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Make Up Review

Best The Ordinary Products For Acne Scars

by Mohammad Ali Ayaz on Jan 09, 2024

If you have struggled with cystic acne, you are undoubtedly familiar with the aftermath this inflammatory condition leaves on the skin.

Not only does it wreck your confidence while there, but it also continues to do so long after it’s gone.

This is because it leaves behind scars, some of which can be just as difficult to get rid of as acne itself, and others that are permanent unless you take action.

The good news is that there are a number of ways that can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, such as light-therapy treatments, microneedling, etc.

However, we all know these treatments can be expensive and usually require multiple sessions and additional downtime to give decent results.

So, while they are ultimately the most effective against acne scars, that doesn’t mean you can’t improve this skin concern at home and on a budget.

This is why, in this article, I will talk about a brand that makes fantastic and affordable products to target acne scars: The Ordinary.

The Ordinary is a skincare brand known for its affordable, no-frills approach to skincare.

They are vegan, cruelty-free, and use simple, efficacious ingredients clinically proven to work at a fraction of the price of other luxury skincare brands.

What’s not to love about that?

Now, let’s get into the best The Ordinary products for acne scars.

Table of Contents

How I Reviewed Each Product?

Having used many of The Ordinary products myself, I know they are high-quality and effective even though they are approachable on every budget.

However, not every product is suitable for everyone, and while some might work for one skin type, they might not work as well for someone with a different skin type, even if the skin concern is the same.

So, to find the best The Ordinary products for acne scars, I took into consideration the following factors:

Based on these criteria, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the ten best The Ordinary products for acne scars.

Best The Ordinary Products For Acne Scars Summary

Best	The Ordinary Products for Acne Scars
Overall Jump to Review	Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
For Post-Inflammatory Red Spots Jump to Review	Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream
For Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Jump to Review	Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Hyperpigmentation Serum
For Sensitive Skin & Acne Scars Jump to Review	Lactic Acid 5% + 2% HA
For Dry Skin & Acne Scars Jump to Review	Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
For Oily Skin & Acne Scars Jump to Review	Salicylic Acid 2% Exfoliating Blemish Serum
For Boxcar Acne Scars Jump to Review	Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution
For Ice Pick Acne Scars Jump to Review	Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Hydrating Serum
For Hypertrophic Acne Scars Jump to Review	100% Plant-Derived Squalane
For All Type of Acne Scars Jump to Review	Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum is one of The Ordinary’s most popular products due to its efficacy and lightweight consistency that’s easily absorbed by the skin.

It contains the superstar antioxidant niacinamide, a fantastic component for all skin types that helps brighten and even out the complexion, fade dark spots left after acne has healed, and calm inflammation.

Additionally, niacinamide also helps strengthen the skin barrier, and this will help heal the broken blood vessels under the skin that often manifest themselves as red spots after a pimple has healed.

Furthermore, the serum contains zinc PCA to help soothe active inflammation on the skin and reduce redness, making the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum ideal for all skin types dealing with acne scars, including sensitive skin that’s prone to inflammatory reactions.

Lastly, the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum is so gentle that it can be used up to twice a day and combined with other active ingredients such as vitamin C and retinoids to target various skin concerns.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum Pros:

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum Cons:

It can pill on the skin if used along with silicone-based products.

Best for Post-Inflammatory Red Spots:
The Ordinary – Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream

Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream is a lightweight cream formulated to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture, as well as reduce the appearance of post-inflammatory erythema or red spots that remain on the skin after acne has healed.

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Product Details

Benefit

Protecting Skin

Skin Type

Ingredients

The Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream is a fantastic product for those dealing with post-inflammatory red spots.

It comes in a tube with a lightweight cream consistency that spreads on the skin easily and provides a matte finish once it’s dried.

The product works for all skin types, and its goal is to help brighten and even out the complexion, fade pigmented acne scars, reduce enlarged pores, and calm inflammation.

It’s also perfect for those who are dealing with permanent inflammatory conditions such as rosacea and dermatitis, as it will help soothe the skin and reduce redness.

Lastly, the Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream is one of those products that can be used both morning and evening, and it works great with any other active ingredient.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream Pros:

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream Cons:

It can pill when used with other silicone-based products.

