Table of Contents
- 1. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
- 2. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.
- 3. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
- 4. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.
- 5. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque.
- 6. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA.
- 7. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA.
- In Conclusion.
Chemical exfoliation is the next revolution in the beauty products industry, and there is one brand that is making it very easy to use this science-driven technique of taking care of your skin; we are talking about The Ordinary.
The Ordinary brand has a range of skincare acids that helps to exfoliate the skin, thus keeping the skin free from congestion and accumulation of dead skin cells, while addressing skin aging signs like textured skin, wrinkles and fine lines, thereby improving overall skin texture and complexion.
The Ordinary acids come in a wide range of different acids, which helps you achieve the same skin exfoliating-goal, but works in different ways depending on the molecular weight and potency.
But not to worry, this article contains a comprehensive guide on The Ordinary acids and how to use them properly to achieve positive results.
Take a cup and popcorn, relax and read through the article.
1. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
A glycolic acid solution which contains 7% glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin, thus getting rid of dead skin cells hanging on the skin surface and in the pores.
Because of glycolic acid’s incredible potential of sloughing off dead skin cells, This solution smoothes out the skin to give you an even skin tone, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shrinking down enlarged skin pores, thus promoting a smoother and a younger looking skin. Read the full review here.
How To Apply.
This product is best to be used at the second step of your skincare regime (use it after cleaning and before using serums & oils).
Pros
- Pocket friendly.
- Contains 7% glycolic acid.
- The product has a perfect balanced pH (balance between salt & acid), which reduces skin irritation.
- You can use this product on the scalp and reduce the dryness of scalp skin.
- It doesn’t contain skin-harmful ingredients.
Cons
- Because of its high concentration, it may not be suitable for people with sensitive & compromised skin type.
2. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.
Salicylic acid is a oil-soluble skincare ingredient which means, it penetrates through the skin, cutting through skin-oil (sebum) to deliver its deep skin exfoliating potentials by unclogging the skin of dead skin cells congestion, while addressing and killing acne causing bacteria.
In the category of The Ordinary acids, their 2% salicylic acid is loved by skincare lovers due to its mildness on the skin and also its effectiveness.
Because of salicylic acid’s oil-soluble potential, it makes it best suitable for people with oily skin who are prone to pore clog which leads to acne breakouts, as salicylic acid will penetrate deep down into the pores to unclog the pores of pore-clogging impurities. Read the full review here.
How To Apply.
This product is best used once or twice weekly.
After cleansing your skin. Apply 2-3 drops all over your face while you gently massage till fully absorbed.
Pros
- Comes at a pocket friendly price.
- Contains 2% salicylic acid.
- Effective in reduction of acne, blackhead and whitehead.
- Doesn’t contain skin-harmful ingredients.
- Can be incorporated into skincare routine effortlessly.
Cons
- None.
3. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
Azelaic acid is a multifunctional skincare ingredient which makes it people’s favourite as it addresses multiple skin concerns ranging from treating acne, mildy exfoliating the skin, tackling hyperpigmentation, addressing skin redness, refining the skin pores and improves overall skin texture and complexion.
The Ordinary acids includes their 10% azelaic acid. This formula helps fight textural irregularities, dullness, uneven skin tone, and skin redness. There are some online stores like amazon, walmart, sephora, nordstrom etc where they offer coupons & discount deals to save on your purchase.
Read my comparison review between Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary Azelaic Acid
How To Apply.
The Ordinary azelaic acid can be applied three to four times weekly as a beginner, while you gradually build your skin tolerance to using it daily, as azelaic acid is a mild skincare ingredient which doesn’t cause tingling or burning sensation.
After cleansing your face, ensure your face is bone-dry. Apply gentle pressure on the product tube to access the product content, while you apply a pea or two pea sized amount on your face, gently massage till fully absorbed.
Pros
- Comes at a pocket friendly price.
- Doesn’t contain pore-clogging ingredients.
- Doesn’t contain skin-harmful ingredients
- Contains 10% azelaic acid.
- No sensation of burning or stinging on the skin (It remains gentle on the skin).
Cons
- The texture of the solution is thick (paste-like) and leaves a powdery feel on skin which makes it not to absorb into the skin easily.
4. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.
A cult skincare exfoliating product that cocktails 30% AHA and 2% BHA.
This blood-like skin exfoliating product got people’s attention after amassing so many positive reviews from users.
