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Can I use moisturizer after The Ordinary Peeling Solution? Learn how to keep your skin safe while trying a powerful chemical exfoliant.
Chemical exfoliants like The Ordinary Peel Solution are a great way to bring new life to your complexion, removing dead skin cells and leaving clean, radiant skin.
Like always, when adding a new product to your skincare routine, you should proceed with caution.
Quality skincare products often contain powerful ingredients that work double-time to improve your skin concerns. When working with chemicals, there’s always room for error.
Many common skincare ingredients just don’t mix. The Ordinary Peeling Solution is a heavy-duty exfoliant recommended for experienced users only.
In other words, it could do some significant damage if mixed with the wrong products!
I’m often asked, “Can I use moisturizer after The Ordinary Peeling Solution?” Today, I’m bringing you the answer, along with my comprehensive guide on how to use this popular product.
I’m also including important ingredients in The Ordinary Peeling Solution, products to avoid, and tips for using the product both safely and effectively.
Looking for more beauty content? Check out Farmacy Beauty Reviews for some of my favorite skin care products.
What is The Ordinary Peeling Solution?
The Ordinary Peeling Solution is a powerful chemical exfoliant, including 30% AHA and 2% BHA.
The combination of active ingredients alpha-hydroxy acid and beta-hydroxy acids permeates multiple levels of skin for deep exfoliation.
This product is also highly concentrated, giving wonderful results!
To reduce irritation, the formula also includes a studied Tasmanian pepperberry derivative.
Other helpful additions include black carrot for protection, vitamin B5 for hydration, and hyaluronic acid crosspolymer for comfort.
It’s important to know all of the key and active ingredients in a product like this so that you can match them wisely to other products.
Key ingredients in The Ordinary Peeling Solution include:
- Glycolic Acid
- Lactic Acid
- Tartaric Acid
- Citric Acid
- Salicylic Acid
- Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit
- Vitamin B5
- Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer
- Black Carrot
Benefits of The Ordinary Peeling Solution
Many consider The Ordinary Peeling Solution to be a “holy grail” product because of its many uses and quick results.
Active ingredients work to target dead skin cells, providing thorough exfoliation without harming your skin barrier. This results in improved skin texture, leaving your skin baby-soft.
This peel also targets dark spots, the appearance of fine lines, dullness, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and any other textural irregularities.
Can I Use Moisturizer After The Ordinary Peeling Solution?
You can absolutely use moisturizer after The Ordinary Peeling Solution. In fact, I highly recommend it!
Strong active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs tend to dry out your skin. Applying a gentle moisturizer afterward can help repair your skin’s moisture barrier and soothe any irritation the peel may cause.
Moisturizers featuring hyaluronic acid are wonderful for moisturizers, especially when paired with soothing agents like aloe vera.
Here’s how I recommend applying this chemical peel:
- Wet your face with warm water and wash with a gentle cleanser, patting to dry.
- Apply a thin layer of The Ordinary Peeling Solution to your clean, dry face.
- Let the peel work its magic for up to 10 minutes.
- Then, remove with lukewarm water.
- Apply a soothing moisturizer to your face, giving it a rest from any other treatments or serums.
My Favorite Moisturizers to Use With The Ordinary Peeling Solution
These are some of my absolute favorite moisturizers. They’re formulated with soothing ingredients without strong actives so that your skin can rest easy.
Pick one of these moisturizers to achieve a plump, deeply moisturized complexion after using The Ordinary Peeling Solution.
#1 Moisturizer to Use After The Ordinary Peeling Solution
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream – Firming and antioxidant-packed with a rich formula. Hyaluronic acid comforts and nourishes the skin.
#2 Moisturizer to Use After The Ordinary Peeling Solution
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask – Incredibly hydrating, made with plumping squalene.
#3 Moisturizer to Use After The Ordinary Peeling Solution
Colleen Rothschild Intense Hydrating Mask – Strengthens elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and supplies intense hydration. I started using Colleen Rothschild last year and love the products. Use my Colleen Rothschild discount code LORNA20 for 20% off your purchase.
Tips for using The Ordinary Peeling Solution
Beyond moisturizer, I have a few tips to help you get the best results with The Ordinary Peeling Solution.
Use regular SPF
Alpha-hydroxy acid and beta-hydroxy acid use will make your skin more sun-sensitive.
