This post will share how to choose between the three Salicylic Acid serums from The Ordinary for your skin type.
After over two years, The Ordinary has finally relaunched its most awaited serum, the Salicylic Acid Solution.
This brings the number of Salicylic Acid products they have to three. They include;
- Salicylic Acid Masque
- Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution
- and the original Salicylic Acid Solution.
Fortunately or unfortunately, many people, including myself, have switched to the global bestselling Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which works miracles, while The Ordinary took their sweet time.
But at the same time, it is not the most affordable but worth the investment.
This means that many people might find Paula’s Choice BHA expensive and inaccessible, which is why I think The Ordinary Salicylic Acid products still have a chance, granted that they are just as effective.
Now, as a consumer without any prior skincare education, I can imagine how confusing it is to choose between these three similar products.
This is why I’ve put this post together to match the products to their appropriate skin types.
This way, you can find the serum you can use consistently to give you great results.
Here Are The Best Salicylic Acid Serums From The Ordinary For All Skin Types Prone To Acne.
As you should be aware, all skin types are prone to acne.
Whether you’re dry, combination or normal, acne is not limited to oily skin.
This means that your skin type will determine the kind of serums that are most effective for you.
As someone with dry, dehydrated skin, I always embrace anhydrous solutions.
These are products that are water-free but not necessarily oil-free.
They make up about 50% of The Ordinary’s products.
As a result, many people find these products greasy, which baffles me.
But then I remember I have dry skin, which soaks up all the products without leaving anything behind.
It goes without saying that now that we have options, you shouldn’t force yourself to use a certain one.
Explore all the options, even those that might not seem suitable for your skin type and see how it goes.
But for those who want that initial guidance, here are the best skin types for each serum.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Solution
- Format: Water-based
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
This is a super basic water-based Salicylic Acid serum with no extras.
When it was first released, several people allegedly experienced burns due to how potent the product was.
This prompted the company to take it off the shelves and reformulate it, which took two years.
As a result of being water-based, all skin types can use it without any issues.
Make sure you patch test before using it, and if you experience any piling whatsoever, use it on damp skin after cleansing.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Masque
Format: Paste
Key Ingredients: Kaolin Clay, Squalane, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Charcoal Powder
Suitable For: Oily & Combination Skin
While waiting for the Salicylic Acid Solution to be reformulated, The Ordinary pacified us with a mask.
I honestly enjoy using this despite having dry skin.
I found it to be less drying than traditional clay masks.
But still, as a clay mask, I tried not to overdo it because it still had the potential to dry out my skin, so I just limited its use to once or twice a month.
But if you have a super oily to combination skin that you need under control, this should be your bestie.
Aside from absorbing all the excess oils, the Salicylic Acid will penetrate your pores to unclog any dirt or dead skin cells clogging your pores that manifest as acne.
This is fine to use twice a week. Just make sure you’re not using any other Salicylic Acid product in your routine at the same time.
Always use one at a time.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution
Format: Anhydrous Solution
Key Ingredients: Squalane, Salicylic Acid
Suitable For: Combination & Dry Skin
This was released in December, and I’m not sure why, especially since they knew the Salicylic Acid Solution would be relaunched in January.
Anyway, it’s good to have options. Suppose you’re not a fan of other anhydrous solutions, including all the Retinols in Squalane, Antioxidants and a few Vitamin C serums.
In that case, I suggest you stay away from this product.
Particularly if you have oily or combination skin where you’re primarily oily than dry.
You’ll also find this greasy, just like the rest of the serums above.
So, instead of testing and hating it, just go for the water-based Salicylic Acid Solution.
Finally,
All three products have managed to cater to all skin types, which is the reason behind these launches.
When using a Salicylic Acid product, remember that it is possible to over-exfoliate.
So limit usage to 2- 3 times a week to give the product enough time to work.
Niacinamide and other hydrators are the only serums that are fine to use afterwards.
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