The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Evidence-led ingredient analysis, a transparent clean score out of 100 and cleaner, effective alternatives at three price levels.

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The Ordinary

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Skincare · Budget: £6.30

4.7 (42,500 reviews)· across Boots, LookFantastic, Cult Beauty, Sephora UK, Amazon UK, The Ordinary

Pending verification

Ingredients: AI-inferred — not yet verified

An exceptionally high-strength rinse-off chemical exfoliant that offers outstanding active performance and total scent/fragrance transparency. Note: The ingredient list was inferred from the standard published formulation for this product. While it scores high for cleanliness and lack of endocrine disruptors, its extreme acid potency demands careful handling to avoid skin barrier disruption.

Hazard categories

90Est.
Pending verification~90 · Safe / Clean (estimated)

Estimated score out of 100

Formulation score is fixed across Selenssa · Community effectiveness awaiting more reports

Based on publicly available ingredients, following our methodology. Not medical advice — always check the physical label, especially for allergies. How we score →

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Suitable for experienced acid users looking for an effective, affordable weekly peel. Must be used strictly according to instructions (max 10 minutes, max twice weekly, rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water) and followed with sunscreen during the day.

Be cautious if

Avoid if you have sensitive skin, active rosacea, compromised skin barrier, or if you are currently using prescription retinoids or strong direct acids.

Against your clean standard

Yes — Meets high clean standards with complete fragrance transparency and no endocrine disruptors. Caution is advised purely due to high acid strength.

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Where this score comes from

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Score history

No score changes have been recorded for this product yet.

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Does The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution contain parabens, sulfates or fragrance?

A straight yes or no for the ingredient groups people most often want to avoid, checked against this product's published formulation.

  • Free from parabens

    Preservatives; the longer-chain ones (propyl, butyl) carry the endocrine questions.

  • Free from sulfates (sls / sles)

    Strong cleansing agents that can strip a compromised barrier.

  • Free from silicones

    Slip and occlusion; cyclic silicones (D4/D5/D6) are the environmentally restricted ones.

  • Free from fragrance / parfum

    Undisclosed fragrance blends are the most common trigger for sensitised skin.

  • Free from essential oils

    Naturally derived, but among the most frequently reported contact allergens.

  • Free from drying alcohol

    Fine in small amounts for texture; high up the list it can dehydrate.

  • Free from formaldehyde releasers

    Preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde.

  • Free from chemical uv filters of concern

    Restricted or debated filters with endocrine or reef-persistence questions.

Is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution non-comedogenic?

No ingredients in this formulation appear on Selenssa's common pore-clogger list, so it is unlikely to be the cause of congestion for most people. Comedogenicity is still individual — texture, occlusion and how much you use all play a part.

Is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution safe for sensitive skin?

Usually tolerated, but patch test if your skin reacts easily.

  • No fragrance or parfum in the list

Ingredients worth knowing about: Polysorbate 20.

Can you use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution while pregnant?

This product contains salicylic acid, which is usually on the list of ingredients people are advised to pause during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Selenssa is not medical advice — check with your midwife, GP or dermatologist before using it.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution full ingredients list

23 ingredients analysed, in the order Selenssa assessed them. Concentration generally falls as you move down the list.

Glycolic Acid, Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.

The actives doing the work: Glycolic, Lactic, Citric & Tartaric Acids (Provides comprehensive surface exfoliation to smooth rough texture and boost glow.); Salicylic Acid (Deeply clears pores to address blackheads and congestion.); Tasmannia Lanceolata Extract (Helps counteract stinging and redness during high-strength acid application.); Aloe Barbadensis & Glycerin (Sustain hydration and buffer potential dryness.).

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