The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: how to use it

What does it do?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, that loosens the connections holding dead skin cells together. AHAs dissolve in water and mainly work at the skin's surface. Glycolic acid is the smallest AHA and penetrates more easily than larger members of the group. Its main job is removing dead surface cells, not giving the word glow a scientific promotion.2

Glycolic acid can improve rough texture, uneven tone and the appearance of fine lines. General benefits also include unclogging pores and lightening dark spots from mild sun damage or acne. Those are reasons to consider the ingredient, rather than a promise that this particular toner will clear breakouts.2

What's in the formula?

The toner contains 7% glycolic acid in a water based formula, with a listed pH of 3.5 to 3.9. It also contains amino acids for hydration, ginseng extract to target uneven tone and a Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with exfoliation. The plant extract can cause seasonal colour differences. The Ordinary lists the formula as free of alcohol, oil and silicone. Formulas can change by region and purchase date, so use your box for the ingredient list.4

Seven percent sits within the 4% to 10% range commonly used in consumer hydroxy acid products, rather than the concentrations above 20% used in stronger chemical peels. Concentration is not the whole story: pH and the formula carrying the acid also matter. A safety assessment recommended AHA concentrations below 10% and pH at least 3.5 to reduce irritation risk.5

How do you use it on your face?

Patch test first. Apply a small amount to clean skin on your 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.4

1. 1Apply the toner to your face and neck in the evening using a cotton pad or your fingers.
2. 2Keep it away from the eye contour and avoid contact with your eyes. Use only on intact skin.
3. 3Leave the toner on rather than rinsing it off during normal use.
4. 4Follow with moisturizer. Exfoliation can be drying, and moisturizing afterwards helps keep skin hydrated.

The Ordinary suggests starting two to three times a week if you are new to acids. General clinical guidance starts more cautiously, at once or twice weekly. Begin with the lower frequency and increase only if your skin tolerates it. The brand's maximum facial frequency is once daily, ideally at night; daily use is an option, not a target you have to reach.12

What should you avoid using with it?

The Ordinary tells you not to combine this toner in the same routine with other direct acids, retinoids, direct vitamin C, peptides including copper peptides, EUK, niacinamide powder, Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, GF 15% Solution or Multi Active Delivery Essence. For other acids and retinoids, alternate routines instead. Niacinamide powder is specifically listed; that is not a blanket restriction on every niacinamide product.1

Prescription retinoid creams, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can already make skin more sensitive or cause peeling. Adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or trigger breakouts. If you use a prescribed skin treatment, ask your dermatologist whether an exfoliant belongs alongside it rather than changing the treatment yourself. Avoid adding several new actives together, because identifying the cause of irritation becomes harder.23

How long does it take to work?

For consumer glycolic acid products, brighter skin and more even pigmentation can take several months of consistent use. There is no precise results timetable for this toner. Stronger professional peels can produce more dramatic changes, but they are a different treatment, not a reason to apply a home toner more often.2

Why does sunscreen matter?

Glycolic acid increases sensitivity to sunlight. Use broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day and reapply every two hours. Wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure while using the toner and for a week after stopping. Evening application does not remove the need for daytime protection.12

In a small trial, a different formula containing 10% glycolic acid increased tanning after UVB exposure, even without visible irritation. Three weeks of treatment did not fade existing pigmentation caused by light exposure. Skin looking calm is therefore not a useful test of whether sun protection is necessary.6

Who should be careful or skip it?

Do not use this toner on sensitive, peeling or damaged skin. Never exfoliate open cuts, wounds or sunburn. Dry skin, rosacea, eczema and an active skin infection also call for caution with glycolic acid. If you develop dark marks after inflammation, avoid aggressive exfoliation: it can increase pigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones.123

If eye or skin irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly, stop using the toner and consult a physician. Overexfoliation can leave skin red and irritated. Increasing frequency through irritation is not a way to build tolerance.34

Can you use it during pregnancy?

Low concentration glycolic acid is generally considered safe during pregnancy, and evening glycolic acid is an option for changes in skin colour. Check this particular product with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnancy can also make skin dry or sensitive, which changes whether an exfoliating toner is suitable. Tell your obstetrician and dermatologist about any prescription skin treatments you use.27

Can you use it on your body or scalp?

The Ordinary allows application to small body areas with rough, bumpy skin. For the scalp, apply to a dry scalp three times weekly: tilt your head back, dispense from front to back with the nozzle, massage well and leave it on. The intended scalp benefits are hydration and reduced dryness. The same restrictions on sensitive, peeling or damaged skin still apply.4