Beauty news: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is back, and even better than before

There is so much to say about The Ordinary, which has to be one of the most consistently rule-breaking and insanely affordable, high performance beauty brands to have ever hit the marketplace. Their formulations – and price points – have been game changers from the get-go, and fans of the brand literally gag for any new releases as soon as they hit the ground. They also notice immediately when a product disappears, and when it re-emerges better than ever? The demand goes through the roof!
This is the definitely the case for The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, which as of this week has made its comeback. It was one of The Ordinary's most beloved and demanded products and there has been HUGE demand for its return from their customers, many of whom are currently waiting patiently in a 400k+ waitlist! Its reformulation took two years to perfect, and with UK retailer LOOKFANTASTIC’s 2021 Skinfluencer Report finding that Salicylic Acid is the most searched skincare ingredient, it’s no wonder that people are obsessing about this re-release.
Salicylic Acid is a lipophilic BHA that is effective at addressing signs of pore congestion due to its ability to dissolve in fat, which allows it to effectively reach the inside of congested pores, whilst also promoting exfoliation. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is an exfoliating formula designed to remove dead skin cells and oil that can contribute to clogged pores, formulated especially for blemish-prone skin. It can help with addressing blemish concerns by dissipating excess oil and reducing redness, and at just $9.60, is an absolute steal.
I asked Prudvi Mohan Kaka, Chief Scientific Officer at DECIEM, what the difference is between the new formula and the brand’s also new Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution, which launched in December. “The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution offers fully solubilised salicylic acid (SA), a beloved beta hydroxy acid renowned for its chemical exfoliating benefits, in an emollient, squalane-based vehicle. It is formulated with the intent of reducing concerns of skin irritation that can be associated with the use of SA,” says Prudvi. “This makes the formula suitable for all skin types and beginner users of exfoliating acids. The anhydrous nature of this formula allows for the release of free-form, unionised acid, independent of pH, as the emollient base does not support ionisation.”
The Ordinary's newly reformulated Salicylic Acid 2% Solution offers the same benefits as its predecessor, “while curbing concerns of skin discomfort that can be associated with the use of SA. This was achieved by ensuring a focused delivery of SA to the outermost layer of the skin, where it is most beneficial, alongside the inclusion of a hydrating saccharide isomerate, offering appropriate barrier support.”
If the latter sounds like the one for you, you have join the hordes of fans right here!