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The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution, Gentle Exfoliating Serum for Blemishes
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Summary
The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Serum is a squalane-based, non-irritating formula formulated with salicylic acid to effectively decongest the skin and provide surface exfoliation.
Benefits
- Targets visible reduction of apparent pore size and uneven texture, with visibly improved skin tone and clarity over time
- The squalane in the formula allows to curb potential discomfort that is associated with direct acids
Features
- This product uses squalane as a carrier, a non-comedogenic light emollient that has an oil-like texture
Key Ingredients
- Salicylic Acid: decongests and exfoliates
- 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol: soothes
Item 2590731
Apply 2-3 drops in the morning and evening or for added hydration, cocktail with Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. Apply a small dot to the target area or apply a small amount over the face for general use.
Squalane, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Oleic/linoleic/linolenic Polyglycerides, 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
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Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 5 out of 7 Questions
- Q
What would be the difference between this salicylic acid 2% and the other that is a clear/white bottle?
- Asked by Anair
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageSalicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is a water-free serum while Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a water based formula. The Anhydrous solution is also on the gentler side and offered in a squalane base, formulated with the intent of reducing concerns of skin irritation.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will this help with the little dots on my forehead and face?
- Asked by Aubs
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageThe Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a targeted serum for blemish-prone skin.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hello. Are there any products that are contraindicated (should not use) during a layering routine?
- Asked by Liz60
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageWe recommend avoiding the use of other direct acids, peptides, vitamin c, and retinol products alongside Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Will this make me purge?
- Asked by Payton
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi there! It's important to note that with any active ingredient that affects skin behaviour, there can be an initial purging period during which breakouts are normal. It is also important to note that when introducing new products and sciences into your regimen, your skin may require up to a month to adjust.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can i use this with the milky toner?
- Asked by Can I use both?
- Official Answer By The Ordinary - Brand EngageHi! Yes, Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution can be used alongside Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner.Was this answer helpful to you
Reviews
Write A REVIEWReview Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Ratings Distribution
Skin Type
Most Helpful Positive Review
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 ...
Most Helpful Critical Review
So bad, Deciem PLEASE bring back the old formula!
I was gutted when The Ordinary discontinued the original salicylic acid 2% solution a few years ago, it was my holy grail, the formula was perfect, it was almost water thin and it sank into the skin immediately with no residue so you could layer other products under it or on top of it and most impor...
353 results
Helped clear my skin
I really love this product. My skin noticeably cleared up after I started using it, and has had fewer breakouts. I'm on my third bottle of it!
Good for sensitive acne prone skin
Compared to the original salicylic acid solution, I found that this one was significantly less drying. While I still got the occasional blemish or breakout while using it, I felt as though this helped keep things contained to a lesser degree. Rarely would I use a full droppers worth, as the oily texture took longer to absorb and settled into the skin after some time, but it still felt better than the original. Overall, if you enjoy salicylic acid but dont like how it dries your skin out, this would be a worthwhile investment or switch.
love this- works better with simple routine.
I've been using the Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution consistently in my routine, and I genuinely love how well it fits without overwhelming my skin. What I appreciate most is how gentle yet effective it is at keeping blemishes and congestion under control while still feeling lightweight and non-irritating. The anhydrous formula makes a noticeable difference for me — it doesn't dry my skin out the way other salicylic acid products have in the past, and it layers beautifully with the rest of my routine. I've noticed smoother texture, fewer clogged pores, and a more balanced overall look since incorporating it. This is especially great for anyone who follows (or wants to follow) a minimal skincare routine, which in my experience always works best. You don't need a long list of products when you have something targeted and reliable like this — it does the job without causing unnecessary irritation. I would definitely recommend this to people dealing with blemishes, blackheads, or uneven texture who want effective results without complicating their routine.
The best!!
Cleared my ance in a few weeks and left me with brighter skin.
Works, but will not repurchase
I wanted to like this, but the texture is just so unpleasant. With my sensitive, acne-prone skin, it constantly feels so greasy, it never absorbs. I'll go back to CosRx BHA or Stridex Sensitive instead.