What It Is
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A treatment serum / exfoliant by The Ordinary, designed for blemish‑prone, congested skin.
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“Anhydrous” means water‑free / no water in the base. This helps reduce irritation potential compared to water‑based acid formulas.
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Format: squalane‑based emollient serum / oil‑like consistency.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Role / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid 2% | A beta‑hydroxy acid (BHA). Helps exfoliate inside pores, dissolving oil / dead skin cell build‑up, reduces blemishes and congestion. |
| Squalane | Moisturizing emollient, mimics skin’s own lipids. Helps buffer the acid, reduce irritation and dryness. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Light emollient / skin conditioning. |
| Polyglycerides (Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides) | Help with hydration, improving skin texture, possibly help distribute actives more smoothly. |
| 4‑t‑Butylcyclohexanol | A calming / lessening stinging ingredient. Helps reduce irritation. |
| Other supporting ingredients: Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin (preservatives), Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone (fragrance / scent component? mild aroma) etc. |
What It Targets / Benefits
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Helps reduce congestion (blackheads, clogged pores) by penetrating oil‐rich pores.
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Helps smooth out uneven skin texture (rough patches, bumps).
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Helps reduce redness, dullness, and uneven skin tone over time.
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Less drying / less irritating compared to more traditional water- or high‑pH acid formulas (due to the anhydrous base + buffering ingredients).
How to Use
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Apply after cleansing and after water‑based serums but before creams / oils.
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Use a small dot for spot treatment, or a thin layer for full face if tolerated.
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Can be used both AM & PM per official source, but many users prefer PM (night) due to sun sensitivity. If used in AM, must pair with broad spectrum sunscreen.
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Start slowly: 1‑2 times a week, then increase frequency only as tolerated.
Precautions / Considerations
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Avoid contact with eyes. If product gets into eyes, rinse thoroughly.
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Do not use on sensitive / peeling / compromised skin.
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Sunburn Alert: BHAs like salicylic acid increase sensitivity to UV; using sunscreen is mandatory.
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Patch test first (over 3 days) to check for irritation.
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Shelf life after opening: usually 6 months.
Packaging / Size / Other Specs
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Commonly sold in 30 ml bottles.
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Texture / Feel: somewhat oily / emollient because of squalane; it may feel more “slippery” / “oil‑like” than purely water‑based serums.
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Clean formula: water‑free, alcohol‑free, oil‑free (in terms of certain heavy oils), silicone‑free (depending on region) and vegan.
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