PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY SALICYLIC ACID 2% SOLUTION - WHAT IS SALICYLIC ACID? WHAT DOES SALICYLIC ACID DO TO YOUR SKIN?
THE ORDINARY | SALICYLIC ACID 2% SOLUTION
Photo credit: ©2022 Antonio Jefferson, Antonio Jefferson Studios
This product review was originally part of my blog article titled, The Best Salicylic Acid Treatments from The Ordinary - What Is Salicylic Acid? What Does Salicylic Acid Do to Your Skin? You can catch the full piece here.
—
I’ve seen my share of skincare innovations, marketing trends and even entire brands come and go. Skincare marketing fascinates me. But what really intrigues me is how consumers respond to and absorb what marketers put out there. A prime example of this is the average skincare consumer’s understanding of the ingredient Salicylic Acid.
Because there has been such limited innovation in face products for acne, most skincare marketers have focused on face serums, cleansers and moisturizers formulated with Salicylic Acid, one of very few FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of acne. In the United States, acne is considered a medical condition and the products to treat it are heavily regulated. (Hence the lack of innovation!)
I love Salicylic Acid! In my experience, one of the best exfoliating, pore-refining toners with Salicylic Acid is the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. A sweep of it over skin twice a day goes a long way to limiting the occurrence of acne breakouts and helping to heal existing acne blemishes. Catch my review of it on the blog here.
PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA’S CHOICE SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT
And while Salicylic Acid is one of the most effective ingredients for treating acne blemishes, it’s not just for acne-prone skin. That’s where the marketing comes into play. Salicylic Acid happens to be a superior pro-skin health ingredient that should be incorporated into any skincare routine, no matter your skin type or skin concerns. Like Niacinamide and Vitamin C, it’s that versatile. Yet it’s rarely, if ever, taken up by skincare marketers for anything more than acne treatment products.
What Is Salicylic Acid and Is Salicylic Acid Good for Acne?
Salicylic Acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA, is perpetually the active of choice for controlling acne- and oily-prone skin. And while it’s one of the most effective anti-acne ingredients, it’s so effective at optimizing skin health that it should be a staple in every pro-skin health routine, not just an acne routine.
What does Salicylic Acid do for the rest of us – those who don’t struggle with acne every day? Well, the best BHA happens to be superb at unclogging pores. We all have pores. And all our pores get clogged. For me, Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide form a one-two punch in my daily skincare regimen that keeps my pores clear and my skin fresh. It’s one of the few acids that can effectively dissolve hardened sebum inside pores to release oil, dirt, and bacteria — all of which can result in a blemish. But more than that, by clearing and refreshing pores, skin functions better and is able to respond to both internal and external aggressors more effectively. That translates into healthier skin. Skincare marketers aren’t often interested in that part of the equation.
According to the experts on the Paula’s Choice Research Team, Salicylic Acid is among the best ingredients for promoting skin health and specifically the treatment of acne blemishes:
Salicylic acid (also called beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a desmolytic ingredient, which means it is able to exfoliate by dissolving the bonds that hold the dead cells to skin’s surface. Because salicylic acid is oil soluble, it also has the ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore. This makes it especially effective for reducing breakouts, including blackheads and whiteheads.
Salicylic acid is recognized as an over-the-counter topical acne product by the U.S. FDA, when used in concentrations of 0.5-2%. Even though salicylic acid is best known for its ability to address acne-prone skin concerns, it offers many additional properties that any skin type can benefit from. Case in point, by exfoliating the buildup of dead skin on the surface, it also helps reverse the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone, as well as other visible signs of aging skin.
Unlike physical exfoliants (such as a rough facial scrub), salicylic acid offers hydrating properties that enhance the result of smooth, soft skin. Another unique advantage is salicylic acid’s ability to gently soothe aggravated skin thanks to its inherent calming properties.
