By Grace Day | 24th January 2024
Looking to reap the benefits of salicylic acid? MeetThe Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
Long-term The Ordinary fans may remember the brand’s previous salicylic acid serum offering – a water-based gel-like solution designed to be used as a targeted spot treatment. This new formula, however, offers a milder approach (perfect for acid newbies!) and can be used all over the face.
From the skin types it’s most suitable for to the products you can (and can’t) mix it with, here’s everything you need to know about The Ordinary’s new salicylic acid serum.
1) It’s water-free
A formula is anhydrous if it contains no water. Water is typically the main ingredient in most serums, but this one utilises squalane, a plant-derived, oil-like solution which soothes and nourishes skin.
2) It helps with decongestion
Salicylic acid has an exfoliating effect which helps to decongest the skin, reducing the appearance of pores and texture in order to improve skin’s tone and clarity over time.
3) It's suitable for all skin types
As it’s non-sensitising, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic, the solution is suitable for all skin types, including congested skin. Despite being oil-like in texture, squalane is lightweight and unlike heavy oils, won’t clog your pores.
4) It has contraindications
Like most products with active ingredients, there are certain ingredients that this solution can’t be combined with. The Ordinary advise against using the solution in the same routine as peptides, other exfoliating acids, retinoids, vitamin C, or EUK 134 0.1%.
5) It works well with niacinamide
As for ingredients that the solution does work well with… Niacinamide also helps to target blemishes and congestion but via different pathways, so together The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and the Salicylic 2% Anhydrous Solution make the perfect pair if you have congested and breakout-prone skin. If you do want to layer it into your routine, the new solution is best applied after water-based serums (like the niacinamide) and before oils and creams.
6) It’s a perfect intro for acid newbies
In certain formulas salicylic acid can cause dryness and irritation, but this squalane-based formula allows it to be delivered in a slow and gentle (while still effective) way, without causing dryness and sensitivity. This makes it ideal for anyone new to using acids or for experienced users who want a treatment that’s mild enough for daily use.
7) It reduces inflammation
Struggling with dead skin cell buildup and irritation? Is it leading to breakouts? Then you’ll want to add salicylic acid to your routine. While it helps unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, this in turn helps reduce inflammation and redness.
8) It targets blackheads
Feel like you can never get rid of your blackheads? We know the feeling. As soon as some clear, 10 more pop up in their place. Salicylic acid will get rid of them for good. As it works to clear pores and reduce oil secretion, the blackheads will disappear and stay at bay.
