Information regarding formula- There's 2 different the Ordinary Salicylic Acid solutions. The other is a very simple, basic 2% Salicylic solution. This one is the serum, it's formulated to be more nourishing and less irritating by combining the 2% Salicylic Acid with plant derived squalane. Make sure you understand which you want before you buy. If you aren't familiar, squalane feels quite oily but it isn't really like other oils. Squalane is a natural component of sebum. Our skin sebum is naturally made up of about 12% squalane. It is a good moisturizer, soother for red or inflamed skin that is also suitable for sensitive skin and strengthens the skin barrier. It's suitable for all skin types because It also helps your skin stay clean of impurities and pollutants. ... MoreInformation regarding formula- There's 2 different the Ordinary Salicylic Acid solutions. The other is a very simple, basic 2% Salicylic solution. This one is the serum, it's formulated to be more nourishing and less irritating by combining the 2% Salicylic Acid with plant derived squalane. Make sure you understand which you want before you buy. If you aren't familiar, squalane feels quite oily but it isn't really like other oils. Squalane is a natural component of sebum. Our skin sebum is naturally made up of about 12% squalane. It is a good moisturizer, soother for red or inflamed skin that is also suitable for sensitive skin and strengthens the skin barrier. It's suitable for all skin types because It also helps your skin stay clean of impurities and pollutants. Because squalane mimics our skin's natural sebum, or oil, it can actually help to control natural oils. The skin recognizes squalane as a naturally occurring oil and therefore produces less on its own, making it a great choice for anyone with oily skin as well as dry. Of course, individual experiences may vary. Its always best to do your research with the Ordinary products. They're an excellent and affordable way to curate a skincare routine with the maximum amount of effective ingredients for your skin needs, but there's a little homework required. Their website is a great resource.

"The girls that get it, GET IT!"

As a preface, I realize lot of people struggle with skin because they do not understand it. TO has 2 options- water based & this is oil based. Water & oil do not mix, right? Many falsely still believe that you don't moisturize oily skin🤦‍♀️ or to avoid oil. Since water and oil don't mix... oil helps oily/acne skin even more! Because it's the only thing that will penetrate oil! Hello! The only people who complain about this product are people who still haven't figured out skin and don't understand that. No this product isn't meant to be used under makeup, etc & that's okay. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have its place- you have to actually understand skin, this product, etc. This is a wonderful safer/more studied alternative to tea tree oil for oily skin. It's ... MoreAs a preface, I realize lot of people struggle with skin because they do not understand it. TO has 2 options- water based & this is oil based. Water & oil do not mix, right? Many falsely still believe that you don't moisturize oily skin🤦‍♀️ or to avoid oil. Since water and oil don't mix... oil helps oily/acne skin even more! Because it's the only thing that will penetrate oil! Hello! The only people who complain about this product are people who still haven't figured out skin and don't understand that. No this product isn't meant to be used under makeup, etc & that's okay. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have its place- you have to actually understand skin, this product, etc. This is a wonderful safer/more studied alternative to tea tree oil for oily skin. It's meant to be oily lol. Oil mixes better with oil- not water! Basic chemical principle. This is for use at night before you go to sleep- and wooweee ! Lol, it will help clear up your skin while your skin goes into overdrive work while you're asleep. Think of the "slugging" trend- many of us already knew about oiling before "slugging" went TikTok viral and this would be a perfect product for it for oily/acne people vs Vaseline, since Vaseline isn't acne friendly. The people who give it low stars just don't understand it & it would help them to check out a chemistry 101 class. But as they say the girls that get it, GET IT! Thank you @theordinary this is an amazing product!!

Best for winter dryer weather, makes skin velvety

I bought this product when the weather was still warm and when i started using it, couple of days later my skin (forehead, temples, chin) was covered in multiple small red-ish pimples. I am not prone to breaks out even though I have oily T-zone. I immediately thought this product must be the reason, as I did not change anything else in my skin care routine, and basically all my other products are The Ordinary also, which I am using for years. So after a week my skin went back to normal. Then I tried again and the same happened. I left it for couple of months and tried again during the winter because i kept seeing nice reviews on the product at different communities. So when I tried it again, and then again and again, I did not have any break outs! The product has ... MoreI bought this product when the weather was still warm and when i started using it, couple of days later my skin (forehead, temples, chin) was covered in multiple small red-ish pimples. I am not prone to breaks out even though I have oily T-zone. I immediately thought this product must be the reason, as I did not change anything else in my skin care routine, and basically all my other products are The Ordinary also, which I am using for years. So after a week my skin went back to normal. Then I tried again and the same happened. I left it for couple of months and tried again during the winter because i kept seeing nice reviews on the product at different communities. So when I tried it again, and then again and again, I did not have any break outs! The product has squalene and since it was dry and cold-ish during Australian winter in Sydney, my skin felt so moisturized and dewy and velvety on touch! I was amazed. I used it every single night for another 3 months and really liked it, especially seeing my pores definitely became much smaller (I am not imagining! It is like I knew every single pore by name before this product! LOL ) and cleaner. I think I was breaking out in the beginning just because my skin was getting used to it, so if you have the same reaction, do like me and use it again. The product is great!

