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Apply a small amount of the product onto a clean area of skin on the upper forearm.
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Keep the area dry.
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If the product has a specified duration of use, rinse off after this time has elapsed. Otherwise rinse off after 24 hours.
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If any redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation is observed at any time throughout the test, do not use the product.
Targets Acne, Textural Irregularities, Signs of Congestion
Suited to Acne-Prone Skin
Format Serum: Water-Based
Overview
Highlights
- ph
- 3.20 - 4.00
- water-free
- No
- alcohol-free
- Yes
- oil-free
- Yes
- silicone-free
- Yes
- vegan
- Yes
- gluten-free
- Yes
- cruelty-free
- Yes
Formulated with Salicylic Acid for acne, this water-based Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) serum contains a 2% concentration to offer surface-level exfoliation, encouraging the natural shedding of dead skin. This exfoliator for acne-prone skin is also lipophilic (oil-soluble), which means it can penetrate pores to control acne pimples. The formulation's multi-functional approach helps clear up pores, improve visible redness and acne pimples. This approach treats acne, allows skin to heal, and results in clearer, smoother-looking skin without drying out the skin. Suitable for use in teenagers with mild to moderate acne.
Updated formulation made with pure powder form of Salicylic Acid as well as an enhanced texture.
How to Use
How to Use
- Warnings: When using this product skin irritation and dryness is more likely to occur if you use another topical acne medication at the same time.
- If irritation occurs, only use one topical acne medication at a time.
- For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.
- Directions: Clean the skin thoroughly before applying this product.
- Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times daily.
- Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor.
- If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.
- If eye contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water.
- Patch testing prior to use is advised:
- Apply the product as directed to a small area once a day for three days to test if you are sensitive to this product.
- If you develop irritation, hives, swelling of the eyes and mouth, blistering or difficulty breathing, rinse off, cease use, and consult a doctor right away.
Product & Safety Guidance

Recycling Instructions
Before Recycling:
Empty the contents of the container. Remove cap, lid, dropper, pump, and other components and rinse the bottle/jar with water.
Packaging items with adhesive-based labels:
Contact your local recycling facility to ensure
recyclability via curbside recycling program.
Otherwise, dispose via our in-store recycling program.
Serum/Oil, Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel, Lotion, Hand Soap Bottles:
#1 PETE & #2 HDPE and glass bottles are recyclable
through the majority of local curbside recycling programs.
# 5 PP bottles are usually recyclable through local
curbside recycling programs. Please contact your local recycling facility to
ensure recyclability.
Otherwise, dispose via our in-store recycling program.
Dropper Lids:
Dispose of via our in-store recycling program.
Disclaimer:
We work to provide our customers with accurate guidelines on packaging recyclability; however, please ensure your city or municipal program is consulted before recycling an item.
Please click
here for a chart summarizing the Triman Logo & Sorting Labels.
For the Italy sorting labels click
here.
For the Spain sorting labels click
here.
Formulation Compatibility Tool
See if this product is compatible with other formulations from The Ordinary.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution FAQs
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution exfoliates, helping to clear the look of congestion and reduce visible blemishes. This formulation is ideal if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution once daily in the PM in the Treat stage of your skincare routine—following cleansing (Prep) and before moisturizers (Seal).
Learn more about each stage by reading
our
How to Build a Skincare
Regimen guide.
We do not recommend using The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution with other acids, retinoids, or peptides. Using this formulation with other strong actives may also lead to skin irritation and dryness.
Check the Usage Details for more information.
The exfoliating effects of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution may not suit sensitive skin types. We recommend doing a patch test before full application.
Yes, using The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution may increase sun sensitivity. We advise wearing sunscreen during the day when using this formulation.