Does The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% contain alcohol?

What does alcohol free actually mean?

On cosmetic labels, alcohol used by itself means ethyl alcohol, also called ethanol or grain alcohol. An alcohol free claim normally refers to that ingredient, rather than every chemical in the alcohol family. Cosmetic labels use alcohol in a narrower sense than chemistry does, which is how a short claim acquires a surprisingly long explanation.3

Products labelled alcohol free can contain fatty alcohols such as cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl or lanolin alcohol. These have different effects on skin from ethyl alcohol. That is general label guidance, not a list of ingredients in this toner. If you are checking another product, denatured ethyl alcohol can appear as Alcohol Denat. or SD Alcohol followed by a number. Denatured means an ingredient has been added to make the alcohol undrinkable; it is still ethyl alcohol.3

Should you check your own bottle?

Yes, particularly if you need to avoid a specific ingredient. The Ordinary updates its formulas, and the ingredient list can differ by purchase date and region. The current UK and Taiwan versions carry the same alcohol free claim; use your own packaging to check the formula you actually bought.12

Can an alcohol free toner still irritate skin?

Yes. This is an exfoliating toner, not simply a water based refreshment step. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, that loosens the substances holding surface skin cells together so dead cells can shed. The Ordinary's toner is intended to improve uneven texture, dullness and uneven tone with regular use. Alcohol free does not mean irritation free, and removing dead skin cells is a separate function from avoiding ethanol.24

How should you use it?

1. 1Patch test first. Apply a small amount to clean skin on the upper forearm, keep the area dry and rinse after 24 hours. Do not use the toner if redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation appears during the test.
2. 2If you are new to exfoliating acids, begin with two to three evenings a week. Increase frequency only as your skin builds tolerance, up to once daily.
3. 3Apply to the face and neck with a cotton pad or fingers. Use only on unbroken skin, avoid the eye area and do not rinse off.
4. 4Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure while using the toner and for a week afterwards. AHAs can increase sensitivity to sunlight and the possibility of sunburn.

What should you keep out of the same routine?

The Ordinary lists retinoids and other direct acids among the products not to combine with this toner. Its directions also exclude direct vitamin C, peptides, copper peptides, EUK and niacinamide powder. For acids and retinoids, use separate routines or alternate their use rather than layering them together. General AHA guidance also allows alternating with retinoid creams and vitamin C; the toner's own compatibility directions remain the practical rule for this product.24

When should you stop?

If eye or skin irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly, stop using the toner and consult a physician. Do not continue applying it to sensitive, peeling or compromised skin just because the bottle says alcohol free.2