AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated September 3, 2026
30% glycolic and 2% salicylic acid peel clears acne and exfoliates intensely; harsh for sensitive skin.
What the community says
This intense chemical peel combines high-strength glycolic and salicylic acids for exfoliation and acne clearing. Reddit users report brightening and soft skin but warn of barrier damage and irritation risk. It suits experienced acid users who can tolerate strong peels and avoid layering other actives.
What this means for you
Backed by 20 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Powerful exfoliant that smooths skin and reduces breakouts
- Clears stubborn acne and helps with hyperpigmentation
- Widely used once a week for effective skin resurfacing
Watch out for
- Can cause severe irritation and damage to sensitive skin barriers
- Purging and prolonged redness common during initial weeks
- Not suitable for frequent use; risks over-exfoliation if misused
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
What the science says
Salicylic Acid
Strong evidence for acne- It usually helped clear acne, though results were sometimes mixed and a few studies only showed it matched other treatments
- 30 studies back this, including large reviews
- It often worked about as well as tretinoin, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, mandelic acid, Jessner's solution, and some light treatments
- Some studies found it worked better when used with other treatments than when those treatments were used alone
- Side effects were usually milder than with some comparison treatments, with less dryness and fewer side effects overall
Studied at 0.5–30%this product: 2%
See 32 studiesGlycolic Acid
Strong evidence for acne- It usually improved acne, and some studies found it cleared acne better than a placebo
- 22 studies back this, including several large reviews
- It often worked about as well as other acne treatments, though some peels worked better
- Some studies found stronger results when glycolic acid was used with other ingredients
- The most common side effects were peeling and mild skin irritation, though some studies reported few side effects
What Reddit says
The why
Weekly chemical peel delivers visible clear skin and softens dry, flaky patches by exfoliating with strong AHA and BHA acids.
“Once per week I skip tret/AA and do the ordinary BHA/AHA peel.”
13 mentions for acne
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 202 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
9 shared traits
749 mentions
