
Image: theordinary.com
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
A serum built around AHA, for hydration and barrier repair.
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
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Explained
Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
Salicylic Acid
Anti-seborrheic, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Keratolytic, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid is a BHA.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid →Water
Antiplaque, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Learn more about Water →Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial, Preservative
Chlorphenesin is the organic compound that conforms to the formula:
Learn more about Chlorphenesin →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 →Isoceteth-20
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Isoceteth-20 isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isoceteth-20 →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 →Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Saccharides, isomerised
Learn more about Saccharide Isomerate →Sodium Citrate
Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance
Trisodium citrate
Learn more about Sodium Citrate →
Dupes
- The Ordinary Caffeine 3% + Escin 1% Face Serum71% match
- Murad Biome-Balancing Clear & Prevent Acne Treatment Serum67% match
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution63% match
- Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2% Face Serum62% match
- Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid62% match
- The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Active Acne62% match