Why does The Ordinary Glycolic Acid sting my face?

Is tingling normal, or should I stop?

Slight tingling or mild redness is common when you first use this toner and should fade within a few minutes. Stronger irritation does not mean better results.2

Red, itchy or swollen skin can also be a reaction to a skincare ingredient, including allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy skin reaction caused by an allergy. Stinging alone cannot tell you which ingredient is responsible. If you develop a skin reaction, gently wash the product off as soon as possible and do not use it again. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve the skin.3

What could be making the stinging worse?

Using the toner too often can damage the skin barrier, your skin's protective outer layer, and lead to redness, irritation or breakouts. The Ordinary generally suggests exfoliating once or twice a week, rather than treating daily use as the goal.2

Your cleansing routine can add irritation before the toner touches your face. Hot water strips the skin barrier and increases dryness, which can bring more irritation. Washcloths, loofahs and scrubbing brushes can be harsh, and rubbing with a towel can disrupt the barrier.4

Choose a gentle cleanser; a fragrance free cleanser is generally gentler. The word "gentle" on a cleanser is not regulated, so the label does not get to mark its own homework. Check whether your cleanser also contains glycolic or salicylic acid: acid cleansers can irritate sensitive skin. General face washing guidance supports gentle cleansing here, not adding another resurfacing step.4

The Ordinary advises keeping retinoids and copper peptides on different days from this toner and avoiding layering it with vitamin C because of potential irritation. Use separate evenings if you want both in your routine.2

How to apply it with less irritation

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Use your fingers rather than a scrubbing tool, rinse away the cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel.
2. 2Apply the toner in the evening to dry skin, using your hand or a reusable cotton pad. Avoid the eye area.
3. 3Follow with a hydrating serum or moisturizer once the toner has absorbed.
4. 4Wear sunscreen the next morning. Glycolic acid can increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Should I test it before using it again?

Before introducing a skincare product, testing a small area can help predict a negative reaction. General home testing guidance uses a spot about the size of a quarter on the underside of the arm or elbow bend, the normal amount of product and its usual contact time, with observation over seven to 10 days. For this exfoliating toner, keep to its directions rather than increasing applications to fit a general testing schedule. Do not retest a product that has already caused a skin reaction.3

See a dermatologist if a severe reaction is not relieved by cool compresses or petroleum jelly. If the trigger is unclear, a dermatologist can arrange medical patch testing to identify the ingredient causing the reaction. That is different from trying a product on your arm at home.3