The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Pore Clearing Serum
Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acidWorks well
“Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous is a gentle formula that is designed to exfoliate the skin, decongest pores, smooth textural irregularities, and reduce redness and uneven skin tone.”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: salicylic acid.
MoisturizingSqualane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 3 moreWorks
“Among our other salicylic acid offerings, what sets this formula apart is its squalane-based emollient base and supporting hydrating polyglycerides.”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Evens skin toneSalicylic acidNot delivered
“Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous is a gentle formula that is designed to exfoliate the skin, decongest pores, smooth textural irregularities, and reduce redness and uneven skin tone.”
This product might help improve the skin tone through exfoliation. In other words, it helps to speed up the shedding of cells from the upper layer of the skin, and this might help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Anti-blemishSide benefit the brand mentions · Salicylic acidWorks well
“Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Pore Clearing Serum”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
4 of 4 community members would buy it again.
Dont understand how this one have low rating on some other websites. I freaking love this stuff. Wouldnt trade it for anything else. Sure it is oily. But it not only decreased my acne to virtually non existent which has been a struggle for 10yesrs of my life. It also gives my face a healthy and natural look. I only use it at night and I love it!!
I think that the aqueous solution one is more effective, but I still like this one. It works fine for me, but my boyfriend tried it and started to break out more after about two weeks of using it. What I really don't like about it is the smell (or mine has gone bad).
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Squalane~25–38%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneCaprylic/capric triglyceride~8.4–12.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglyceridePentylene glycol~4.7–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSalicylic acid~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidOleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides4-t-butylcyclohexanol~0.5–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An anti-oxidant. Is also called 6-paradol. It might be able to neutralize free radicals in skin. The manufacturer claims that it is able to stimulate synthesis of hyaluronic acid in skin, but there is no evidence of effectiveness of this ingredient so far. The only evidence of efficacy for this ingredient so far come from small lab tests. This ingredient comes together with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as part of the complex called SymDecanox HA produced by a cosmetic ingredient supplier Symrise.
More about Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanonePhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Ingredient list view
Squalane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Pentylene glycol, Salicylic acid, Oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides, 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| The OrdinarySalicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Pore Clearing SerumYOUR PRODUCT | The INKEY List CASuccinic Acid Blemish Treatment | Peter Thomas RothGoodbye Acne Treatment Gel | REVOLUTION SKINCAREDehydrated Skin Peeling Solution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 86% | 82% | 82% |
| Price | $7.50 | $8.13+$0.63 | $44.00+$36.50 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Colloidal Sulfur | Retinol | Gluconolactone |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: By BEAUTY BAY Breakout Clearing SerumRiversol Acne Treatment + Retinol Treatment
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6Designing topical hyaluronic acid technology—Size does matteronlinelibrary.wiley.com
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