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

This post was written back in December 2017 and I'm happy to say that

I still enjoying this peeling Solution from The Ordinary.

I replenish my stocks with every trip overseas and in my opinion this is

the best product from The Ordinary that I have tried to date.

Being a huge believer in weekly exfoliation I also alternate with several other 

exfoliators, so I don't rely just on this one product.

 I have a variety that I switch between depending on how me and my skin are feeling

at the time, I call it my "Exfoliator Wardrobe" and I highly recommend 

everyone to have 

one...

NB. Prices may have changed since my original 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

THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 {REVIEW} {TBT APRIL 2020}

After having tried 4 products from The Ordinary there was only one that

I've repurchased regularly since writing these reviews back in 2018 and thats

the AHA 30% +BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

To read all 4 of my reviews click on the Pink Link below.

The product that I didn't get along with was the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

which this review is about and again my opinion hasn't changed, yet I still

hear so many raving about its wonders...

*Please note that prices may have changed to the ones quoted below*

~~~~~~

Having already posted 3 of my 4 reviews on The Ordinary products that

 I bought last year, I thought it was about time I posted my opinions

on their Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5.

This post has been sitting in my drafts folder for months, not because I'd

forgotten about it,like I have on occasion,it was due to me wanting to give this 

serum another chance to impress me...

I don't think I have given any product so many 2nd chances as this one.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Initially I didn't enjoy it, but after reading so many glowing reports I re-visited

it several times, hoping that I would see and experience what

others were raving about.

Just to give you a brief overview of Hyaluronic Acid in general and why it's hailed 

as the "wonder" ingredient.

It naturally occurs in the body and has the ability to hold 

1000 times its own weight in water.

This gentle Humectant ingredient has the ability to draw moisture into the 

skins cells and retain hydration throughout the day, whilst also 

preventing moisture loss.

As the skin cells are plumped up (similar to a sponge absorbing water)

it not only gives the skin a more plumped and hydrated appearance 

but more importantly for me it quickly smooths out fine lines.

Hyaluronic Acid is amazing because it can be used by all skin types 

and ages and should be included in everyones skin care regimes,

including oily skin types.

All skins benefit from hydration...

It can also be used alongside other ingredients like Vitamin C,AHA's and Retinols.

I personally have always seen the benefits of using either HA serums or

products that include HA and I know my skin responds well to its inclusion,

unfortunately I found this particular brand to be rather underwhelming.

The Ordinary HA 2% is combined with Vitamin B5 which 

enhances surface hydration.

The Ordinary do however have a side note about HA on their website;

" Hyaluronic Acid is found in the skin naturally but its natural function within the skin is not hydration. Many products have used HA to claim hydration benefits, but HA is too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin and instead sits on the surface and can draw moisture out of the skin making the surface feel soft and hydrated temporarily. This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration".

I was aware of the above "almost reversal" effect that some HA products can

have on hydration, yet I've personally not experienced it with any others, 

however this was one of the reasons that I don't like this product from 

The Ordinary.

I found the texture of this oil free, water based gel serum to be smooth

when I initially applied, but it soon turned

extremely tacky and sticky after a minute or so of application.

This serum can be used AM & PM either alone or under moisturisers.

Now I always advocate the "Less is More" approach to product application,

so I adjusted the amount I applied several times, but nothing seemed to

make any difference in terms of the feel on my skin.

Not only did I not enjoy the texture, but my skin seemed to feel drier with use,

exactly what The Ordinary said (in their side note above)

of other competitors products incorporating HA.

The Ordinary is a no frills, affordable line of skincare, which I'm all for,

I found the product though to be rather simple and unpolished and personally

 I'm not wanting to comprise on the effectiveness of a product, 

just for a cheap price.

After saying all of the above,you can't really afford not to give

this product a try, as it could just work wonders for your skin...

I was obviously "missing something" about this product, but that's what's great

about this industry

 "every skin is different" 

Having now completed all 4 reviews on my experiences with 

The Ordinary products I'm very happy to have finally moved this last review from

my drafts folder...

To read my previous reviews on The Ordinary

THE ORDINARY 

HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5

30ml

R

240

Available in SA via 3rd Party websites

£

5.90

$

10.90

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of

The Ordinary 

products and what you think...

THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 {REVIEW}

Having already posted 3 of my 4 reviews on The Ordinary products that

 I bought last year, I thought it was about time I posted my opinions

on their Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5.

This post has been sitting in my drafts folder for months, not because I'd

forgotten about it,like I have on occasion,it was due to me wanting to give this 

serum another chance to impress me...

I don't think I have given any product so many 2nd chances as this one.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Initially I didn't enjoy it, but after reading so many glowing reports I re-visited

it several times, hoping that I would see and experience what

others were raving about.

Just to give you a brief overview of Hyaluronic Acid in general and why it's hailed 

as the "wonder" ingredient.

It naturally occurs in the body and has the ability to hold 

1000 times its own weight in water.

This gentle Humectant ingredient has the ability to draw moisture into the 

skins cells and retain hydration throughout the day, whilst also 

preventing moisture loss.

As the skin cells are plumped up (similar to a sponge absorbing water)

it not only gives the skin a more plumped and hydrated appearance 

but more importantly for me it quickly smooths out fine lines.

Hyaluronic Acid is amazing because it can be used by all skin types 

and ages and should be included in everyones skin care regimes,

including oily skin types.

All skins benefit from hydration...

It can also be used alongside other ingredients like Vitamin C,AHA's and Retinols.

I personally have always seen the benefits of using either HA serums or

products that include HA and I know my skin responds well to its inclusion,

unfortunately I found this particular brand to be rather underwhelming.

The Ordinary HA 2% is combined with Vitamin B5 which 

enhances surface hydration.

The Ordinary do however have a side note about HA on their website;

" Hyaluronic Acid is found in the skin naturally but its natural function within the skin is not hydration. Many products have used HA to claim hydration benefits, but HA is too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin and instead sits on the surface and can draw moisture out of the skin making the surface feel soft and hydrated temporarily. This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration".

I was aware of the above "almost reversal" effect that some HA products can

have on hydration, yet I've personally not experienced it with any others, 

however this was one of the reasons that I don't like this product from 

The Ordinary.

I found the texture of this oil free, water based gel serum to be smooth

when I initially applied, but it soon turned

extremely tacky and sticky after a minute or so of application.

This serum can be used AM & PM either alone or under moisturisers.

Now I always advocate the "Less is More" approach to product application,

so I adjusted the amount I applied several times, but nothing seemed to

make any difference in terms of the feel on my skin.

Not only did I not enjoy the texture, but my skin seemed to feel drier with use,

exactly what The Ordinary said (in their side note above)

of other competitors products incorporating HA.

The Ordinary is a no frills, affordable line of skincare, which I'm all for,

I found the product though to be rather simple and unpolished and personally

 I'm not wanting to comprise on the effectiveness of a product, 

just for a cheap price.

After saying all of the above,you can't really afford not to give

this product a try, as it could just work wonders for your skin...

I was obviously "missing something" about this product, but that's what's great

about this industry

 "every skin is different" 

Having now completed all 4 reviews on my experiences with 

The Ordinary products I'm very happy to have finally moved this last review from

my drafts folder...

To read my previous reviews on The Ordinary

THE ORDINARY 

HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5

30ml

R

240

Available in SA via 3rd Party websites

£

5.90

$

10.90

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of

The Ordinary 

products and what you think...