1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
Hydration
Anti-Aging
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
face serum
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
Dry
77%
Combination (dry)
77%
Balanced
93%
Combination (oily)
63%
Oily
63%
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9
Ingredients
5
Benefits
1
Actives
A nonirritating squalane-based serum formulated with salicylic acid to effectively decongest the skin and exfoliate its surface
Key Insights
Benefits
5
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
Hydration
Soothing
Active Ingredients
1
BHA
Full Ingredients
9 total
About Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
Overview
Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is a cushioning serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 9 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
Texture and finish
By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. Hydration is handled by Squalane, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride and Pentylene Glycol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
What the formula does
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Squalane, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride and Pentylene Glycol.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Squalane and Oleic/linoleic/linolenic Polyglycerides.
Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Salicylic Acid.
Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Salicylic Acid.
Who it suits
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Combination (oily) and Oily skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
What it does not target
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, brightening and tone and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
What is not in it
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
Where it fits in a routine
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Pros and cons
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Pros
- No fragrance or declared allergens
- No essential oils
- No drying alcohol
- Silicone-free
- No microplastics
- Strong humectant content for hydration
- No common irritants flagged in the list
- No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers
Things to know
- Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy
Which skin types it suits
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
Suitable for
- Balanced skin
May suit
- Dry skin
- Combination (dry) skin
Less suitable for
- Combination (oily) skin
- Oily skin
Sensitive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Skin concerns
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Helps with
-
Anti-Aging 3 ingredients
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
-
Hydration 3 ingredients
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
-
Anti-Acne 1 ingredient
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
-
Blackhead Reducing 1 ingredient
Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin
-
Soothing 1 ingredient
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Does not target
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Smooths Bumpy Skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Key ingredients
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
Hydration
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Hydration
Salicylic Acid
BHA
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Salicylic acid
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
3-Decanone, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-,[6]-Gingerone
Anti-Aging
Soothing
Formula analysis
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Hydration
High
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Barrier support
Moderate
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Antioxidant support
None
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Oil control
Moderate
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Brightening
None
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Soothing
Low
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Cell renewal
Moderate
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Firmness signalling
None
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Active and supporting ingredients
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Active ingredients (1)
- Salicylic Acid · 2–10%
Supporting ingredients (8)
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Squalane
Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
Pentylene Glycol
Oleic/linoleic/linolenic Polyglycerides
4-t-butylcyclohexanol
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Phenoxyethanol
Chlorphenesin
What is and is not in it
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Free from
- Fragrance-free
- Essential-oil-free
- No drying alcohol
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Microplastic-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Oil-free
- No animal-derived ingredients
What to layer it with
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Compatible with
- Azelaic acid
- Copper peptides
- Bakuchiol
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Signal peptides
- Panthenol
- Sunscreen
Use with caution
-
Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
-
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
BHA (salicylic acid)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
PHAs (gluconolactone)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
Benzoyl peroxide
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Where it fits in a routine
Morning
Evening
- Cleanse
- Toning
- Treat
- Moisturise
- Protect
This product is the "Treat" step.
- Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
- Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
Safety and suitability
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Contains Salicylic Acid, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
- Fungal acne (malassezia)
- No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
- Sensitive and reactive skin
- No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Ingredients by function
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 9 ingredients on the label.
3
Preservative
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
2
Emollient
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
1
Active
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
1
Exfoliant
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
1
Solvent
Dissolves and carries everything else
1
Surfactant
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
1
Texture agent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Ingredient breakdown
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
- Estimated level
- 10–40%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Emollient
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
Hydration
Anti-Aging
9 scientific references
- Cosmetics Ingredient Review, 2019, ePublication
- ACS Open, July 2017, pages 3, 989–3, 996
- Indian Journal of Dermatology, May-June 2016, pages 279-297
- The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, June 2014, pages 25-32
- Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2013, pages 59-66
- Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 2012, pages 223-233
- Molecules, January 2009, pages 540-554
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2006, pages 2, 430-2, 437
- Free Radical Research, April 2002, pages 471-477
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
Hydration
5 scientific references
- International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
- Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
- International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
- Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
- Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
Hydration
4 scientific references
- https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
- Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
- Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
- International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active, Exfoliant, Preservative
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Salicylic acid
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
10 scientific references
- Experimental Dermatology, July 2019, pages 786-794
- European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, June 2019, pages 1-70
- Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, April 2018, pages 245-251
- Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2017, pages 55-58
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, August 2015, pages 455-461
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
- Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, September 2008, pages 170-176
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, April 2007, pages 651-663
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2000, pages 21-52
- Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305-308
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, mono-, di- and tri-esters with 9-(Z)-ocatadecenoic acid, 9,12-(Z,Z)-octadecadienoic acid and 9,12,15-(Z,Z,Z)-octadecatrienoic aicd, polymers
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Cyclohexanol, 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-
5 scientific references
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2020, pages 1,409-1,414
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2019, pages 534–547
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, September 2018, pages 421-429
- Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, February 2016, pages 9-16; and Volume 30 Supplement, pages 21-27
- Experimental Dermatology, November 2010, pages 980-986
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
3-Decanone, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-,[6]-Gingerone
Anti-Aging
Soothing
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Preservative
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Preservative
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-
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Frequently asked questions
What ingredients are in Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution?
SQUALANE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, SALICYLIC ACID, OLEIC/LINOLEIC/LINOLENIC POLYGLYCERIDES, 4-T-BUTYLCYCLOHEXANOL, HYDROXYMETHOXYPHENYL DECANONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN.
What are the active ingredients in Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution?
SALICYLIC ACID.
How do I use Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution?
-Apply two to three drops to your face in the morning and evening, or apply a small dot to a target area. -For added hydration, cocktail with Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (sold separately).
What skin types is Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution good for?
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Combination (oily), Oily skin.
Is Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution good for sensitive skin?
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Is Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution fungal acne safe?
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
Can I use Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution while pregnant?
It contains Salicylic Acid, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Is Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution fragrance free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
Does Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution contain alcohol?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Is Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution silicone free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Does Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution contain essential oils?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Is Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution paraben free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
What can I layer with Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution?
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
When should I apply Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution?
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
How many ingredients does Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution have?
It lists 9 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.
Who makes Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution?
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.