The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | Review
R.I.P. Brandon, the founder of the brand DECIEM (an umbrella of multiple brands including The Ordinary).
This is my second last post in The Ordinary series wherein I shared my thoughts on all products I had from the brand. I know, the colour looks scary and the name looks like some unknown harmful chemical formula but, trust me, this is one of the best and most effective product for exfoliation in the market. So if you are intrigued by The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, this is the right place for you.
What is a Peeling solution? Will it peel off my skin? Will it be painful? Will it cause breakouts? Is it safe?
These are a few questions which pop in the mind of a skincare beginner when they hear the name ‘peeling solution’ for the first time. Let’s bust all the myths and learn some facts. There are 2 types of exfoliation: Physical & Chemical. Physical exfoliators are face scrubs (which we’ve been using since forever). Chemical exfoliators are called peels or peeling solution. The basic purpose of both is same, remove dead skin cells. I have shunned physical exfoliation for 3 years now and this has been the best skincare decision of my life. (I can make an entire post on this if you are interested).
Price: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution retails for around 900Rs and we get 30ml product. To know where to buy The Ordinary products in India visit my previous post, click here.
Packaging: The peeling solution comes in a conventional frosted glass bottle with a dropper mechanism. This packaging is totally apt with respect to the texture and application of the product.
Texture: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution has a gooey viscous texture with a pungent smell. The colour is deep blood red and might not feel pleasant to the eyes. The texture is thick enough to not drip when applied on the face.
Ingredients as mentioned on the website:
Glycolic Acid, Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Potassium Citrate, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan gum, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.
AHAs include a blend of Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Tartaric acid & Citric acid while BHA includes Salicylic acid. The pH of the peeling solution is around 3.6 which is highly acidic and provides maximum results. (want me to make a post on AHA & BHA? would be fun!)
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution gets its unique deep blood red colour from Tasmannia Pepperberry derivative.
How to use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?
Apply a thin layer all over the face and neck and leave it on for 10 minutes maximum. Then wash it off with (preferably lukewarm) water. There are few things to be kept in mind.
- It needs to be applied on dry skin only.
- Avoid the eye contour area. Make sure the solution doesn’t come in contact with eyes even during washing off the product.
- It is recommended to use the product during night time.
- Use of sunscreen is a must while using this.
- Can be used up to 2 times a week.
My verdict on The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution:
To be honest, this peeling solution is not for faint-hearted or sensitives noses or sensitive skin. This is a combination of high concentration of acids which are meant to exfoliate the skin. My skin is already used to chemical exfoliation hence I didn’t feel any sensitivity. There is a mild tingling sensation (especially around nose and lips) when the solution is applied. I saw the results right from the first use. My skin felt well exfoliated, felt more smooth and radiant. It helped in combating acne and unclogged the pores. I use it once in a fortnight and I think it is sufficient for my liking. (Don’t wish to over-exfoliate!) I’ve been using this for more than a year now and I can’t thank The Ordinary enough for this amazing product.
A patch test is recommended before applying this solution directly over the face. If you are a beginner and have never used chemical exfoliation before, do start with milder products first.
For eg. the order in which you can begin using chemical exfoliants and then slowly advance:
Saslic face wash (contains 2% salicylic acid)
Plum Green Tea Toner (has glycolic acid)
Wishtrend Mandelic acid
Tvakh exfoliating water (higher concentration of Glycolic acid)
The Ordinary Glycolic acid 7% toning solution
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Concluding my thoughts here. I hope you liked my review and if you did, do consider subscribing to my blog. Show some love by liking, sharing and commenting your views/thoughts. Until next time, stay beautiful & keep smiling!
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In which website to place an order? In india
Can you please suggest a website which sells genuine ordinary products. Because it is on amazon but seems fake. From where you bought it? Did it included custom charges?? Please help
Never seen a chemical exfoliator in this deep red color. Looks very different 🙂 . Thanks for sharing this.
Archana recently posted…What’s In My Mail? Christmas Gift Hamper from L’Occitane – Advent Holiday Calendar 2018 – Unboxing
please do tell us why you shunned physical scrubbing
I use St.Ives scrub …..even though they have reduced the size of the particles it is still rough…..I don’t know if physical exfoliation is correct