Can't Live Without It

This is my favorite product from The Ordinary hands-down. I have dry, sensitive acne prone skin. I use this mainly as a night serum. This is the first acne serum I have used that does not dry out my face to the point of peeling. It seems to have an oily consistency. This works wonders for my dry, sensitive skin. It clears and treats acne without drying out the skin. It cleared the blackheads on my nose and forehead. The Salicylic Acid works as an effective exfoliator. I cannot frequently use peels or scrubs because they are too harsh for my skin. I have finally found an exfoliator that doesn't cause irritation. It really clears out my pores. A few months of using this product has made my skin smoother, reduces blackheads, reduces skin congestion and reduces pore ... MoreThis is my favorite product from The Ordinary hands-down. I have dry, sensitive acne prone skin. I use this mainly as a night serum. This is the first acne serum I have used that does not dry out my face to the point of peeling. It seems to have an oily consistency. This works wonders for my dry, sensitive skin. It clears and treats acne without drying out the skin. It cleared the blackheads on my nose and forehead. The Salicylic Acid works as an effective exfoliator. I cannot frequently use peels or scrubs because they are too harsh for my skin. I have finally found an exfoliator that doesn't cause irritation. It really clears out my pores. A few months of using this product has made my skin smoother, reduces blackheads, reduces skin congestion and reduces pore size. This product is GOLD.Because of the oily consistency, I find this product difficult to use with other moisturizers. I usually skip applying this product in the morning when I apply my normal moisturizer. When I apply this product at night, I only apply my eye cream and skip face moisturizer all together. To use with moisturizer, I recommend spot applying this serum to only the acne prone areas. I don't recommend applying this serum under foundation.

Great product for sensitive/eczema prone skin

I have eczema and my skin is really sensitive. I bought this product because it was recommended to me as a very gentle exfoliator. I waited three months to post a review to see if this product works and it has done WONDERS for my skin tone, pimples and and blemishes. My skin is smooth and my dark marks have faded significantly. I used to have little bumps on my forehead for YEARS that wouldn't go away and now they are gone! I started with once a week, then twice a week (for three weeks each) , and now I use it about three to four times a week to prevent pimples and as a spot treatment when I see a pimple coming up (usually around my period). I highly recommend easing this product gradually into your face routine to make sure your skin agrees with it. I felt a slight ... MoreI have eczema and my skin is really sensitive. I bought this product because it was recommended to me as a very gentle exfoliator. I waited three months to post a review to see if this product works and it has done WONDERS for my skin tone, pimples and and blemishes. My skin is smooth and my dark marks have faded significantly. I used to have little bumps on my forehead for YEARS that wouldn't go away and now they are gone! I started with once a week, then twice a week (for three weeks each) , and now I use it about three to four times a week to prevent pimples and as a spot treatment when I see a pimple coming up (usually around my period). I highly recommend easing this product gradually into your face routine to make sure your skin agrees with it. I felt a slight tingle the first couple of weeks I used this product, but it went away. Now my skin really loves it. Some articles/blogs say that it can be used every day, but with my sensitve skin, I use it every other day or even less frequently like 3 to 4 times a week and still get really good results. You just have to be patient. Trust me: this product really works! So happy found it. :)

Great, no frills, inexpensive product!

