The Ordinary brand has just now lifted the trend of affordable skincare products to a whole different level and their Salicylic Acid 2% solution is one of the showstoppers for the brand. But does it live up to all and more than what its presence promises it to be? I have had an acne problem throughout my teenage and I thought I would give my little bottle a try. Here are the facts about everything from its promise to budge the dirt and oil there for unclogging pores to the fact that it can actually cause irritation.

The Good Stuff: 

Here’s where this little bottle might shine for you:

Targets Troublemakers:
One of them is salicylic acid which is a beta hydroxy acid, BHA, responsible for effectively promoting and helping the process clear pores and reduce breakouts. If you are struggling to get rid of those blackheads, whiteheads, or zits, this might just become your new best friend.
Exfoliation Nation:
Another advantage of salicylic acid is that it can peel off the fine layer of dead skin cells that coats the face thus peeling off any chance of clogging pores and a new pimple. It will then result in a clearer and much smoother skin surface because old or damaged skin cells can be shed off by the new healthy cells.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%

Budget-Friendly Hero:
That is why it is quite important to note that all the serums made for acne clearance out there, Salicylic Acid by The Ordinary products are relatively cheap. That feature makes it very affordable and suitable for people who have a shoestring budget.
Light and Easy to Use:
The formula has a light consistency when applied, it goes through the skin rather fast. As a matter of fact, it works amazingly well on top of other products so one can add it to the skincare regimen very conveniently.

The Not-So-Good Stuff: A Few Things to Consider

Here’s where things might not be perfect for everyone:

Potential for Irritation:
For individuals with sensitive skin stories of irritation and dryness from salicylic acid are well documented. The first thing that one has to do is to try using it on a small part of the skin, and then gradually progress to its use to prevent an episode of inflammation or scaly skin.
Not a Magic Potion:
Don’t wish to see radical changes or immediate improvements. Most importantly, they Don’t use in long sequences of repeated events. Understandably, you will feel impatient, as it could take several weeks of usage to observe the improvement of your skin. Be patient!

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%

Sun Sensitivity Alert:
This product should not be used in combination with other preparations containing glycolic acid. Because they may cause sun sensitivity when used with salicylic acid. Remember to apply on your skin a sunblock cream every day even during cloudy areas.
DIY Disaster?
The dropper can be a tad also troublesome, the clear gel formula may cause over-application of the product. Initially commence with a few droplets and always remember that ‘less is more’.

The Final Verdict:

After reading the description of ‘Zit Zapping Hero’ it is still up to the reader to decide whether this is a real hero or just a hype machine.

Thus, let’s find out if The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% is genuinely as amazing as people say it is. Here’s my take:

Reading this and gathering my thoughts away from negative prejudices, I do believe that if you have oily/combo/acne-prone skin and are seeking a cheap exfoliating treatment, then this product might just fall into the area of CPS or change your skincare routine forever. If on the right hands, it can assist in clearing out pores, decrease the frequency of pimples, and make your skin texture smoother. But if you are prone to getting rashes or skin reactions, or if this is your first time using an AHA or BHA product, go slowly and patch test first.