Versus

Topicals High Roller Ingrown Tonic Versus The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution

Serum
Serum
American Brand United States
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores

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.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning

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.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid
Preservative

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.

When to use

25 Routines
36% use in am
64% use in pm
60% use every day
429 Routines
34% use in am
66% use in pm
80% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Topicals High Roller Ingrown Tonic 18 ingredients

High Roller Ingrown Tonic hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution 9 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 5 ratings
Works Well (3) No Scent (2) Great Value (2)
Clover's avatar

Clover

9 months ago
Review

I made this work eventually.
I was intrigued when I first saw this product as most salicylic acid treatments that I’ve seen are in water based formulas. I however have dry AND acne prone skin so finding acne fighting + moisturizing products can be a little challenging. This did technically work for me as I did notice an improvement with pore appearance and blackheads, but it was also too easy for Show more

#great value
#irritating
#oily
#no scent
jesssimon's avatar

jesssimon

1 year ago
Review

Started using this product around 3-4 months ago. I have noticed a complete transformation in my acne. I had been using products with “fatty alcohols” (Cerave), and unfortunately broke out.. bad. I had a ton of deep painful spots, majority on my chin and forehead. This product completely cleared/healed those spots within one month of use. Since then I have noticed, if I do get a spot, it appears Show more

#great value
#no scent
#works well