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8 Best The Ordinary Products For Acne Scars

Last Updated: February 11, 2023

The Ordinary is a popular beauty brand known for being effective and affordable (we’re not kidding, you can make a whole skincare routine for under $30). 

The Ordinary prides itself on being transparent with its ingredients, with clinical formulas using quality active ingredients backed by science and the newest technology. 

Though this beauty brand offers some makeup and products for hair and body, its best known for its awesome skincare that targets specific skin concerns, including acne scars. 

If you’re trying to treat those pesky acne scars and want to know which The Ordinary products to add to your cart, read our list of the 8 best The Ordinary products for acne scars.

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

One of The Ordinary’s top-selling products, this niacinamide serum is seriously no joke. 

A water-based serum suited for all skin types, this niacinamide serum helps banish blemishes and helps treat dullness, dryness, skin congestion, and uneven skin tone. 

Regularly using this serum in your daytime and nighttime routine can help your skin look visibly brighter and smoother, which makes it a dream product for those with acne scars. 

This product comes in a 60mL bottle ($10.80) and a 30mL bottle ($6).

Note: Use this serum after cleansing and before anhydrous serums (no water) and creams. 


AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

If you’re looking for an easy, effective, no-mess exfoliator, definitely check out The Ordinary’s best-selling chemical peel mask. 

This TikTok-famous exfoliant targets dullness, textural irregularities, and uneven skin tone, which makes it a perfect mask for those trying to treat acne scars. 

By exfoliating multiple layers of the skin, this peeling solution made with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) will help you achieve a more luminous and even appearance and help with pore congestion.

Though this exfoliating mask can be used for all skin types, The Ordinary recommends those with sensitive skin test out the product first, as it can be harsh for those who haven’t used acid exfoliation before. 

This chemical peel comes in a 30mL bottle and can be yours for less than $10.

Note: Do not keep this mask on for more than 10 minutes. Use after cleansing and before serums, oils, suspensions, and creams. 


Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Hyaluronic acid is a superstar skincare ingredient because it hydrates the skin for a plump and smooth appearance. 

If your skin tends to get dry, this hyaluronic acid from The Ordinary could be your new best friend as it hydrates multiple layers of the skin and heals the skin barrier over time — which includes acne scars, the appearance of wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. 

The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid comes in a 60mL ($15.70) and a 30mL ($8.90).

Note: Use this serum after cleansing and before non-water-based serums, oils, suspensions, and creams. 


Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

This award-winning toning solution by The Ordinary features key ingredients like glycolic acid, aloe leaf water, and ginseng root extra to target dullness, uneven skin tone, and textural irregularities. 

Suited for all skin types, this toner has exfoliating properties that shouldn’t be used on compromised, sensitive, or peeling skin. 

This toning solution would be a great addition to your skincare routine as it improves skin clarity, balances out uneven skin tone, and helps to correct texture over time. 

This glycolic acid toning solution can be yours for $13 (240mL).

Note: Use this toning solution after cleansing and before anhydrous serums, oils, suspensions, and creams. 


Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Suspensions in skincare are formulas used to mix together ingredients that don’t normally mix. 

In this case, The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension has a lower irritation potential than other direct acids, making it gentle enough for daily use. 

This product has a thick, cream-like consistency aimed at brightening skin tone and improving skin texture. If you struggle with redness, dullness, and hyperpigmentation, you definitely want to check this suspension out!

This product is available in a 100mL size ($27.80) and a 30mL size ($11.10).

Note: Use after cleansing and water-based serums and before oils and creams or moisturizers. Avoid using with direct vitamin C, peptides, retinoids, and direct acids.


Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Ideal for those with dry skin, The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA is an alpha hydroxy acid that works to exfoliate the skin’s surface. 

This water-based serum targets uneven skin tone, dullness, and textural irregularities, making it an awesome addition to your nighttime routine. 

This serum is available in a 30mL bottle for $8.90.

Note: Only use this serum at night after cleansing and before anhydrous serums, oils, suspensions, and creams. Avoid using with direct vitamin C, direct acids, peptides, and retinoids. 


Retinol 0.2% In Squalane

Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

Using retinol reaps a bunch of benefits for the skin including increasing skin cell production, increasing collagen production, helping decongest pores, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

If you’re new to retinol or if your skin is sensitive, it’s definitely recommended to work your way up in terms of retinol concentrations.

This is why The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.2% In Squalane is the perfect serum for beginners of all skin types!

Not only will this serum aim to balance out uneven skin tone and texture, but the squalane will help keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness. 

This retinol serum is available in a 30mL bottle for $7.80.

Note: Using retinol can make your skin more susceptible to UV radiation, so its recommended to only use retinol during the nighttime. Otherwise, always use SPF! Use this serum after cleansing and after water-based serums. Use this serum before oils, suspensions, and creams.


Squalane Cleanser

Squalane Cleanser

If you’re looking for a cleanser that will hydrate your skin and easily remove your makeup, The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser might just be your new best friend. 

Suitable for all skin types, this cleanser is an awesome option as a first step in your daily skincare routine and will thoroughly prep your skin to receive any serums, oils, and creams you use. 

The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser is available in two sizes: 150mL ($19.90) and 50mL ($9).

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In Conclusion

We hope this list helped narrow down a couple of key products from The Ordinary to help treat acne scars and any other skin concerns you may have.

Finding the right products for your skincare routine definitely takes some trial and error, but we hope that this list gives you a solid place to start.