I don’t know what it’s about my nostril, however blackheads adore it. It’s the one space the place they present up (effectively, that and the pores and skin simply round it). On a regular basis. They make my nostril appear to be a dalmata and enlarge my pores a lot, I swear you’ll be able to see them from the moon. The one factor that provides them the boot and retains them from coming again is salicylic acid (however I’ve to be tremendous diligent with it).
I often get my repair from Paula’s Selection Pores and skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant however this 12 months, I’m dishonest on it with The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer. Lastly, this child is again in inventory and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s a extra fundamental model of Paula’s Selection (hey, for the value, you’ll be able to’t actually complain), however it does the job simply as effectively. Will I swap again to my past love? Mmmm….
About The Model: The Odd
Do you know The Odd is probably the most sought-after skincare model? Can’t say I’m shocked. The mind little one of tortured genius Brandon Truaxe, the model was the primary of its form to convey highly effective actives to drugstores for a fraction of the price. Whereas earlier than you needed to spend an arm and a leg to get excessive concentrations of retinol, now you might get your mitts on it for roughly the value of two cups of espresso. How superb is that?
Critics mentioned it couldn’t be completed. However Brandon did it – and now the skincare world is filled with copycats. The catch? Every product accommodates just one energetic. Sure, that energetic can combat pimples, cut back wrinkles or no matter it says on the tin, however it gained’t go the additional mile. I like to think about The Odd as a skincare complement. If I’m lacking an ingredient from my skincare routine, I’ll flip to this model. If I’m on the lookout for a multi-tasking product, I gained’t discover it right here.
Key Elements In The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer: What Makes It Work?
SALICYLIC ACID TO UNCLOG PORES
Just about each exfoliant on the market guarantees to wash your pores and rid them of the crap that’s clogging them up. However except they use an acid that’s oil-soluble and might get by the pores and skin’s lipid (oil) barrier, they will’t. Salicylic acid (additionally known as BHA) is the one acid that may do the feat. It penetrates the pores and unclogs them from inside.
That is important once you’re coping with blackheads (and different forms of pimples). In the event you simply scrub away the black head of the blemish and depart the tail contained in the pore, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than that little bugger rears its ugly head once more.
Salicylic acid additionally exfoliates the floor of the pores and skin so the lifeless cells that pile up on its floor can’t fall into the pores and clog them up once more. Plus, floor exfoliation make pores and skin softer, smoother and extra even-toned.
FYI, this makes exfoliation an everyday job. In case your pores and skin’s vulnerable to blackheads and pimples, utilizing salicylic acid day by day can maintain them from coming again within the first place. Another factor: salicylic acid additionally has anti-inflammatory properties. It means it could actually soothe irritations and cut back the redness that all the time comes together with pimples.
Associated: Why Salicylic Acid Is The Key To Spot-Free Pores and skin
Desire a cost-effective skincare routine for pimples that works? Subscribe to my e-newsletter beneath and obtain The Odd Pimples Skincare Routine Cheatsheet:
The Relaxation Of The Formulation & Elements
NOTE: The colors point out the effectiveness of an ingredient. It’s ILLEGAL to place poisonous and dangerous elements in skincare merchandise.
- Inexperienced: It’s efficient, confirmed to work, and helps the product do the very best job to your pores and skin.
- Yellow: There’s not a lot proof it really works (at the least, but).
- Pink: What is that this doing right here?!
- Aqua (Water): The principle solvent within the product, it helps dissolve different elements.
- Saccharide Isomerate: A mix of hydrating corn-derived sugars, it has humectant properties that entice water from the air into the pores and skin and bind it there. The end result? Softer, smoother, hydrated pores and skin.
- Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine: A cleaning agent with foaming properties. It’s used right here to stabilise Salicylic Acid, in order that it really works higher for longer.
- Hydroxyethylcellulose: A preferred thickening agent in skincare merchandise.
- Polysorbate 20: A cleaning agent that additionally helps the oily and watery components of a system from separating.
- Citric Acid: An exfoliant, it’s used right here to regulate the pH of the product, in order that it really works its finest with out irritating pores and skin.
- Sodium Citrate: One other pH-adjuster.
- Sodium Hydroxide: Yep, this ingredient helps to steadiness the pH of skincare merchandise too.
Phenoxyethanol:A mild preservative that stops bacterial contamination and retains your skincare merchandise secure for longer.- Chlorphenesin: One other preservative that stops any nasties from rising in your skincare merchandise and spoil them.
