Aug 25, 2026
The Ordinary
Can't wait to use it came quick and packaged good no leaks or damage.
Affordable Skincare
Verified purchaseWas this helpful?
Highlights
- Salicylic acid (BHA)
- Good for: Acne & blemishes
- Good for: Redness
Details & care
What it is: A water-based serum with salicylic acid 2% concentration that offers surface-level exfoliation, encouraging the natural shedding of dead skin.
Who it's for: Ideal for acne-prone skin types.
What it does: Made with salicylic acid 2% concentration, this water-based serum offers surface-level exfoliation, encouraging the natural shedding of dead skin. It’s also lipophilic (oil-soluble), which means it can penetrate pores to control acne blemishes. The formula’s multifunctional approach helps clear up pores, improve the appearance of visible redness and comedones. This approach treats acne, allows skin to heal and results in clearer, smoother-looking skin.
How to use: Clean the skin thoroughly before applying the solution. Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times daily. Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor. If bothersome dryness or peeling occur, reduce application to once a day or every other day. If eye contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water. Patch testing prior to use is advised: Apply the product as directed to a small area once a day for three days to test if you are sensitive to this product. If you develop irritation, hives, swelling of the eyes and mouth, blistering or difficulty breathing, rinse off, cease use and consult a doctor right away. When using this product, skin irritation and dryness is more likely to occur if you use another topical acne medication at the same time. If irritation occurs, only use one topical acne medication at a time. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.
- Paraben-free; phthalate-free; sulfate-free; silicone-free; fragrance-free; oil-free
- Store at room temperature
- The ingredient list shown here may vary from the box of the product depending on time and region of purchase
- Made in Canada
- Item #7534456
- Core Product ID 333337AMAS
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (2%) Inactive Ingredients: Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Chlorphenesin, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Water.
Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging
Shipping & returns
Free shipping. Free returns. All the time. Purchases made online can also be returned or exchanged at any Nordstrom store, free of charge. Read more about our shipping & returns policies.
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The Ordinary
The Ordinary is democratizing skin care by bringing well-known active ingredients to market at sensible price points. All products are made in the brand's lab, tested on humans (The Ordinary is vegan and cruelty-free) and use ingredients at their highest quality and most effective concentrations. The Ordinary is Clinical Formulations with Integrity.
Reviews
(796)7964.5 out of 5
Most helpful positive review
Most helpful critical review
May 11, 2026
allergic reaction
i’ve never had a reaction to a product in my life but every time i have used this, my eyes swell up until they’re almost closed, become extremely itchy and red, etc. i don’t use it anywhere near my eyes but this still happens. i couldn’t figure out what was causing these allergic reactions (they’ve happened about 3-4 times now in the last couple of months) and i widdled it down to this product causing it. after the reaction heals, it leaves behind extremely scaley and dry skin. i use other products with salicylic acid so i have no clue what the issue is here but uhh i wouldnt risk it. i had to start my new job looking like i got stung by a bee
shayxjjk
Reposted from deciem.com
deciem.com response
Hi there! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Salicylic Acid 2% Solution. We’re very sorry to hear that it didn’t work out as expected, and we’re here to help you further. We’ve reached out to you via email to learn more about your experience and hope to hear back from you soon!
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5 stars78%
4 stars12%
3 stars2%
2 stars2%
1 star6%
Aug 25, 2026
The Ordinary
Can't wait to use it came quick and packaged good no leaks or damage.
Verified purchase
Affordable Skincare
Was this helpful?
Aug 10, 2026
works amazing
i just bought this and i’m kind of is disbelief because i had some whiteheads on my arm and they literally flattened out the next day after using this, im not sure if it’s just timing and they were going away anyway or if it’s just that good! anyway if you have whiteheads i’d recommend
Reposted from deciem.com
buzzy1
July 30, 2026
A Must-Have for Acne-Prone Skin
I’ve been using this consistently, and I’m really impressed. It helped keep my breakouts under control, unclogged my pores, and left my skin feeling much smoother. It doesn’t feel harsh on my skin, and it’s definitely become one of my favorite salicylic acid products.
Reposted from deciem.com
Nini
July 28, 2026
THIS IS A MIRACLE.
