
About this product
A lightweight serum containing 2% salicylic acid (the highest non-prescription strength) designed to exfoliate inside pores and reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.
Best for
Type
Key actives
Formula notes
Full ingredients
Aqua (Water), Saccharide Isomerate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Guru Score
Approved
12 experts · Strong agreementWhat the gurus are saying
The 2% salicylic acid strength earns consistent praise for clearing congestion and blackheads without the dryness typical of other salicylic acid products, thanks to hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin mixed in. Most gurus suggest starting with it just a few times a week rather than twice daily to avoid irritation, and one reviewer reported severe adverse effects, so patch-testing first is wise. For those with dry or sensitive skin prone to breakouts, The Ordinary also makes an oil-based anhydrous version that may feel gentler.
Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.
A lightweight serum containing 2% salicylic acid (the highest non-prescription strength) designed to exfoliate inside pores and reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.
Mostly yes. 11 of the 12 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 76%.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution holds a Guru Score of 76%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 12 independent expert reviewers we have collected.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is generally suited to acne-prone skin.
Lower-priced products in the same category that the experts still rate highly.
See how they stack up →Other products the same gurus have weighed in on, plus more from this brand and category.
Compare side by side →Stories where our editors dug into this product or its brand.
A weekly read of the takes worth catching up on: the raves, the splits, the ones the gurus won't shut up about. Free, no spam, unsubscribe whenever.
Subscribe to the digest