As a result, it’s extra important to use sunscreen to protect skin from sun exposure and damage. One of my favorite sunscreens is the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen because of its lightweight application and water-resistant formula.
Start small
When using chemical exfoliants for the first time, I always recommend starting small. This is a powerful formula after all!
First, try a test patch along your jawline and watch for any signs of irritation. While a little tingling can occur, stinging is abnormal, and you should remove the product immediately.
While The Ordinary claims you can wear this mask for up to 10 minutes, I recommend starting with just a minute or two.
While this could seem a little overcautious, it’s actually enough time to show results. If you have more sensitive skin, you’ll need to work yourself up over time.
Combine with gentle products
Because of its strong formula, I recommend pairing this peel with very basic, gentle products.
A gentle cleanser and a good moisturizer are all that you need. If you’re extremely dry, you can also use a hydrating serum with soothing ingredients like aloe.
Avoid cleansers with strong actives like salicylic acid cleansers.
You can learn all about the different types of cleansers and how to properly wash your face here.
Avoid using on sensitive skin and active breakouts
If you currently have visible blemishes or open, active breakouts, this mask is not going to feel good! It could cause further irritation and inflammation.
The same goes for ultra-sensitive skin. If you have sensitive spots on your face, I’d advise against applying the mask there.
Alternatively, you can use this mask solely in areas where you don’t experience regular irritation.
Ingredients to Avoid With The Ordinary Peeling Solution
When choosing your moisturizer and any other skincare products in your regimen, these are some ingredients you’ll need to avoid.
You can include them as part of your beauty routine. However, you’ll need to use them either in the morning before your nighttime cleanse or on opposite evenings.
Retinol
Applying a retinol with AHAs and BHA can cause redness, dryness, and other irritation. Only apply retinol on nights that you aren’t using exfoliating treatments.
Vitamin C
To avoid irritation, use vitamin C as a morning treatment and chemical exfoliants as a nighttime treatment.
Other Chemical Exfoliants
Toners, moisturizers, or serums that have additional chemical exfoliants are going to be much too harsh on your skin after this treatment.
Avoid products including salicylic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid.
Products with strong active ingredients
Ingredients, including benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin, shouldn’t be combined with this chemical peel.
Combined use will likely lead to irritation.
Physical Exfoliants
In my opinion, use of physical exfoliants should be limited on the face.
This is especially true when using a chemical peel, as it will stress your skin, making it red, irritated, and inflamed.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions I get asked most about using The Ordinary Peeling Solution.
How often should I use The Ordinary Peeling Solution?
This strong AHA and BHA solution should be used in moderation, no more than twice a week. Any more than this will definitely lead to skin irritation.
As you’re starting, I recommend adding this chemical peel to your beauty routine on a once-a-week basis max. I know I mentioned this above, but I wanted to repeat – do not leave this on for 10 minutes the first time you use it. Try 1-2 minutes for your first time.
Is The Ordinary Peeling Solution dangerous?
The Ordinary Peeling Solution is certainly not dangerous when used correctly. If used without proper knowledge, however, it could do some real damage to your skin!
Remember to check your skincare products carefully when combining them with this treatment, watching for additional strong actives or clashing ingredients.
In addition, use this mask sparingly, always patch test before trying it, and never exceed the 10-minute maximum wear time.
Do note that some countries don’t allow the sale of this product (including Canada and Australia) because it’s pharmaceutical-grade and only permitted for use by medical/dermatological clinics. Feel free to research these ingredients further to see if you’re comfortable using them on your skin.
What skin types can use The Ordinary Peeling Solution?
The Ordinary recommends this peeling solution for all normal, combination and oily, though each type may have to use it differently. If you have sensitive skin or very dry skin, I would choose an alternative product as this may be too harsh for your skin.
Acne-prone skin types should avoid active breakouts with open skin to reduce the chance of further irritation and inflammation.
Final Thoughts: Can I Use Moisturizer After The Ordinary Peeling Solution?
That wraps up all my thoughts on using The Ordinary Peeling Solution. When used correctly with a good moisturizer and a gentle cleanser, this chemical peel produces incredible, glowy complexions.
Though it takes a bit of extra education to use the product, the results are well worth the effort!
If you have any further questions about The Ordinary products, chemical exfoliants, or all things beauty, please reach out through Instagram or my contact page. I would love to help!