Texture
This exfoliant has a bizarre texture. It’s a watery-gel that dries down somewhat cheesy. In the event you apply somewhat an excessive amount of, it additionally foams somewhat. I’ve by no means seen something like that earlier than and it’s most likely as a result of cleaning agent used to stabilise Salicylic Acid. That is additionally what you get for the value. The Odd doesn’t lower corners on effectiveness, like so many different manufacturers do. However they do lower corners on texture – and that’s not all the time nice.
Perfume
This exfoliant is fragrance-free – and that’s how I like my skincare merchandise. I do know it’s not for everybody. Perfume makes your skincare merchandise odor superb however, it’s additionally one of the crucial irritating elements utilized in skincare. For delicate pores and skin, it’s a no-no.
How To Use It
Salicylic Acid is an exfoliant, so day by day is a no-no – except you could have very extreme pimples and your physician has informed you it’s alright to exfoliate every day. Everybody else, use it each different night time. It’s sufficient to eliminate blackheads and pimples with out irritating pores and skin. You could possibly probably use it through the day, however the extra layers you pile on within the morning, the tougher it’s to your sunscreen to unfold evenly. So night time it’s. Alternate it with retinol. For most individuals, these two actives are too harsh for use one after the opposite.
Packaging
This exfoliant is available in a small, white bottle with a dropper applicator. It seems to be glossy on my self-importance, form of like somewhat potion. It’s additionally very sensible. It dispenses the correct amount of product you want and there’s no wastage.
Efficiency & Private Opinion
Ever puzzled why The Odd is so low cost? They offer you all the most effective energetic elements to focus on your pores and skin issues, however they compromise on textures. The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer is the right instance. Whereas Paula’s Selection Pores and skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has a stunning, silky texture, The Odd Salicylic 2% Answer is cheesy and foamy.
If that’s cool with you, you’ll get the identical outcomes from each exfoliants. Inside every week, The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer made all my blackheads disappear. Often, I take advantage of salicylic acid at night time solely on my nostril space cos that’s the place the little buggers prefer to take up residence. However every week earlier than my interval is due, when hormones are sending my sebaceous glands into overdrive and forcing them to provide means an excessive amount of oil than my pores and skin wants, I additionally apply a few drops on my chin space, the place I’m vulnerable to hormonal pimples.
It often does the trick however on the uncommon event a pimple does spring up on my chin (as a result of pimples are evil and if they will pop up earlier than a special day, they’ll), I apply a drop of this on the nasty bugger a few instances a day to make it go away somewhat sooner. It’s not a magical potion and doesn’t make the pimple disappear in a single day. However the subsequent day, the pimple does look smaller and fewer crimson. I repeat the method a pair extra days and puff, my pores and skin’s clear once more.
Take into accout, although, that salicylic acid works finest at prevention than remedy. When you have a pimple that’s come to a head, ready three days for it to vanish fully can really feel like an eternity. That’s why, in case your pores and skin is vulnerable to them, it’s finest to make use of these items repeatedly to forestall them within the first place. I didn’t expertise any dryness or irritation although I take advantage of it every day on some areas. In case your pores and skin’s on the delicate aspect, although, you might wish to use it rather less typically, simply in case.
How Does The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer Evaluate To The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Answer?
Anhydrous means “with out water.” Not like most exfoliants that use it as their base, The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Answer doesn’t use a drop of water. Often, exfoliating acids want a low pH to work their magic on their pores and skin. With out water, there’s no pH. One much less factor to fret about. So how does it work as an alternative?
This exfoliant has an oily base, so you’ll want to watch out what you apply afterwards. A water-based serum or moisturiser on high gained’t work and might trigger pilling. It’s a very good possibility for many who don’t thoughts oil-based merchandise. But when your pores and skin is acne-prone and already has an excessive amount of oil, the non-anhydrous model is best. In the event you’re within the Anhydrous model, you may get it for £6.40 at Magnificence Bay, Cult Magnificence, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Odd, Ulta.
How Does The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer Evaluate To The Different The Odd Exfoliants?
The Odd has a gazillion exfoliants – and so they all use a distinct acids. Evaluating Salicylic Acid to Glycolic Acid is like evaluating apples to oranges – one isn’t higher than the opposite, they’re simply totally different. Mentioned that, totally different pores and skin sorts want totally different acids, so that you do wish to know which one would higher fit your wants as an alternative of simply going for Salicylic as a result of it’s widespread, know what I imply? Right here’s a fast information that can assist you decide the most effective The Odd exfoliant to your distinctive pores and skin kind and desires:
- The Odd AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Answer (£8.40): This answer treats pimples, fades away darkish spots, and boosts collagen to fade away wrinkles. However it’s too harsh for many pores and skin sorts. Except your pores and skin is used to very excessive concentrations of acids and you understand how to make use of them safely, keep away! Out there at Magnificence Bay, Cult Magnificence, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Odd, and Ulta.
