The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium·92% recommend (24 reviews)

Works for

Moisturizing
Urea, Glycerin + 20 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This multi-functional toner is not only effective on the face, but can also be applied to the scalp to help rebalance, hydrate, and reduce dryness.”
Source: Deciem

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. 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. The following ingredients in this product do the job: alanine, arginine.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, caprylyl glycol.

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

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally 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%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne 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%
Aspartic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.75%
ThreonineKey activeEffect: HighAn 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%
AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn 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%
GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.15–0.55%
IsoleucineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function~0.15–0.5%
ProlineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.15–0.55%
FructoseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.3%
Glutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
HistidineKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.1–0.45%
PcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.3%
SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn 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%
Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.1–0.3%
Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.3%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.1–0.3%
SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan 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%
ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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%
Rosa damascena flower water· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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%
Aloe barbadensis leaf waterEffect: LowTraditionally 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%
Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.3%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.05–0.25%
Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Urea
Works well
What the product description says
“Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is a water-based, exfoliating toner formulated with 7% glycolic acid, a proven alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that effectively exfoliates the skin.”
Source: Deciem

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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%
UreaKey activeEffect: MediumNaturally 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%
Anti-aging
Glycolic acid, Aspartic acid + 2 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Regular use of this glycolic acid toner promotes the appearance of more luminous and radiant skin while reducing the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.”
Source: Deciem

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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%
Aspartic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.35–0.75%
ThreonineKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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%
SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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%
Evens skin tone
Glycolic acid, Alanine
Works well
What the product description says
“It improves the look of uneven tone and texture with regular use.”
Source: Beautylish

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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%
AlanineEffect: LowAn 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%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Rosa damascena flower water, Hexyl nicotinate
Medium risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Glycolic acidAn 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 acidHigh~3.7–5.6%est.
Rosa damascena flower waterUsed 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 irritatingHigh~3.2–4.8%est.
Centaurea cyanus flower waterCornflower water. Might have an anti-oxidant effect and can help reduce inflammation in skin. However, it can be irritating on its ownHigh~2.6–3.9%est.
Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~0.6–1.35%est.
Hexyl nicotinateMight be able to enhance blood flow in the skin. Can be irritating and result in skin rednessHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf waterTraditionally 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 skinMedium~2–3%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~1.2–1.8%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

User reviews

Would you recommend?
92%·yes

22 of 24 community members would buy it again.

92% would8% wouldn't
  • yesn't· Jan 2026Recommends

    Works great as a deodorant as well. I like to use it once or twice a week to brighten my underarms.

  • Shelbi· Apr 2025Recommends

    While this product was not my favorite when used as a facial toner, it was great to use on my lower extremities for certain concerns such as ingrown hairs and even razor burn.

  • Idelette· Nov 2024Recommends

    This is a great product. I have used another product from a Licensed Aestheticism for over 20 years, and was happy with that product, but the price has almost doubled and has become too expensive. This is much more affordable and feels just like the other in terms of exfoliation. I am so happy I found this. It is my new "go to" for effective exfoliation of mature skin.

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycolic acid~3.7–5.6%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

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 acid
Rosa damascena flower water~3.2–4.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

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

More about Rosa damascena flower water
Centaurea cyanus flower water~2.6–3.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

Cornflower water. Might have an anti-oxidant effect and can help reduce inflammation in skin. However, it can be irritating on its own

More about Centaurea cyanus flower water
Aloe barbadensis leaf water~2–3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf water
Propanediol~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Glycerin~1.4–2.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Triethanolamine~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Aminomethyl propanol~1–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the pH in formulations

More about Aminomethyl propanol
Panax ginseng root extract~0.6–1.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng root extract
Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Aspartic acid~0.35–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles

More about Aspartic acid
Alanine~0.15–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin tone

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

More about Alanine
Glycine~0.15–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine
Serine~0.1–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

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

More about Serine
Valine~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Valine
Isoleucine~0.15–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function

More about Isoleucine
Proline~0.15–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Proline
Threonine~0.15–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

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

More about Threonine
Histidine~0.1–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Histidine
Phenylalanine~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Phenylalanine
Glutamic acid~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutamic acid
Arginine~0.05–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Arginine
Pca~0.1–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Pca
Sodium pca~0.1–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Sodium lactate~0.1–0.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Fructose~0.1–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose
Glucose~0.1–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Sucrose~0.05–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Sucrose
Urea~0.05–0.3%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

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

More about Urea
Hexyl nicotinate~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
De-puffing

Might be able to enhance blood flow in the skin. Can be irritating and result in skin redness

More about Hexyl nicotinate
Dextrin~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin
Citric acid~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Polysorbate 20~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Gellan gum~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to improve the product texture

More about Gellan gum
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Sodium chloride~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Hexylene glycol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Caprylyl glycol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycolic acid, Rosa damascena flower water, Centaurea cyanus flower water, Aloe barbadensis leaf water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Aminomethyl propanol, Panax ginseng root extract, Tasmannia lanceolata fruit/leaf extract, Aspartic acid, Alanine, Glycine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glutamic acid, Arginine, Pca, Sodium pca, Sodium lactate, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Hexyl nicotinate, Dextrin, Citric acid, Polysorbate 20, Gellan gum, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Sodium chloride, Hexylene glycol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Beautylish240 ml
$8.70
Buy
Deciem
$9.00
Buy
Sephora
$10.90
Buy
Amazon USPrice as of 11/11 21:18 GMT
$13.50
Buy
SpaceNK US
$15.00
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
The OrdinaryGlycolic Acid 7% Toning SolutionYOUR PRODUCTPixiGlow Tonic TravelISDINIsdinceutics Night PeelFranklyAHA 8.05% Clearing Refining Toner
Match—50%50%49%
Price$10.90$32.75+$21.85—$14.01+$3.11
Shared key ingredients—9 of 185 of 1812 of 18
Key difference——Saccharide IsomerateMadecassic Acid
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol—— Contains drying alcohol —
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-aging, Evens skin tone and Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

  • Exfoliating acids (glycolic acid 3.70% - 5.60%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run.
  • Humectants (urea 0.05% - 0.30%, sucrose 0.05% - 0.30%, fructose 0.10% - 0.30%, sodium lactate 0.10% - 0.30%, sodium pca 0.10% - 0.30%, pca 0.10% - 0.30%, histidine 0.10% - 0.45%, glycine 0.15% - 0.55%, glycerin 1.40% - 2.20%, glutamic acid 0.10% - 0.40%, aspartic acid 0.35% - 0.75% and alanine 0.15% - 0.65%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

What our users say

Based on 6 reviews 83% recommend this product
  • When it comes to comedogenicity, 1 % of the reviewers found that it clogs pores.
  • When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, two out of three reviewers say that it works well under makeup, but the third user had an issue with pilling.
They find the product's texture to be light and In terms of the smell, our users report that light fragrance - no smell.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "The Ordinary" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Price

The product retails for 2200.00KSH in Kenya, from 18.40A$ up to 23.00A$ in Australia, from 8.00£ up to 89.00£ in the United Kingdom, from 8.00$ up to 15.99$ in the United States, from 11.50CA$ up to 25.00CA$ in Canada and for 107.00HK$ in Hong Kong.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

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The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The OrdinaryGlycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.