The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Review

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It is always very exciting when The Ordinary launch a new product and I think everyone will be very happy about this because their first Salicylic product was a huge success. It was discontinued and The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is the new, improved and updated version! Here’s what you need to know!

What is The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution

Deciem’s brand new The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is all about gentle and effective exfoliation without any of the downsides of Salicylic Acid use.

  • Emollient, water-free formulation
  • Squalane base
  • Slow release formula means it can be used frequently
  • Designed to effectively decongest the skin
  • Delivers a superficial exfoliating effect
  • Promises a visible reduction in apparent pore size
  • Texture and clarity improvements over time

Key Ingredients

2% Salicylic Acid – lipophilic beta hydroxy acid (BHA) for targeting congestion. Reaches deep inside congested pores to clear and exfoliate

Squalane – plant-derived, saturated and table hydrocarbon to hydrate and prevent moisture loss

4-t-butylcyclohexanol – soothing ingredient engineered to target signs of sensitivity or discomfort

Sunflower oil-derived polyglycerides – acts as a lipophilic film-former works to gradually deliver the Salicylic Acid to the skin for more gentle exfoliation.

Has The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% been discontinued?

The original SA hasn’t really been around for a couple of years now. In spite of its huge fan base, I believe that Deciem stopped selling the original version because some users with more sensitive skin found it caused dryness and discomfort.

The good news is that is hasn’t been discontinued. As of January 2022, there is a brand new updated version of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%.

The new formula offers the same benefits as the old one, however the updated version ensures the delivery of Salicylic Acid to the outermost layer of the skin, where it’s most beneficial.

It will be available on 20th January 2022 at Deciem*.

Can I use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution every day?

This new formula has been developed to be the most gentle way to use Salicylic Acid, so with that in mind, you can use it twice a day every day.

Of course, I’d always recommend starting slowly with any new product, but this formulation has a range of ingredients that have been included purely to ensure that regular use will not cause any dryness or discomfort often associated with Salicylic Acid use.

The slow release formula means it can be used much more frequently than the original Salicylic Acid 2%.

Deciem suggest that this will be a great option for first-time acid users or for those who prefer a more gentle exfoliant. 

My Review of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
  • Gentle formula
  • Feels hydrating & moisturising on the skin
  • Smoothing effect on areas of texture & congestion
  • Layers well under other serums and moisturisers

I have been really enjoying using this over the last week, and it is way more my kind of product than the previous Salicylic 2% because it feels really nourishing on the skin and gives a nice glow. I haven’t experienced any sensitivity at all.

It isn’t necessarily for my skin type, as it’s formulated for blemish prone skin, but the texture and experience really suit me and I think it’s great for my concerns with pores, texture and congestion.

The texture has a fine oil-like quality thanks to the squalane within the formula, and it glides over the skin effortlessly. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and I find that it sinks in well and layers nicely under my other products.

I let it sit on my skin alone for a few minutes but I actually love it under my other serums, especially at night.

I have been using it once or twice a day for just over a week and I’m a fan. It’s a lovely addition to my routine especially if my skin is feeling congested. It has a nice effect on the appearance of pores which I think will probably be more noticeable with continued use.

I think The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution definitely ticks the boxes in terms of providing effective exfoliation and decongestion in a gentle formula.

The bonus, of course, is the price point as always with The Ordinary. This new launch is £5.20.

For more serum recommendations, make sure you check out my Best Serums for 2023 – All Skin Types & Budgets.

Where to buy The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution

The new product is £5.20 and is available at:

Check out my full guide to the Ordinary & NIOD by Deciem.

Ree
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