How a $8 Exfoliant from The Ordinary Transformed My Skin in Just One Month

Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that sloughs away the outermost layer of skin to help with brighter skin and smoother texture. It tends to work well with other skincare products, making it great to add to your routine without causing too much disruption. That being said, be wary of using it at the same time as retinol and always wear SPF the next day because AHA can make skin more sensitive and vulnerable in the sun — even in winter.

The Ordinary is known for its simple approach to ingredients, with the majority of its products focussing on one skincare ingredient, which makes controlling what goes on to your skin that much easier, especially if, like me, your skin is at all sensitive.

Having expanded into other areas, including hair and body, launching products for lash and brow growth, anti-aging growth factor serums , exfoliating cleansers, and scalp moisturizing serums, there’s no denying that its skincare is still the jewel in the crown. Famous for its affordability, with most of its products coming in at less than $20, The Ordinary’s glycolic acid costs $8, which is pretty cheap.

How I tested

I'm a big fan of skincare products, so I was eager to try this toner. Being cautious with acids due to my fairly sensitive skin, I was particularly keen to see how it would work for me. Although I don’t often get spots, I do experience hormone-related breakouts and have rather lackluster skin. So, I incorporated the glycolic acid toner into my nightly skincare regimen—using it three nights per week right after washing my face and just before applying moisturizer. During trials, I paid close attention to how the product felt on my skin: did it feel dehydrating? Was there an adverse response? Continue reading to discover my thoughts.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

I'm somewhat wary of chemical exfoliants due to past experiences where AHAs like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid have not agreed with my mildly sensitive skin. However, I didn't encounter any problems with this toner.

It’s straightforward to use; the nozzle keeps mess to a minimum and you can easily control how much product is squeezed onto the cotton pad. It’s a water-like consistency — which makes sense seeing as it’s a water-based toner — and felt really lightweight on my skin as I swiped it over my whole face, focussing particularly on my T-zone where I tend to break out.

In the evenings, I prefer keeping my skincare regimen simple so I can hit the hay sooner—happily, incorporating this extra step added only around 10 additional seconds to my routine compared to when it was not included.

Were the outcomes instantaneous? Not at all. However, after approximately one month of regular usage, I began to observe that I was not preoccupied with my skin as frequently. The reduction in blemishes, improved smoothness, and enhanced brightness turned into standard occurrences.

The most appealing aspect of this product is undoubtedly its affordability. It’s incredibly satisfying to discover an item that not only performs effectively but also comes at a reasonable price, and the glycolic acid toner falls squarely within that description.

Buy now £8.70, Theordinary.com

The conclusion: The Ordinary glycolic acid

All in all, I was greatly impressed with this. glycolic acid toner It’s budget-friendly, light, and most importantly, I believe it genuinely enhanced my complexion. Should you be looking for better skin texture and a more luminous appearance without breaking the bank, this product surely meets those needs.

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