Works for
Anti-agingGlycolic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneGlycolic acidWorks well
“bright and radiant complexion”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
ExfoliationGlycolic acidWorks well
“Apricot AHA Exfoliating Toner”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.
MoisturizingGlycerin, Propylene glycol + 1 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, propylene glycol.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 strong irritants: Parfum, Benzyl salicylate + 7 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycolic acid~5.6–8.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidGlycerin~3.5–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinHexylene glycol~2.3–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolSodium hydroxide~2–3.1%
Polysorbate 20~1.7–2.6%
Citric acid~1.4–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPeg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps dissolve other ingredients
More about Peg-6 caprylic/capric glyceridesPhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolParfum~0.8–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumTetrasodium edta~0.5–1.2%
Propylene glycol~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolCetrimonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
Cetylpyridinium chloride~0.4–0.9%
Prunus armeniaca fruit extract~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A fruit extract that might have some antioxidant properties and might help attract water to the skin, but evidence of effectiveness is lacking
More about Prunus armeniaca fruit extractBenzyl alcohol~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholBenzyl salicylate~0.1–0.5%
Cinnamal~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Cinnamyl alcohol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citronellol~0.05–0.3%
Geraniol~0.05–0.25%
Hexyl cinnamal~0.05–0.2%
Limonene~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Glycerin, Hexylene glycol, Sodium hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Citric acid, Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Tetrasodium edta, Propylene glycol, Cetrimonium chloride, Cetylpyridinium chloride, Prunus armeniaca fruit extract, Benzyl alcohol, Benzyl salicylate, Cinnamal, Cinnamyl alcohol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| St. IvesApricot AHA Exfoliating TonerYOUR PRODUCT | No7Glycolic Exfoliating Pads | Pestle & MortarExfoliate Glycolic Acid Toner | Geek GorgeousSmooth Out Liquid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 71% | 70% | 70% |
| Price | — | $33.07 | $37.58 | $39.99 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Key difference | — | Gluconolactone | Niacinamide | Anhydroxylitol |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: MUTHA Amniotic TonerVitaminSea.beauty Seaweed + Glycolic Acid Facial Toner
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
- 5Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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