Home / Products / The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution bottle and box
The Ordinary

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Exfoliant 30 ml
9.1OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

11
Safe
0
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support10/10
Acne-safe10/10
Active treatment1.3/10

Our verdict

This is the budget answer to Paula's Choice 2% BHA, and on the active itself it delivers exactly the same thing: 2% salicylic acid, the oil-soluble acid that penetrates into the pore lining to dissolve the plug of sebum and dead cells behind blackheads and congestion. The ingredient list is characteristically spare — a water base, a cellulose thickener, saccharide isomerate for a little hydration — which means very few opportunities for irritation and very little else going on. The differences from the pricier alternatives are in feel and finish rather than efficacy: this version has a slightly more gel-like texture that some find tacky, and it lacks the antioxidant extras and elegant slip of premium formulas. Use it the same way you would any leave-on BHA: start two or three times a week rather than daily, do not stack it with retinoids or other acids in the same routine, and wear sunscreen without exception. For oily, blackhead-prone or congested skin on a budget, it is one of the best value actives you can buy.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationbarrier supportexfoliation
Best for
sensitive skinacne-prone skindry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
visible hyperpigmentationactive anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Salicylic Acidunclogs pores and exfoliates

Full ingredient list (11)

Aqua/waterSaccharide IsomerateCocamidopropyl DimethylamineSalicylic AcidHydroxyethylcellulosePolysorbate 20Citric AcidSodium CitrateSodium HydroxidePhenoxyethanolChlorphenesin

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

How does it compare to Paula's Choice 2% BHA?
Both deliver 2% salicylic acid at an effective pH, so the core action is the same. Paula's Choice has a more elegant, lightweight texture and adds green tea antioxidant; The Ordinary is significantly cheaper with a slightly tackier gel feel. If budget matters, the difference in results is minimal.
How often should I use it?
Start two to three times a week and increase only if your skin stays comfortable. Daily use suits some people but is not necessary for results and raises the risk of over-exfoliation — watch for tightness, flaking or stinging.
Can I use it with retinol or glycolic acid?
Not in the same routine. Stacking salicylic acid with retinoids or other exfoliating acids sharply increases irritation and barrier damage risk. Alternate them on different nights instead, and always use sunscreen during the day.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

Want this analysis for your own products? Scan any label and get an instant formula score — free.

Analyze a product