Best for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:
The Ordinary – Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Hyperpigmentation Serum

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Hyperpigmentation serum is a lightweight serum specifically formulated to target the appearance of hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots left behind after acne scars have healed.

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Product Details

Protecting Skin

Skin Type

hydrated-skin

Benefit

Ingredients

The Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum comes in a small bottle and has a lightweight watery texture that’s easily absorbed by the skin.

The main active ingredient inside the formula is alpha arbutin, a pigment-inhibiting agent that helps neutralize the enzymes that are triggering excess melanin production and fade dark spots while evening out the skin tone.

Additionally, the serum also contains hyaluronic acid, a molecule that can hold 1000x its weight in water and is known for its ability to deeply hydrate the skin and keep it plump.

This makes the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA serum an ideal choice for all skin types, including those with dry and dehydrated skin prone to acne.

It can also be used up to twice daily and followed up with sunscreen in the morning for maximum benefits.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Hyperpigmentation Serum Pros:

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Hyperpigmentation Serum Cons:

None.

Best for Sensitive Skin & Acne Scars:
The Ordinary – Lactic Acid 5% + 2% HA

Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum is a lightweight serum that gently exfoliates the skin and improves the appearance of red and pigmented acne scars, uneven skin texture, and enlarged skin pores.

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Product Details

Skin Type

Benefit

hydrated-skin

Moisturizing

Ingredients

The Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum is an excellent option for those dealing with dry, dehydrated, acne-prone skin and acne scarring.

Lactic acid is a type of AHA known for its ability to hydrate and soften the skin and improve the appearance of dryness and flakiness.

It does this by working on the superficial skin layer and encouraging the skin cells that are tightly packed together to shed naturally and reveal a brighter and more uniform complexion.

The formula also contains 2% hyaluronic acid, which only adds to the hydrating properties of the serum.

However, even though gentle, moisturizing, and softening, the Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% is still an exfoliating serum and shouldn’t be used more than 2-3 times a week. It’s also best used in an evening routine and followed up with sunscreen in the morning.

Lastly, the Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum has a gel-like consistency that can feel a little tacky on the skin if not followed up with a moisturizer, so that’s something to keep in mind when using it.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum Pros:

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum Cons:

Can be tacky on the skin.

Best for Dry Skin & Acne Scars:
The Ordinary – Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA is a lightweight serum with a silky consistency formulated with gentle ingredients that work to soothe and exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of dryness, dehydration, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmented scars left from acne.

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Product Details

Effective

Skin Type

Benefit

Ingredients

The main active ingredient in the Mandelic Acid 10% + HA serum is mandelic acid, an AHA known for its ability to increase cellular turnover and promote a healthier, glowier, and blemish-free complexion.

The formula has a lightweight consistency that leaves somewhat of a silky feeling on the skin that fully dissipates after a little while, thanks to propanediol which acts as a solvent, moisturizer, and softening agent in the serum.

Suitable for all skin types, and especially for dry, sensitive skin, The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + HA can be made a part of an evening skincare routine and can be used up to three times a week for best results and no irritation.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Pros:

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Cons:

Can be a bit tacky and greasy for oily skin.

Best for Oily Skin & Acne Scars:
The Ordinary – Salicylic Acid 2% Exfoliating Blemish Serum

Salicylic Acid 2% Exfoliating Blemish Solution is a lightweight solution that’s fantastic for anyone who is dealing with active acne alongside pigmented and red scarring left from old pimples.

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Product Details

Benefit

cancel

Skin Type

Ingredients

The Salicylic Acid 2% Exfoliating Blemish Solution is a water-based serum with a runny, liquidy consistency that instantly absorbs into the skin and leaves a natural, slightly matte finish on the surface.

Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, a BHA known for its ability to exfoliate the skin’s superficial layer of dead cells but also unclog pores, dissolve cellular debris that’s causing pimple formation, and reduce inflammation on the skin, the Salicylic Acid 2% Exfoliating Blemish solution is quite a multitasking serum.

Excellent for anyone dealing with active inflammation, blotchiness, frequent breakouts, and hyperpigmented or red scarring from previous breakouts, the serum can be used morning or night up to three times a week depending on the severity of the blemishes and scars.

