The Ordinary

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

face wash-off mask

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
62%
Combination (dry)
62%
Balanced
92%
Combination (oily)
78%
Oily
78%

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19
Ingredients
8
Benefits
1
Actives
Find Dupes

A mask formulated to target lackluster tone and textural irregularities

Key Insights

Benefits

8
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
BHA

Risks

1
Synthetic polymer

About Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

Overview

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque is a lightweight wash-off mask from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration and oil control. The ingredient list runs to 19 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Water and Squalane, 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 Glycerin, Water, Squalane and Pentylene Glycol.

Oil control: High. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Kaolin, Silica Cetyl Silylate, Salicylic Acid and Charcoal Powder.

Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Squalane.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) 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, soothing 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 serums. Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.

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

Things to know

  • One ingredient could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • 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

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) 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

  • Hydration 5 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 3 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Oil Control 3 ingredients

    Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness

  • 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

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient

    Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Dark Spot Fading 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.

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Naturally occurring substances, kaolin (CI 77004)

Oil Control Pore Minimizer

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane

Hydration Anti-Aging

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Salicylic acid

Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Blackhead Reducing

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt

Oil Control

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Charcoal Powder is the dried, carbonaceous material obtained from the heating of organic substances

Oil Control

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Acacia Senegal Gum is the dried, gummy exudate of the acacia, Acacia senegal, Leguminosae

Soothing

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-Cyclohexanehexol, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis(dihydrogen phosphate)

Hydration Evens Skin Tone

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 High

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing None

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

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)

Supporting ingredients (18)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Kaolin Squalane Glycerin Dimethyl Isosorbide Silica Cetyl Silylate 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

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
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Moisturise" step.

  • Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top.

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)
1 ingredient could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
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.
Recorded ingredient risks
Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 19 ingredients on the label.

8
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

3
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

3
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

2
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
2 Kaolin Exfoliant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Texture agent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Naturally occurring substances, kaolin (CI 77004)

Oil Control Pore Minimizer
5 scientific references
  • Molecules, August 2016, pages 1–20
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, December 2013, pages 19–27
  • Complementary Medicine Research, April 2012, pages 75–79
  • International Geology Review, July 2010, pages 745–770
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2003, pages 37–102
3 Squalane Emollient
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% 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
4 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
5 Dimethyl Isosorbide Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol

6 Silica Cetyl Silylate Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Silane, hexadecyltrimethoxy-, hydrolysis products with silica

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Exfoliant, Preservative

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% 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
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Occlusive, Texture agent

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt

Oil Control Synthetic polymer
7 scientific references
  • International Food Research Journal, February 2021, pages 44 - 55
  • Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, March 2018, pages 1, 611-1, 614
  • Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, November 2014, pages 18, 346-18, 351
  • Journal of Applied Polymer Science, November 2001, pages 1, 515-1, 520
  • United States Patent, April 2000, ePublication
  • https://wwwsocochemcom/is-sodium-polyacrylate-safehtml
  • https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/acryco092018TARpdf
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% 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
10 Charcoal Powder Exfoliant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Texture agent

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Charcoal Powder is the dried, carbonaceous material obtained from the heating of organic substances

Oil Control
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% 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
12 Sclerotium Gum Texture agent
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Scleroglucan

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Acacia Senegal Gum is the dried, gummy exudate of the acacia, Acacia senegal, Leguminosae

Soothing
14 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

15 Phytic Acid Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-Cyclohexanehexol, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis(dihydrogen phosphate)

Hydration Evens Skin Tone
5 scientific references
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2021, Volume 20, Issue 3, pages 776-780
  • International Journal of Dermatology, February 2021, Volume 60, Issue 2, pages 166-173
  • https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/phytic122017reppdf
  • Journal of Food Science and Technology, February 2015, pages 676-684
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2011, Volume 4, Issue 10, pages 40-48
16 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt

18 Chlorphenesin Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

18th 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)-

19 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Salicylic Acid 2% Masque?

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.

What are the active ingredients in Salicylic Acid 2% Masque?

SALICYLIC ACID.

How do I use Salicylic Acid 2% Masque?

-Use once or twice a week on thoroughly clean, dry skin; do not use on wet skin. -Apply evenly across your face with your fingertips, avoiding your eye area. -Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. -Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Precautions: -Do not use on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin. -Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes during application and rinse-off. -Patch testing prior to use is advised: Apply as directed to a small area once a day for three days to test if you are sensitive to this product. -If you develop severe irritation, hives, swelling of eyes and mouth, blistering, or difficulty breathing, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician right away. -Keep out of reach of children. Sunburn Alert: -This product contains a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.

What skin types is Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 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 Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 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% Masque fungal acne safe?

One ingredient could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.

Can I use Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 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% Masque fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Salicylic Acid 2% Masque contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Salicylic Acid 2% Masque silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Salicylic Acid 2% Masque contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Salicylic Acid 2% Masque paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Salicylic Acid 2% Masque?

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% Masque?

Use it morning and evening, after serums.

How many ingredients does Salicylic Acid 2% Masque have?

It lists 19 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Salicylic Acid 2% Masque?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada

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