The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, 30 mL

Product Overview

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a water-based, rinse-off facial exfoliant produced by DECIEM under The Ordinary skincare brand. The formula combines multiple alpha hydroxy acids with salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, for a total exfoliating-acid concentration of 32%. It is intended primarily for experienced users of acid-based exfoliation.

The alpha hydroxy acid portion includes glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids. These ingredients primarily exfoliate the skin’s surface, while salicylic acid can also act within oil-containing pores. Supporting ingredients include panthenol, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Tasmanian pepperberry extract, aloe leaf water, glycerin, and black carrot extract.

The solution has a documented pH range of 3.50 to 3.70 and is supplied in a 30 mL bottle. Manufacturer directions limit application to once or twice weekly on clean, completely dry, unbroken skin. Each application must remain on the skin for no more than ten minutes before thorough rinsing. Because the formula contains a high concentration of exfoliating acids, careful adherence to usage and sun-protection instructions is important.

Product Information

Identification

Field	Information
Brand	The Ordinary
Manufacturer	DECIEM Beauty Group Inc.
Category	Facial Exfoliant
Product Type	Rinse-Off Chemical Exfoliating Solution
UPC	769915191004
EAN	0769915191004
GTIN	00769915191004
ASIN	B071914GGL

Physical Information

Field	Information
Size	30 mL
Approximate Volume	1 fl oz
Format	Water-based serum
Application Type	Rinse-off treatment
Container Type	Dropper bottle

Product Identifier Summary

Model Number

Model numbers are often used to distinguish specific manufactured products or configurations. A separate verified model number is not normally used to identify this skincare formulation.

Manufacturer Part Number

A manufacturer part number identifies a specific commercial item within manufacturing and distribution systems. A separate verified MPN for this 30 mL formulation was not confirmed.

UPC

The Universal Product Code is a standardized retail barcode used for inventory control, product matching, and point-of-sale identification in North America.

EAN

The European Article Number is an international retail barcode identifier. It provides a thirteen-digit representation commonly used by product databases and retail systems outside North America.

GTIN

The Global Trade Item Number is the broader international system for identifying commercial products. UPC and EAN identifiers can be represented within the GTIN framework.

ASIN

An ASIN is a catalog identifier used by a particular online marketplace. It identifies a listing but is not a universal manufacturer-issued skincare identifier.

ISBN

ISBN identifiers are assigned to books and certain publishing products. They do not apply to cosmetic skincare formulations.

Common Uses

• Periodic chemical exfoliation of facial skin.
• Addressing the appearance of uneven skin texture.
• Addressing visible dullness.
• Supporting a more even-looking skin tone.
• Reducing the appearance of pore congestion through exfoliation.
• Use as an occasional rinse-off step within an established skincare routine.

Maintenance and Care

The bottle should be closed securely after each use and stored according to the instructions on its packaging. Excessive heat, direct sunlight, contamination, and unnecessary exposure to air should be avoided.

The dropper should not be allowed to contact the face or other surfaces during application because this can introduce contaminants into the container. Product remaining in the dropper should be returned only according to normal hygienic handling practices.

The formula should not be diluted or mixed inside its original bottle with water, oils, or other cosmetic products. Changes to the formulation could alter its intended acid concentration and pH.

Safety Information

This formulation contains a high concentration of free acids and is intended only for experienced users of acid exfoliation. The manufacturer states that it should not be applied to sensitive, peeling, compromised, or broken skin.

Application is limited to once or twice weekly, preferably in the evening. The solution should be applied to thoroughly clean and completely dry skin and left in contact with the skin for no longer than ten minutes.

The eye contour must be avoided during application and rinsing. If irritation develops, the product should be rinsed away, use should stop, and medical advice should be sought when appropriate.

Patch testing before full application is advised. If redness, burning, itching, blistering, or other irritation develops during a patch test, the formulation should not be used.

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and the possibility of sunburn. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and reduced sun exposure are advised while using the product and for one week afterward.

The product should be kept out of reach of children.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Product Type	Chemical exfoliating facial treatment
Format	Water-based serum
Package Volume	30 mL
Total Exfoliating Acid Concentration	32%
Total AHA Concentration	30%
BHA Concentration	2%
Primary AHA	Glycolic acid
Additional AHAs	Lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid
BHA	Salicylic acid
Formulation pH	3.50–3.70
Maximum Application Time	10 minutes
Recommended Frequency	Once or twice weekly
Application Time	Preferably evening
Application Condition	Clean, thoroughly dry, unbroken skin
Rinse-Off	Yes
Alcohol-Free	Yes
Oil-Free	Yes
Silicone-Free	Yes
Vegan	Yes
Gluten-Free	Yes
Cruelty-Free	Yes

Ingredients

The current manufacturer ingredient list includes glycolic acid, 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 and leaf extract, glycerin, pentylene glycol, xanthan gum, polysorbate 20, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, and caprylyl glycol.

The manufacturer notes that formulations can be updated over time and can differ by market. The ingredient declaration printed on an individual package should therefore be used when checking allergies or sensitivities.

Product History

The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is part of The Ordinary’s range of direct-acid exfoliating products. The brand organizes much of its skincare range around clearly identified active ingredients and their concentrations.

The formulation has become one of the more widely recognized products in The Ordinary range because of its distinctive red appearance and unusually high combined exfoliating-acid concentration for a consumer rinse-off product.

