Product Review -- The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

I don't usually review skin care products on the blog, though that's not because I'm not just as obsessed with them as I am with makeup.

It's mainly because I feel like it's much harder to recommend skin care products than it is with makeup because everyone's skin is so different.

But over the past year, I realize that my skin looks better now than it did 10 years ago, and I figured that even it probably wouldn't hurt to review some of the skin care products I'm trying every now and again.

Now, at this point, 70% of my skin care routine is products from The Ordinary, a line that features really good ingredients and formulas at budget-friendly prices, so I figured it only made sense to start with one of my favorite products from the brand.

I've tried a lot of at-home "peel" products over the years, and I've been disappointed with almost all of them because I never really noticed any results.

I've got dull skin, dark spots, texture issues, fine lines, and some congested pores so I can definitely benefit from an exfoliating product that really does its job.

What attracted me to The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is that it includes both AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid). AHAs are usually used in these types of exfoliating, but the BHA is a nice addition because it exfoliates inside the pore, which makes it ideal for treating clogged pores or blemishes.


I don't really get breakouts too much anymore (it's usually just one or two blemishes when I have my period these days), but the pores on my nose still get congested so I can use the help.

The Peeling Solution comes in a glass bottle that holds 1 ounce of product. It has a medicine dropper dispenser, so it's easy to get out just the right amount -- and you don't really need much because the solution is fairly thin and spreads easily.

The Ordinary AHA 30%  + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The peel is red in color, which was a little disconcerting at first, but now I kind of get a kick out of it.

You apply the peel to clean, dry skin and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. I do notice a slight stinging sensation when I first apply it, which then shifts to a kind of itchiness for a bit, but all of it wears off within a minute or two.

While The Ordinary says that all skin types can use it except those are very sensitive, don't leave the peel on for more than 10 minutes or you may irritate your skin. And really, it's not necessary.

In just 10 minutes, my skin is smoother, softer, clearer, and brighter. You'll notice the softness and smoothness with just one application, but you'll get even better results with more regular use. The Ordinary suggests using it no more than twice a week -- I typically use it just once a week and I've seen some pretty great results.

Because of its intense exfoliating properties, I've also noticed that my other skin care products penetrate my skin better, which makes the peel even more effective.

I won't be without this peel in my bathroom ever.

And best of all, it's only $7.20 -- you can purchase it on The Ordinary website and Beautylish  -- and I believe I saw a rumor that the brand is coming to Sephora (the brand is up as of this posting, though I don't see the peel offered just yet. Hopefully, it'll be added to their offerings sooner or later) in the coming weeks, so you may even be able to get it there by the time this post goes up.

Have you tried The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution? Are you a fan? What's your favorite product from the brand?