The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 3.3 oz

Common questions

Is The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 3.3 oz healthy?

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 3.3 oz scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face mask contains beneficial ingredients like kaolin, squalane, and salicylic acid, which are known for their skin-clearing and moisturizing properties.

Which ingredients drive The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 3.3 oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Kaolin, Squalane, Glycerin count in its favor; Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 3.3 oz

Ordinary
78 Good

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

$13.80 · 1.7 fl oz · $8.12 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 5
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Estée Lauder
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face mask contains beneficial ingredients like kaolin, squalane, and salicylic acid, which are known for their skin-clearing and moisturizing properties. However, the presence of preservatives such as chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol, which can cause irritation in sensitive individuals, slightly lowers its safety profile. Overall, the product balances effective natural ingredients with some synthetic preservatives, resulting in a moderate processing level.

Key ingredients 19

Squalane
Very Good

Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It mimics the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk.

Benefits

Provides hydration and improves skin elasticity.

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Salicylic Acid
Very Good

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its exfoliating properties. It helps in unclogging pores and reducing acne. It is effective in improving skin texture and clarity.

Risks

May cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin if overused.

Benefits

Reduces acne and improves skin texture.

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Kaolin
Good

Kaolin is a natural clay that helps absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin. It is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin types. It provides a mattifying effect without stripping the skin.

Risks

Overuse may lead to dryness in some skin types.

Benefits

Helps in detoxifying the skin and controlling oil production.

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Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps maintain the skin's water balance on an intercellular level. It is effective in improving skin hydration and resilience.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and barrier function.

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Charcoal Powder
Good

Charcoal Powder is known for its detoxifying properties. It helps in drawing out impurities and toxins from the skin. It is effective in reducing excess oil and improving skin clarity.

Risks

Overuse may lead to dryness in some skin types.

Benefits

Detoxifies the skin and reduces oiliness.

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Aqua (Water)
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not provide any direct benefits or risks.

Benefits

No direct benefits, but it aids in the formulation of the product.

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Dimethyl Isosorbide
Neutral

Dimethyl Isosorbide is used as a solvent to enhance the penetration of active ingredients. It helps in delivering ingredients deeper into the skin. It does not have direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves the efficacy of active ingredients by enhancing penetration.

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Silica Cetyl Silylate
Neutral

Silica Cetyl Silylate is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of the product. It provides a smooth application and a matte finish. It does not have direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves product texture and application.

Sodium Polyacrylate
Neutral

Sodium Polyacrylate is used as a thickening agent and film-former in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and stability of the product. It does not provide direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and texture.

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Pentylene Glycol
Neutral

Pentylene Glycol is a synthetic humectant and solvent. It helps in retaining moisture and improving the spreadability of the product. It does not have direct skincare benefits or risks.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk.

Benefits

Aids in moisture retention and product application.

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4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Neutral

4-T-Butylcyclohexanol is used as a skin conditioning agent. It helps in soothing the skin and reducing irritation. It does not have direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Soothes the skin and reduces irritation.

Sclerotium Gum
Neutral

Sclerotium Gum is a natural thickening agent derived from fermentation. It helps in stabilizing and thickening cosmetic formulations. It does not provide direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves product stability and texture.

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Acacia Senegal Gum
Neutral

Acacia Senegal Gum is a natural gum used as a thickening and stabilizing agent. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of the product. It does not have direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and stability.

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Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps in stabilizing emulsions and improving product texture. It does not provide direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves product stability and texture.

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Phytic Acid
Neutral

Phytic Acid is used as a chelating agent and antioxidant in cosmetics. It helps in stabilizing formulations and preventing oxidation. It does not have direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and prevents oxidation.

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Polysorbate 20
Neutral

Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier used to stabilize and blend ingredients. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of the product. It does not provide direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and stability.

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Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent used to improve product stability. It helps in binding metal ions and preventing discoloration. It does not have direct skincare benefits or risks.

Benefits

Improves product stability and prevents discoloration.

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Chlorphenesin
Bad

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It is considered less favorable due to potential skin sensitivity.

Risks

May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent bacterial growth in cosmetics. It can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is often scrutinized for potential skin sensitivity issues.

Risks

May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Prevents bacterial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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