Exfoliates dead skin cells for smoother, brighter-looking skin.
Rating: 4.7/5
Reviews: 65K+
Pros:
Smooths skin texture
Helps brighten dull skin
Cons:
May irritate sensitive skin
Increases sun sensitivity
“In this The Ordinary Glycolic Acid review, we look at how the 7% exfoliating toner works, how to use it, and what to know before adding it to your skincare routine.”
If your skin looks dull, feels rough, or has an uneven texture, an exfoliating toner may be worth considering. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% is a popular AHA toner designed to exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of texture and uneven tone.
The formula contains 7% glycolic acid, along with ingredients such as aloe, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry extract. The Ordinary describes it as a water-based exfoliating toner that targets dullness, uneven tone, and textural irregularities.
What Is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%?
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is a leave-on chemical exfoliant. Its main active ingredient is glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
The brand currently offers the toner in 100ml and 240ml sizes. The formula is alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, vegan, and cruelty-free according to The Ordinary’s product information.
What Does Glycolic Acid 7% Do?
Glycolic acid helps exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. With regular and appropriate use, this can make skin appear smoother, brighter, and more even.
The Ordinary says the toner is designed to target textural irregularities, dullness, and uneven skin tone. It may also help improve the appearance of fine lines and other signs of skin aging.
Potential Benefits
- Helps exfoliate dead skin cells
- Can improve the appearance of rough texture
- Helps skin look brighter and more radiant
- Supports a more even-looking skin tone
- Can be used on the scalp according to the brand’s directions
- Can also be used on small areas of rough or bumpy body skin
Key Ingredients
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the main exfoliating ingredient in this formula. It is an AHA that works on the skin’s surface to help remove dead skin cells and improve the appearance of texture and tone.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Aloe is included in the formula and is commonly used in skincare for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
The formula also contains ginseng root extract, which The Ordinary lists as an ingredient that helps target the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Tasmanian Pepperberry Extract
The formula contains a Tasmanian pepperberry derivative. The Ordinary says this plant extract helps soothe the skin and reduce irritation commonly associated with exfoliation.
How to Use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%
Using an exfoliating acid correctly is important, especially if you are new to chemical exfoliants.
Start with clean, dry skin. Apply a small amount to your face and neck using your fingers or a cotton pad.
The Ordinary recommends using it once daily, ideally in the evening. Do not rinse it off after application. Avoid the eye area and do not apply it to sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin.
If you are new to glycolic acid or other direct acids, starting only a few times per week can be a more cautious approach before gradually increasing frequency if your skin tolerates it.
Can You Use It Every Day?
The Ordinary’s current directions allow once-daily use on the face and neck. However, beginners may want to start less frequently and see how their skin responds.
More exfoliation is not automatically better. If your skin becomes irritated, uncomfortable, or excessively dry, reduce use or stop using the product.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid With Retinol?
It is better not to use strong exfoliating acids and retinoids together in the same routine unless you already know your skin tolerates that combination.
The Ordinary specifically advises against using this toner in the same routine with strong retinoids and other direct acids because combining strong actives can increase the risk of irritation. Alternating them on different evenings can be a simpler approach.
What About Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is especially important when using an AHA such as glycolic acid.
The Ordinary warns that this product can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and recommends sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure while using the product and for one week afterward.
A simple routine could look like this:
Evening:
Cleanser → Glycolic Acid 7% → Moisturizer
Morning:
Cleanser → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
Can It Be Used on the Scalp?
Yes. The Ordinary also provides directions for using this toner on the scalp.
For scalp use, the brand recommends applying it to a dry scalp up to three times per week, massaging it in, and leaving it on.
If you have a scalp condition or persistent irritation, it is better to speak with a healthcare professional rather than relying on an exfoliating toner.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 7% glycolic acid provides noticeable exfoliation
- Can help improve the appearance of dull and uneven skin
- Useful for rough skin texture
- Can be used on the scalp and selected body areas
- Simple water-based formula
Cons
- May cause irritation if overused
- Not suitable for sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin
- Requires careful sun protection
- Not ideal to combine with several strong active ingredients
Who Should Consider The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%?
This toner may be worth considering if your main concerns are dullness, uneven-looking skin tone, or rough texture.
It may be especially useful for someone who already understands how their skin responds to exfoliating acids.
If you have very sensitive, peeling, or damaged skin, this may not be the right product to start with. The Ordinary specifically advises against using it on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin.
Is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Worth Considering?
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% is a straightforward exfoliating toner with a relatively high 7% glycolic acid concentration. Its main appeal is its focus on improving the appearance of dullness, uneven tone, and rough texture.
However, it is not a product you need to use aggressively. Starting slowly, avoiding combinations with strong actives, and using sunscreen can help make an exfoliating routine more manageable.
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How It Fits With Other Skincare Products
If you are building a simple skincare routine, it is important to avoid using too many strong active ingredients at once. For example, if you already use a retinol serum, consider using glycolic acid on different nights rather than layering both together.
You can also read our Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 review to compare another exfoliating skincare option and see how toner pads differ from a liquid exfoliating toner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but starting slowly is sensible because glycolic acid is an exfoliating active. Try it a few times per week first and monitor how your skin responds.
How often should I use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid?
The brand’s directions allow once-daily use, ideally in the evening. Beginners may prefer to start less frequently and gradually increase use if their skin tolerates it.
Should I wash off Glycolic Acid 7%?
No. It is a leave-on toner. Apply it after cleansing and do not rinse it off.
Can I use glycolic acid with salicylic acid?
It is better to avoid using multiple direct acids in the same routine because this can increase the chance of irritation. The Ordinary recommends avoiding other direct acids in the same routine.
Can I use Glycolic Acid 7% with retinol?
Avoid using them together in the same routine unless you know your skin tolerates the combination. Alternating them on different nights is a simpler option.
Does glycolic acid make skin sensitive to the sun?
Yes. AHAs can increase sun sensitivity. Use sunscreen and limit unnecessary sun exposure while using glycolic acid and for the week afterward.
Final Thoughts
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% is designed for people who want to target the appearance of dullness, uneven tone, and rough skin texture with an AHA exfoliant.
Its 7% glycolic acid formula can be useful, but it should be introduced gradually if you are new to exfoliating acids. Keep the rest of your routine simple, avoid combining too many strong actives, and remember daily sun protection.
Check The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% on Amazon for the latest price and availability.
Exfoliates dead skin cells for smoother, brighter-looking skin.
Rating: 4.7/5
Reviews: 65K+
Pros:
Smooths skin texture
Helps brighten dull skin
Cons:
May irritate sensitive skin
Increases sun sensitivity