THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% PEELING SOLUTION {REVIEW}

The Ordinary has been "The" Skincare brand of 2017 and has Internationally

 received mixed reviews on performance, but on price no one has complained.

To find out more about the origins of this purse friendly brand

then read my haul post below to bring 

yourself up to speed with this "newbie" on the block.

(However I do still have two products to review)

To read my post on my UK Ordinary Haul

To read my review on the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Being a huge fan of exfoliators, peels etc. 

the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution from The Ordinary 

was top of my beauty shopping list on my recent trip to the UK.

My "Rule of thumb" has been to exfoliate once a week and after 40 years,

 this rule has served me well. Having always used a mechanical type peel I was 

keen to try a chemical one, but have always been a little unsure as to which

brand and product to opt for.

 Having heard such good reports on this particular product from this no frills,

 affordable skincare range 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

seemed a logical, cost effective choice.

This viscous Ox blood coloured product comes with a pipette dropper 

and yes it stays that colour once applied to the skin, so be prepared 

and pre warned

as this isn't a mask you answer the front door in.

Despite its strange appearance, let me explain what it contains and what

you can expect from this concoction of alarming named ingredients

Ingredients:

30% Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (Glycolic/Lactic/Tartaric/Citric)

Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin's topmost surface for a 

brighter and more even appearance.

2% Beta Hydroxyl Acid (Salicylic Acid)

Beta hydroxyl acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function

 to help clear pore congestion.

These two combined give you a total of a 32% AHA/BHA solution,

which offers a 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. 

Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer

gives comfort to the skin

Black Carrot 

is an Antixidant

Tasmanian Pepperberry

The Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative helps to reduce irritation 

associated with acid use and (due to its plant origin) is what gives the product

it blood red colour, which by the way does change slightly according to

the season of harvest.

Vitamin B5

Helps with the healing 

It's comforting to know that whilst all of the above work their magic on the skin 

that a pH of 3.6 is maintained allowing the acids to perform at their optimum

whilst reducing irritation, which can be a problem for many users of AHA's

and BHA's.

Before I explain how to use and give you my thoughts and opinions on this product 

The Ordinary do issue this note/warning

This formula contains a very high concentration of free acids. 

We recommend use only if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation 

and your skin is not sensitive.

Contraindications: 

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

Sunburn Alert: 

This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) 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.

I must make mention here that I do not have a sensitive skin.

This was my first use of an acid peel and despite having a beauty therapy

background, I did approach the use of this product with caution.

Directions:

Use ideally in the evening no more than twice a week

(I kept to my rule of thumb of once a week)

 This product is applied to a clean face and do not use on wet skin.

This low-viscosity solution is intended to be used as a masque. 

Apply evenly across face and neck using your fingertips. 

Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. 

(I initially left on my skin for 5 minutes and then slowly increased 

to 10 minutes, once I was assured that my skin felt comfortable.

As the 10 minutes approaches I can feel my skin comfortably tingle, but do 

not be tempted to leave on for longer than 10 minutes)

Rinse with lukewarm water.

 Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off.

For me this product didn't WOW me straight away, due to the fact that I was 

"treading" carefully for several applications.

I was experimenting with both the timings and thickness of application 

and once I had my own personal "settings" for this mask I really

enjoyed using and, best of all, the results it gave.

My skin feels even smoother and looks more radiant 

and this type of chemical peel has elevated my weekly exfoliation routine to 

the next level

and I now find myself alternating between my usual exfoliators/scrubs 

and this peeling solution and my skin is loving me for it.
It really is a 10 minute facial.

The Ordinary 

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 

30ml

R

Prices vary

There are several websites that sell The Ordinary in South Africa

just Google, but stock availability seems to be an issue.

$

12.30

£

6.30

www.theordinary.com