- The Odd Glycolic Acid 7% Firming Answer (£11.50): A skinny, toner-like exfoliant that exfoliates and brightens the complexion, however can’t combat pimples. It’s finest appropriate for dry pores and skin. Out there at Magnificence Bay, Cult Magnificence, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Odd, and Ulta.
- The Odd Lactic Acid 5% + HA (£6.90): The gentlest and most hydrating exfoliant the. model makes. It removes lifeless cells, makes the complexion brighter, and hydrates pores and skin. I solely suggest it to very delicate pores and skin that may’t tolerate some other exfoliant. Out there at Magnificence Bay, Cult Magnificence, Sephora, The Odd and Ulta.
- The Odd Lactic Acid 10% + HA (£7.90): Lactic acid exfoliates and hydrates pores and skin on the identical time. It’s additionally the gentlest of the acids, so your best option for delicate pores and skin. Out there at Magnificence Bay, Cult Magnificence, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Odd and Ulta.
- The Odd Mandelic Acid 10% + HA (£6.50): It exfoliates pores and skin, brightens the complexion, and even helps treats pimples. It’s a bigger molecule than Salicylic Acid, so it doesn’t penetrate pores and skin as effectively. Translation: it offers you outcomes a lot slower. I solely suggest it to oily, delicate pores and skin that may’t tolerate Salicylic Acid. Out there at Magnificence Bay, SpaceNK, The Odd and Ulta.
How Does The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer Evaluate To Different Widespread Salicylic Acid Exfoliants?
Questioning how The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer compares to different widespread options in the marketplace? Let’s discover out:
- FaceTheory BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 (£18.00): A 2% Salicylic Acid system enriched with antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties to deal with pimples and forestall wrinkles. Out there at FaceTheory.
- Paula’s Selection Pores and skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (£35.00): I do know it is a lot dearer, however there’s a motive for that. It’s a extra hydrating system that additionally accommodates inexperienced tea to assuage pores and skin and supply antioxidant advantages to combat free radicals and maintain pores and skin younger. In order for you a extra full system that goes the additional mile, that is it. Out there at Cult Magnificence, Internet-A-Porter, Paula’s Selection, Sephora, SpaceNK.
- The Inkey Listing Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum (£12.99): Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, it exfoliates, hydrates, and has a greater, light-weight texture that doesn’t foam. Out there at Cult Magnificence and Sephora.
What I Like About The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer
- Perfume-free.
- Removes blackheads and whiteheads.
- Treats pimples and pimples.
- Reduces the redness that comes together with pimples.
- Sensible and glossy packaging.
- Doesn’t irritate pores and skin (except you utilize it an excessive amount of).
- Value-effective.
What I DON’T Like About The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer
Who Ought to Use This?
Like all Salicylic Acid exfoliants, that is most fitted for greasy, mixture, and acne-prone pores and skin. In case your pores and skin is producing extra oil or you could have blackheads, that is the one exfoliant you want.
Does The Odd Salicylic Acid 2% Answer Reside Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| This 2% remedy answer helps exfoliate the within partitions of pores to combat the looks of blemishes and for higher seen pores and skin readability with continued use. | True. |
| Use within the AM and PM. | I don’t suggest exfoliating twice a day day by day (except you apply it to pimples solely) as a result of that’s an excessive amount of for pores and skin and might trigger dryness and irritation. |
Is The Odd Cruelty-Free?
Sure, The Odd is cruelty-free. They don’t take a look at on animals and don’t enable their merchandise to be examined both.
Value & Availability
$5.30/£4.20 at Magnificence Bay, Cult Magnificence, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Odd, and Ulta
The Verdict: Ought to You Purchase It?
In the event you’re on the lookout for an affordable BHA exfoliant and also you don’t thoughts the foaming texture, that is value trying out.
Dupess & Options
- FaceTheory BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 (£18.00): Enriched with antioxidants to deal with wrinkles and pimples. Out there at FaceTheory.
- Paula’s Selection Pores and skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (£35.00): Hydrating, soothing, and acne-fighting. Out there at Cult Magnificence, Internet-A-Porter, Paula’s Selection, Sephora, SpaceNK.
- The Inkey Listing Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum (£12.99): Hydrating and non-foaming. Out there at Cult Magnificence and Sephora.
Aqua (Water), Saccharide Isomerate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – day by day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising and marketing jargon that can assist you work out what’s well worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that can assist you create the most effective skincare routine to your distinctive wants.
