Head to head
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution vs The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.
The bottom lineThe Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if you want the actives; The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
The OrdinaryAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionSee every ingredient in AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, decoded
Which should you pick?
Pick AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
- you want more actives working at once
Pick Salicylic Acid 2% Solution if
- you want the more affordable option
- you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
What each delivers
Side by side
| AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Exfoliant | Exfoliant |
| Key actives | Glycolic acid 30%, Salicylic acid (BHA) 2%, Glycerin | Salicylic acid (BHA) 2% |
| Texture | A middleweight lotion, enough to comfort without feeling heavy. | A middleweight lotion, enough to comfort without feeling heavy. |
| Fragrance | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | No flagged actives | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 24 listed | 11 listed |
| Price | ~€8 | ~€7 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Both share
Only in Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Nothing the other doesn't also have.
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Fine lines & firmnessAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- Breakouts & congestionEither works
- Dryness & dehydrationAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€7 vs ~€8).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution better for fine lines & firmness?
For fine lines & firmness, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if you want the actives; The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which is cheaper, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution?
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€7 vs ~€8).
Can I use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution and The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution together?
They are both exfoliants, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.
Compare it with…
All 6 comparisons
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution vs The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution vs Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution vs The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution vs The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution vs Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution vs The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA