The Ordinary
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner
face toner
The Ordinary
face toner
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Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testA daily exfoliating toner formulated with 7% glycolic acid (AHA), that helps remove dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more even texture
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner is a watery-light toner from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 42 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Propanediol and Glycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Propanediol, Glycerin and Sodium PCA.
Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid and Urea.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Glycolic Acid and Urea.
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Apply to slightly damp skin so the humectants have water to hold on to.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the Ginseng, Panax ginseng, Araliaceae
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is the extract of the fruit and leaves of Tasmannia lanceolata, Winteraceae.
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aspartic acid
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alanine
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycine
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-methylbutanoic acid
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Isoleucine; DL-allo-Isoleucine; 2-Amino-3-methylpentanoic acid
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, (S)-
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Toning" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 42 ingredients on the label.
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Calms visible redness and irritation
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Rosa Damascena Flower water is an aqueous solution of the steam of the distillate obtained from the flowers of the Damask Rose, Rosa damascena, Rosaceae
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the Cornflower, Centaurea cyanus L., Asteraceae
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-2-methylpropanol
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the Ginseng, Panax ginseng, Araliaceae
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is the extract of the fruit and leaves of Tasmannia lanceolata, Winteraceae.
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aspartic acid
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alanine
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycine
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-methylbutanoic acid
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Isoleucine; DL-allo-Isoleucine; 2-Amino-3-methylpentanoic acid
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid, (S)-
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Histidine
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3-Phenyl-L-alanine
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
(S)-2-Aminopentanedioic acid
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Arginine
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium lactate
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Fructose
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glucose
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sucrose
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexyl nicotinate
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dextrin
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Gellan gum
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium chloride
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Methylpentane-2,4-diol
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium benzoate
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
42nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
The Ordinary
Shares 13 key ingredients with Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner: Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Glycerin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf Extract
Anua
Shares 9 key ingredients with Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner: Glycerin, Propanediol, Glycine, Serine, Aspartic Acid
Anua
Shares 9 key ingredients with Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner: Glycerin, Propanediol, Glycine, Serine, Aspartic Acid
Anua
Shares 7 key ingredients with Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner: Citric Acid, Glycine, Valine, Serine, Aspartic Acid
Celimax
Shares 7 key ingredients with Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner: Glycine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Proline
Anua
Shares 4 key ingredients with Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner: Propanediol, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid
AQUA, 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.
GLYCOLIC ACID, CITRIC ACID.
Face/Neck Application: Apply once daily, ideally in the evening. Apply to the face and neck using a cotton pad or fingers. Scalp Application: Apply to dry scalp, three times a week. Tilt your head back and use the nozzle to gently dispense product from the front to the back of the head in a sweeping motion. Massage well. Body Application (Strawberry Skin): Apply to rough, bumpy skin on the arms and legs - Keratosis Pilaris (sometimes referred to as KP or strawberry skin). Do not rinse off. Do not use on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes. If eye or skin irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly, cease use, and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Keep out of reach of children. Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
One ingredient could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after cleansing, before serums.
It lists 42 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.
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