The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, KaolinWorks well
“A blend of charcoal and clay provides an ultra-deep cleanse helping to draw out impurities from the pores to reduce the appearance of blackheads, blemishes and clogged pores.”
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.
ExfoliationSalicylic acidWorks well
“Leave on for no longer than 10 minutes in order to maximize the exfoliating benefits.”
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
5 of 5 community members would buy it again.
Cannot say enough with this one. My pores, skin texture and blackheads were never the dame after using this one. Didnt realize it was black when I got it and the result are not as intense as bha mask. But its easier, safer and more comfortable to use!!
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Kaolin~5.1–7.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color
More about KaolinSqualane~3.8–5.7%
- 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 SqualaneGlycerin~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinDimethyl isosorbide~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
More about Dimethyl isosorbideSilica cetyl silylate~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Salicylic acid2%
- 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 acidSodium polyacrylate~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylatePentylene glycol~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolCharcoal powder~1.1–1.7%
4-t-butylcyclohexanol~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sclerotium gum~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumAcacia senegal gum~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture
More about Acacia senegal gumXanthan gum~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPhytic acid~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics
More about Phytic acidPolysorbate 20~0.1–0.45%
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateChlorphenesin~0.05–0.2%
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Kaolin, Squalane, Glycerin, Dimethyl isosorbide, Silica cetyl silylate, Salicylic acid, Sodium polyacrylate, Pentylene glycol, Charcoal powder, 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, Sclerotium gum, Acacia senegal gum, Xanthan gum, Phytic acid, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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% MasqueYOUR PRODUCT | LuneiaRadiance Ritual Resurfacing Treatment Mask | Botanical LabHemp & Matcha Tea Clarifying Mask | Glow Hub BeautyPURIFY & BRIGHTEN FACE MASK STICK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 92% | 89% | 87% |
| Price | $12.00 | — | $13.37+$1.37 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Prickly Pear Seed Oil | Lactic Acid | Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Perricone MD Blemish Relief Calming & Soothing Clay MaskCODAGE Purifying Mask
Product summary
"The Ordinary - Salicylic Acid 2% Masque" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Exfoliation and Anti-blemish
Ingredient callouts
- Salicylic acid (2.00% (declared)). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
What our users say
Based on 2 reviews 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, two out of two reviewers say that the product does not clog pores.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "The Ordinary" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 10.30$ up to 15200.00$ in the United States, from 21.90A$ up to 47.10A$ in Australia, from 13.10CA$ up to 34.30CA$ in Canada, from 9.90£ up to 28.74£ in the United Kingdom and for 104.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 5A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.