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.
- AHA 30%
- Azelaic Acid
- Glycolic Acid Toner
- Lactic Acid 5%
- Lactic Acid 10%
- Mandelic Acid
- Salicylic Acid 2%
- Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution
- Salicylic Acid Masque
The Ordinary Acids Guide PDF
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
- 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
- Fights acne
- Evens Skintone
- Use in the morning or evening after cleansing and before oils/creams
- Patch test
The Ordinary 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 scar?
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.
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.
- 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.
