The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% SolutionA serum built around AHA, for hydration and barrier repair.
A serum built around Niacinamide and BHA, for hydration and barrier repair.
Brand price
USD 6.03 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site
Brand price
INR 599.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

At a Glance

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

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.

Benefits

Hydrating6
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Propanediol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol
Smoothing4
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Citric Acid, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid

Concerns

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Skin Conditioning
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Salicylic Acid (in both products)
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Citric Acid
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Citric Acid is an AHA.
Learn more about Citric Acid →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 →Phenoxyethanol
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is the aromatic ether alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Phenoxyethanol →Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →
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