AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated November 10, 2026
Studies found glycolic and salicylic acid help acne; Redditors report glow, irritation.
What the community says
This high-strength rinse-off peel suits experienced acid users chasing clogged-pore relief and smoother texture. Redditors report quick glow; studies found glycolic and salicylic acid can improve acne, though sensitive or barrier-damaged skin often reacts badly.
What this means for you
Backed by 20 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- High-strength glycolic and salicylic acid peel for congested texture
- Visible softness and glow after occasional use
- Blackhead-clearing potential backed by community reports and studies
Watch out for
- Barrier damage risk climbs alongside tretinoin or other strong actives
- Sensitive skin can develop burning, hives, itching, or widespread peeling
- Easy to overuse; weekly applications can still wreck the barrier
Product details
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
What TikTok says
From 6 TikTok videos1 sponsored, marked with outlined numbers
Creators say the peel is strong, so they advise a thin layer on dry skin, patch testing and 5 to 10 minutes at most.123 Several creators praise smoother texture and clearer pores, and one sponsored creator calls it effective when used correctly.145 One creator who burned overnight would not reuse it, and creators say burning, unlike tingling, signals a damaged barrier.23 Creators say it suits oily or congested skin, and those with irritated barriers should skip it.23
Sponsored means the creator disclosed a brand partnership or the video ran as a paid ad.
Videos open on TikTok in a new tab.
How to use it
From Reddit routinesHow Reddit uses it
Where to buy
What the science says
Glycolic acid has strong evidence for signs of aging, with most studies finding it improved fine lines, rough texture, and dark spots in sun-damaged skin 1. Salicylic acid has some evidence for clearing acne, often reducing pimples and blackheads about as well as other common treatments 2. Glycolic acid also has some evidence for acne, with peeling and early irritation the most common side effects 3. For dark patches, glycolic acid has some evidence of fading them, though other treatments sometimes worked better and the lightening did not always last 4.
- Glycolic Acid for anti-aging Strong evidence · 21 studies
- Salicylic Acid for acne Some evidence · 34 studies
- Glycolic Acid for acne Some evidence · 22 studies
- Glycolic Acid for hyperpigmentation Some evidence · 23 studies
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
How we grade researchFull ingredient list · 24
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ingredients
Glycolic Acid, Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol
Listed in label order, highest concentration first. Linked ingredients have their own page.
Real Reddit threads — 250 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
15 shared traits
930 mentions
Often paired with
Products Redditors use alongside this one
The Ordinary
Mentioned together in 5 threads
“Everyday use the ordinary azelaic acid. Twice a week use the ordinary's 10% lactic acid. Once a week use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”
The Ordinary
Mentioned together in 5 threads
“and The Ordinary squalane cleanser. Then Alcohol Free Witch Hazel to make sure I'm clean. Occasionally I will use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.”
— r/acne