylic acid face wash them avoid using this serum
- Always patch test to avoid barrier damage or skin problems
Pros
- Non irritating formulation
- Oil free, watery consistency that is absorbed into the skin easily without any residue
- Can be easily incorporated in the skincare routine with layering
- Reduces acne bumps in few uses
- Reduces whiteheads with regular use
- Will be suitable for all skin types due to non irritating and non drying formula. However patch test is must
- Affordable price and quantity is good
Cons
- Doesn’t work much on pus filled acne
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Review
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution can be termed as best salicylic acid serum to tame away acne and its marks. It is a very well formulated with a non irritating, oil free serum. Moreover, the price point is best in terms of the quantity you receive. The product lasts longer, since very little quantity is required for each use. I would highly recommend this serum if you are looking to try a salicylic acid serum in your routine.