The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Name: The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Brand: The Ordinary

Can it work? Irritants Ingredient list Sources Similar products User reviews Q&A Price comparison

Appears in 115 routines

WORKS FOR

Anti-aging
Exfoliation
Evens skin tone
Anti-blemish
Moisturizing
+1 more

KEY INGREDIENTS

glycolic acid
urea
aspartic acid
fructose
glutamic acid
glycerin
glycine
hexyl nicotinate
alanine
isoleucine
pca
serine
sodium lactate
sodium pca
sucrose
threonine
histidine
arginine
+14 more

IRRITANCY

MEDIUM

100% recommended by WIMJ users

Something wrong? Edit here

Get a skincare routine that works

Honest. Personalized. Free

We will ask you to log in & agree to our community guidelines.

Price comparison

We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost for you. Thank you for your support! Learn more

$8.00

Out of stock

Size: 240 ml

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Escentual

£8.00

In stock

Size: 240 ml

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

£8.00

In stock

Size: 240 ml

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

£8.00

Out of stock

Size: 240 ml

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

User reviews

Recommend 1 review

100%

How well does it work for anti-aging? 1 review

Poor

Excellent

How well does it work against blemishes? 1 review

Poor

Excellent

How well does it work for evening out skin tone? 1 review

Poor

Excellent

How well does it work for exfoliation? 1 review

Poor

Excellent

How would you describe the texture? 1 review

heavy

Light

How much does this product clog pores? 1 review

Definitely clogs pores

Doesn't clog pores

How would you describe the smell? 1 review

No smell

Light fragrance

Strong fragrance

Can the product deliver on its promises?

See a mistake?

Promise

What does the product description say?

"These are the best The Ordinary products for acne-prone skin – find out more here here."

Beauty Bay

WIMJ summary for anti-blemish

This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Ingredient	Effectiveness	Concentration	Irritancy
glycolic acid	MEDIUM

See a mistake?

Promise

What does the product description say?

"Revitalize and resurface your skin to achieve a healthy, youthful glow with The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ."

Lookfantastic CA

WIMJ summary for anti-aging

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: aspartic acid, serine, threonine.

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.

Ingredient	Effectiveness	Concentration	Irritancy
glycolic acid	HIGH
aspartic acid	MEDIUM
serine	MEDIUM

See a mistake?

Promise

What does the product description say?

"It improves the look of uneven tone and texture with regular use."

Beautylish

WIMJ summary for evens skin tone

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: alanine.

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.

Ingredient	Effectiveness	Concentration	Irritancy
glycolic acid	HIGH
alanine	LOW

See a mistake?

Promise

What does the product description say?

"This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity."

The Ordinary

WIMJ summary for exfoliation

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.

Ingredient	Effectiveness	Concentration	Irritancy
glycolic acid	HIGH
urea	MEDIUM

See a mistake?

WIMJ summary for moisturizing

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": alanine, aspartic acid.

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).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea

Ingredient	Effectiveness	Concentration	Irritancy
urea	HIGH
pca	HIGH
serine	HIGH

How honest is this product?

Promise	Can it deliver?
Anti-aging
Exfoliation
Evens skin tone
Anti-blemish

Total Promises Fulfilled score: 87/100.

Potential irritants

IRRITANCY

MEDIUM

Ingredient	Irritancy	Skin Benefit
glycolic acid
rosa damascena flower water
centaurea cyanus flower water

