The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Versus Bayer Skinoren 15% Gel Azelaic Acid
Updated on April 01, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
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
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
Bayer Skinoren 15% Gel Azelaic Acid 10 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
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
Bayer Skinoren 15% Gel Azelaic Acid 10 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
Bayer Skinoren 15% Gel Azelaic Acid 10 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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.
Bayer Skinoren 15% Gel Azelaic Acid 10 ingredients
Love it. When hot outside it’s enough as a moisturizer as well. Makes skin soft, reduces acne and decreases redness. Stings in the beginning, but once skin is used to it, it stops.
Heaven-sent of a prescription topical.
It helps with my acne, texture, PIH, and PIE. When I used this alongside Epiduo Forte, my skin is noticeably clearer and smoother in 3 weeks. It’s not yet completely clear, but I’m getting there. Very happy with the effects!
As for the formula, it’s a white gel-cream that spreads easily on the skin and dries matte nicely without pilling. There could be Show more
