The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid Toning solution: a hit from head to toe

When a product’s touted to do just about anything, my first reaction is scepticism. The Glycolic Acid Toning Solution by The Ordinary is held up as just such an all-rounder – according to enthusiastic TikTok users. And, after trying it myself, I have to agree. The magic ingredient that’s given me these great results? Seven per cent glycolic acid. But what’s it all about?

Facial cleansers

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%

Cleansing lotion, 240 ml

2

Facial cleansers

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%

Cleansing lotion, 240 ml

2

What’s glycolic acid good for?

Glycolic acid belongs to the group of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), a form of fruit acid. It’s widely used in skin care products to smooth fine lines, unclog pores and smooth skin by removing dead skin cells as well as to make it more supple, and to lighten sun spots. Depending on how high the glycolic acid content is in your product, you’ll see a stronger or weaker effect. As a rule, the concentration is kept below ten per cent to prevent possible irritation. For products that you wash off your face, such as a cleansing gel or mask, the percentage may be higher. While young skin will already benefit from a lower percentage, mature skin may need a higher one.

Learn more about alpha hydroxy acid here:

5 ways to use the toner

The bottle gives you a generous 240 millilitres of product and is inexpensive compared to the competition. With that, the product can be used not only as a face toner, but also on larger areas of your body and in a variety of ways. Here are five uses that have worked for me.

Combat dandruff: The chemical peeling effect of glycolic acid can prevent dandruff. Thanks to the tapered applicator included, the product can be easily applied to your scalp. Apply it once a week and massage it in with your fingertips.

Combat calluses: The same principle applies to callus prevention and treatment. After showering in the evening, massage it into your feet, apply a foot cream over it and slip on a pair of socks. Since I’ve started doing this, my pedicures have become less frequent.

Combat keratosis pilaris: Keratosis pilaris, also known as chicken skin, manifests itself in the form of small pimples on the upper arms and legs. It looks a bit like goosebumps and is caused by excess keratin accumulating in your hair follicles. It’s a cornification disorder that many find annoying – myself included. I’ve been coating my upper arms and the back of my thighs with glycolic acid before bed. After just a few days, my skin felt smoother and more supple.

Combat back pimples: I have a hard time getting to my back when I shower, which is why I tend to neglect it in terms of personal hygiene. As a result, conditioner and shampoo residue builds up, which leads to pimples for me. Since glycolic acid cleanses the pores, I put some of the toner in a spray bottle and spray my back with a few spritzes after I shower. A handy tip: go for a spray bottle that can be used upside down so you don’t have to contort your body in weird ways.

Combat BO: You can even use this toner as a deodorant. Sweat in itself is odourless; it’s the bacteria on your skin which feed on sweat that create the stench. These bacteria don’t like low pH values like this toner has.

But be careful: when using fruit acids, be sure to use sun protection and avoid direct sunlight. They make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. If you don’t protect yourself, your skin may get damaged – the opposite of the goal!