I’ve heard amazing things about this product for years now and finally bought it yesterday. I’ve struggled with acne severely throughout middle school and high school, and while it’s gotten better in the past year, I have acne scarring all over my forehead and chin. I applied this once before bed last night, and already, I notice the scarred areas are lighter and less noticeable. My skin also looks more glowy and even. And my existing acne is better, too. I’ve tried DOZENS of acne products over the years and nothing has helped or made a long term difference until I tried this. It’s literally a miracle 😭 so worth it
Reposted from deciem.com
tatertot
July 19, 2026
Happy face! Will purchase a larger bottle next
Amazing product
Verified purchase
MickiSS
- Size purchased:
- Travel
Was this helpful?
June 5, 2026
Effective acne control!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is my first time using a product like this, and I had no reaction. My skin is sensitive and prone to acne. From the first application, it felt very gentle; it didn't cause any irritation or dryness. I don't use it daily; I alternate it with other active ingredients because of my age (I'm 30) and to avoid overloading my skin with the same product. Even so, I've seen results in my skin's texture, and my acne has significantly improved. I always use sunscreen and am currently using the Glucoside Foaming Cleanser. I really like it and will continue using it until my acne is completely under control. I received this serum as a complimentary from The Ordinary.
Reposted from deciem.com
mandreahdez
May 31, 2026
Oily and thick without results
After reading the other reviews on this product, I’m starting to wonder if my batch had something wrong with it? I love the ordinary and have used their products for my acne prone skin for years. Recently I had to switch up my routine due to pregnancy and nothing has been able to break through the breakouts. My main grief with this product is it feels EXTREMELY oily on my skin! I use the squaline oil as my last step at night and texturally, I can’t tell a difference between the two products. It’s an inconvenience fore sure win my routine as it’s meant to be at the beginning of my routine but essentially stops me from applying anything afterwards because it’s so oily.
Reposted from deciem.com
Jules P
May 30, 2026
Affordable and reliable
This is my go-to product for getting rid of impurities. I use it at night and sometimes during the day. First, I cleanse my face, then apply a drop directly to the breakout and cover it with a tiny, thin cotton patch. The patch needs to be thin enough to absorb the remaining solution. I just repeat this process until the breakout is gone!
Reposted from deciem.com
Anto
May 28, 2026
Acne? I don’t know her.
This is great for acne-prone skin. I have been dealing with acne for years. I’m 20 and started breaking out at 12 years old. I’ve seen a dermatologist and everything. I was at a loss. I wanted something to help calm down inflammation and reduces redness. So I did some research and found this serum and it did that and more. It helps smooth out skin texture. It removes dead skin cells and clogged pores by gently exfoliating. It adds hydration to the skin instead of leaving skin feeling dry like other serums with salicylic acid. It’s very lightweight. It doesn’t leave a sticky feeling on the skin. The only reason why I gave it four stars is because it does sting my skin sometimes.
Reposted from deciem.com
raintown67
May 13, 2026
Amazing for athletes
I got this for my boyfriend who has a lot of red spots and acne from sports helmets and sweat and ive seen very real and quick results from using this serum! its made his skin more glowy and helped a lot with the acne.
Reposted from deciem.com
maya
May 11, 2026
allergic reaction
i’ve never had a reaction to a product in my life but every time i have used this, my eyes swell up until they’re almost closed, become extremely itchy and red, etc. i don’t use it anywhere near my eyes but this still happens. i couldn’t figure out what was causing these allergic reactions (they’ve happened about 3-4 times now in the last couple of months) and i widdled it down to this product causing it. after the reaction heals, it leaves behind extremely scaley and dry skin. i use other products with salicylic acid so i have no clue what the issue is here but uhh i wouldnt risk it. i had to start my new job looking like i got stung by a bee
Reposted from deciem.com
deciem.com response
Hi there! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Salicylic Acid 2% Solution. We’re very sorry to hear that it didn’t work out as expected, and we’re here to help you further. We’ve reached out to you via email to learn more about your experience and hope to hear back from you soon!
shayxjjk
Apr 9, 2026
PLEASE READ
i normally dont write reviews.. but when i tell you i have been SEARCHING for a product this good that works amazingly.. this product has shown effictivness within a week of usage and i am obsessed with the results. if you have large pores, mild acne to major acne, apply this once a day at night and it will blow your mind. i reccomend pairing this with niaminacide and azelaic acid for even better results. again, i have been dealing with large pores and acne for 3 years and this got my attention greatly.
Reposted from deciem.com
anonymous