The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, Acne-Fighting Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin

The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a highly effective exfoliating treatment that’s especially good for acne-prone, congested, or oily skin. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into pores to dissolve buildup, helping reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts over time. This formula feels lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a heavy or greasy finish. With regular use, many users notice smoother texture, clearer pores, and fewer blemishes — especially in areas like the T-zone or chin where congestion often occurs. Because it’s a potent acid treatment, it’s normal for skin to feel a bit sensitive at first, especially if you’re new to chemical exfoliants. It’s best used a few times a week, not daily for most people, and always with sun protection during the day, since exfoliation increases UV sensitivity. Pros: ✔ Targets clogged pores and acne-causing buildup ✔ Lightweight and easily absorbed ✔ Improves texture and clarity over time ✔ Good value for a strong active ingredient Cons: ✖ Can be a bit drying or irritating if overused ✖ Not ideal for very sensitive skin without patch testing Overall: A solid and effective acne-fighting solution that delivers visible results when used properly. Great for oily/congested skin, and a staple in many skincare routines.

Great product. Very affordable. This is best for skin prone to acne. Be very careful to not dry out your skin as it is for increasing cell turnover and is drying. Best used first before a hydrating serum or use alone if you're having too much acne from oil/blemish clogging pores.

I absolutely love this product!! Breakdown: I have sensitive skin that gets oily and still experience acne breakouts in my 20’s. I wash my face twice a day with CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser and CeraVe moisturizer but noticed I was still getting a lot of blackheads. I thought this item might help decrease the amount of blackheads I have and it’s done so much more!! This serum gives my skin a nice glow and glass look to it without making it look oily. It stings a bit if I have an open pimple but I can feel it tightening my pores and it makes my skin feel so soft. I don’t normally write reviews but this is a game changer for my skincare routine. It literally tightens up preexisting pimples so they’re not so painful and has made a total difference in my battle with acne. Super affordable, definitely worth the price. I use it once a day before I go to bed while my skin gets used to it. I’ve been using it for less than a week so results will vary but this is definitely an essential for my routine.

Love this product! Packaging is nice and clean, and the salicylic acid has greatly reduced the appearance of my blackheads, and helps shrink acne super fast!

Ordered this serum for myself and my 11-year-old daughter, who has sensitive, blemish-prone skin. We're both very pleased with it. It's been gentle enough for her delicate skin: no redness, allergic reactions, or peeling. It works effectively to target congestion and leaves our skin feeling smoother and clearer. A simple, no-fuss formula that does exactly what it promises. Will definitely repurchase.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid has a great texture and is super affordable. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and unscented, and it lasts a long time. I like that it feels very gentle on the skin—no tingling or irritation at all. It works well for minor whiteheads and general exfoliation. However, I haven’t noticed a significant effect on blackheads on my nose. I think I may need to combine it with another product for stronger results. Overall, it’s a solid, budget-friendly acid that’s gentle and easy to use, but it may not be enough for stubborn blackheads. ⸻ ✅ Pros • Affordable and long-lasting • Lightweight, non-greasy, and unscented • Gentle with no tingling or irritation • Helps with minor whiteheads and general exfoliation ❌ Cons • Limited effect on blackheads • May need additional products for stronger results

Been using for about 2 months now and after just 2-3 weeks I noticed results. I did some research and these were one of the 3 products/brands that were best for my skin type (combo) and my struggle with clogged pores in certain areas and have noticed a significant result regarding the clogged pores in just 2 weeks! It’s also very gentle on the skin, it doesn’t leave my skin oily like every other serums have! Very gentle, lightweight, not super thick and doesn’t leave skin oily the next day (as mentioned before) Definitely a 10/10! Will be using this as my new and only serum from now on!

I never leave reviews but let me tell yall something- I have been battling horrible, painful, disgusting, and ego harming hormonal acne since I’ve been taking thyroid medicine and this just blew me away. After a couple months of nothing really working this made cystic and painful covered comedones and huge ahh zits disappear in a matter of HOURS. My skin is soft and even!! It even made clogged pores go down and it just melted all the nasty stuff. Please buy it and do yourself a favor! And the price is just perfect. -H

Compré este ácido salicílico de The Ordinary y me ha funcionado bien dentro de mi rutina de cuidado facial. Tiene una textura ligera y se absorbe rápidamente, sin dejar sensación pesada en la piel. Con el uso constante, he notado una mejora en la textura de la piel, especialmente cuando se complementa aplicando niacinamida después de este producto, ya que la piel se ve más uniforme y equilibrada. El precio es accesible para la calidad que ofrece la marca, por lo que considero que la relación calidad-precio es muy buena.

Qué maravilla. Tenía vellos encarnados en la cara y marcas y me lo ha mejorado en a penas un par de semanas. Lo noto muchísimo.

Product is perfect, I gave 1 star for the delivery, he did not call before delivery to confirm my presense at home , he left the package at the door unattended, and could have been easily stolen :(

Excellent product, this has helped a lot with my skin.

Es ist fantastisch und effektiv; ich kann es wärmstens empfehlen.