Ingredients by volume

Ingredient	Estimated concentration
water Plain old water	40% - 60%
glycolic acid 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	3.7% - 5.6%
rosa damascena flower water Used to add a nice rose smell to the product. Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect. Can be irritating	3.2% - 4.8%
centaurea cyanus flower water Cornflower water. Might have an anti-oxidant effect and can help reduce inflammation in skin. However, it can be irritating on its own	2.6% - 3.9%
aloe barbadensis leaf water Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin	2% - 3%
propanediol Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin	1.6% - 2.4%
glycerin One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant	1.4% - 2.2%
triethanolamine Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell	1.2% - 1.8%
aminomethyl propanol Used to adjust the pH in formulations	1% - 1.5%
panax ginseng root extract A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating	0.6% - 1.35%
tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract	0.45% - 1.05%
aspartic acid An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles	0.35% - 0.75%
alanine An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking	0.15% - 0.65%
glycine Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function	0.15% - 0.55%
serine An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles	0.1% - 0.5%
valine	0.1% - 0.5%
isoleucine An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function	0.15% - 0.5%
proline	0.15% - 0.55%
threonine An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles	0.15% - 0.5%
histidine	0.1% - 0.45%
phenylalanine	0.1% - 0.4%
glutamic acid An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin	0.1% - 0.4%
arginine An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin	0.05% - 0.3%
pca Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer	0.1% - 0.3%
sodium pca Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer	0.1% - 0.3%
sodium lactate Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product	0.1% - 0.3%
fructose Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin	0.1% - 0.3%
glucose Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function	0.1% - 0.3%
sucrose Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion	0.05% - 0.3%
urea Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations	0.05% - 0.3%
hexyl nicotinate Might be able to enhance blood flow in the skin. Can be irritating and result in skin redness	0.1% - 0.35%
dextrin A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin	0.1% - 0.3%
citric acid Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH	0.05% - 0.3%
polysorbate 20 Helps oil and water mix together	0.1% - 0.4%
gellan gum Used to improve the product texture	0.1% - 0.4%
trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate Used to improve stability of the formulation	0.1% - 0.35%
sodium chloride Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures	0.1% - 0.4%
hexylene glycol Helps create a more spreadable product texture	0.05% - 0.25%
potassium sorbate A preservative	0.05% - 0.25%
sodium benzoate A preservative	0.05% - 0.25%
1,2-hexanediol A preservative	0.05% - 0.25%
caprylyl glycol Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture	0.05% - 0.25%
Show more

