Today I’m going to put the legendary The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner to the test. Although its effectiveness is often praised, using this powerful formula safely requires a little know-how. Join us as we detail its ingredient profile, key benefits, and best practices for incorporating it into your daily life without frustration.
The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid Toner is probably one of the brand’s most popular products (second only to the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution in my opinion). This convenient bottle has gained a cult following by balancing a powerful resurfacing solution with an affordable price.
This product promises to address a wide range of skin concerns, including removing dead skin cells, promoting brightness, and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Packaging:
The Ordinary is known for its simplistic (even straightforward) packaging design, which looks more like a pharmaceutical product than an over-the-counter skincare product. It’s clean, light and very transparent. The toner is packaged in a large clear bottle made of high quality recyclable plastic. The clear bottle makes it easy to see how much product is left, and trust me, it lasts a very long time.
It features a white screw-on cap, but famously comes with an additional twist-top nozzle applicator. This nozzle allows precise application directly to a cotton pad or skin without spilling.
Texture and aroma:
Next, let’s talk about texture and scent! The toner has a very pale peach shade. It looks and feels like soapy water, and if you shake the bottle vigorously, it will also create suds. When applied, it glides smoothly over the surface, spreads easily and is absorbed very quickly, leaving the skin soft and supple in no time.
The scent is non-existent, or at least almost non-existent. There is no odor even if it comes in contact with the skin, so even those with sensitive noses can use it with confidence.
material:
Of course, the most important part, the core of any skin care product, is the composition, and here it’s great. The Ordinary’s glycolic toner balances powerful exfoliants with soothing botanical extracts. Let’s go into a little more detail on how these specific components work within the formula.
- Glycolic acid: It is the “star” ingredient and the smallest molecule in the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. Due to its small molecular size, it penetrates deeper into the skin than other AHAs. It works by chemically loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to slough off more easily.
- Aloe vera leaf water: My dry skin loves aloe vera and it acts as a moisturizing buffer. Since glycolic acid can cause dryness and irritation in some people, aloe barbadensis can help soothe and hydrate the skin.
- Panax ginseng root extract: A staple of traditional medicine, carrot It is included for its antioxidant properties and ability to increase skin vitality. In skin care, it’s often used to improve skin tone or “wake up” dull skin, but after the long winter months, we’re all feeling a little dull, right?
- Tasmania lanceolata fruit/leaf extract: This is “Tasmanian Pepper Berry” as written on the package. Clinical studies suggest that this extract significantly reduces the stinging and burning sensations associated with chemical peels and acids, making the 7% concentration of glycolic acid tolerable for daily or frequent use.
How to use regular glycolic acid 7% toner
Let’s do a patch test first! This is an especially important step when it comes to acid exfoliation. To achieve the best results without compromising your skin’s barrier, incorporate Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner into your nighttime routine no more than once a day. After washing your face, apply the solution directly to your face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area and broken skin. Do not wash off as this is a strong chemical exfoliant. Instead, let it absorb fully before layering with your favorite moisturizing serum or cream.
If you are new to using direct acid, start by using it only two to three times a week to build up your tolerance. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount each time. Most importantly, glycolic acid increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so applying a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher every morning is a non-negotiable step to protect your new skin from UV damage.
My experience:
First, I will explain my skin type and current condition. I have dry combination skin and it’s been getting quite irritated lately, so introducing new skin care is a little difficult. I’m not new to exfoliating toners, but I’ve always used a 5% concentration, so at first I felt the 7% was a bit “too harsh” on my skin.
The second application was more successful as I applied a small amount and then layered the face cream. This time I didn’t feel any stinging, and when I washed my face the next morning, I could feel the dead skin cells peeling off from under my fingers. In the morning, my face and neck felt very smooth, but there was also some redness.
*Additional tips: If you are just starting out, try applying toner to your skin without washing it first. The natural sebum layer acts as a slight buffer, reducing the effectiveness of the acid and preventing it from penetrating too deeply. Once your skin has built up a tolerance, you can move on to applying it to freshly washed skin for maximum benefit.
Final verdict…
Exfoliation: 👍👍👍👎(7/10)
Texture: 👍👍👍👎(8/10)
Overall: 👍👍👍👎 (7/10)
Source: Lizbreygel: Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle – www.lizbreygel.com
