The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Versus La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, 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
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum 20 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propanediol
SolventGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPhytic Acid
Polyquaternium-10
Parfum
Masking
Water, Alcohol Denat., Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Citric Acid, PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Maltodextrin, Phytic Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium 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
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum 20 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.