Similar products & dupes

	The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution	Biopelle - Exclusive Biopelle Serious Yet Sensitive Skincare Solutions	BABOR - LIFTING RX Lift Serum	SkinMedica - GlyPro Antioxidant Serum	Mesoestetic - Ultimate Micropeel	skintific - 2% SALICYLIC ACID ANTI ACNE SERUM	Murad - Environmental Shield Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum	Skinfood - Pineapple Peeling Gel	Dr Dennis Gross - Hyaluronic Marine™ Hydration Booster Deluxe	U Beauty - The Barrier Bioactive Treatment	DermExcel - Dermalytic
Price
WIMJ similarity score		49%	46%	45%	44%	44%	44%	43%	43%	43%	43%
Key ingredients	glycolic acid urea +16 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +7 more Other: cholesterol saccharide isomerate +4 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +5 more Other: niacinamide palmitoyl tripeptide-5 +10 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +2 more Other: cyclomethicone mannitol +8 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +3 more Other: lactobionic acid lactic acid +7 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +3 more Other: salicylic acid oligopeptide-1 +12 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +1 more Other: ascorbic acid tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate +11 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +3 more Other: panthenol tartaric acid +1 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +2 more Other: retinol lactic acid +16 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +2 more Other: salicylic acid lactobionic acid +18 more	Common: glycolic acid urea +1 more Other: paraffinum liquidum lactic acid +2 more
Irritancy	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY MEDIUM
Potential Irritants	hexyl nicotinate Has skin benefit? tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract Has skin benefit? panax ginseng root extract Has skin benefit? centaurea cyanus flower water Has skin benefit? rosa damascena flower water Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? caprylyl glycol Has skin benefit? 1,2-hexanediol Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? hexylene glycol Has skin benefit? trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate Has skin benefit? citric acid Has skin benefit? sodium lactate Has skin benefit? triethanolamine Has skin benefit? aloe barbadensis leaf water Has skin benefit? +13 more	parfum Has skin benefit? hexyl nicotinate Has skin benefit? sodium lauryl sulfate Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? cocamidopropyl betaine Has skin benefit? sodium citrate Has skin benefit? tocopheryl acetate Has skin benefit? hexylene glycol Has skin benefit? snail secretion filtrate Has skin benefit? c12-20 acid peg-8 ester Has skin benefit? taurine Has skin benefit? ammonium hydroxide Has skin benefit? +10 more	glyceryl oleate Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? lactic acid Has skin benefit? citric acid Has skin benefit? ascorbyl palmitate Has skin benefit? disodium edta Has skin benefit? sodium cetearyl sulfate Has skin benefit? caffeine Has skin benefit? ethylhexylglycerin Has skin benefit? sodium lactate Has skin benefit? cetearyl glucoside Has skin benefit? tocopheryl acetate Has skin benefit? +10 more	triacetin Has skin benefit? anthemis nobilis flower extract Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? ethylhexylglycerin Has skin benefit? disodium edta Has skin benefit? ammonium hydroxide Has skin benefit? caprylyl glycol Has skin benefit? hexylene glycol Has skin benefit? olea europaea leaf extract Has skin benefit? aloe barbadensis leaf extract Has skin benefit? glycyrrhiza glabra root extract Has skin benefit? punica granatum extract Has skin benefit? c12-20 alkyl glucoside Has skin benefit? cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide Has skin benefit? +13 more	propylene glycol Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? ethylhexylglycerin Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? disodium edta Has skin benefit? peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil Has skin benefit? tocopheryl acetate Has skin benefit? sodium lactate Has skin benefit? tartaric acid Has skin benefit? sodium citrate Has skin benefit? lactobionic acid Has skin benefit? lactic acid Has skin benefit? citric acid Has skin benefit? caprylic/capric triglyceride Has skin benefit? +12 more	glycolic acid Has skin benefit? hydrolyzed royal jelly protein Has skin benefit? menthol Has skin benefit? salicylic acid Has skin benefit? sodium citrate Has skin benefit? sodium lactate Has skin benefit? caprylyl glycol Has skin benefit? peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil Has skin benefit? ethylhexylglycerin Has skin benefit? o-cymen-5-ol Has skin benefit? ppg-26-buteth-26 Has skin benefit? tartaric acid Has skin benefit? disodium edta Has skin benefit? centella asiatica extract Has skin benefit? methylpropanediol Has skin benefit? triethanolamine Has skin benefit? acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer Has skin benefit? acacia senegal gum Has skin benefit? 1,2-hexanediol Has skin benefit? pentylene glycol Has skin benefit? +18 more	decyl glucoside Has skin benefit? zanthoxylum bungeanum fruit extract Has skin benefit? oleyl alcohol Has skin benefit? ascorbic acid Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? ethylhexylglycerin Has skin benefit? caprylyl glycol Has skin benefit? citric acid Has skin benefit? gold Has skin benefit? chlorella vulgaris extract Has skin benefit? t-butyl alcohol Has skin benefit? terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract Has skin benefit? tocopheryl acetate Has skin benefit? hexylene glycol Has skin benefit? hexylresorcinol Has skin benefit? hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer Has skin benefit? tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate Has skin benefit? glutathione Has skin benefit? taurine Has skin benefit? caprylic/capric triglyceride Has skin benefit? +19 more	ci 19140 Has skin benefit? ci 15985 Has skin benefit? parfum Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? tartaric acid Has skin benefit? sodium citrate Has skin benefit? sodium lactate Has skin benefit? disodium edta Has skin benefit? portulaca oleracea extract Has skin benefit? peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil Has skin benefit? ppg-26-buteth-26 Has skin benefit? aloe barbadensis leaf extract Has skin benefit? pyrus malus fruit extract Has skin benefit? triethanolamine Has skin benefit? ananas sativus fruit extract Has skin benefit? +14 more	parfum Has skin benefit? glyceryl oleate Has skin benefit? retinol Has skin benefit? chamomilla recutita flower extract Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? sodium citrate Has skin benefit? potassium hydroxide Has skin benefit? citric acid Has skin benefit? disodium edta Has skin benefit? sodium lauroyl lactylate Has skin benefit? caprylic/capric triglyceride Has skin benefit? ethylhexylglycerin Has skin benefit? leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate Has skin benefit? tocopheryl acetate Has skin benefit? lactic acid Has skin benefit? citrullus lanatus fruit extract Has skin benefit? cucumis sativus fruit extract Has skin benefit? centella asiatica extract Has skin benefit? +17 more	mandelic acid Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? salicylic acid Has skin benefit? citrus limon fruit extract Has skin benefit? citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract Has skin benefit? methyldihydrojasmonate Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? disodium edta Has skin benefit? caprylyl glycol Has skin benefit? pyridoxine hcl Has skin benefit? peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate Has skin benefit? linolenic acid Has skin benefit? lactobionic acid Has skin benefit? glutathione Has skin benefit? oleic acid Has skin benefit? sodium ascorbyl phosphate Has skin benefit? ascorbyl palmitate Has skin benefit? acer saccharum extract Has skin benefit? vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract Has skin benefit? pentylene glycol Has skin benefit? +18 more	glycolic acid Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? ethylhexylglycerin Has skin benefit? lactic acid Has skin benefit? +2 more
All ingredients	water Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? +40 more	cocamidopropyl betaine Has skin benefit? water Has skin benefit? +37 more	water Has skin benefit? prunus amygdalus dulcis oil Has skin benefit? +47 more	water Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? +41 more	water Has skin benefit? hydrogenated polydecene Has skin benefit? +31 more	water Has skin benefit? butylene glycol Has skin benefit? +42 more	water Has skin benefit? glycolic acid Has skin benefit? +51 more	water Has skin benefit? cellulose Has skin benefit? +28 more	oenothera biennis flower/leaf/stem extract Has skin benefit? water Has skin benefit? +50 more	water Has skin benefit? urea Has skin benefit? +53 more	glycolic acid Has skin benefit? water Has skin benefit? +12 more