The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Review

Another day, another product from The Ordinary that I’m disappointed in. This toner isn’t as bad as the caffeine solution, but I still wont be repurchasing it. Partly because of the drama, partly because it hurts my face.

I’m a reformed physical exfoliator. Scrubbing your skin within an inch of its life to reveal a new layer is satisfying. I get it. It’s also terrible for you. This is where chemical exfoliants come in. The idea is that they also remove that first (dead) layer of skin, but less traumatically, clearing up skin texture and imperfections.

I’ve been alternating this a few times a week with my retinoid. I haven’t noticed a difference in my skin quality. I do think it’s doing something because it stings and dries my skin out. It also leaves a film that doesn’t go away until I wash my face the next morning. Yum.

The instructions explicitly tell you not to rinse your face, so I might not be alone. Though that reminder could also be there because products aren’t magic and don’t work perfectly with 0.1 seconds of exposure to your skin. Don’t rush your routine!

Props to The Ordinary for reminding everyone to wear sunscreen, though. I appreciate that. You especially need it when you’re exfoliating/using actives.

I think that I would benefit from a toner that has a lower acid content or more moisturizing factors to balance out the acid. Some people have success with using this on their arms or legs, so this may be demoted to a body care product.

I’m considering trying Pixi’s Glow Tonic instead. It has a slightly lower glycolic acid percentage, and most people think this is a dupe for that product. What do you guys think? What’s your favorite chemical exfoliant?

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