The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, Brightening and Smoothing Daily Toner for More Even-Looking Skin Tone

This glycolic acid toner worked really well for my oily skin with occasional breakouts. I also use it on my armpits after showering every other day, and it cleanses nicely and noticeably reduces sweating. It’s very versatile, good quality, and the price is great for what you get. Highly recommended!

Great item, nice scent bit to overpowering, great value for money, genuine item, lasts few months if used correctly, softer skin in weeks. Works great!

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is one of those products that truly lives up to its reputation. From the first few uses, it noticeably improves skin texture, leaving the skin smoother, brighter, and more refined without feeling heavy or greasy. The formula is straightforward and fragrance-free, which makes it ideal for combination, oily, or normal skin types. Despite being an exfoliating acid, it feels gentle when used correctly and delivers visible results over time—dullness is reduced, skin tone looks more even, and overall luminosity is enhanced. It’s especially impressive at this price point. I also appreciate how versatile this toner is. It works well on the face when used a few times a week, and it’s equally effective on the body for smoothing rough areas or improving uneven texture. The alcohol-free, vegan, and cruelty-free formula adds extra reassurance for sensitive and conscious consumers. Consistent use delivers real results without unnecessary ingredients or marketing hype. If you’re looking for an affordable, no-nonsense chemical exfoliant that actually works, this toner is a fantastic addition to any skincare routine.

I’ve been using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% for a few weeks now, rotating it into my evening routine, and here’s how things played out — the wins, the stings, and the “is this too much?” moments. --- ✅ What I Loved / What Worked Well Smooths texture & brightens skin tone After a week or two, my skin felt more even and looked less dull. Rough patches (around cheeks / jawline) softened. This matches many user impressions in reviews. Light, watery feel — not sticky or heavy The product feels a lot like water: thin and fluid, easily spreading over the face without leaving a thick film. I liked that — it doesn’t feel like coating your face in glue. Good “bang for your buck” for a chemical exfoliant For the price, you get a decent dose of glycolic acid in a generous volume, which makes experimenting less painful financially. Multi-use beyond face Many people use this toner not just on their face, but on arms, legs, or areas with keratosis pilaris (KP), body rough spots, etc. Toner stage — easy to layer after cleansing It fits well into a skincare regimen: cleanse → toner (this) → moisturizer / serums. --- ⚠️ What Frustrated Me / What To Be Wary Of Stinging / irritation if overused On some nights when I pushed it too often, I got mild tingling or redness, especially near edges or thinner skin. Reddit users strongly warn the same — that too much use can damage your barrier. Not great for very sensitive skin or compromised barrier If your skin is already dry, cracked, or sensitive, this might feel harsh. Some users report burning or over-exfoliating symptoms. Must moisturize / barrier-care afterward This toner works by dissolving “glue” between dead skin cells — that means it can leave your skin a bit more vulnerable. If you skip moisturizer or barrier-repair steps, the dryness / stinging can creep in. Sun sensitivity / risk if not used with sunscreen Glycolic acid makes skin more sensitive to UV. If you don’t use SPF during the day (even indoors), you risk pigmentation or irritation. Potential for overuse as people get tempted Because results can feel satisfying, you might want to use it too frequently — that’s when redness, flaking, or barrier problems begin. A Redditor said that even for them (used to higher acids), tiny swipes of this toner burned their cheeks. Not a miracle overnight While some people in Reddit say they saw “all my problems solved” after two uses, such claims are likely exaggerations or honeymoon effects. Realistically, gradual improvement is more typical. --- 🧾 My “Usage Story” I started using it twice per week at night (after cleansing), applying with a cotton pad, then following with hydrating serum + moisturizer. The first night, there was a mild tingle (expected). By week 2, texture smoothed, and I noticed less “dullness” on my cheekbones. One night I tried using it on a break-out / pimple area — my skin didn’t freak out, but I avoided doing it often. A few times I pressed it too close to my nose or eyes and got slight sting — lesson learned: avoid delicate eye zones. Mid-use, I spaced it out to once per week to let my skin “rest.” Even with that, I saw gradual improvements. I alternated with gentler exfoliants / days off.

This is my second time purchasing this glycolic acid and I am very happy with it. The product doesn’t have any particularly strong smell, and I have no problems with applying it. The nozzle dispenser works really well and I have had no leakages etc. Really easy to use. I haven’t noticed any stickiness on the product but I know this is an issue others have noted. My skin feels brighter and smoother since using it. I found the smaller bottle lasted me around one month with consistent use (face and body) but is a good enough size to last a while if you use less often than me.

The best GA on the market. Used for my hair, on my face and even on my feet. Works every time.

Used every night and I see a difference in the morning my face is brighter and smoother.

It broke my skin out anytime I used it. I believe because I have a sensitive skin so I've discontinued using it unfortunately.