83%
would repurchase
4.5/5
package quality

price range

description

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use. This formula contains a studied Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in colour seasonally and this colour variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. The formula is further supported with inclusion of ginseng root and aloe vera for both visible radiance and soothing benefits. Contraindications: This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Please refer to additional sun protection note and other warnings in provided Directions. This pH of this formula is approximately 3.6. Glycolic Acid has a pKa of 3.6 and pKa is the most important aspect to consider in formulating with acids. pKa implies acid availability. When pKa is close to pH, there is an ideal balance between salt and acidity, maximizing effectiveness of the acid and reducing irritation. Higher pH numbers in such a case would increase salt which counter-intuitively would make the formula even more irritating than if the formula was more acidic. Note: While exfoliating acids can result in quick visible benefits, we generally suggest indirect forms of skin exfoliation in favour of direct forms such as this formula due to potential inflammation and sensitivity associated with acids. Please refer to NIOD's Non-Acid Acid Precursor for such a reference. Skin Concerns: Dullness, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven tone and texture.

ingredients

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.4.41

Reviews

Reviews


4.0
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2 months ago

Stings a little...which I like. Lol

About reviewer (1449 reviews)

Age36-43

SkinCombination, Fair

HairBlond

EyesBlue



5.0
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2 years ago

It helps with dark spots gradually over time, that is a fact. But what I now use it for is actually for a deodorant. I apply it before I put on deodorant and it makes sure I have no smell for the...

About reviewer (24 reviews)

Age25-29

SkinDry, Fair

HairBlond

EyesBlue


5.0
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2 years ago

Fantastic product. I use morning and night. No stinging. I can feel my skin feels a lot smoother, since I started using this a month ago. Highly recommend

About reviewer (261 reviews)

Age56 & Over

SkinCombination, Medium Brown, Warm

HairBrown, Wavy, Medium

EyesBrown


4.0
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3 years ago

I have dry to normal, eczema sensitive skin. I don’t use this on my face, but I do use it on my scalp. I always had eczema sensitive skin but the last year I got outbreaks on my scalp. After...

About reviewer (517 reviews)

Age36-43

SkinDry, Fair-Medium, Warm

HairBlond, Straight, Medium

EyesBlue


5.0
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from

3 years ago

I do not use this as a facial toner because my face is too sensitive to glycolic acid. However, I do use it 1-2x/day on my underarms beneath my Lume deodorant. I have found this product...

About reviewer (307 reviews)

Age44-55

SkinAcne-prone, Fair

HairBrown

EyesHazel


5.0
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3 years ago

Multi use product. 5 rating as a product to remove self-tanning. I used soaked cotton pads. My self-tan was uneven in spots and starting to fade unevenly. This was an instant remover. I have also...

About reviewer (231 reviews)

Age56 & Over

SkinSensitive, Fair, Not Sure

HairBlond, Wavy, Medium

EyesGreen


5.0
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from

4 years ago

I had been searching for another AHA toner for years; used to use one by Color Me Beautiful years and years ago then they stopped making it. Of Course. Hadn't been able to find anything for years...

About reviewer (225 reviews)

Age56 & Over

SkinDry, Fair-Medium, Neutral

HairBrown, Wavy, Fine

EyesBlue


5.0
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4 years ago

I love this toner. I have to say, it's strong, so I don't use it every day, but aim for a couple times a week, or I'll use it and splash it off a little while later. (It does leave my skin feeling...

About reviewer (422 reviews)

Age44-55

SkinNormal, Fair-Medium, Neutral

HairBrown, Wavy, Fine

EyesGreen


5.0
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4 years ago

I was hesitant to use this on my dry skin, fearful it would be drying and cause sensitivity, but wow, it impresses! It really smoothed out the skin, and in my case helped tremendously with...

About reviewer (99 reviews)

Age56 & Over

SkinDry, Fair, Neutral

HairBlond, Straight, Other

EyesBlue


5.0
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4 years ago

I like to use this on nights where I'm using retin a and not an aha serum. Because of the retin a making my skin peel I like to rotate. That way I don't strip my skin. Also I think it helps me have...

About reviewer (1106 reviews)

Age36-43

SkinCombination, Fair, Cool

HairBlond, Wavy, Medium

EyesGreen


5.0
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4 years ago

This works well for me as a prep for my rosacea treatment of Finacea foam. I read online that aha pretreatment helps with the efficacy of the azelaic acid. Some days it can sting for a few minutes...

About reviewer (131 reviews)

Age56 & Over

SkinCombination, Other

HairBrunette

EyesHazel


4.0
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4 years ago

my mom suggested me to use this at the first time it was itchy i dontknow why but it cleared my skin I am really happy

About reviewer (4 reviews)

Age30-35

SkinSensitive, Medium

HairBlack

EyesBrown


5.0
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4 years ago

I am a man with fair, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, using this toner as an aftershave. I use it to restore the acidic pH of my skin surface after using shaving cream, which is alkaline. I also...

About reviewer (1 reviews)

Age30-35

SkinAcne-prone, Fair-Medium

HairBlond

EyesBlue


4.0
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4 years ago

This is a very strong toner - the only thing I would say is that you have to be sure your skin is ready for it and don't go overboard. The only reason why I am rating it 4 stars instead of 5 is...

About reviewer (192 reviews)

Age44-55

SkinDry, Medium

HairBlack

EyesBrown


5.0
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4 years ago

I would consider this mild enough for daily use, but to be fair, I have been using AHAs for years, my skin is generally dry and dehydrated, not sensitive. A nice alternative to Pixi's, great price...

About reviewer (246 reviews)

Age36-43

SkinDry, Medium, Neutral

HairBlack, Wavy, Medium

EyesBrown


5.0
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4 years ago

I would like to point out that I use a wide range of ordinary tea products, but I was missing the glycolic acid tonic. I bought The Ordinary's tonic, because I don't like the physical exfoliant,...

About reviewer (14 reviews)

Age36-43

SkinDry, Fair

HairBrunette

EyesBrown


5.0
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4 years ago

For years, I've used cycled through a variety of "brightening" and "exfoliating" toners including those from Pixi, Aveda and Clarins (their Gentle Exfoliating Toner was gentle but effective; sadly,...

About reviewer (1772 reviews)

Age56 & Over

SkinDry, Fair, Cool

HairBrown, Wavy, Coarse

EyesBrown


5.0
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4 years ago

My go-to night time toner!

About reviewer (15 reviews)

Age25-29

SkinVery Oily, Fair, Not Sure

HairBlond, Other, Fine

EyesBlue


3.0
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4 years ago

I’m trying to understand the hype. I’ve given so many products from The Ordinary a fair shot and most have left me feeling “meh”. Stand outs for me have been the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution...

About reviewer (1140 reviews)

Age44-55

SkinDry, Fair-Medium, Cool

HairBrunette, Wavy, Medium

EyesBlue


5.0
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4 years ago

This stuff is amazing and cheaper version of the pixi one. Cant complain it does the job and cheaper too.

About reviewer (171 reviews)

Age36-43

SkinOily, Medium, Warm

HairBrown, Curly, Medium

EyesBrown