How to use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Who should use this peel?

This peel is only for experienced users of acid exfoliation, not beginners. Do not use it on sensitive, peeling, damaged or broken skin. Previous experience with acids does not replace patch testing. The Ordinary calls this an advanced exfoliating facial, which is a less casual job description than "serum".1

Before applying the peel to your face, test a small amount on clean skin on your upper forearm. Keep the area dry and rinse within the product's 10 minute limit. Do not use the peel if redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation appears at any point during the test.2

How to apply it

1. 1Clean your face thoroughly, then let your skin dry completely. Do not apply the peel to wet skin.
2. 2Use fingertips to spread the solution evenly across your face and neck, keeping away from the eye contour.
3. 3Set a timer so the peel stays on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse earlier if irritation occurs.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, keeping the solution away from your eyes during rinsing as well as application.

If irritation occurs, rinse off, stop using the peel and consult a physician. Prolonged stinging is also a reason to stop. If the solution gets into your eyes, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water; seek medical advice if irritation persists.13

When should you use AHA and BHA?

For this peel, choose an evening and use it no more than twice weekly. Daily use instructions for other acid products do not apply to this formula. Use sunscreen every day, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure throughout use and for a week after stopping. Choose SPF 30 or higher. Evening application does not remove the need for daytime sun protection.245

Can you use AHA and BHA together?

Yes, this peel already combines AHA and BHA. Do not layer it with other direct acids, retinoids, direct vitamin C, peptides or copper peptides. The Ordinary also lists EUK, Niacinamide Powder, Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, GF 15% Solution and Multi Active Delivery Essence as incompatible.2

General AHA routines can alternate acids with retinoid creams or vitamin C rather than apply them together. This is general layering guidance, not permission to exceed this peel's frequency limit.6

What is the difference between AHA and BHA?

What does AHA do for skin?

AHA encourages dead surface cells to shed, helping skin look smoother and more even in colour. This peel also targets pore congestion through its combined acids. The bottle targets texture, dullness and uneven tone, rather than the skincare industry's usual ambition of solving everything.26

Think gradual improvement, not a fixed result after one application. General AHA peel treatments retexture skin over a few months; there is no specific results timetable for this bottle. Some AHA peels cause temporary pinkness or light peeling afterwards, and moisturizer can help disguise visible peeling.6