This salicylic acid solution is a good product for those that are just starting to venture into chemical exfoliation. I have used this particular anhydrous salicylic acid solution for a year and always have a bottle as backup. Acids take time to get used to, so if you're just starting to experiment with chemical exfoliants, make sure to start slow and gradually increase the frequency to allow your skin to adjust to it. This has helped me to reduce hyperpigmentation and to help clear the occasional breakout. It helps lightly exfoliate and keeps my face relatively blemish free. I use this nightly and only skip it when I am using a heavier mask for exfoliation. I've recommended this product to friends and family members, and have gotten good feedback from them. Expect ... MoreThis salicylic acid solution is a good product for those that are just starting to venture into chemical exfoliation. I have used this particular anhydrous salicylic acid solution for a year and always have a bottle as backup. Acids take time to get used to, so if you're just starting to experiment with chemical exfoliants, make sure to start slow and gradually increase the frequency to allow your skin to adjust to it. This has helped me to reduce hyperpigmentation and to help clear the occasional breakout. It helps lightly exfoliate and keeps my face relatively blemish free. I use this nightly and only skip it when I am using a heavier mask for exfoliation. I've recommended this product to friends and family members, and have gotten good feedback from them. Expect results within a reasonable amount of time, and always use sunscreen when you are out! Not wearing sunscreen defeats the purpose of this product and will likely aggravate any skin issues.

My skin looks better than it ever has

Ok…Back in 2017/2018 I used to be a huge fan of the SolutionSalicylic Acid 2% Solution. I thought I had found the holy grail of products, nothing had ever worked as well for me before. Then one day I tried a new bottle and my skin reacted terribly…dry, red, itchy, blotchy skin and swelling. I immediately stopped using and learned the formula had been changed. My skin was not happy with the new formula and I was devastated because I thought I had found The Product. After years of testing other products, money spent, and never finding the same results, I thought I would have to settle for a subpar, more expensive product and deal with skin that was ok but not great. Then I read about this product and how it was formulated to help calm irritations experienced by the ... MoreOk…Back in 2017/2018 I used to be a huge fan of the SolutionSalicylic Acid 2% Solution. I thought I had found the holy grail of products, nothing had ever worked as well for me before. Then one day I tried a new bottle and my skin reacted terribly…dry, red, itchy, blotchy skin and swelling. I immediately stopped using and learned the formula had been changed. My skin was not happy with the new formula and I was devastated because I thought I had found The Product. After years of testing other products, money spent, and never finding the same results, I thought I would have to settle for a subpar, more expensive product and deal with skin that was ok but not great. Then I read about this product and how it was formulated to help calm irritations experienced by the straight Salicylic Acid version. I was nervous about trying it based on the last reaction I had to Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid. But I’m really glad I did because it works just as well for me as that first run of the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution. I definitely spot tested before going full out. I’m about a week in to using it regularly and I love the results. My skin feels so smooth and healthy. This has been a great addition to my regimen, and please please please do not reformulate!!

THANK YOU DECIEM TEAM!

I wish more people would read the details to each product, which products it mixes well with and which ones not to use with it. The KEY to having any skincare results is to follow a regimen. Daily and nightly. Also it is so so so important to follow a guide or have knowledge on which order to apply products. Certain products react positively and negatively to each other. The website provides extremely detailed step by step guides and regimens to follow. This brand has changed my skin DRASTICALLY. I am so grateful for their team and products. You can not get these top notch quality products at this price point anywhere else. These big “name brand” celebrity endorsed skincare brands charge over $60 for a dang serum. The proof is in the product. I have tried EVERYTHING ... MoreI wish more people would read the details to each product, which products it mixes well with and which ones not to use with it. The KEY to having any skincare results is to follow a regimen. Daily and nightly. Also it is so so so important to follow a guide or have knowledge on which order to apply products. Certain products react positively and negatively to each other. The website provides extremely detailed step by step guides and regimens to follow. This brand has changed my skin DRASTICALLY. I am so grateful for their team and products. You can not get these top notch quality products at this price point anywhere else. These big “name brand” celebrity endorsed skincare brands charge over $60 for a dang serum. The proof is in the product. I have tried EVERYTHING for my skin but since finding this amazing brand which I’ve been using religiously for about 3 years, my skin is 100X better. It will never be perfect but these products are the best you can get. Reading these negative comments about why it doesn’t work for them and this and that make me want to say to every negative review, READ the product guides and regimens carefully and maybe give it another chance. Clogged pores causes breakouts and oily skin clogs your pores. People think because they have oily skin that they don’t need anymore oils in their skincare. It’s all about controlling the oil and making sure you don’t use too much or too little. When the skin is dehydrated (lacking water) it overcompensates by producing more oil. It’s important to know your skin type and to understand it. It is a learning curve but if you take the time to read each product you’re purchasing, the reward is worth it. THANK YOU DECIEM! Don’t ever change!

