The Ordinary

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

face serum

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
57%
Combination (dry)
57%
Balanced
87%
Combination (oily)
83%
Oily
83%

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11
Ingredients
4
Benefits
2
Actives
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A water-based serum formulated to target acne and care for your skin

Key Insights

Benefits

4
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
Hydration

Active Ingredients

2
AHA BHA

Full Ingredients

11 total
AQUA SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE COCAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE SALICYLIC ACID BHA HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE POLYSORBATE 20 CITRIC ACID AHA SODIUM CITRATE SODIUM HYDROXIDE PHENOXYETHANOL CHLORPHENESIN

About Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Overview

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a lightweight serum from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The ingredient list runs to 11 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.

What the formula does

Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Salicylic Acid and Citric Acid.

Hydration: Moderate. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Saccharide Isomerate.

Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Salicylic Acid.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily 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 barrier support, antioxidant protection, brightening and tone and soothing. 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
  • 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
  • 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

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Anti-Aging 1 ingredient

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Blackhead Reducing 1 ingredient

    Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin

  • Hydration 1 ingredient

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

Does not target

Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin Soothing

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.

Saccharide Isomerate

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

Saccharides, isomerised

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
Citric Acid AHA

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

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration Moderate

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

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 None

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 (2)

Supporting ingredients (9)

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

Aqua Saccharide Isomerate Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine Hydroxyethylcellulose Polysorbate 20 Sodium Citrate Sodium Hydroxide 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
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. 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)
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.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 11 ingredients on the label.

3
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

3
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

1
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

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.

1 Aqua 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.

Water

2 Saccharide Isomerate Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

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

Saccharides, isomerised

Hydration
6 scientific references
  • Microorganisms, October 2020, pages 1-16
  • International Journal of Cosmetics Science, October 2019, pages 411–424
  • Proceedings of the International Conference on Health Informatics and Medical Application Technology (ICHIMAT 2019), pages 411-417
  • Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, 2014, pages 820-826
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, September 2013, ePublication
  • Dry Skin and Moisturizers: Chemistry and Function, 2006, page 200
3 Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine Surfactant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

Amides, coco, N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]

4 Salicylic Acid Active
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
5 Hydroxyethylcellulose Occlusive
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

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

Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether

6 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

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

7 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

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

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

8 Sodium Citrate Chelator
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Chelator, pH adjuster

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

Trisodium citrate

9 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydroxide

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

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

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

11th 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% Solution?

AQUA, SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE, SALICYLIC ACID, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POLYSORBATE 20, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN.

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

SALICYLIC ACID, CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Salicylic Acid 2% Solution?

-Apply once daily in the evening. -Apply a small dot to area of concern. -For general use, apply a small amount to entire face. Safety: -If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day Directions: Please refer to directions on the product monographs in ful

What skin types is Salicylic Acid 2% Solution good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Salicylic Acid 2% 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% Solution 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% 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% Solution fragrance free?

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

Does Salicylic Acid 2% Solution contain alcohol?

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

Is Salicylic Acid 2% Solution silicone free?

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

Does Salicylic Acid 2% Solution contain essential oils?

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

Is Salicylic Acid 2% Solution paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Salicylic Acid 2% 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% Solution?

Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does Salicylic Acid 2% Solution have?

It lists 11 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Salicylic Acid 2% Solution?

The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.

Brand
The Ordinary
Country
Canada
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