Salicylic acid works most effectively as a leave-on treatment, ideally within a pH range between 3 and 4. Rinse-off salicylic acid cleansers typically have a higher pH, which likely won’t offer much of an exfoliation benefit, not to mention the contact time with skin is very brief - but the salicylic acid may at least offer skin-calming benefits in this form and can be included in amounts as low as 0.5% to achieve this benefit.
Research shows using salicylic acid starting at a 1-2% concentration is recommended for regular exfoliation within a skin care routine. For more stubborn concerns, higher concentrations can make a dramatic difference. In dermatologic practices, salicylic acid has been safely used in as high as 50% concentrations for removal of warts, corns, pigmented lesions, and other advanced concerns.
Salicylic acid has been found to be safe on all skin tones and ethnicities.
Best Products from The Ordinary
One of the most comprehensive Salicylic Acid collections comes from one of my favorite and most trusted brands, The Ordinary. I have so many favorites from The Ordinary! Among my regular go-to’s are The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution, the brand’s best Vitamin C serum, Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution, and wildly popular Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — very likely the top-selling Niacinamide serum in the world.
Don’t quote me on that, it’s just an educated guess from someone who’s been in the business awhile.
The company’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is one of the most popular face serums for oily skin — and likely all skins — on Sephora’s website. I would venture to guess it’s the best-selling acne treatment on Earth.
How Do I Know The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toner Works as a Deodorant?
Now, that’s not to say that I think The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the best acne treatment available, but skincare marketers have done such a great job of conditioning us all to think that Salicylic Acid equals acne that I know it’s among the top-selling products in the world.
While the brand’s water-based Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a longtime fave for oily- and acne-prone skin, The Ordinary just introduced a new Salicylic Acid-powered serum, the Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution. It’s an oil-based, or water-free, treatment that uses Squalane as the formula base. It has a really light, velvety texture and functions very much like a moisturizer with Salicylic Acid that helps to clear clogged pores.
Rounding out The Ordinary’s trio of Salicylic Acid treatments is the brand’s super messy but irresistible Salicylic Acid 2% Masque. It’s like that messy friend who causes all kinds of drama but the day after you think you had an amazing time, and at least no one ended up in jail.
I’ll take a deep dive into each of The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid products below. But first, I’m excited to share my latest collaboration with my good friend, photographer Antonio Jefferson of New York-based Antonio Jefferson Studio.
Antonio has shot products for the Skincarma Blog on multiple occasions, including some of 2021’s coolest Vitamin C serums in a blog article last summer titled, New Vitamin C Serums I’m Crushing on from Wander Beauty, Glossier, Kat Burki and More. You can catch the piece, and Antonio’s stunning product shots here.
COLLAB WITH ANTONIO JEFFERSON STUDIO: NEW VITAMIN C SERUMS I’M CRUSHING ON FROM WANDER BEAUTY, GLOSSIER, KAT BURKI & MORE
Several of The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid product shots in the blog are Antonio’s images, including the stunning cover shot for the article. I’ve indicated Antonio’s shots throughout the article and am excited to have the opportunity to share his work again with Skincarma followers.
Be sure to check out Antonio’s portfolio of fashion and product images on his site here — and follow his journey on his IG page, too!
With that, let’s take a look at one of the three products that comprise The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid collection…
Photo credit: ©2022 Antonio Jefferson, Antonio Jefferson Studios
The Ordinary | Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
One of the things I appreciate most about The Ordinary is that the products are uncomplicated – not overly fussy and marketed to death. In fact, when I think about The Ordinary’s popular $5.90 Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, it’s the complete opposite of a product like Dr. Barbara Sturm’s over-hyped $145 Anti-Pollution Drops.
Both products have relatively simple INCI’s, with approximately a dozen or so ingredients. And both are exceptionally pro-skin health. But The Ordinary’s serum doesn’t need to be over-hyped to sell. It’s straightforward, affordable, and appealing in its simplicity and perceived efficacy. It does what you think it’s gonna do: deliver Salicylic Acid deep into your pores to clear them out and prevent acne blemishes.
