The Ordinary
Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face SerumThe Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% SolutionA serum built around AHA, for hydration and barrier repair.
A serum built around AHA, for hydration and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 8.10 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
USD 6.03 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
At a Glance
They come out differently on Pore-clogger-free; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis6
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Cetearyl Olivate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Olivate
Ingredients Side-by-side
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Skin Conditioning
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Tonic
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Skin Conditioning
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Learn more about Pentylene Glycol →Isoceteth-20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Isoceteth-20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isoceteth-20 →Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →Citric Acid
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Citric Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Citric Acid →Sodium Citrate
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Trisodium citrate
Learn more about Sodium Citrate →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Chlorphenesin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Chlorphenesin →
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