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!

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!

Helps with pimples and general face dermatitis issues. I get red dry skin under my eyes and this has it cleared up completely and my skin feels and looks great. I use it every other day, and use the ordinary copper peptide face serum on the off days. Absolutely amazing results using both products. My skin is happier, shinier, and i swear its even reduced fine lines from aging just after a few weeks.

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

I swear by this stuff! Finally a salicylic acid that doesn't dry out my skin! Keeps my skin clear like no other! Very happy with this product! I've ordered it many times, and will continue to do so! Thank you Ordinary!!!

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.

Really useful salicylic acid. It is just what I needed.

I love this stuff, it’s a more gentle formula and helps my pores stay clear. I don’t get much acne so I can’t comment on that, but my pores in my nose get clogged and this really helps!

Fantastic

My skin has been breaking out, and this seems to have really been helping! I use this with other Ordinary products recommended by them and I see a noticeable difference.

Excellent produit et agit très rapidement. Utilisé pour lisser des grains de millium sur le front, des résultats visibles en une semaine. Très bon produit

la mia pelle è migliorata parecchio da quando uso questo siero. fa una leggera esfoliazione , pur non seccando la pelle , perché a base oleosa. lo uso dopo la detersione e lo lascio agire tutta la notte .adatto alla mia pelle , ho 45anni.

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