It contains AHAs like, glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid all together at 30% and 2% BHA which is salicylic acid.
This solution exfoliates multiple layers of the skin which results in brighter and even-toned skin. It addresses skin textural issues, which diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, while shrinking down enlarged pores, thus promoting youthful skin appearance. Read the full review here.
How To Apply.
You should apply this solution as a face masque and rinse it off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes.
Pros
- It combines potent AHAs and BHA acids to deeply but mildly exfoliate the skin and tackle skin irregularities, thus keeping the skin smooth.
- Contains Tasmanian pepper berry derivative which reduces skin irritation.
- The product contains cross polymer (a hyaluronic acid form) which provides comfort to your skin.
- Has Pro-vitamin B5 which provides hydration to the skin.
Cons
- Contains a lot of free acids and is recommended only for people who have prior experience with acid exfoliation.
5. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque.
A face mask which contains 2% Salicylic acid.
This is a face masque that is made to work with dull and blemish-prone skin types. If you have pores congestion and textural irregularities, then this product can work like magic on your skin.
All thanks to salicylic acid’s deep skin penetrating-potentials to unclog pores and congestion and treating inflamed pimples, which makes it suitable for oily skinned individuals who are vulnerable to pore clog and congestion due to excessive oil (sebum production).
How To Apply.
Use once or twice a week after cleansing on dry skin. Apply evenly on your face, then leave for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.
Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off.
Pros
- Comes at a pocket friendly price.
- Helps in treating inflamed pimples.
- Reduces the frequency of breakouts.
- Great for detoxifying skin and moisturizing it at the same time.
- The product is infused with charcoal which leaves the skin refreshed.
- Comes packed in an easy-to-use squeezable tube.
- The product has a jelly-like consistency and applies effortlessly on the skin.
Cons
- The healing process (neutralizing active blemishes) takes time. You have to be patient.
6. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA.
Lactic acid is a sensitive-skin-friendly acid, which helps treat textured skin, address dull skin, thus promoting skin brightness.
The Ordinary 10% + HA solution is a water-based serum that contains 10% lactic acid which works as an exfoliator of skin and leaves smooth skin after usage. This product works best on dry skin and is great for removing textural irregularities from the skin. This is one of the best chemical exfoliants for skin. Read the full review here.
How To Apply.
Apply a thin layer, once daily in the evening or night time, after toners and before moisturizers. If you’ve not used an acid before, we recommend using this three times a week and gradually building up to daily.
Pros
- Pocket friendly.
- Helps in achieving an even skin tone due to its skin exfoliating potentials.
- Great to use on skin sunspots and skin pigmentations.
- Works great on puffy eyes.
- Great product for beginners.
- Doesn’t contain skin-harmful ingredients
- Contains 2% hyaluronic acid which keeps the skin hydrated.
Cons
- Will not be great if you use it alongside products containing AHA + BHA, this may result in skin inflammation.
7. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA.
You’ve got sensitive skin? Mandelic acid is your best friend.
Due to its large molecular weight which hinders its deep penetration, mandelic acid is reputedly to be very gentle on the skin, but effective in tackling skin issues like textured skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, target skin pigmentation and help promote overall skin texture and complexion.
The Ordinary acids include Mandelic acid, a water-based serum which is capped at 10% in combination with hyaluronic acid to pull moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate the skin. Read the full review here.
How To Apply.
Apply once per day, ideally in the PM (evening or nighttime). Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. If you’ve not used an acid before, we recommend using this three times a week and gradually building up to daily.
Pros
- Pocket friendly.
- Contains 10% mandelic acid.
- Doesn’t contain any harmful substances.
Cons
- Results takes time, so you have to be patient.
- It cannot exfoliate deep within skin pores, because of its large molecular weight.
In Conclusion.
The Ordinary acids are designed to exfoliate the skin, keeping the skin free from dead skin cells accumulations which causes the eruption of acne break-outs. When the skin is free from congestion, there’s less likely an occurrence of acne break-outs.
Therefore, exfoliation is very important in every skincare routine, to ensure the skin is free from dead skin cells congestion.
While using skin exfoliating products, do know that they’re best recommended to be used at night time and ensure to patch test first prior to commencing full product application and always wear sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
UP NEXT: Heard Of The Good Molecules Skincare Brand? No? Here’s An Article About Them.
Like what you just read? Then you'll love to like our Facebook page. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram. You can as well be a Beautysparker by joining our Facebook group, for discussions on skincare.
