Here's How To Properly Use The Ordinary's Peeling Solution

The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution has retained a cult following over the years, as proven by the more than 134 million views on TikTok alone. This intimidating blood-red skincare product remains a fan favorite, as it leads to fast-acting changes in skin texture and tone.

As with most skincare products, however, it is rare for a single product to be compatible with every skin type. There will always be a group of individuals who cannot tolerate certain ingredients due to skin sensitivity or incorrect usage — and this peeling solution proves no exception.

That said, it's easy to misuse this at-home peeling solution due to the high concentration of both alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA), which resurface the skin by buffing away dead skin cells and unclogging your pores, per Healthline. Failure to use The Ordinary's Peeling Solution safely is not only dangerous but also results in an unfair judgment of this product, which has improved the complexion of many buyers, according to the 4,000 reviews on Ulta. Thankfully, skin experts have jumped in on TikTok to clear the air about this highly divisive product to help you determine if it's right for you, and if it is, how to use it properly — without damaging your skin. Safe use involves conducting a patch test and starting with smaller, shorter, less frequent dosages as your skin gets used to the powerful product. 

Before applying The Ordinary's Peeling Solution, conduct a patch test to rule out a potential reaction to the formulation. Once you have the all-clear, prep your skin for actives by cleansing to remove any makeup or oil. Now, here's where the first tip comes into play. According to pharmacist Dr. Ethan Melillo, who tested the product on TikTok, you should always apply The Ordinary's Peeling Solution to fully dry skin — not damp, but fully dry. Using the solution on wet skin reduces its effectiveness and increases the risk of irritation.

Next, apply several drops to your fingertips and distribute the product evenly across your skin (or to problem areas). In dermatologist Dr. Muneeb Shah's TikTok video, he recommends letting it sit for less than five minutes, at first. If your skin tolerates the intense exfoliation, you can work up to a maximum of 10 minutes, as instructed on the bottle. After washing off the product, pat in a hydrating and gentle face serum, followed by your usual moisturizer. Avoid vaseline in your skincare routine while using AHAs and BHAs, as slugging with thick emollients after using concentrated acids is not recommended. "When trapped, these [actives] can increase their strength beyond what was concentrated by a chemist, leading to unpredictable results on your skin," board-certified plastic surgeon Alexis Parcells, MD, explains to Elle.

In his TikTok video, Dr. Ethan Mellilo recommends restricting a peeling session to once or twice per week, and he warns against combining it with retinol. The same applies to all skincare actives, including other AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C. Avoid using multiple exfoliating products at once, and remember to apply a generous amount of SPF, as exfoliating acids leave your skin vulnerable to sunburn.

Additionally, there are other factors to consider if you plan to incorporate the Peeling Solution into your skincare regimen. Even if you use the product correctly, it still poses a serious risk for individuals with a compromised skin barrier and those with darker skin who may be prone to hyperpigmentation. This includes individuals with skin conditions that cause sensitive or peeling skin, such as eczema, psoriasis, or similar conditions that affect the skin's integrity. In fact, it's best to use this face peel if your skin is already accustomed to strong skincare actives. 

If the product is too strong for your face, you can still reap the exfoliating benefits by applying it to cracked heels as a DIY foot mask. In Dr. Muneeb Shah's TikTok video, he also shares gentler exfoliating alternatives, such as mandelic acid or lactic acid.