Image: theordinary.com
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
A serum built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for barrier repair and smoothing.
Brand price
USD 6.75 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · on the brand's site
From the brand
What the brand says about this product. Our ingredient analysis follows below.
The brand recommends it for
- Acne & blemishes
- Dark spots & pigmentation
- Dullness
- Uneven texture
How to use
Apply in the morning and evening. Apply a small dot to the target area or apply a small amount over the face for general use. Do not use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes. Patch testing prior to use is advised: Apply the product as directed to a small area once a day for three days to test if you are sensitive to this product. If you develop irritation, hives, swelling of eyes and mouth, blistering, or difficulty breathing, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician right away. Keep out of reach of children. Sunburn Alert: This product contains a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
Caution
Do not use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes. Patch testing prior to use is advised: Apply the product as directed to a small area once a day for three days to test if you are sensitive to this product. If you develop irritation, hives, swelling of eyes and mouth, blistering, or difficulty breathing, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician right away. Keep out of reach of children. Sunburn Alert: This product contains a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
What's inside
Ingredients List
1 trigger at least one check · 8 trigger none
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Key Ingredients
Benefits
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
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Ingredients Explained
Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
Squalane
Hair Conditioning, Refatting, Skin Conditioning, Emollient
Squalane is a face oil.
Learn more about Squalane →Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Fragrance, Perfuming, Occlusive, Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is the mixed triester of glycerin and caprylic and capric acids.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Learn more about Pentylene Glycol →Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Emollient, Cleansing, Viscosity Controlling
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides →4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Fragrance, Perfuming
Cyclohexanol, 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-
Learn more about 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol →Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone is the organic compound
Learn more about Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone →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 →