how This + 2 clean facecloths/day cleared acne

I love this and will be ordering bottle #2. I have been using it daily for maybe 8-10 weeks and it helped a lot. That said... Acne prone skin is caused by a ton of factors and it has taken me about 3 months to really narrow down all my triggers and deal with them. Salicylic acid couldn't make it ok that I was drying my face with dirty towels. Salicylic acid also couldn't make it ok that I was spending about 33% of my life with the right side of my face pressed against sheets or the back of my hand and was causing a lot of acne simply while I slept (see photo for how I fixed it). Salicylic acid also couldn't make it ok that my skin barrier was destroyed from years of using products like OxyPads, full of alcohol. HOWEVER... as part of a legit and comprehensive ... MoreI love this and will be ordering bottle #2. I have been using it daily for maybe 8-10 weeks and it helped a lot. That said... Acne prone skin is caused by a ton of factors and it has taken me about 3 months to really narrow down all my triggers and deal with them. Salicylic acid couldn't make it ok that I was drying my face with dirty towels. Salicylic acid also couldn't make it ok that I was spending about 33% of my life with the right side of my face pressed against sheets or the back of my hand and was causing a lot of acne simply while I slept (see photo for how I fixed it). Salicylic acid also couldn't make it ok that my skin barrier was destroyed from years of using products like OxyPads, full of alcohol. HOWEVER... as part of a legit and comprehensive skincare routine (drying my face with clean facecloths; sleeping with face touching only clean facecloth that is changed every day; using other products to restore my skin barrier; etc etc)... then yes this an excellent product.The squalane is a bit oily. I don't mind because I switched to high linoleic acid, small molecule oils like Hemp, safflower and rosehip oil instead of moisturizers. It all sinks in after about 10 minutes. It does not make me feel or look oily. The temporary oily sensation is worth it since, in all my life, my skin has never been so balanced or looked so good.I think if someone who is acne prone isn't getting results with this 2% salicylic solution, then they need to examine other factors... like whether a damaged skin barrier or stomach sleeping or towel drying is depositing more bacteria than any topical can magically fix. ❤️

severe adult cystic acne GONE

I struggle with severe cystic acne. I have been using this product for 6 weeks & my acne is GONE! I'm shocked every time I look in the mirror... nothing helped. For 20 years I was either covered in pimples, wounds and scars... or wearing a full face of makeup.Not only has my acne improved, but my skin is truly healthier. At first, The Ordinary products sat on top of my skin - my skin couldn't absorb them. Now my skin soaks them right up. I haven't had a breakout in a weeks & scarring is improving.Here is how I introduced the products to avoid a flare up.#1 CerVe Foaming cleanser. I kept my facial cleanser. It's cheap, it's gentle, it works & everyone in my house uses it.#2 Niacinamide 10% with Zinc 1%: I introduced this first. I waited 3 days then...#3 ... MoreI struggle with severe cystic acne. I have been using this product for 6 weeks & my acne is GONE! I'm shocked every time I look in the mirror... nothing helped. For 20 years I was either covered in pimples, wounds and scars... or wearing a full face of makeup.Not only has my acne improved, but my skin is truly healthier. At first, The Ordinary products sat on top of my skin - my skin couldn't absorb them. Now my skin soaks them right up. I haven't had a breakout in a weeks & scarring is improving.Here is how I introduced the products to avoid a flare up.#1 CerVe Foaming cleanser. I kept my facial cleanser. It's cheap, it's gentle, it works & everyone in my house uses it.#2 Niacinamide 10% with Zinc 1%: I introduced this first. I waited 3 days then...#3 Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Pore Clearing Serum. I have dry skin, & every other salicylic acid product I have ever used has made my acne much worse. This product is different! I waited 3 more days, then I introduced...#4 AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution. I started with 3 minutes. After 3 more days, I introduced...#5 Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion. I waited 2 weeks (until after my "purge" where I had a pretty bad breakout) to introduce...#6 Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. This feels a little to rich for my skin. I use it after the Peel, and a little under my eyes.My AM routine1) CerVe Foaming Cleanser2) Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%3) Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Pore Clearing Serum (spot treat)4) CerVe Ultra Light Face Lotion with SPFMy PM Routine1) CerVe Foaming Cleanser-Once a week: AHA 30% + BHA 2% + Exfoliating Peeling Solution. 10 min2) Niacinamide 10% with Zinc 1%3) Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion4) Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Pore Clearing Serum4) Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (if my skin is thirsty) + CreVe Ultra Light PM Face Lotion (if my skin is normal)I hope this helps someone!Thank you The Ordinary!!!