How to use the ordinary glycolic acid 7 toning solution

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Solution is my first product from the brand. It also marks my entry into the world of chemical exfoliation which is a less harsh method of exfoliating the skin and gives you the healthiest glow.

Before this, I used harsh scrubs that would give me acne in turn and didn’t work on clearing my skin from within. So if you’re looking for a solution to decongest your pores, reduce the blemishes and get an even skin tone, read this post to know how you could benefit from The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid is the smallest AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) which penetrates the skin and breaks the dead skin cells on the skin’s surface (exfoliates). This ingredient is a multitasker, it not only exfoliates the skin but also boosts radiance and restores skin’s clarity.

To know more about glycolic acid or AHAs, check out the post on 11 Different Skincare Acids & What They Do!

Disclosure: Contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission for purchases made via them.

Why Exfoliation Is Important?

The process of exfoliation removes the dead skin cells that often clog the skin and results in acne & comedones. A clearer skin surface helps the rest of the skincare products to penetrate better so you can get better results out of them! However, it’s important that you avoid over-exfoliating as that can do more harm than good.

Price: £6.80 or $8.70 for 240 ml.

Availability: You can buy it from Sephora or ULTA. I think The Ordinary Glycolic Acid is the cheapest chemical exfoliator available in the market!

Directions (by brand):Use in PM, only once a day. Wash your face with a cleanser, pour the toner on a cotton ball and sweep across face and neck. Do NOT rinse off.

Ingredients: Glycolic Acid (exfoliates), Ginseng and Aloe Vera (soothes skin) and Tasmanian Pepper berry (reduces skin irritation).

AHAs that have a pH between 3 and 4 are considered to be the most effective and it’s great that the ordinary glycolic acid toner has a pH of 3.6.

*Fragrance-free, Paraben free, Cruelty-free, Mineral oil-free, Sulphates free.

Claims to Target:

• Textural Irregularities
• Lacklustre Tone

My Thoughts on The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner?

I have used this toner for almost two months before writing the review and I have a lot of good things to say. My skin never looked or felt as smooth as it does now. I have visibly clearer and even skin tone and the texture on my nose and forehead has also reduced.

Packaging

The glycolic acid toner comes in a huge transparent plastic bottle with the screw cap which is to be replaced by a dropper-cap. You can easily twist the cap to take out the products and twist it back to close it. The bottle is quite sturdy and convenient to use. I love the minimalist packaging of all The Ordinary products.

Initial Experience With The Ordinary Toner

When I applied this glycolic acid toner for the first time, my skin felt really hot and it stung for the first 10-15 minutes. This sensation was more on the area around my mouth and it persisted every time I applied it for the next few days.

Another thing I noticed is that this toner left a slightly tacky film on my oily skin. This is something I never experienced with the Pixi Glow Tonic. You can read my comparison between The Ordinary & Pixi Toner!

After a few days, the tingling sensation lowered to quite an extent and it didn’t feel as sticky as it did before. Now that I’ve gotten used to this glycolic acid toner, I do not experience any tingling but there’s always this warmth I feel in the first 2-3 minutes of applying it.

My skin is really sensitive hence the duration and intensity of stinging might differ for everyone, but it will probably still be there. Glycolic Acids are known to cause slight irritation initially and then your skin becomes tolerant.

Results From The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner

• My skin felt softer and clearer from the first few usages. I have had serious troubles whiteheads & skin congestion but regular usage of Glycolic Acid Toner has reduced that.
• There’s hardly any rough texture.
• Not only has this made my skin smoother, but it has also made it glowy.
• I could see my skin becoming more even and there was less pigmentation on the skin.
• It has shrunk my pores to an extent. My pores were a result of trapped dirt and oil and this toner helped in clearing that.

With consistent use of the glycolic acid toner and The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc solution, I noticed more even-toned skin and the dullness went away.

Most of my skin problems were due to skin congestion and that’s what it targeted, thereby, giving clear and radiant skin. If you have an oily/combination skin that’s prone to acne, take a look at The Ordinary Skincare Routine for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin (includes a FREE routine cheatsheet)

How to Use Glycolic Acid Toner?

When you’re just starting out, use the glycolic acid toner twice to thrice a week after cleansing your face at night. This frequency is enough irrespective of which chemical exfoliator you’re using.

I tend to take some product directly in my palm and pat into the skin. But you can use a cotton pad too. If the stinging is too much, try using a layer of a hydrating toner or essence before going in with glycolic acid.

The glycolic acid toner wouldn’t work on removing existing acne but it can help in preventing them by keeping your pores clean. However, if you are constantly struggling with acne & have oily skin, The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Solution might become your new best friend.

Do’s & Don’ts of Using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid

• Don’t use it daily otherwise you risk damaging your skin barrier by over-exfoliating.
• Do not apply it on damp skin!
• Glycolic Acid increases sensitivity towards the sun so a good sunscreen is mandatory. My favourite is Purito Centella Unscented SPF 50!
• You might experience purging during initial uses. Don’t stop if that happens and keep going.

Shop The Product!

Coming to a very common question I encountered,

Will my skin go back to what it was once I stop using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner?

As long as you’re exfoliating your skin, even with the products from another brand, your skin would be fine. Exfoliation is the key to clearer skin!

Your skin needs to be exfoliated regularly to shed the dead skin cells that can clog your pores and result in comedones and acne.

And the ordinary glycolic acid toner just provides that in a gentler way. Think of this as a must-have product in your skincare routine, just like cleansing is.

Conclusion

You need to be patient to see the results without forgetting SPF, but I assure that you will definitely notice some changes from the first few uses. It’s an amazing affordable product if you want to start with chemical exfoliation!

Why You Should Buy The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution?

• Works on texture irregularities
• Gives smoother skin
• Reduces blemishes
• Gives even-toned skin
• Affordable
• Cruelty-free
• Takes care of blackheads & whiteheads
• Helps with better penetration of skincare products

Why You Should AVOID The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution?

• It might be too potent for very sensitive skin or people who have rosacea.
• It leaves a tacky film.

Enter your details to access The Ordinary Skincare Routine Cheatsheet for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin.

AND be the first one to know about all the skincare tips, blog updates + more!

Are acids part of your beauty routine? Which is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below 🙂