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The Ordinary Acids

These are the 9 acids available from The Ordinary. Click the links below to take you through to each one with reviews and more information, or scroll for a quick look at all the acids and The Ordinary Acid Guide.

The Ordinary Acids Guide PDF

The Ordinary Acids Guide

The Ordinary AHAs & BHAs

When choosing which acid to use, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) help with surface exfoliation. BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) help target the appearance of pore congestion.

If you´re totally new to acids, think about starting with Mandelic Acid, Azelaic Acid or the Salicylic Anhydrous Solution.

The Ordinary Acids Quick Chart

AHA 30% +BHA 2% Read More
30ml
Use PM
10 Minute Masque
Textural Irregularities
Dullness
Uneven Skin Tone
Glycolic Acid Toning Solution – Read More
240ml
Use PM
Use with a cotton pad, spray or hand
Signs of Aging
Dullness
Textural Irregularities
Uneven Skin Tone
Salicylic Acid Masque – Read More
Salicylic Acid Masque
50ml & 100ml
Use PM
10 minute Masque
Signs of Congestions
Dullness
Textural Irregularities
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution – Read More
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
30ml
Use PM
Acne
Signs of Congestion
Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Read More
30ml
Use PM
The gentler of Salicylic Acids
Signs of Congestion
Dullness
Textural Irregularities
Uneven Skin Tone
Azelaic Acid Read More
30ml & 100ml
Use AM/PM
Suspension
Apply after all water-based/oils
Textural Irregularities
Dullness
Uneven Skin Tone
Look of Redness
Lactic Acid 5% – Read More
30ml
Use PM
Apply directly after cleansing. Do not rinse off
Textural Irregularities
Dullness
Uneven Skin Tone
Lactic Acid 10% – Read More
30ml
Use PM
Apply directly after cleansing. Do not rinse off
Textural Irregularities
Dullness
Uneven Skin Tone
Mandelic Acid – Read More
30ml
Use PM
Apply directly after cleansing. Do not rinse off.
Textural Irregularities
Dullness
Uneven Skin Tone

The Ordinary AHA 30% Peeling Solution

  • Targets
  • Dullness
  • Textural Irregularities
  • Use once or twice a week

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension

  • Brightens
  • Evens skin tone
  • Textural Irregularities
  • Antioxidant Support
  • When & How: PM after water solutions
  • Patch testing is highly recommended
  • Avoid the eye area.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid

The Ordinary Acids
  • Brightens skin
  • Radiant Even Tone
  • Use in the evening after cleansed skin and before serums.
  • Patch testing is highly recommended
  • Avoid the eye area.

Lactic Acid 5% + HA

  • Fine lines
  • Textural Irregularities
  • Evens Tone
  • Apply directly on dry, cleansed skin followed by creams/oils and preferably in the evenings only.
  • Patch testing is highly recommended
  • Avoid the eye area.

Lactic Acid 10% + HA

  • Fine lines
  • Texture Irregularities
  • Evens Tone
  • Apply directly on dry, cleansed skin followed by creams/oils and preferably in the evenings only.
  • Patch testing is highly recommended
  • Avoid the eye area.

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

  • Dullness
  • Uneven Tone
  • Textural Irregularities
  • When & How: use preferably in the evening before creams/oils.
  • Patch testing is highly recommended
  • Avoid the eye area.

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

  • Fights acne
  • Evens Skintone
  • Spot treatment or Entire Face
  • Use in the morning or evening after cleansing
  • Patch testing is highly recommended
  • Avoid the eye area.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution

salicylic acid anhydrous
  • Fights acne
  • Evens Skintone
  • Use in the morning or evening after cleansing and before oils/creams
  • Patch test

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Masque

Salicylic Acid Masque

  • Lacklustre Tone
  • Textural Irregularities
  • Patch testing is highly recommended
  • Avoid the eye area.

How to use The Ordinary Acids

Apply directly after cleansing to dry skin and avoid the eye area when applying. Take care of the eye area when removing masques. Always start slowly with acids and patch-test first and keep an eye on how your skin looks and feels. Always use an SPF during the day as acids can make your skin sensitive to the sun.

FAQS about The Ordinary Acids

Some of these questions have been asked and answered by The Ordinary on Social Media.

Which of The Ordinary Acids is best to help clear blackheads?

You may wish to explore Salicylic Acid 2% Masque.

Which acids can help with ice pick scars?

You may wish to explore Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.

Can I use Salicylic Acid 2% Solution with the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%?

Yes, you can use them together!

Can I use The Ordinary Salicylic Acid solution with Niacinamide + Zinc, Natural Moisturizing Factors and Rose Hip Seed Oil?

Yes, you can.

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Which acid would you recommend for an intermediate user?

An intermediate user has had experience using Salicylic Acid or derivative products before.

How often a week do we use the BHA salicylic acid 2%?

It can be used up to once daily or less frequently, depending on your skin tolerance.

Can I use The Ordinary Acids if I have dry skin?

We’d recommend applying test patches to see how your skin likes the formulation.

Any Acid should I buy for blackheads?

Salicylic Acid 2% or the Salicylic Acid Masque may help with congestion.

Which acid for tiny bumps on skin?

We recommend starting with Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution. This is a gentler exfoliating solution for blemish-prone skin and uneven skin texture. 

How many acids should I buy?

I recommend that you only buy 1 or 2 acids because they have a lot of conflicts, and only one acid should be used in a routine.

Products You Can & Cannot Use With The Ordinary Acids

The Ordinary currently recommends avoiding using the following products in the same routine. You can use it in alternate routines or on different days.

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  • Copper Peptides
  • EUK 134 0.1%
  • Peptides
  • Niacinamide Powder
  • Direct Acids
  • Pure/Ethylated Vitamin C
  • Retinoids

You can find all The Ordinary acid conflicts here. Always check The Ordinary website instructions before using any products because the information is regularly updated.

Can The Ordinary Acids be used around the eyes?

Acids should not be used near the eyes. Avoid when applying and when rinsing off. It is important to patch-test these products before using them and to start using them slowly.

Patch Testing Acids

Always patch-test products, especially acids, and do not rush into using them every day. Start slowly. Read the patch testing guide on The Ordinary website.

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