The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution vs The Inkey List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief

The Ordinary

The Inkey List

A serum built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

A serum built around Azelaic acid, for pollution defence and hydration.

Serum

9 ingredients

17 ingredients

Brand price

USD 6.75 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 20.00 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Canada

Brand country not recorded

At a Glance

Every check both products could be assessed on comes out the same. Tap any answer to see why.

Face oil1
An oil formulated to be used on the face.
Squalane
BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic Acid

Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 60
Azelaic acid1
Works on acne, redness and pigmentation at once.
Azelaic Acid

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Squalane
Smoothing3
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Salicylic Acid, Squalane
Acne Fighting1
Helps clear breakouts and keep pores clear.
Salicylic Acid

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Propanediol
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Glycerin
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Azelaic Acid

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Squalane

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Sorbitan Isostearate
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis2
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Sorbitan Isostearate

Show highlights for:

Squalane
Emollient
1 / 0
- Face oil
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Oily Skin
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —
Salicylic Acid
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Perfuming
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol (in both products)
Preservative
0 / —
Chlorphenesin
Preservative
0 / —

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
- Azelaic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Redness Reducing
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Phenoxyethanol (in both products)
Preservative
0 / —
Acacia Senegal Gum
Fragrance
Xanthan Gum
Cleansing
0-1 / —
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Reduces Irritation
- Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →

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