The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner Review

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner Review: Is it the Best?

9 min read
Curious about the hype surrounding glycolic acid toners? We put 6 of the best to the test to determine which one reigns supreme for brighter skin!

Achieving the perfect skin care routine can seem like a daunting task. There are so many products on the market -- it's hard to know which ones will work for your skin, and how to incorporate them effectively into your regimen.

There's one popular glycolic acid toner that everyone seems to be raving about: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.

We're here today to review this holy grail product and find out if it really lives up to its hype; because let's face it, with so many different toners out there claiming they can do amazing things for our skin, we need some reliable advice!

So join us as take an in-depth look at the top glycolic acid toners and why we love them. Keep reading for the top toners for smooth and glowing skin!

How We Choose the Best Toners for You

What are the best glycolic acid toners? We want to know! That’s why our team reads through thousands of Amazon reviews, TikTok and YouTube videos and social media posts so you don’t have to!

We’ve compiled a list of the absolute best skincare products. We know after reading this article you will find the best glycolic acid toner for your skin type.

We've included a list of our favorites based on each skin type. Keep reading to see which toner is best for your skin!

Best for Large Pores

Bolden Glycolic Acid Toner

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Why We Picked It

Say goodbye to dull and uneven skin with Bolden Glycolic Acid Toner! This special formula is designed to help keep your complexion looking bright, clear and beautiful.

Glycolic acid works to gently exfoliate skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Witch Hazel and Niacinamide minimize large pores while licorice root and algae extract create an even tone that will make you glow.

Plus, this incredible toner is gentle enough to use every day without leaving your skin dry or irritated. So stop worrying about your uneven complexion and start using one of the best glycolic toners you can buy.

Best for Dry Skin & Combination Skin

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

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Why We Picked It

Get ready to feel the power of the Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner.

This skin toner is loaded with natural powerhouse ingredients that make it a must-have in your skincare routine.

Glycolic acid helps refine and resurface your skin to make it look more even and radiant. Grapefruit extract will rejuvenate and invigorate tired, dull skin, making you look vibrant and refreshed.

And finally, aloe vera will work to balance out your skin tone – leaving you with softer, smoother, and naturally youthful looking skin!

So give yourself the gift of healthy looking skin thanks to thos deliciously rich and uniquely formulated toner.

Best for Oily Skin & Acne Prone Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Acne Toner

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Why We Picked It

Meet La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Acne Toner: your newest BFF in conquering skin woes like acne and enlarged pores.

It’s tough but gentle, thanks to 0.5% salicylic acid and glycolic acid that time-release their power for maximum effectiveness.

And it doesn’t leave you high and dry when the work is done. Because these smart ingredients don’t just remove dirt, pore-clogging debris and dead skin cells – they also leave your face smooth AND refreshed!

This toner is perfect for oily skin or acne prone skin and even works with an existing skincare routine if you already use Effaclar Dermatological Acne System.

Best Spray Toner

CosRX AHA/BHA Treatment Toner

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Why We Picked It

Straight from the beauty mecca of Korea, where some of the most fabulous skincare brands originate, comes CosRX's AHA/BHA Treatment Toner: the gentle exfoliating toner that'll get your skin looking and feeling like a million bucks.

This powerful treatment is perfect for daily use on all skin types and will be the kindest way to buff up your beautiful complexion.

With a mix of AHA, BHA and purifying botanical ingredients, this toner helps to improve skin texture, vitality and control pores - all while maintaining its softening, refreshing properties.

For added intensity, pop a cotton pad soaked in toner onto your face for an instant hydrating boost!

Plus it contains 0.1% of AHA gylolic acid and BHA betain salicylate which work together to gently remove dullness and dead skin cells without making your face feel like it's gone through a workout session!

The 10% pyrus malus (apple) fruit water and salix alba (willow) bark water means you don't have to worry about harsh chemicals or that dreaded dried-out feeling some toners leave behind - just a smooth canvas ready for whatever moisturizer you'd like to follow up with.

Best Cruelty Free Toner

Pixi Glow Tonic

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Why We Picked It

Stop searching for the perfect face tonic and give this drugstore pick a try.

With scientifically-developed ingredients like glycolic acid, aloe barbadensis leaf water and panax ginseng root extract, you won't only be able to enjoy brighter looking complexion. You will also have healthier-looking skin.

Exfoliate away those dead cells and become ready for cell renewal. You can use this product at any age and in the AM or PM – whatever fits best in your beauty routine.

Best Budget Toner

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Why We Picked It

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7 Toning Solution is set to become your best friend when tackling clogged pores, uneven texture, and any pesky dullness that might be seeping in.

Using a gentle yet effective combination of glycolic acid, rosa damascena flower water, centaurea cyanus flower water, and aloe barbadensis leaf water, this ultra lightweight toning solution promises to balance out your complexion in time.

Plus, thanks to tasmanian pepperberry, skin is left feeling smooth and looking radiant!

With The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution on hand you can keep your complexion looking fresh all year round. Get ready to wave goodbye to uneven skin tone and hello to glowing radiance.