The Ordinary continues to list the 30 mL formulation in its current skincare range. Ingredient lists can be revised over time, so older bottles may not contain an ingredient sequence identical to the current formulation.

Key Features

• Contains 30% alpha hydroxy acids.
• Contains 2% salicylic acid as the beta hydroxy acid component.
• Combines five exfoliating acids.
• Uses glycolic acid as its primary AHA.
• Includes lactic, tartaric, and citric acids.
• Includes panthenol and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer.
• Contains Tasmanian pepperberry extract.
• Water-based formulation.
• Designed as a rinse-off treatment rather than a leave-on serum.
• Alcohol-free.
• Oil-free.
• Silicone-free.
• Vegan.
• Gluten-free.
• Cruelty-free.

Package Contents

• 1 bottle of The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
• 30 mL of exfoliating solution
• Dropper-style dispensing assembly

Compatibility

The product is intended for use within a facial skincare routine by people already experienced with acid exfoliation. It should not be layered indiscriminately with other strong active ingredients during the same routine.

The Ordinary specifically advises against combining this formulation in the same regimen with direct acids, retinoids, copper peptides, direct vitamin C, peptide formulations, EUK 134, niacinamide powder, and several other high-activity formulas identified by the manufacturer.

A simple moisturizer can be used after the solution has been thoroughly rinsed away when compatible with the user’s skin. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is particularly important because exfoliating acids can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AHA 30% + BHA 2% mean?

The name describes the concentrations of the two primary exfoliant groups. Alpha hydroxy acids make up 30% of the formulation, while beta hydroxy acid is present at 2%.

Is this product a leave-on serum?

No. Although its physical format is described as a water-based serum, it is a rinse-off treatment and must not remain on the skin indefinitely.

How long can the peeling solution stay on the skin?

Manufacturer directions limit each application to a maximum of ten minutes. Leaving it on longer is outside the documented usage instructions.

Can it be applied to wet skin?

No. The Ordinary instructs users to apply the product only to thoroughly clean, completely dry skin.

How often can it be used?

The documented frequency is once or twice weekly. More frequent use is not part of the manufacturer’s directions.

Is the peeling solution intended for beginners?

No. The manufacturer specifically identifies the formula as suitable only for experienced users of acid exfoliation because of its high concentration of free acids.

Can it be used on sensitive skin?

The Ordinary advises against using the product on sensitive, peeling, compromised, or otherwise damaged skin.

What should be done if the product causes irritation?

The product should be rinsed away and use should stop. Persistent or significant irritation should be assessed by an appropriate medical professional.

Does the formula contain salicylic acid?

Yes. Salicylic acid provides the beta hydroxy acid component of the formulation.

Does it contain glycolic acid?

Yes. Glycolic acid is the primary alpha hydroxy acid used in the formula.

Should sunscreen be used with this product?

Yes. The manufacturer advises sunscreen, protective clothing, and limited sun exposure during use and for one week afterward because the acids can increase sun sensitivity.

Can it be used around the eyes?

No. The eye contour and direct eye contact should be avoided during both application and rinsing.

Can it be combined with retinoids in the same routine?

The Ordinary lists retinoids among the ingredient categories that should not be combined with this peeling solution in the same regimen.

Can the product be used every night?

No. Daily use exceeds the manufacturer’s recommended frequency of once or twice per week.

Is patch testing recommended?

Yes. The manufacturer recommends performing a patch test before introducing the formulation to a full facial routine.

Does the product need to be refrigerated?

Routine refrigeration is not specified in the manufacturer’s usage directions. The bottle should be stored according to the instructions printed on its current packaging.

Is the formulation vegan?

Yes. The Ordinary currently identifies this product as vegan.

Buying Considerations

The concentration of exfoliating acids is the primary consideration when evaluating this product. It is substantially stronger than many daily exfoliating toners and leave-on acid serums and is specifically intended for experienced users.

Skin condition should also be considered before use. Applying a high-strength acid solution to irritated, peeling, recently damaged, or highly sensitive skin can increase the likelihood of an adverse reaction.

The distinctive red appearance is part of the formulation and should not by itself be used to determine authenticity. Package labeling, ingredient information, product identifiers, batch information, and the condition of the container provide more useful identification clues.

Users maintaining routines containing retinoids or other exfoliating acids should consider formulation compatibility. The manufacturer advises against combining several strong active categories with this product in the same regimen.

Customer Feedback Summary

This section is a generalized summary of recurring publicly reported customer experiences and does not represent verified product specifications. Users commonly discuss changes in the perceived smoothness, brightness, and surface texture of the skin after periodic use.

Positive feedback frequently centers on the short rinse-off format and the ability to incorporate strong exfoliation without leaving an acidic serum on the skin overnight. Some experienced acid users also report that the product helps reduce the appearance of surface roughness and congestion when used conservatively.

The most common limitation reported is irritation. Tingling, temporary redness, stinging, dryness, and excessive exfoliation are recurring concerns, particularly when the product is left on too long, applied too frequently, or combined with other strong active ingredients.

User reports also show that tolerance varies considerably between individuals. Experiences reported by other consumers should not replace patch testing, manufacturer instructions, or professional medical guidance when significant skin sensitivity or a dermatological condition is present.

Related Products

• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
• The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Last Updated

August 13, 2026