The Ordinary Peeling Solution vs. Salicylic Acid Masque vs. Lactic Acid: Which is Right for You?
- We love acids because there’s one to address every skin type and concern out there – and they’re so effective. If you have aging, acne, pigmentation, or textural concerns, acids will help make for a clearer, brighter, smoother complexion. It's so confusing choosing which acid to buy. Fortunately, The Ordinary has identified the key and top performing acids and bottled them up in their own individual formulas, meaning the acids themselves are the stars of the show. But with so many options, which one should you choose? Here’s a comparison with the 3 best The Ordinary acids, including AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, and Lactic Acid 10% + HA, to help you choose the right one for you.
The Difference & Reviews
| The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
($7.20/30ml, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)
Benefits & Ingredients: The scientifically developed formula delivers a specified blend of 30% Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (Glycloic, Lactic, Tartaric and Citric) as well as 2% Beta Hydroxyl Salicylic Acid. The pair have been carefully pH balanced for optimum efficacy, working to deeply exfoliate the surface layer of skin, unclog pores, combat blemishes and visibly improve uneven textures.
It also features a studied Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with acid use. This formula is further supported with a crosspolymer form of hyaluronic acid for comfort, Vitamin B5 to assist healing and black carrot as an antioxidant.
Best for: Experienced users of acid exfoliation or those without sensitive skin.
Review: This exfoliant is the most popular product from The Ordinary and Kim Kardashian mentioned it was part of her beauty routine. While at-home peels aren't for everyone, this one helps slough away dull skin cells and reveal a smoother, more evenly toned complexion. If you have sensitive skin or cystic acne, you may want to ask your dermatologist about using this mask first.
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| The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
($12/50ml, up to 1% cashback at ASOS)
Benefits & Ingredients: As great on the skin as it is on the purse, The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Masque has been expertly formulated to work wonders for congested, oily and lacklustre skin.
Its namesake, salicylic acid, is the star of the show – a hardworking BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that exfoliates away dead cells both on the skin’s surface and within the pore, revealing brighter and clearer skin beneath. This multi-talented ingredient also helps to soothe inflammation, reducing current blemishes as it helps to prevent future ones. Charcoal and clays are ingredients renowned for their deep cleansing abilities due to their porosity and large surface area available for adsorption. They aid the removal of facial impurities that would otherwise remain on the skin surface and clog pores.
Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin.
Review: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid should be your best friend. Salicylic acid is included in a strength of 2%, which is the highest concentration allowed in an OTC product. Reviewers say that they noticed reduced pore size and fewer blemishes after using this mask. You can used this masque once to twice per week if you want to improve lackluster tone, clogged pores, blemishes, and/or textural irregularities.
| The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
($6.80/30ml, up to 8% cashback at SkinStore)
Benefits & Ingredients: Achieve superior exfoliation with the Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Superficial Peeling Formulation from The Ordinary. Boasting 10% Lactic Acid, the potent formula provides gentle exfoliation and changes skin tone.
Exfoliation tends to cause minor irritation, inflammation or sensitivity, however the Peeling Formulation is fortified with a Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative, which can prevent this condition and leaves the skin feeling calm and comfortable.
Best for: Beginners or sensitve skin.
Review: The Ordinary's 10% Lactic Acid + HA is a good option if you've never used acids to exfoliate your skin or if you have sensitive skin because lactic acid is the gentlest out of all the AHAs. Lactic acid has larger molecules than other AHAs, like glycolic acid, which means it doesn't penetrate the skin as deeply. Instead, this makes it gentler and much more tolerable for sensitive skin. This serum is a watery formulation with just a little bit of viscosity. Because of how thin it is, it spreads easily and sinks in quickly.
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