The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Claims from the manufacturer:

With 30% Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic/Lactic/Tartaric/Citric), 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid), Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer, Vitamin B5, Black Carrot and Tasmanian Pepperberry.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin's topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 32% AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use.
This formula contains a studied Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in colour seasonally and this colour variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. This formula is further supported with a crosspolymer form of hyaluronic acid for comfort, Vitamin B5 to assist healing and black carrot as an antioxidant.
This pH of this formula is approximately 3.6. Glycolic Acid, the primary AHA used in the formula, has a pKa of 3.6 and pKa is the most important aspect to consider in formulating with acids. pKa implies acid availability. When pKa is close to pH, there is an ideal balance between salt and acidity, maximizing effectiveness of the acid and reducing irritation. Higher pH numbers in such a case would increase salt which counter-intuitively would make the formula even more irritating than if the formula was more acidic.

Directions from the manufacturer:

Clean face and wait for skin to dry. Do not use on wet skin. Apply evenly across face and neck using fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off. It is not recommended to use more than twice per week.

 

Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

Contraindications: This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.

Ingredients:

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.

My experience:

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is not the first peeling liquid on the market. Before the brand arrival to the shelves of Douglas in Netherlands, similar product by SO NATURAL existed in the K-beauty routines. I managed to try it years and years ago and it was so harsh back then that  I forgot about it and it went off in my closet so I ended up tossing it away.

 

Once The Ordinary got hyped up in the beauty blogs I decided to give it a chance and now it became my nr1 one step solution for speed-exfoliating. I use it 2 days before I have to go for an important meeting and only in PM routine. Since this stuff is quite strong and comes with a bunch of warnings every new user should patch test it prior to application. You can avoid peeling chinks bu slowly increasing the time of use t advised maximum of 10 minutes. I am an advanced user of peeling acids and even then, I do it max 1 time per 7-10 days.

 

The liquid is blood red and smells of sour fermented fruit (or maybe berries) it is somewhat sweet type of scent, a little bit sour and definitely not something I would like my perfume to smell like 🙂 Consistency is syrupy thick, like sugar that starts turning beige when being caramelized. Peeling solution is viscous and looks like a gel. It has medium stickiness to it and it never dries out on your face after application. If you want to scare someone in your household, proudly parade around your family members while peeling is being done for you.

 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution delivers magnificent results on my skin. It also dehydrates my skin like a B**CH... To it's defense, most of strong acidic products do. I do my 7-step method with my WHAMISA or BELLAMONSTER toners that have proven to be super hydrating and non comedogenic on my skin. After everything I grab the Ceramidin balm, yes the thickest oiliest thing from the entire DR. JArt+ line and mix it with my ROVECTIN Cica Cream. For me this combination works the best. The next morning I Am left with glowing, even skin that is plumped and looks juicy. After repeating the aftercare steps for 2nd night in a row, the best results are seen on the 2nd morning after peeling.

 

Some may think that peeling is a difficult process. No it's not. But you have to be smart about it and not skip the good SPF and moisturizing routine when you are treating your skin with harsh chemicals. If you have oily, blemish-prone skin, you will love this product. NOrmal and dry skin holders would benefit a lot too. For someone with sensitive skin, this item may backfire so don't risk it and go for more gentle peeling solutions such as Azelaic or Lactic acid 1-5% solutions .