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Updated on April 23, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 0 ingredients in common

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Wash Off Mask
Canadian Brand Canada
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Kaolin Abrasive, Absorbent, Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0
Exfoliant  •  2 Benefits

Kaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Squalane Emollient, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0
Helps hydrate Dry Skin

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Dimethyl Isosorbide Solvent

Dimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.

Silica Cetyl Silylate

We don't have a description for Silica Cetyl Silylate.

Unknown Full details ->
Salicylic Acid Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHA  •  Preservative  •  5 Benefits  •  4 Concerns

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Sodium Polyacrylate Absorbent, Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid.

Pentylene Glycol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

Charcoal Powder Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant

Charcoal Powder is an exfoliant.

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol is a fragrance.

Sclerotium Gum Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning

Sclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum made by the fungus, Sclerotium rolfssii. It is similar to xanthan gum.

Disliked Full details ->
Acacia Senegal Gum Masking

We don't have a description for Acacia Senegal Gum.

Disliked Full details ->
Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
Phytic Acid
AHA  •  Helps brighten skin  •  May worsen Rosacea

Phytic Acid is a gentle AHA and antioxidant. The chemical makeup makes it classified as an AHA, such as lactic acid.

Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.

Chlorphenesin Antimicrobial, Preservative
Preservative

Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.

Disliked Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane
C13-16 Isoparaffin Solvent
2 Concerns

This synthetic solvent is more commonly known as 'hemi-squalane'. This is due to it having a similar composition of bonded hydrogen and carbon as squalane.

Disliked Full details ->

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
7
5
6
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

284 Routines
19% use in am
81% use in pm
43% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
48 Routines
44% use in am
56% use in pm
85% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 19 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 7 ratings
CustardBunny's avatar

CustardBunny

8 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Waay too harsh for my skin, doesnt do much..
But feels fun in the moment

antimonious's avatar

antimonious

12 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

The only mask good for my skin
DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, explore products carefully, mindfully, and have fun :) | (Skin profile:...

The only mask good for my skin
DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, explore products carefully, mindfully, and have fun :) | (Skin profile: combination, slightly sensitive, textured, oily T-zone, enlarged pores) | For years I've struggled with top-layer exfoliation because any product I'd use would leave my skin red, irritated, and looking like tight plastic foil. I tried dozens of wet masks, sheet masks, acid peels, with a variety of acids (salicylic, glycolic, you name it - I've tried it), and none worked well. This wet mask is a game-changer. Twice a week, I apply it in the evening, after cleansing, a generous amount I'd say, but not too much, "about half a teaspoon is enough for the face and neck" the packaging says. Usually I leave it on for 7-8 minutes, a bit less than the 10 minutes the packaging puts as the maximum, gently rinse it off with warm water, pat my face dry with a soft towel, and my skin looks just fine. I haven't ever had any redness after using it, my skin wasn't feeling tight, and it even still had a natural glow to it (which hasn't ever happened because other masks would dry my skin out completely). This product deserves way more than just 5 stars.

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane 1 ingredient

4.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) Light (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
screamadelica's avatar

screamadelica

1 month ago · Normal Skin
Review

i just used up my current bottle of this wonderfully lightweight product that only costs about $5.
so i went to buy some more from Sephora or...

i just used up my current bottle of this wonderfully lightweight product that only costs about $5.
so i went to buy some more from Sephora or Ulta… and it’s apparently been discontinued. :(
i have no idea why. not only is it wonderfully inexpensive, but it works like a heavier oil (think Argan or Marula) while being lighter, less greasy, and absorbing faster. it’s great for the hair, the body, and even sometimes for the face. the JVN haircare brand incorporates this ingredient in their products for a reason!
there are a few other brands that have Hemi-Squalane for sale on Amazon, and most of them are actually a bit more expensive. so, to put it mildly, i’m really gonna miss the convenience of getting this from Sephora/Ulta for a great price.