The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Review
Update: I can't believe I first wrote this review back in the June of 2022, I literally still have this same bottle sitting in my bathroom and it's only half used. No spoilers here though, let's get into The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution review!
Quick facts:
Makeup Alley Rating: 4.2/5 out of 77 reviews
Formulation: The acid toning solution is oil-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
Important!! Potential irritants: The toner can become an irritant towards those with sensitive or peeling skin. Additionally, when first starting to use the toner, you should avoid using it with other ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C. Make sure you alternate use of these products instead of layering at first so your skin can get used to the glycolic acid. Additionally, the AHA in the product also makes the skin more sensitive to the sun and increases the possibility of sunburn.
Application: When you first apply this, your skin might feel tingly or you might have a light burning sensation. This doesn't happen to everyone, but it may be a symptom of those with sensitive skin. I experienced this and I immediately stopped using this for my face.
Scent: No noticeable scent
Packaging: The Glycolic Acid toner comes in a clear bottle with the traditionally white label from The Ordinary. It has a nozzle cap so the toner can be easily applied to cotton pads and applied to the skin. It comes in one size of 240ml.
Price: $13 USD
Where to purchase: The Glycolic Acid toner can be bought from Sephora or Ulta.
I've also seen it on Amazon but it's not sold directly from The Ordinary - and some bottles look like it's The Ordinary but it's not - so be careful and don't buy it from Amazon!!
Pros: It is a fairly strong chemical exfoliant. It's lightweight, slightly tacky but not sticky as it dries down, and I've really been enjoying it to use on my scalp and body. It makes my skin suuuper smooth! It basically reduces skin texture on my elbows almost overnight.
Cons: I personally find it a little too harsh to use on my face and can be irritating to existing acne/breakouts. Do NOT use this if you have sensitive skin. Definitely be sure to patch test and use sunscreen when using this product too.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ingredients
The Deciem website notes that the Glycolic Acid 7% toning solution is formulated with amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng and Tasmanian pepperberry. It also contains AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) which exfoliates the skin to improve the radiance and clarity of the skin, as well as reducing the texture of the skin, ensuring it is left smooth and refreshed.
Here is the full ingredients list:
Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Aminomethyl Propanol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Glycine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Pca, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Hexyl Nicotinate, Dextrin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Gellan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. deciem.com
According to INCIDecoder, one of the the key ingredients, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit (known as the Tasmanian Pepperberry) is known to be highly effective for soothing the skin but also protecting the skin’s natural barrier. The pepperberry also helps to relive itching and burning whilst also reducing dark undereye circles. The other ingredients in the formula also contain lots of soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid benefits
Overall, the Glycolic Acid toning solution’s main superstar ingredient is the 7% glycolic acid! It is known as the most effective form of AHA that provides the most benefits for the skin. It exfoliates the skin gently by removing dead skin cells which leaves the skin feeling fresher, newer, and smoother. It also improves the collagen production in the skin to leave skin firmer and younger.
How to use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
DO NOT use this daily to start. You'll definitely want to patch test this on either the side of your jaw or on your arm to start. Then you can try using this once a week as a mild exfoliator.
I personally prefer to use this for scalp & body once a week after showering (applying a little straight to the scalp using the nozzle, and then exfoliating legs and arms with a soaked cotton pad). It makes my skin super smooth after. On the face it's a little too strong for me and I prefer my COSRX BHA to help with clogged pores (listed on my all time favourites post)!
Is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid good?
Yes - The Ordinary Glycolic Acid is a great affordable chemical exfoliant if your skin can tolerate it! And has had lots of rave reviews on TikTok recently too! The aloe and the pepper berry in here helps to soothe the skin so it doesn't feel too irritated after application. Just be sure not to overdo it too often and to wear sunscreen as it will make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Review Summary
If you're looking to try a chemical exfoliant - this one's a tried and true staple! Just be very careful when you're just starting out. And you'll need very little product as you go. It will last a very long time so super great value for the pricepoint.
I purchased mine from Sephora, but this product is also available on Ulta. Again, be wary of the Amazon ones because they're not sold by the official The Ordinary brand.
Comment below if you've tried this already though and you actually really love it!
*This post may contain affiliate links. However, these are always my honest opinions*