Acne Free Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment Versus The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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.
Ingredient Info
Acne Free Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment 17 ingredients
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Acne Free Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment 17 ingredients
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Benzoyl Peroxide 10%
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBenzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Bisabolol
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Methylpropanediol
SolventPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sea Whip Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Benzoyl Peroxide 10%, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Benzalkonium Chloride, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Methylpropanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Sea Whip Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Water, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Acne Free Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment 17 ingredients
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Acne Free Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment 17 ingredients
Use carefully, and it'll work wonders!
Fantastic spot treatment. This works faster then anything else I’ve tried, however keep in mind that it’s strong and can be a bit drying. Do NOT apply it over large areas of skin— only use it on your spots, or else you risk irritating your healthy skin. I also think it works best when you alternate between this and a gentler spot treatment. When I used this Show more
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
The BHA didnt remove my acne, the clogged pores, and the sebaceous filaments. I've been using it for 4 months, and my acne condition is still the same.
foams up unless I tap it on my face, it works well enough but i think there are better bha products out there.
