The world of skincare can often be a confusing and overwhelming place for consumers. With countless products on the market, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make bold assertions about the benefits of their skincare products, and while some of these claims may hold truth, others can be greatly exaggerated or even entirely false.
As consumers, it’s crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value can leave us out-of-pocket and underwhelmed, with products that don’t live up to their promises. It’s important to look beyond the marketing hype and scrutinize the ingredients used within these products. This can provide a more accurate picture of what a product can truly deliver.
In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution by The Ordinary. This product is a salicylic acid serum that claims to offer a range of skincare benefits. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.
View all the information used for this fact check. Access a timestamped snapshot of the product's official webpage as reviewed by us, preserved for transparency and future reference. INCI list at time of reviewal: Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. Product formulations and manufacturer claims may evolve. For the most current information, refer directly to the product's official website. Our reviews are updated periodically to reflect new data.Resources
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So, without further ado, let’s delve into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Exfoliates the Skin
The Ordinary’s Website States: “Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous is a gentle formula that is designed to exfoliate the skin…”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: Salicylic Acid is a well-known beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that has the ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore as well as on the surface of the skin. This makes it effective for reducing breakouts and blackheads. It’s a chemical exfoliant that helps shed dead skin cells and can improve skin texture and color.
Claim #2: The Product Decongests Pores
The Ordinary’s Website States: “…designed to…decongest pores…”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate into the pores of the skin. It helps to dissolve the type of skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne. Therefore, it is indeed capable of decongesting pores.
Claim #3: The Product Smooths Textural Irregularities
The Ordinary’s Website States: “…designed to…smooth textural irregularities…”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: By promoting exfoliation and removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, Salicylic Acid can help to smooth out textural irregularities and improve the overall texture of the skin.
Claim #4: The Product Reduces Redness and Uneven Skin Tone
The Ordinary’s Website States: “…designed to…reduce redness and uneven skin tone.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: While Salicylic Acid is known for its exfoliating and pore-clearing properties, its effectiveness in reducing redness and uneven skin tone is not as well-established. It may help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne, but its ability to even out skin tone may depend on individual skin conditions and responses.
Claim #5: The Product Releases Salicylic Acid Over Time
The Ordinary’s Website States: “These ingredients release the salicylic acid over time…”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains several emollients and hydrating agents, such as Squalane and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which could potentially help to slow the release of Salicylic Acid into the skin. However, without specific formulation details, it’s hard to definitively say whether these ingredients would have this effect.
Claim #6: The Product Reduces Irritation Potential
The Ordinary’s Website States: “…helps reduce the irritation potential that can be associated with acid use making it ideal for new users.”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: The product contains several ingredients known for their soothing and moisturizing properties, such as Squalane and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. These ingredients could potentially help to mitigate some of the irritation that can be caused by Salicylic Acid. However, individual skin reactions can vary, and some people may still experience irritation from the acid.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 7/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Likely
The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution seems to be a product that largely lives up to its claims. It is indeed capable of exfoliating the skin, decongesting pores, and smoothing textural irregularities. However, its claims of reducing redness and uneven skin tone, releasing Salicylic Acid over time, and reducing irritation potential are less substantiated, hence the truth rating of 7 out of 10.
Users should be mindful that while Salicylic Acid is a proven ingredient for exfoliating and clearing pores, its effectiveness in reducing redness and uneven skin tone can vary from person to person. Also, while the product contains ingredients that could potentially slow the release of Salicylic Acid and reduce irritation, individual skin reactions can vary greatly.
It’s also important to note that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order, but this doesn’t tell us everything about the concentrations of each ingredient. For example, a product could have a high amount of a certain ingredient, but if it’s not in a high enough concentration, it may not be effective.
Remember, when evaluating skincare products, it’s important to do your own research and not just rely on the claims made by the brand. Look for independent studies and reviews, and be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true. Also, keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
This product review has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The review is conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, who utilizes a variety of reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided. These sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), and The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, various publicly available sources are also consulted to provide a well-rounded perspective on the product under review.
