The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner
VeganCruelty FreeParaben FreeSulfate FreeSilicone FreeFragrance FreeAlcohol FreeMineral Oil FreeMicroplastic FreeNormal SkinOily SkinCombination SkinBrighteningHyperpigmentationPore MinimizingpH Balanced
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner
Skincare · Clinical
We put The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner through our full ingredient analysis.
Chapter I · The Score
The numbers don't lie.
After analyzing 14 ingredients across four dimensions, our algorithm returned a verdict that surprised us.
0/100
Overall
Conditionally Approved
0/100
0/100
0/100
Chapter II · The Ingredients
Inside the formula.
We scored every ingredient individually. Some impressed us. Others raised serious questions.
Glycolic Acid
A strong alpha-hydroxy acid that effectively exfoliates but significantly increases the skin's photosensitivity.
70/100
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Soothing floral water with anti-inflammatory properties that cares for the skin during exfoliation.
95/100
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Cornflower water has a calming and decongestant effect on the skin surface.
95/100
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Provides intense moisture and helps minimize acid-induced redness.
98/100
Triethanolamine
Serves as a pH regulator, but is criticized for possible nitrosamine formation and irritation potential.
45/100
Aminomethyl Propanol
An alkaline excipient for pH stabilization that can cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
60/100
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
A vitalizing plant extract that regenerates the skin and protects against oxidative stress.
92/100
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
An extract from Tasmanian mountain pepper that soothes irritation and burning after acid application.
95/100
Urea
Acts as a natural moisturizing factor and supports the gentle shedding of dead skin cells.
90/100
Hexyl Nicotinate
Promotes blood circulation in the skin, which can lead to temporary redness or a feeling of warmth.
70/100
Polysorbate 20
A PEG-based emulsifier that makes the skin barrier more permeable to other active ingredients, but also to pollutants.
55/100
Arginine
An amino acid that promotes skin regeneration and helps bind moisture in the skin.
100/100
Sodium PCA
A highly effective moisturizer that occurs naturally in the skin and protects against dehydration.
98/100
Propanediol
A plant-based solvent that hydrates the skin and improves the product's texture.
85/100
Full ingredient list
Aqua (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, 2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Chapter III · The Deep Dive
Our expert's complete verdict.
The "The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner" is a water-based chemical peel (AHA) designed to gently exfoliate the skin surface and promote a more even skin tone.
🟡 Overall Rating: Moderately questionable
The product combines effective exfoliation with soothing floral waters and amino acids. Deductions are made for the use of Triethanolamine for pH adjustment and PEG-based surfactants, which can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Individual rating of key ingredients
| Ingredient | Rating | Function & Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua (Water) | 🟢 | Solvent, product base |
| Glycolic Acid | 🟢 / 🟡 | Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA); exfoliates the skin, but can irritate if overdosed |
| Rosa Damascena Flower Water | 🟢 | Rose flower water; has a slightly soothing and refreshing effect |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water | 🟢 | Aloe vera water; moisturizes and soothes |
| Triethanolamine | 🟡 | pH regulator; potential allergen and risk of nitrosamine formation |
| Aminomethyl Propanol | 🟡 | pH regulator; can cause irritation in sensitive skin |
| Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract | 🟢 | Tasmanian Mountain Pepper; helps to reduce irritation caused by the acid |
| Glycerin | 🟢 | Humectant; supports the skin barrier |
| Arginine / Amino Acids | 🟢 | Amino acids (NMF); regenerate and bind moisture |
| Urea | 🟢 | Urea; has moisture-binding and slightly keratolytic properties |
| Polysorbate 20 | 🟡 | Emulsifier; can make the skin barrier more permeable to harmful substances |
| Sodium Benzoate | 🟢 | Preservative; protects the product from germs |
Environmental compatibility
The formulation as a whole is classified as moderate for the environment, as it avoids difficult-to-degrade plastics.
- ◈Biodegradability: Most ingredients (sugars, amino acids) are readily biodegradable; Triethanolamine is more difficult to eliminate in wastewater treatment plants.
- ◈Microplastics: According to the present INCI list, no solid microplastics are contained.
- ◈Silicones/Mineral oils: The product is free of silicones and mineral oils.
- ◈Palm oil issue: Ingredients such as Glycerin or Polysorbate 20 can be palm oil-based; information on sustainability (RSPO) is not available solely from the INCI list.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Conclusion: The toner offers an effective concentration of Glycolic Acid, supplemented by valuable ingredients such as amino acids and soothing plant extracts. The formulation is functional but uses inexpensive pH regulators, which slightly increase the irritation potential.
Recommendation:
- ◈Who is it suitable for? Ideal for oily, combination, or dull skin; less suitable for very sensitive or dry skin types.
- ◈Special notes: Since Glycolic Acid increases the skin's photosensitivity, daily application of sunscreen (SPF 30+) on the following day is absolutely necessary.
- ◈Purchase recommendation: Yes, for users seeking an affordable and potent peel who do not have extremely sensitive skin.
Chapter IV · The Verdict
◈
Conditionally Approved
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner earns a 72/100 from our algorithm. A good score with some areas worth reviewing before purchase.
72Overall
65Skin Compatibility
82Environmental
55Naturalness