It’s also important not to forget to follow it up with sunscreen in the morning, as salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Exfoliating Blemish Solution Pros:

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Exfoliating Blemish Solution Cons:

Best for Boxcar Acne Scars:
The Ordinary – Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution is a lightweight toner formulated to brighten the complexion and improve the appearance of uneven skin texture, such as raised or depressed scars left from old inflammation and acne.

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Product Details

Gentle

Protecting Skin

Skin Type

Ingredients

The Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution is a water-based toner with a runny, liquidy consistency formulated with glycolic acid, an AHA known for its ability to exfoliate the skin’s superficial layer of dead cells and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.

But another thing glycolic acid does very well is smoothing out uneven skin texture, especially depressed types of texture, such as boxcar scars left from acne, due to its ability to speed up cellular turnover and thus promote collagen production.

However, since glycolic acid is a potent active ingredient, the skin might need some time to get used to it. This is why The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution is best used once to twice weekly as a part of an evening routine.

It’s also important to be diligent with sunscreen application as glycolic acid can cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun and susceptible to sunburns.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution Pros:

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution Cons:

Best for Ice Pick Acne Scars:
The Ordinary – Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Hydrating Serum

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum is a lightweight serum with a gel-like consistency formulated to plump the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and areas of the skin where severe acne has occurred and has led to collagen loss and the formation of ice-pick depressions.

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Product Details

Benefit

Skin Type

Clinically Proven

Ingredients

The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum is a water-based serum formulated with hyaluronic acid, a humectant known to hold onto water and plump the skin.

But besides being excellent for replenishing lost moisture in the skin, hyaluronic acid can actually improve the appearance of depressions such as atrophic acne scarring, particularly ice-pick scarring, which occur when there is a loss of collagen in the skin due to severe inflammation.

The hydrating serum also contains vitamin B5, which helps soothe active inflammation on the skin and speed up healing.

This is why the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is suitable for all skin types and conditions and can be used both mornings and evenings after cleansing and before other actives.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum Pros:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum Cons:

None.

Best for Hypertrophic Acne Scars:
The Ordinary – 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

Plant-Derived Squalane is a softening oil with a clear, lightweight, and runny consistency to moisturize the skin, improve dryness and dullness, and soften hypertrophic or raised scarring left from acne or injury.

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Product Details

check-mark

Protecting Skin

Vegan - Clean Ingredients

Skin Type

Ingredients

The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a lightweight oil that can be used after a moisturizer to soften the skin and help improve dryness while making the skin beautifully radiant and plump.

But what makes this particular oil so special is that it can actually help soften hypertrophic or raised scars that can sometimes form as a result of abnormal collagen production due to injury or trauma to the skin.

Squalane is a component naturally found in our skin oil and plays an important role in supporting a healthy barrier function and encouraging the skin to heal and repair itself.

And while squalane alone likely won’t get rid of the raised scar, it can drastically minimize it over a period of time with consistent use.

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Pros:

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Cons:

None.

Best for All Type of Acne Scars:
The Ordinary – Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

The Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is the product that will help improve all types of acne scarring, including red and hyperpigmented scars but also atrophic scarring, due to its ability to increase cellular turnover and stimulate collagen production to fill in the depressions left on the skin due to collagen loss.

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Product Details

Skin Type

Gentle

detox

Protecting Skin

Ingredients

The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a gentle, oil-free formula that delivers a potent anti-aging and anti-acne powerhouse into your skin.

The Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR), which is the main active ingredient in this product, is an advanced form of retinoid, a non-prescription ester of all-trans retinoic acid.

This means that The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is a more gentle version of prescription retinoids that is also very effective but way less irritating than prescription strengths.

Besides being an excellent product for purging clogs and active acne, the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion is also excellent for fading red and hyperpigmented acne scars and improving the look of atrophic acne scars such as boxcar and rolling scars.

Lastly, while this product is more suitable for oily skin, it can work with all skin types, as long as you have a deeply hydrating moisturizer that will prevent it from drying out your skin.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Pros:

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Cons:

It will cause peeling and purging in the beginning.

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