Review: The Ordinary Peeling Solution and Lactic Acid

The Ordinary brand took the skincare world by storm! Literally, the brand came out of nowhere! I’m a skincare fanatic and I never heard of the brand, but my curiosity grew when I saw the AHA/BHA Peeling Solution everywhere. It had to be that bloodshot red color haha! Either way, about a month ago I decided to purchase both the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution and Lactic 10% + HA skin acids. I’ve been testing both acids and I have a lot to say, but before getting into that let’s talk about my skin.

My Skin

My skin type is normal to oily. I usually experience more oiliness in the hotter seasons. My main skin concerns are dullness and texture. My skin can look very dull at times if I don’t keep up with my Vitamin C products, it’s a drastic difference y’all! I also experience skin texture on my nose (similar to “strawberry skin”). I usually exfoliate 1-2 times per week to avoid that. Other than my concerns, and normal hormonal breakouts my skin is pretty normal.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Rating: 5/5

First Impressions

I never tried a direct skin acid, so I was so nervous! Before this, I’ve used glycolic acid but it was an active ingredient in a toner. The color also scared the living mess out of me! The first day of trying this acid, it definitely burned/tingled. I thought I was going to break out, but the burning actually tones down after about 5-10 seconds. It was nothing unbearable, but remember this was my first time trying it. I kept it on for 10 minutes and after my skin felt extremely soft. It was a noticeable difference after one use.

Company Claims + My Thoughts

Claims: “Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin’s topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 32% AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use.  ” from www.theordinary.deciem.com

Active Ingrediants: AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid)—a type of acid that is derived from sugarcane, milk or fruit. 

BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)- a type of acid found in willow tree bark, wintergreen leaves or sweet birch bark.

Thoughts:

I fell in love with this skin acid y’all! After using it, there’s a drastic change to my skin texture. My skin feels softer and that’s because this stuff does exactly what it’s suppose to do, exfoliate. This is definitly THE ONE and The Ordinary can take all my coins for this product! The only advice I would give before trying this product is:

-DO NOT leave it on for more than 10 minutes

-Wash your face twice with lukewarm water to make sure all the product is off. Leaving acids on your face can cause burning and therefore it’ll leave a mark on your skin.

-If you have sensitive skin, try it on a small spot on your face first

-Sunscreen is even more important when you include skin acids in your routine. When you use skin acids you are more susceptible to sun damage. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Lactic 10% + HA

Rating 3/5

First Impressions

This product is safe to use once a day. That scared me because I know that the AHA + BHA Solution is STRONG! Suprisingly, this skin acid didn’t give me the same burning/tingling sensation. I started using this product mainly for my skin concern around dullness. It took a while to see results to be honest, but after 3-4 weeks I saw improvements with my overall skin tone. It appeared brighter.

Company Claims + My Thoughts

Claims: “Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation. ” from www.theordinary.deciem.com

Active Ingredients: Lactic acid is a hydrating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly derived from milk, but there are alternative vegan sources, like fermented corn starch, beets, and other sugar-rich foods.

My Thoughts: This skin acid is just OKAY! I don’t picture myself repurchasing. I feel that I got even better results from using retinol vs. lactic acid. This may be just for my skin, so don’t hold me to that. I see a difference, but with retinol my skin was much brighter and my skin had a beautiful glow. After I finish this product, I am going back to using my retinol toner. This is good to try if you aren’t using any other product to target skin texture and radiance. The only advice I would give before trying this product is:

-Know that this product stays on. You don’t rinse it off. It was nowhere to be found on the label so I was freaking out. Thought I’d save you the trouble!

I hope you guys enjoyed this post and found it helpful!

Until next time y’all <3

Later!