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The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution bottle and box
The Ordinary

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Exfoliating Toner 240 ml
8.5OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

37
Safe
4
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support7.7/10
Acne-safe8/10
Active treatment4.6/10

Our verdict

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is the cult 'acid toner' that made weekly at-home exfoliation a mainstream habit, and at its price it is remarkable value. The workhorse is 7% glycolic acid at a low pH of around 3.6 — an effective concentration of the smallest AHA, which loosens the bonds between dead surface cells to reveal smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin and, over time, softer fine lines. Around it sits a thoughtful support cast: aloe, rose and cornflower waters, a full amino-acid and NMF complex, and Tasmanian pepperberry, an extract chosen specifically to help blunt the sting of the acid. The result is a genuinely powerful leave-on exfoliant. That power is exactly why the caveats matter. This is a face toner but manufacturer guidance is once daily at most, ideally in the evening — glycolic acid at this strength can easily over-exfoliate, and it must never be layered carelessly with other acids or retinoids. Daytime sunscreen is mandatory. Sensitive, dry or barrier-compromised skin should approach it cautiously or choose a gentler acid; for normal-to-resilient skin, it is an outstanding value exfoliant.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationsoothingbarrier supportexfoliation
Best for
dry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
visible hyperpigmentationactive anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Glycolic Acidsupports skin comfortCentaurea Cyanus Flower Watersupports skin comfortAloe Barbadensis Leaf Watersupports skin comfortGlycerinattracts and retains moisture

Full ingredient list (42)

Aqua/waterGlycolic AcidRosa Damascena Flower WaterCentaurea Cyanus Flower WaterAloe Barbadensis Leaf WaterPropanediolGlycerinTriethanolamineAminomethyl PropanolPanax Ginseng Root ExtractTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf ExtractAspartic AcidAlanineGlycineSerineValineIsoleucineProlineThreonineHistidinePhenylalanineGlutamic AcidArgininePCASodium PCASodium LactateFructoseGlucoseSucroseUreaHexyl NicotinateDextrinCitric AcidPolysorbate 20Gellan GumTrisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateSodium ChlorideHexylene GlycolPotassium SorbateSodium Benzoate1,2-HexanediolCaprylyl Glycol

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

How often should I use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%?
At most once a day, and for many people two to three evenings a week is plenty. At 7% and a low pH it is a strong leave-on exfoliant, so overuse leads to redness, stinging and a damaged barrier. Start slowly and increase only if your skin stays comfortable.
Can I use it with retinol or other acids?
Be very careful. Stacking glycolic acid with retinoids or other exfoliating acids in the same routine greatly increases the risk of irritation and barrier damage. Use them on alternate nights instead, and never combine multiple strong actives without knowing your skin tolerates them.
Is it safe for sensitive skin?
It is one of the stronger options, so sensitive, dry or reactive skin should approach it with caution or choose a gentler acid such as a low-percentage lactic or mandelic acid. Always follow with daily sunscreen, since AHA exfoliation increases sun sensitivity.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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