If you’ve been searching for an effective exfoliator, chances are you’ve come across The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. This bright red, potent exfoliating treatment is popular for its ability to improve skin texture, clear up breakouts, and brighten your complexion. However, with such a strong formula—30% alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and 2% beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)—many people, including myself, wonder if it’s too strong for sensitive skin or beginners.
In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, including what it’s good for, its key ingredients, and who it’s best suited for. If you’re considering adding this powerful exfoliator to your routine, read on for all the important details before you give it a try. Let’s dive into how it works and why it might be the right choice for you—if used the right way!
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Product Review: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- Use: once a week
Where: to be used for the face & body
Effectiveness: exfoliator & reduces imperfections
Rate: 3.9/5
Price: from: 8.90
Where to purchase: www.boots.com; www.lookfantastic.com
Product Review: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution has become a fan favourite in the skincare community for its powerful, potent formula. This exfoliating solution is designed to target issues like uneven skin texture, acne, and dull skin by using a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). It’s a great option for anyone looking to give their skin a deep exfoliation, but as with all potent products, it’s essential to understand how to use it properly for the best results.
Key Benefits:
Deep Exfoliation: The combination of AHAs and BHAs in this formula works to break down dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve the skin’s overall appearance by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Clearer Skin: Thanks to the 2% BHA (salicylic acid), this peel helps prevent and reduce breakouts by deeply penetrating the pores to remove oil, dirt, and impurities that could otherwise cause acne.
Improved Texture and Radiance: Regular use of this peeling solution helps promote cell turnover, which can result in smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin.
What It Contains:
AHA (30%): AHAs are water-soluble acids that exfoliate the skin’s surface. In this formula, glycolic acid is the primary AHA. It helps to brighten and smooth the skin, removing dead cells to reveal a fresher complexion.
BHA (2%): Salicylic acid (BHA) goes deeper into the pores, clearing out oil, dirt, and debris that could lead to breakouts. It’s especially beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, as it helps keep pores clean and prevents clogged pores.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA): While not the main ingredient, HA is included to help keep the skin hydrated during the exfoliation process, reducing the risk of dryness or irritation that can sometimes occur with stronger acids.
Other Ingredients: The formula also contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin B5, which help calm and hydrate the skin after the exfoliation process.
Product Features:
Exfoliating Formula: This solution combines AHA and BHA to address skin concerns both on the surface (like dullness and uneven texture) and below the surface (like clogged pores and acne).
Potent Formula: With its high concentrations of AHA and BHA, this peeling solution is effective but potent, so it’s essential to use it with care, especially if you’re new to chemical exfoliants.
Cruelty-Free and Vegan: The Ordinary ensures that this product aligns with its commitment to being cruelty-free and vegan, so it’s a great option for those seeking ethical skincare choices.
What to Consider:
Strength: This product is potent due to its high concentration of AHAs and BHA, so it might not be suitable for sensitive or easily irritated skin. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to start with a milder exfoliant.
Patch Test Required: It’s always a good idea to patch test before applying any new product to your face. This is especially important if you’re new to chemical exfoliants to make sure your skin reacts well.
Not for Daily Use: This is a strong exfoliant, so it’s important not to overuse it. It’s usually recommended to use it only once a week to avoid over-exfoliating and potentially irritating your skin.
Sun Sensitivity: After using this peeling solution, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen the following day to protect your skin and prevent sun damage.
Who Is It Best For:
Those with Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: The combination of AHA and BHA helps to clear clogged pores and prevent future breakouts, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types.
People Looking to Improve Skin Texture: If you struggle with rough or uneven skin, this exfoliator can help smooth the skin’s surface, brighten your complexion, and improve overall skin texture.
Experienced Users: If you’re already familiar with chemical exfoliation and how your skin responds, this product can be a powerful addition to your skincare routine. However, beginners should be cautious and start slowly to avoid irritation.
My Personal Experience:
When I first began my skincare journey, my skin was in pretty bad shape, full of breakouts and feeling congested. I kept seeing The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peel being recommended on TikTok, but despite all the positive reviews, I was hesitant to try it. The high strength of the formula seemed a bit intimidating, and I worried it might make my skin even worse.
Instead, I decided to try The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid (starting with 5% and later 10%), and I’m so glad I did. It made a huge difference in my skin—over time, my breakouts calmed down, and I gained more confidence in my routine. After seeing my skin improve, I felt ready to try the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peel, but only after my skin was in a better state. I started by applying it to my hands, as I felt my face no longer needed something this strong.
I have to say, the peel feels refreshing when applied, and my skin feels smoother afterwards. But because it’s so potent, I would recommend that anyone thinking of buying it be careful. Make sure your skin is in a good place before using such a strong exfoliant. While this product can give great results, it’s essential to ease into it and be aware of the potential for irritation.
Pros:
- Effective Exfoliation: The high concentration of AHA and BHA delivers deep exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and fade dark spots.
- Brightens Skin: Regular use can lead to a brighter and more even complexion, making it especially beneficial for dull skin.
- Helps Prevent Breakouts: Salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates deep into pores to clear out oil, dirt, and impurities, which can help prevent acne breakouts.
- Improves Skin Texture: This peel can leave skin feeling smoother and can help with uneven skin tone, making it a great option for those with rough or textured skin.
- Affordable: Compared to many other chemical exfoliants, The Ordinary product is budget-friendly while still providing strong, visible results.
Cons:
- Strong Formula: Due to the high concentration of AHA and BHA, this peel can be too harsh for sensitive skin or those new to exfoliating. Overuse or improper use can lead to irritation, redness, or peeling.
- Not for Daily Use: It’s not recommended for everyday use, and overuse can harm the skin barrier, making it essential to follow the directions and use it sparingly.
- Sun Sensitivity: After use, skin becomes more sensitive to the sun, so you’ll need to wear sunscreen diligently, which can be a hassle for some users.
- Patch Test Required: Given its potency, a patch test is crucial before applying it to your face, as it might cause irritation or an allergic reaction for some.
- Can Be Intimidating: Its reputation as a strong exfoliant may make it feel intimidating, especially for skincare beginners. It’s important to introduce it gradually into your routine.
Final Thoughts:
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a great option for anyone looking to address skin texture, breakouts, and dullness. It’s a powerful formula that can make a noticeable difference in your skincare routine, but due to its potency, it’s important to use it with care. If you’re new to chemical exfoliants, it might be best to start with something gentler and gradually work up to this.
However, if you have more resilient skin or have experience with exfoliants, this peel can really take your routine to the next level. Just remember to patch test first and take it slow!
Final Advice: Don’t just follow the trend. Make sure you’re ready for this strong formula before using it in your routine!
