The Ordinary glycolic acid toner ingredients

What are the main ingredients?

• Glycolic Acid is the exfoliating ingredient, at 7%. It is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, that helps remove dead surface skin.
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is aloe leaf water, listed among the key ingredients.
• Panax Ginseng Root Extract helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
• Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is the Tasmanian pepper ingredient, included to help reduce irritation associated with exfoliation.
• Amino acids support hydration by mimicking the function of amino acids naturally present in skin.

The formula is water based, with a listed pH of 3.5 to 3.9. The Ordinary identifies it as free of alcohol, oil and silicone. Its Tasmanian pepper ingredient can cause seasonal colour differences. Glycolic acid's percentage is not the whole strength story: exfoliation also depends on pH and the other ingredients.12

What are the uses of The Ordinary glycolic acid toner?

The toner targets rough texture, dullness and uneven tone on the face. The Ordinary also recommends it for small areas of rough, bumpy body skin. Its job is exfoliation, not merely giving the bathroom shelf another bottle to accommodate.1

What are the benefits of The Ordinary glycolic acid toner?

Regular use helps skin look smoother, brighter and more even, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Glycolic acid loosens the connections between dead surface cells so they shed more easily. Glycolic acid also appears in creams used for wrinkles, but that is a different formulation from this toner. As general guidance, visible improvements in brightness or pigmentation from home glycolic acid products can take several months of consistent use.345

How do you use The Ordinary glycolic acid toner?

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, blisters or irritation develops.
2. 2Apply to the face and neck with a cotton pad or your fingers, preferably at night. Avoid the eye area and contact with the eyes.
3. 3Leave the toner on, then apply moisturizer. This toner is not a rinse off exfoliator.
4. 4Start with one or two evenings a week as a cautious general approach. The Ordinary suggests two to three weekly applications for beginners, building gradually to no more than once daily.
5. 5Use broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day. Wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure during use and for one week after stopping.

Can you use The Ordinary glycolic acid toner on your scalp?

The face does not have exclusive rights to the bottle: The Ordinary also gives directions for the scalp. Apply to a dry scalp three times weekly. Tilt your head back, dispense gently from front to back with the nozzle, massage thoroughly and leave it on. The intended benefits are hydration and reduced dryness.3

Who should be careful?

Do not use this toner on sensitive, peeling or damaged skin. Never exfoliate sunburned skin or open wounds. If skin or eye irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly, stop using the toner and consult a doctor. Avoid aggressive exfoliation if you develop dark marks after irritation, especially with darker skin tones.36

The Ordinary tells you not to combine the toner in the same routine with other direct acids, retinoids, direct vitamin C, peptides, copper peptides, EUK or niacinamide powder. Prescription retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can also make exfoliation more irritating or drying. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare provider before starting glycolic acid.346