Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Image: theordinary.com

The Ordinary

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

A serum built around AHA, for hydration and barrier repair.

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Brand price

USD 6.03 · 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

  • Sensitive skin
  • Acne & blemishes
  • Redness & rosacea
  • Uneven texture
  • Oiliness & shine

How to use

Warnings: When using this product skin irritation and dryness is more likely to occur if you use another topical acne medication at the same time. If irritation occurs, only use one topical acne medication at a time. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. Directions: Clean the skin thoroughly before applying this product. Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times daily. Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day. If eye contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water. 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 the eyes and mouth, blistering or difficulty breathing, rinse off, cease use, and consult a doctor right away.

Caution

Warnings: When using this product skin irritation and dryness is more likely to occur if you use another topical acne medication at the same time. If irritation occurs, only use one topical acne medication at a time. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

What's inside

Ingredients List

1 trigger at least one check · 11 trigger none

clear
Salicylic AcidPreservative
—
  • BHA
  • Salicylic acid
  • Acne Fighting
  • Exfoliating
  • Oil Control
  • Pore Refining
clear
WaterSkin Conditioning
—
clear
ChlorphenesinPreservative
0 / —
clear
Citric AcidBuffering
0 / —
  • AHA
  • Exfoliating
  • Smoothing
clear
GlycerinHumectant
0 / 0
  • Possibly animal-derived
  • Hydrating
flagged
Isoceteth-20Cleansing
—
  • Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
  • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
clear
Pentylene GlycolSkin Conditioning
0-1 / —
clear
PhenoxyethanolPreservative
0 / —
clear
0-1 / —
clear
0 / —

Key Ingredients

  • AHA1

    Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.

    Citric Acid

  • BHA1

    Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.

    Salicylic Acid

  • Salicylic acid1

    The BHA used in acne treatment.

    Salicylic Acid

Benefits

Concerns

  • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1

    May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.

    Isoceteth-20

Ingredients Explained

Click on any ingredient to learn more about it

Dupes

See all 8 dupes