The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Review

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
10.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Review

Does The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

  

Key Benefits of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry to Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is exceptionally moisturizing, with the highest possible moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This is one of the most moisturizing products on the market, with a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, solely because of the significant content of Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈11.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, entirely due to the substantial concentration of Squalane (est. ≈60.0%) and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈22.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry to very dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants with an exceptional level of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for very dry skin.

The occlusive profile of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for very dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Salicylic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Pros & Cons of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Very rich moisturizer perfect for dry and very dry skin: exceptionally occlusive and humectant-rich
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Salicylic Acid
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
   

Summary: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution
 is an ideal moisturizer for dry to very dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients in a rich, thick texture.
 
With a high concentration of soothing ingredients, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution has the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
22
11
2
1.9
1.8
1.7
1
0.3
Est. %
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
Function:
Origin:
4-t-Butylcyclohexanol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.0
11
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
82.0
60.0
22.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11 10
10.0
11
Occlusivity All occlusives 82.0 20
10.0
60.0
22.0
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
11
All humectants 11 10
10
All humectants
11.0
11
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
60
22
All occlusives 82.0 20
10.0
All occlusives
82.0
60.0
22.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
None
All antioxidants 0 3 No
All antioxidants
0
None
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
1.8
1.7
All soothing 5.5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.5
2
1.8
1.7
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Squalane
Est. %60
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic PolyglyceridesAn ingredient that is made up of emollient and occlusive moisturizing fatty acid triglycerides.
4-t-Butylcyclohexanol
Est. %1.8
Function
Origin
4-t-ButylcyclohexanolA powerful bioactive compound designed to soothe irritated, burning, and itchy skin. The effectiveness of its soothing properties has been proven by clinical trials and it is often combined with other soothing ingredients.
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Est. %1.7
Function
Origin
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.