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I’ve seen a lot of skincare recommendations for dry and sensitive skin, both on social media and on various health websites. One thing that’s often mentioned is that toner isn’t a necessary step for this skin type.
At first, I didn’t quite agree. I tried multiple toners and used them every day (even though they were marketed as hydrating toners!), but they actually made my skin even drier. There were even times when my skin felt hot and looked red, even though I had already applied moisturizer afterward.
From that experience, I started to understand that every skin has different needs. What works for other people doesn’t necessarily work for me.
Even so, I also realized that dry skin doesn’t only need hydration. There were times when my skin looked dull, my pores were clogged with everyday makeup buildup, and whiteheads started to appear. That’s why I began looking for a product that could provide exfoliating benefits without making my skin even drier or more sensitive.
So far, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner has been one of the products that has successfully given me that balance.
Packaging
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner comes in a simple, transparent plastic bottle, making it easy to see the light yellow liquid inside. It also has a twist-open applicator that makes it easy to control how much product comes out. The packaging is available in two sizes: 100 ml and 240 ml. I personally use the 100 ml version, which feels practical and travel-friendly, while the 240 ml bottle is a great option if you use it regularly and want better value for money.
Ingredients
This water-based toner contains several key ingredients. The first, of course, is Glycolic Acid, which is known for helping to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, brighten the skin, and promote a more even-looking skin tone.
What I really like is that the formula is balanced with the addition of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, which is known for its hydrating and soothing properties, making it beneficial for dry and sensitive skin. I also just learned that the Panax Ginseng Root Extract included in this formula helps provide antioxidant benefits while keeping the skin hydrated and healthy-looking.
Here, you can see the full ingredient list of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner.
Texture, Scent, Swatch
Because it’s a water-based toner, the texture is very liquid and has a clear appearance with a slight yellow tint. The scent is quite distinctive, with a mildly acidic smell that reminds me of sour fruit.
After application, it leaves a very light layer on the skin that feels almost like a thin film of oil. This creates a glowy, sealed-in finish that makes the skin look and feel plumper almost immediately.
At the same time, you may notice a slight tingling sensation for a short while. Once the toner has fully settled (after about a minute), you can move on to the next step, which is moisturizer, to add extra hydration to your skin.
I personally prefer using it once a week at night. In my opinion, that’s the perfect time for a skin-renewal treatment, and of course, your skin is exposed to much less air pollution.
Final Verdict
It turns out that dry skin needs exfoliation too. After all, we’re exposed to air pollution every day, and makeup can unknowingly contribute to clogged pores.
This toner does a great job on my dry and sensitive skin. It helps keep my skin free from dust and makeup residue, which makes it look brighter overall. As for fine lines, I haven’t noticed any significant changes while using this toner, mainly because my goal is weekly skin renewal (considering that even using a hydrating toner every day made my skin drier, I definitely don’t want to use an exfoliating toner daily :D).
I’ve even applied a few drops onto a cotton pad and used it as a compress on my premenstrual pimples for about 1 minute, and it worked quite well.
For me, it’s a 9/10.
Would I repurchase it? Absolutely. Especially now that there’s a mini size available. Considering I only use it once a week, I think it’s definitely worth it.
Have you tried it too?
Share your thoughts below!
Pika🌼
References:
How Should You Use Glycolic Acid?
What is ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE used for?
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
