Review | The Ordinary - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

My honest review of The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary's infamous crimson-red peeling solution. You've probably seen it all over social media, looking rather dramatic and promising incredible results for a price that seems almost too good to be true (£8.90 for a 30ml bottle). This is one of those products that absolutely has a place in a skincare routine, but it's also one that I approach with a huge amount of respect and a healthy dose of caution. Let’s be clear: its low price point masks a seriously potent, advanced-level treatment, and it's not for the faint of heart or for skincare beginners.

This needs precision timing

First things first, using this isn't a casual slap-it-on-and-forget-about-it affair. The instructions are there for a reason, and you need to follow them to the letter. It has to be applied to thoroughly clean and, crucially, bone-dry skin. Applying it to even slightly damp skin can increase penetration and lead to some serious irritation, so this can be a bit tricky to get right initially.

When I use it, I set a timer on my phone for exactly 10 minutes. I cannot stress this enough – do not get complacent and leave it on for longer, thinking you'll get a better result. You won't. You'll get a compromised skin barrier and a whole lot of regret. The solution itself is a water-based liquid that spreads easily. After washing it off with lukewarm water, my skin always feels unbelievably smooth to the touch. Yes, it can also feel a little tight, but that’s to be expected after such a powerful peel. The key is what you do next.

So why is it so powerful?

So, what’s the magic behind this potent, blood-red concoction? It's a precisely calibrated acid bath, designed to unglue and digest those stubborn, dull dead skin cells that cling to the surface. The formula is led by a whopping 30% concentration of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), including Glycolic, Lactic, Tartaric, and Citric Acids. These work on the surface to smooth texture, tackle dullness, and improve uneven skin tone.

Then you have the 2% Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA), in the form of Salicylic Acid, which is oil-soluble. This means it can get down into the pores to clear out congestion, making it a great ally for anyone dealing with blackheads or acneic conditions. It's a fantastic combination for a weekly "reset," helping to breathe life back into tired-looking skin and, with consistent use, can make a real difference with issues like hyperpigmentation and the general signs of skin ageing.

What I particularly like, from a formulation standpoint, is the clever inclusion of Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract (Tasmanian Pepperberry). This is a smart move by The Ordinary. They've put in an ingredient known for its soothing properties to help calm some of the inevitable irritation that such a high concentration of acids can cause. It’s a thoughtful touch.

The Hard Truths & Essential Aftercare (The Serious Bit)

Now for the serious talk. After using this peel, your skin is in a vulnerable state. I always follow up immediately with a hydrating serum packed with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, followed by a good, generous coating of a nourishing, barrier-supporting moisturiser to replenish what’s been lost.

And the single most important rule? Sunscreen. This is non-negotiable. Using a product this strong will dramatically increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light. If you don't commit to using a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen diligently every single day afterwards, you're not only risking a nasty sunburn, but you're also making yourself more likely to develop the very hyperpigmentation you might be trying to treat. Don’t even think about using this product if you aren't prepared for a serious commitment to sun protection.

Price Classification - ££ (Budget)

Pricing

£8.90

Size: 30ml

Strengths

Nice water-based solution that powerfully resurfaces tired, dull skin. Can bring skin back to life and also helps with pigmentation, acneic and ageing skin conditions.

Great choice as a once a week, deep exfoliating treatment option to breathe life back into dull skin.

I like the inclusion of Tasmanian Pepper, as this helps sooth any irritation from the strong AHA's & BHA's in the formula.

Weaknesses

It needs to be applied to cleaned and dried skin. So can be tricky to use initially. Also needs to be timed (I used my phones timer to remind me when to remove it), otherwise if left on for longer, skin could become irriated.

Key Ingredients

Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract

Full Ingredient List

Glycolic Acid, Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.

^* Whilst every care is taken to reflect the actual ingredient list, manufacturers sometimes make changes to their formulas. Therefore, always please check product packaging before purchasing.

Fragrance

None Added (Not declared).

Allergens

None listed. Although, DO NOT use if you have a sensitivity to exfoliating acids.

Rating

So, do I give it 5 stars? Yes, but with a huge asterisk.

This is a 5-star product for the right person. It’s for the experienced skincare user who understands acids, who has robust skin, and who is meticulous about following instructions and committing to aftercare. It is absolutely not for anyone with sensitive, peeling, compromised, or broken skin. If you’re new to chemical exfoliants, please, start with something much, much gentler.

For its incredible resurfacing power at such an accessible price point, it’s a brilliant deep exfoliating treatment for a weekly routine. The ease of application and removal is a plus, and the results, when used correctly, can be truly impressive. It's a pro-level peel at a high-street price, and it needs to be treated with the respect it deserves.

My Opinion

My skin felt super smooth after I used this product. It did feel a little tight, but I always apply a hydrating serum, followed by a good coating of moisturiser after use. It is also essential to use a good quality sunscreen during the daytime, as this product will increase your risk of burning in UV light. You will also be more likely to suffer from hyperpigmentation if you expose the skin to UV light without a decent sunscreen.

Would I buy it again? A resounding YES! In fact it's a regular purchase of mine.

How to Use it: (Provided by manufacturer packaging)

Use once or twice a week, ideally in the evening, on thoroughly clean, dry skin. Do not use on wet skin. Apply evenly across the face and neck using fingertips. Do not use on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration. If irritation occurs, rinse off, cease use, and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Keep out of reach of children. Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

Where to buy it

Amazon UK Click this link to purchase.