Best Products From The Ordinary
On the other hand, the Dr. Barbara Sturm serum is nearly all marketing hype. In fact, without the hype, it wouldn’t sell at all. And, to be honest, it shouldn’t sell at all. It’s not even worth much more in terms of its value for the skin than The Ordinary’s six-dollar serum. That’s not to say that the Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops isn’t a terrific humectant serum with a few potent antioxidants. It is. But for $145? Come on! (Psst…I broke it down on my TikTok page here.)
Photo credit: ©2022 Antonio Jefferson, Antonio Jefferson Studios
So I appreciate the simplicity, efficacy and accessibility of The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution. It’s been a part of my skincare routine for years now. I’ve recommended it as an acne-clearing treatment to dozens of friends, family and followers and have often urged incorporating it into a regular daily routine – not just during an acne blemish crisis.
The water-based Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a relatively simple formula comprised of just 12 ingredients: Aqua (Water), Saccharide Isomerate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
What does The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution do? Well, the brand makes no hyperbolic promises: it “decongests and exfoliates.” But there’s more to it than that – and they make no mention of acne. (Due in large part to the regulatory nature of acne claims.)
In truth, while it’s an effective skin surface exfoliator and deep pore de-clogger, there’s something quite special about The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution that’s entirely overlooked. In fact, it’s never even mentioned.
Users of Salicylic Acid often complain that it can dry out their skin. And, I’ve even had people tell me that it can be irritating if used every day. Look, everyone’s skin is different. And everyone’s skin can react differently to various skincare ingredients, especially potent actives like Salicylic Acid. Oftentimes, these reactions are idiosyncratic – specific to you.
But this particular Salicylic Acid serum doesn’t seem to be drying – even when I’ve used it twice a day for multiple days consecutively. Could it be the second ingredient, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water? That’s commonly known as witch hazel a popukar astringent and skin soother.
What I like about it: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is simple, effective and superbly pro-skin health. It’s one of the best acne serums with Salicylic Acid and even makes an effective pore-clearing, gentle exfoliating treatment for daily use. But what I appreciate most about the formula is how surprisingly non-drying it is.
What I don’t like about it: I love everything about it.
Who it’s for: All skin types, but especially oily and/or acne prone skins.
SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution for $5.90 here.
The Ingredient List of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution:
exf|aacne|so|pres, Dimethyl Isosorbide solv|vc, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate chel, Citric Acid buff, Polysorbate 20 emu|surf 0 0, Hydroxyethylcellulose vc, Ethoxydiglycol solv|h|perf 0 0, Potassium Sorbate pres, Sodium Benzoate pres, 1,2-Hexanediol solv, Caprylyl Glycol h|emo
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW OF
THE ORDINARY'S THE BALANCE SET – BEST PRODUCTS FROM THE ORDINARY
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
NIACINAMIDE IS THE GAME CHANGER YOU NEED - THE BEST NIACINAMIDE SERUMS FROM PAULA'S CHOICE & MORE!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
I’M GETTING #SELFCARESUNDAY LIT! 🔥 POWERING UP MY BRIGHTENING WITH MAYSAMA BEAUTY!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW OF
SKINCARE HACKS: GLYCOLIC ACID IS THE NATURAL DEODORANT THAT WORKS!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
COOL CLEAN FACIAL SUNSCREENS TO KEEP US SAFE AND SMILING IN THE SUN!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
THE YEAR’S BEST VITAMIN C SERUMS WITH PAULA'S CHOICE, SUNDAY RILEY, THE INKEY LIST AND MORE!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
THE BEST HYALURONIC ACID SERUMS FROM PAULA'S CHOICE, THE INKEY LIST, GHOST DEMOCRACY & MORE
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW OF
A SELFCARE SUNDAY NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART – WITH THE PAULA’S CHOICE 25% AHA PEEL!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW
MY 2021 VITAMIN C PICKS + THE BEST VITAMIN C SERUMS TO BRIGHTEN UP THE COMPLEXION!
ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE
