AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated October 5, 2026
Studies found glycolic and salicylic acids clear acne; Reddit says: handle with care.
What the community says
A 10-minute wash-off acid peel with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and aloe. Redditors use it for clogged pores, texture, and post-acne marks, and studies back the acne-clearing part. The catch is obvious: it can sting, over-dry, and wreck a barrier.
What this means for you
Backed by 20 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
Watch out for
Product details
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Anti-Aging
Strong evidence
Glycolic Acid: 17 studies tested it on its own. See all 22 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found glycolic acid helped with signs of aging
- It often improved fine lines, roughness, and overall skin texture
- Some studies found it also helped discoloration and age spots look better
- It often worked about as well as other anti-aging treatments, though not always better
- The most common side effects were stinging, burning, and irritation
Acne
Some evidence
Salicylic Acid: 16 studies tested it on its own. See all 34 studies
On Reddit: When breakouts flare, the red mask comes out every so often. 15 mentions
Both ingredients for acne
Salicylic Acid Some evidence
- Most studies found salicylic acid helped clear acne
- It often reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
- It usually worked about as well as other common acne treatments
- Used with other acne treatments, it sometimes cleared acne better than those treatments alone
- Side effect results were very uncertain in one large review
Studied at 0.5–30%this product: 2%
Glycolic Acid Some evidence
13 studies tested it on its own. See all 22 studies
- Most of these studies found it helped clear acne
- It often reduced blackheads and whiteheads, and some studies also found fewer red, sore spots
- It cleared acne more than a placebo in some studies
- It worked about as well as some other acne peels and creams in several studies
- The most common side effects were peeling and other early skin irritation
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Glycolic Acid: 16 studies tested it on its own. See all 25 studies
On Reddit: Picked-at dark spots bring people to this peel; one user says a stubborn spot is basically gone after a month. 9 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found glycolic acid helped fade dark spots or patches
- It often worked better when used with other treatments than those treatments alone
- Some studies found it improved melasma and post-acne dark marks while also improving skin texture
- The most common side effects were irritation, discomfort, and short-lived skin reactions, with rare lasting light spots
Texture/Pores
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Glycolic Acid: 4 studies tested it on its own. See all 5 studies
On Reddit: Closed-comedone bumps bring people to this peel; one user reports fewer cheek bumps with weekly use. 42 mentions
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 222 mentions across 20 threads
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution on Reddit, in one place — 20 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more, summarized.
“TWICE A WEEK -TO AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution”
Positive
“Twice a week the peeling solution? How did you find that for you?”
Positive
“TO AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution”
Positive
“very limited occasional use of their AHA BHA Peeling Solution”
Positive
“Routine:”
Positive
“Everything is so inconsistent because I struggle with executive function”
Positive
“- The Ordinary Peeling solution (once a week)”
Positive
“Hmmm I think the real game changer for me was the The Ordinary Peeling Solution paired with Hada Labo Lightening lotion (blue bottle).”
Positive
“The rest of my routine was things that I’ve used previously, so I think those two products were the ones that helped clear things out aha.”
Positive
“The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, once a week, NEVER during the week that i dermaroll”
Positive
“i would say the dermarolling + weekly chemical exfoliation helped the most”
Positive
“The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% **OR** The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
Positive
“Once per week I skip tret/AA and do the ordinary BHA/AHA peel.”
Positive
“Awesome results! I love to use the AHA/BHA weekly.”
Positive
“I have skin that leans oily and breaks out easily so its a great reset.”
Positive
“The Ordinary Peeling Solution is amazing for exfoliation.”
Positive
“Use it on your hands, knees, elbows.”
Positive
“You'll feel brand new.”
Positive
Dupes & Alternatives
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Better for Texture / Pores
11 shared traits
835 mentions
