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If you're on any type of social media, chances are you're familiar with The Ordinary's skin-care products. The brand's array of affordable serums, creams, and oils — including the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and Readers' Choice-winning AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution — have consistently been praised by board-certified dermatologists, micro, and macro beauty influencers alike (hey, @dermdoctor). Even Allure editors (who have access to just about every product under the sun) are devoted to some of the brand's offerings, which made the release of the brand's latest serum all the more exciting.
The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution was made for fickle skin types like mine (which we'll get to in a bit). What makes this treatment, in particular, stand out from its skin-care comrades, is its gentler approach to acid-based exfoliation, which has a reputation for irritating sensitive skin types. "The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution was created to cater to both inexperienced users, and those who found our [now discontinued] Salicylic Acid 2% Solution unsuitable for their skin," says Rita Silva, the science communications associate manager at Deciem, the parent company of The Ordinary.
Though the main ingredient in the Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is, salicylic acid, an exfoliating beta hydroxy acid known for its intensive, pore-unclogging abilities, my sensitive skin had no adverse reaction to it. According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, 2 percent is the maximum concentration of salicylic acid that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows in a single over-the-counter skin-care product, so how is this serum so gentle?
Silva says this is because the brand uses a waterless (also known as anhydrous) form of salicylic acid. "The anhydrous nature of this formula allows for the release of free-form, unionized acid, independent of pH, as the emollient base does not support ionization," she says. Translation: Since there's no water in this formula, it has no pH level, therefore, it won't mess with the pH level of your skin.
This serum also contains squalane, an emollient known for its moisturizing abilities. "Squalane is similar to the natural sebum on our skin," King adds. "It helps to moisturize skin and prevent any potential irritation from salicylic acid." Another skin-comforting ingredient in this serum is polyglycerides, which King defines as a "modified oil that helps moisturize and provides a nice texture to the product." Silva adds that the polyglycerides significantly slow the salicylic acid's delivery to the skin, therefore providing a gentler approach to distributing this intensive acid on sensitive skin types.
Not only is this serum great for managing acne, but it also earns a gold star for tackling what happens after the blemishes are no longer red and inflamed. I'm talking about hyperpigmentation, particularly those pesky dark spots that pimples leave behind post-mortem. Usually, these little blotches seem to take longer than the actual blemish itself to disappear, but this impressive elixir made them fade faster than most of its preceding serums.
Recently, I had a bunch of breakouts that sprouted on my cheeks and forehead (thanks, period acne) that, in turn, left patches of grayish-brown blotches behind. For times like these, I usually whip out an extra-strength chemical exfoliant, but my years-long career of being a voluntary skin-care guinea pig has left me with newfound sensitivity, and, therefore, fewer options.
Since I was out of the office for the holidays, I decided my break from society was the perfect time to test out this serum. I've been using it twice daily for the past two (going on three) weeks as my first post-washing step in my routine (in case you're wondering, I abide by one single cleanser: the Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Enzyme Foam Cleanser). After massaging this clear, oil-like serum into my skin for a few seconds, I followed it up solely with my go-to moisturizer, the Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream Daily Probiotic Moisturizer, plus the Supergoop Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost + SPF 40 Sunscreen Oil during daylight hours. My easily-irritated skin was delightfully responsive to this new addition.
Because this serum is waterless and relies on oils, it does have an oil-like feel at first. But, unlike many oil-based products I've tried before, its slippery texture seeps into skin effortlessly, leaving my complexion with a dewy glow instead of an oil-slicked finish.
My dark spots faded by the end of week two, which is record-breaking time for my skin. To put it in perspective, it usually takes a month for them to fully fade, and with this serum, it took half the time. It also helped minimize the look of an ice pick acne scar on my forehead that I've tried to hide for years — pretty impressive, in my book.
Here's the kicker: This high-quality serum is less than $10. So, whether you're on the lookout for an exfoliant that complies with sensitive skin, or if you're just looking for an affordable skin-care product that actually lives up to its claims, this serum should definitely be at the top of your list.
The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution retails for $7. It's available now to purchase on deciem.com and sephora.com.
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