I never thought exfoliating my face was something I needed to invest in. To be completely honest the products looked a little daunting and I didn’t understand both the true purpose and potential of adding exfoliation to my skincare routine. Having a particularly oily T-Zone and dry reddened cheeks, I’m not sure why I didn’t start exfoliating my face sooner. Meant to help unclog pores, remove excess dead skin cells and brighten dull skin. (plus more) it is now a must in my skincare routine. I started with peeling pads that both chemically and physically exfoliated and facial scrubs designed to just be a physical exfoliant. I had never used just a chemical exfoliating product before.

Enter the 10 minute chemical exfoliating facial that looks daunting. The Ordinary’s AHA 30% BHA 2% peeling solution (30ml) Isn’t it fantastic that the product name is exactly what we are getting, rather than just ‘Peeling Solution’? I really enjoy this little detail and have noticed other items within the brand are also labelled as such. I think this really gives the consumer the best information quickly and easily and doesn’t confuse.

The Ordinary is a branch brand of Deciem focused on functional beauty (according to their own website). It’s aim is to bring commonplace technologies, that others call ground breaking, to the everyday market at accessible, honourable prices. The Ordinary is described as Clinical formulations with integrity. In laymen’s terms this means the company are dedicated to low cost products that still use amazing formulations. that other brands may charge a lot more for. (This particular product was less than £10 from Amazon.co.uk) I knew I had to give this item and brand a try. It’s also a plus when they are both free from; paraben, sulfate, alcohol, and silicone. They are also vegan and cruelty free.

When it arrived I was pleased by the outer packaging and that it looks very clinical. It is a white cardboard box with black writing. Very clean and wouldn’t look out of place in a medicine cabinet. Everything you need to know is supplied on this outer box. Ingredients, directions of use and warnings are all given here and are also repeated on the bottle too. The bottle itself is frosted glass with white labelling. Again it feels and looks very clinical and almost simple, almost as if the brand wants us to focus on he product and not the packaging. I actually like this no fuss packaging, especially as it’s a direct acid product. It needs to be taken seriously and used correctly and I think this packaging conveys this perfectly.  The liquid inside is a cherry red, most likely from the carrot exacts included and it does actually apply on the skin in this colour.

Notable Ingredients

30% AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) from Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid & Citric Acid (combats anti-ageing)

2% BHA (beta hydroxy acid) from Salicylic Acid (helps fight acne)

Panthenol (wound healing)

Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) Extract (helps fight acne & skin firming)

This wasn’t my first introduction to AHA’s &BHA’s but, it was the first time I properly paid attention to them being in a product. AHA’s are fruit acids that naturally sooth and exfoliate on the skin’s surface. They are a chemical exfoliant that can also boost collagen production to firm and plump the skin too. Over use can lead to striping and thin out the epidermis (top layer of your skin). BHA’s work both on the surface on the skin, but also deeper within the pores and is naturally calming. Great for those with sensitive skin. The PH level should also be taken into consideration when using these products, as to be effective the range is narrow (3-4). The Ordinary’s shows on the box that the PH level is 3.6. I really am enjoying the transparency of this product. All information is readily available.

On to using the product. This is to be applied after cleansing on dry skin. I use about 1 full dropper and apply all over my face (avoiding the eye and mouth area). The red colour does give a Halloween look gone wrong feel, and I’d suggest warning all those in the house you are applying it. (Gave my Husband a fright) This is then left on for 10 minutes, and it advises not to leave on any longer due to the strength of the ingredients. As it is a direct acid it is also advised to not use more than twice a week. I only use this once every two weeks, but mainly because I use other exfoliating products and I don’t want to over exfoliate. It goes on like a serum and spread easily on the face. It does dry down on the skin and feels a little tight, almost like a clay mask but this isn’t uncomfortable. It washes off easily, but keep your mouth closed because that stuff does not taste nice (what skincare products actually do?).

The results? Brightened skin tone, my pores visibly appear smaller, and my skin is so smooth to touch. Honestly I was thoroughly impressed by the results of this product. Applying my favourite moisturiser afterwards just added to these benefits and I wasn’t expecting such good results after one use. Now, after prolonged use, I am still impressed and seeing results. I do use other exfoliating products too but, this hasn’t irritated or dried out my skin. I’ve experienced no breakouts and am enjoying the brightening results I’m achieving and seeing. This is a real bargain for such a good product and I might give other Ordinary products a try.

Have you tried any Ordinary products? Any you’d recommend? What do you use to exfoliate? Let me know.

Love SJ x

Links

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution – Amazon UK

The Ordinary – Official Website