IT'S BEEN LONG
I love seeing a simple ingredient list and it's been long since I've seen one. This is why I love The Ordinary so much. It has the most minimalistic and truest description on its products ever. No boasting, no claims, just truth. Its products' names are exactly what the products are and precisely what they can do. The ingredient list does not fall short of expectations either. I guess there is a reason why it is so famous! So here's my take on its blemish killer: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (30ML for RM35)
INGREDIENT LIST
Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, *Salicylic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, *Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethoxydiglycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol
Bolded are the good/star ingredients in the product whereas underlined are those flagged as 4 & above under 'Safety index' in by EWG. Safety index ranges from 1-9 and the lower the number means the less hazardous. Those with asterisk (*) are more likely to cause acne or irritate skin than those without.
You can read other product reviews containing the ingredients by clicking on them in the ingredient list above.
Note: This is free of paraben, sulphate, alcohol, silicone and EU allergen.
YAS, THE GOOD ONES
For oily skin peep, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract is your best friend. It has soothing effect and is known for its protectant properties on the skin.
Salicylic Acid is a type of BHA which is a natural exfoliant (remember my BHA Power Liquid Review?) and is used in many acne treatments as it can help skin shed dead cells and clear pores. Not just that, it can also stimulate new cell formation and help reduce the appearance of marks. Goodbye acne marks!
Citric Acid is an anti-ageing ingredient. It is a kind of AHA so it can also act as a pH buffer i.e. to help adjust our skin's acidity. Not just that, it also promotes skin peeling (exfoliation) and re-growth which is why it is frequently used in anti-aging products.
Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin. This 2% treatment solution helps exfoliate the inside walls of pores to fight the appearance of blemishes and for better visible skin clarity with continued use.
NAH, THE BAD ONES
I will not encourage everyone to use Salicylic Acid on a daily basis because some of you may be sensitive to it. If you use it regularly, you may end up with skin that is dry, red, and peeling. But I personally use it on a daily basis because first, my skin is okay with it and second Salicylic Acid helps a lot with my acnes. It can reduce the inflammation and help your skin recover faster. Just take note that you should quickly use a moisturiser on top of it and avoid using it with other skin-drying product(s) to prevent further drying out your skin!
PATCH TESTING
I strongly encourage you to patch test before applying it all over your face. Just swab a small amount of the product on your wrist or behind your ear and wait around 1 day to see how your skin reacts. If your skin experiences any burning effect or has any irritation that is not supposed to accompany the product, wash it off immediately and seek medical attention if the irritation doesn’t go away after washing.
HOW TO USE
Use the dropper and apply a small dot directly on spots. You can also apply a small amount all over the face. This can help maintain the skin texture and prevent further acne. Be very careful when applying though, avoid the eye area because it stings! If you're new with acids, start with one application daily. If dryness or peeling occurs reduce application to every other day or even longer resting period in between. Once your skin has gotten used to it, you can use this twice a day.
JUST THAT?
Of course not. This Salicylic Acid 2% Solution contains a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase our skin's sensitivity towards the sun. Hence it can particularly increase the possibility of sunburn! So always, always use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure whenever you are using this product. Even after you have ceased using it, you will have to continue doing so for at least a week after.
HOW DOES IT FEEL
It doesn't have a strong smell and has a semi-thick consistency. My skin feels comfortable every time after applying. It is not oily nor sticky. Just one little advice, pat it down instead of rubbing it in. That way you will not get the white residue that I saw some people got when they use it. Patting it in also helps with absorption and will leave the skin matte and ready for the next product.
PERSONALLY...
I use it twice a day because this is my second BHA already. I started with COSRX and moved on to this one. I just love this more because it works better. My skin has changed so much ever since I started using it. My acnes have visibly reduced and my skin texture has improved significantly. It has been a miraculous ride with The Ordinary and I couldn't be more thankful. Of course, I have also been using it with the Niacinamide 10%+ Zinc 1% which is also the main helper with my acnes.
Isn't the result crazy?
YOU KNOW WHAT
What else is there to say? The results are the best sales man. The change that I have experienced with my skin is the best blessings this The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution has given me. Gone are those days where I need to apply concealer on multiple places and worrying that my boyfriend touching or kissing my face or kiss when we are outside will screw up all those concealing, revealing my pimples. 😄
PLEASE TAKE NOTE
This product is not a medicine. If you are fighting extensive or persistent acne, please consult a physician.
This post contains affiliate links.
Where to buy:
Malaysia only
I bought mine from Shopee and these are the two sellers that I trust:
WkRetail - RM35
Mochipuchi - RM31
You can use Shopback to save money (0.75% for existing buyers/6% for new buyers for every purchase) when buying from Shopee. Just sign up using my link: https://app.shopback.com/mys?raf=OxeI66&slug=referred-signup-bonus, and you'll be rewarded with RM5 immediately, followed by RM5 when you make your first purchase on Shopee through Shopback. That's RM10 in total and you can cash this RM10 out once you spend RM25 buying on websites such as Hermo and many more! For each of your purchase you can get further cash back of which you can withdraw to your bank account. You'll can learn more about Shopback here.
International
The Ordinary Official Website - USD8.40 (approx. RM35)
*Free shipping when purchase above USD250
Thank you for reading, see you in the next post!
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I bought this with my own money. The review is 100% my personal opinion of the product after personally trying it out. Please make sure you consult whoever is selling you the product and ask for samples if you can! Read my disclaimer here.
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