This much loved and sought after mask, is the first mask from The Ordinary’s much loved range and it goes out of stock just as quickly as those email alerts arrive to tell you that it is in stock, thankfully I was quick enough to grab it before missing out again. Meet the Salicylic 2% Acid Masque.
I love The Ordinary as a range, the Serum Foundation is one I’ve used time and time again and I have also been using the much hyped concealer, a review of which will appear soon. But this mask is one that intrigued me. Not like a mask you will be expecting, instead with its jelly-like texture, it is enriched with Salicylic 2% Acid which you might also recognise as an ingredient referred to as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid). The job of the salicylic acid is to gently exfoliate and slough all away all the detritus and debris such as dead and dry skin cells to help reduce inflammation, therefore, as it claims, making it an excellent companion for congested, blemish-prone skin types.
The mask has a jet-black hue, which I absolutely wasn’t expecting, but it comes about because of the inclusion of clarifying charcoal and it works alongside Amazonian Clays (think Kaolin) to give you skin a really deep cleanse because they act likes magnets to draw out excess sebum, the end result being skin which is not only smoother, but also clearer and more radiant. Added to the ingredient list is Squalene, which is a great hydration booster.
Ideal for use twice a week, the Ordinary Salicylic Acid Masque must be used on dry skin. I use a spatula to apply my mask to ensure I get an even coverage on my skin and, as the instructions state, I do apply it whilst avoiding the eye area. Once on the skin, it should be left on for no more than 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. As with most products, you should ideally complete a patch testing prior to use to check for reactions. This masque should not be used on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin and because it contains beta hydroxy acid (BHA) you will need to use sunscreen, which should be part of your daily routine anyway and limit exposure to sun for a week after use.
My skin absolutely loves this mask, I did the patch test as suggested to check before using as my skin often reacts to products which use clays as an ingredient, but thankfully no reaction occurred. But, having rarely left the house for the past 12 months other than for a daily walk or to shop for food, spending hours working in front of my laptop has left my skin looking lacklustre and much drier than it would usually be. Having combination-oily skin, I am prone to dryness, so exfoliation and hydration are an absolute must part of my routine, a masque, like this one is a perfect once a week treat and it leaves my skin feeling just amazing, even if those on my Zoom meetings are the only one to benefit the most from my complexion.
Cruelty-free, Vegan, free from the likes of oil, alcohol, silicone, gluten and even nuts, it is priced around £10* and is just amazing, I can understand the hype and why finding it is stock can be a nightmare.
*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.