Review of the new The Ordinary Anhydrous Salicylic Acid 2% Solution- Does it Work for Acne?
The Ordinary New Anhydrous Salicylic Acid- The Facts
Price– £5.20, $6.50 Canadian/American Dollars, $11.50 Australian Dollars, $54 HK Dollars
Released date- 7th December 2021 From Deciem.com
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution- What Does it Do?
Let’s have closer look at the key ingredients to get an idea of how it will work-
- 2% Salicylic Acid– Salicylic Acid is an organic acid labelled as a Beta Hydroxy Acid (despite not actually being a true BHA) has been used to treat acne for 100s of years. It is lipophilic and oil soluble, which means that is can absorb into the oily sebum filled pores and can break down keratin. This means that has the potential to unclog pores and treat spots. Salicylic acid breaks down the bonds between the dead skin cells and brings about exfoliation (Arif, 2015). It has also been found to reduce oil production and has an anti inflammatory action. All of this makes Salicylic Acid a favourable acne treatment and lots of people successfully treat their acne using SA products. The downsides are that Salicylic Acid can be irritating and it shouldn’t used by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Squalane– A hydrocarbon which is great for moisturising the skin. Squalane features in several of The Ordinary’s products because it is stable (it won’t go rancid like other plant oils) and has the added bonus of it’s anti oxidant qualities. Our own sebum is made up of 12% Squalane.
- 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol– It sounds space age, but it’s actually a known treatment for sensitive skin that’s prone to redness. Not wanting to blind you with science, but if you’re interested 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol is a Transient Receptor Potential channel blocker. This means it has the effect of reducing the sensation of stinging or burning in the skin (Sulzberger et al, 2016).
- Polyglycerides– Great for moisturising and trapping water in the skin, Deciem has included these to provide gradual delivery of Salicylic Acid to the skin.
What is The Ordinary Anhydrous Salicylic Like?
How to Use The Ordinary Anhydrous Salicylic 2%
- Start out with a patch test and slow start, incorporating once or twice a week and watch for irritation, breakouts and allergy.
- Use a small drop on the back of the hand then apply to the face with a fingertip. It’s very fluid and a little goes a long way.
- You can use as a spot treatment or a full face treatment (apart from the eyes). I would use regularly on all acne/blackhead affected areas
- Don’t forget your SPF
- Avoid using at the same time as other acids (such as Azelaic, Mandelic, Glycolic and Lactic), Peptides (Buffet, Buffet plus Copper, Matrixyl and Argireline), EUK-134. Don’t mix with Niacinamide powder. Also be careful as Salicylic may cause irritation when used with Granactive Retinoid, Retinol and vitamin C. Here’s my handy conflict chart to refer to-
Summary
- Packaging– Standard The Ordinary UV protective dropper bottle and card box
- Texture– a very runny oil, takes a while to soak in, better to use at night
- Effect– an effective exfoliator which smoothes texture, helps to unblock pores and prevents acne
- Good for– those with acne sufferers, people with open pores, black heads and rough skin
- Bad for– those with sensitive skin, salicylic/aspirin allergy, pregnant/breast feeding women
Head to Deciem.com to purchase on or after the 7th December 2021