Glycolic Acid FAQ’s

Do you feel like your skin care routine isn’t giving you the results you’re looking for?

Many people struggle with their skin issues, feeling discouraged and overwhelmed when nothing seems to work.

But don't despair! Glycolic acid toner can be a solution to help you lift away dead skin cells, reduce wrinkles, and give your skin a brighter, more youthful glow.

Get all of your questions answered today and start your journey to clear, beautiful skin. Here are the most frequently asked questions about glycolic acid toner.

Can glycolic acid toner be used daily?

Glycolic acid toner can be used daily and is great for all skin types.

It's a gentle exfoliant that helps to remove the dead skin from your face while also brightening and helping to unclog blocked pores, meaning it can help with acne issues.

In addition, glycolic acid provides an anti-aging effect as it works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production in the skin - so using it daily will leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated!

Note that depending on your sensitivity, your skin may take some adjustment time before you can use this every day without irritation.

Start with using it 1-2 times per week if needed then slowly increase frequency as you feel comfortable!

What is the highest percentage of glycolic acid over the counter?

The highest percentage of glycolic acid available over-the-counter is 12%.

While this percentage may seem adequate for many people looking for professional grade products without the need for a prescription or visit to a dermatologist, there are higher strength recipes available through aesthetician’s offices that contain up to 70%.

However these should only be used under supervision by experts who are knowledgeable about appropriate skin care regimens based on your individual needs!

What are the disadvantages of glycolic acid toner?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid which means that it can cause inflammation and irritation if used too often or in too high of concentrations.

It's important to start with a low concentration product to minimize this risk and work your way up gradually over time.

Additionally, though glycolic acid is known for mild exfoliation of the surface layers of dead cells from the face it may also strip away some healthy oils and lipids along with those cells - leading to dryness or tightness on the skin if not used properly nor accompanied by a proper moisturizer afterwards.

It’s also important to use sunscreen after this type of toner as it increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun's rays.

What to avoid when using glycolic acid toner?

When using glycolic acid toners, it's important to remember a few things.

Firstly, you should avoid getting the product in contact with your eyes or any other sensitive skin such as the inside of your nose and mouth. Glycolic acid can cause irritation when applied to these delicate areas - so be sure to keep it away from compromised skin!

Secondly, always do a patch test on your skin before using glycolic acid products - this will help determine if your skin is sensitive to this kind of product and if it would benefit from regular use.

Finally, watch for signs of over-exfoliation such as redness and dryness of the skin - too much exfoliation can damage the skin instead of healing it!

If you experience any negative reactions when using this type of toner, make sure to stop use immediately and check with a dermatologist for further advice.

Is glycolic acid better than retinol?

Yes, glycolic acid is often considered to be better than retinol in terms of skin care! Glycolic acid has the unique property of breaking down the bonds between cells, which makes it particularly effective for exfoliating the top layers of skin.

This means that it can help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, promoting a brighter complexion while also helping to even out discolorations and dark spots.

In addition to being a great anti-aging agent, glycolic acid is also useful for reducing acne scars and fighting bacteria that causes breakouts.

As for retinol, while it does have similar properties as an anti-aging agent, its effects are slower and not as dramatic - not really ideal if you're looking for immediate results!

What happens if you use glycolic acid and retinol together?

If you’re looking for a true skin transformation, using glycolic acid and retinol together can do wonders!

Glycolic acid and lactic acid are alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which acts as an exfoliant to help slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Retinol, on the other hand, increases cell turnover rate while stimulating collagen production to firm up your skin. Together they work like magic in giving you brighter, softer, smoother skin.

Which is better for your face hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid?

The debate between hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid is often heated, but the truth is that it really depends on your individual skin needs.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture out of the environment and into your skin which helps to keep it hydrated and plump.

Meanwhile, glycolic acid works as an exfoliant – by breaking through dry patches or dead skin cells – leaving your face looking smooth and fresh.

Ultimately, if you're looking for something to help hydrate but don't want frequent exfoliation then hyaluronic acid could be better for you; whereas if you're looking for a deeper cleanse then glycolic acid would be more appropriate!

How do you know if glycolic acid is working?

It's simple - you'll know when glycolic acid is working because your skin will be looking brighter, smoother, and healthier.

The acid helps to gently exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, so you can expect it to reduce fine lines and wrinkles over time, as well as diminish hyperpigmentation or discoloration in some cases.

You should also see a decrease in pore size and a more even texture throughout different areas of your face. In addition, due to its hydrating properties, glycolic acid can help give dull skin a nice healthy glow too!

The Best Toner for Your Skin

All in all, having a good glycolic acid toner in your skincare arsenal can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

These products truly have a variety of uses and benefits that are worth exploring. So if you’re interested in seeing what all the hype is about, why not take the plunge and try a top-rated glycolic acid toner?

We have the brands and reviews right here to help make sure you make an informed decision, so why not give it a go? You won't regret it — happy shopping!

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