Unboxing The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
Unboxing The Ordinary Glycolic Acid and the different ways to use it. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Reviews & More
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
- 85% of the Deciem Addicts love The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
- 80% say it has improved their skin
- 81% will be repurchasing this product
- Scores 4.5/5 on the Deciem website
- Targets
- Dullness
- Uneven Tone
- Textural Irregularities
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
Everything you need to know about The Ordinary Glycolic Acid plus reviews by the moderators and Deciem Addicts from the Facebook Group.
- What is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid?
- What does Glycolic Acid do?
- How and when do I use Glycolic Acid?
- Which products do the Glycolic Acid conflict with?
- Unboxing The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
- Is my Glycolic Acid Fake?
- Faqs
- Reviews of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid
- Similar products to Glycolic Acid.
- Size: 240ml. Check the price in your currency here.
What is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid & What Does It Do?
- Exfoliating toner
- Dullness
- Uneven Tone
- Textural Irregularities
Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). This exfoliates the top surface of the skin improving skin radiance and texture. BHA’s (Salicylic Acid) goes deeper into the pores, so The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% (both AHA & BHA) is a top-rated product because it targets both the top surface and travels deeper into the pores.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid contains Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative, which helps reduce irritation, which acids can often cause. It also contains ginseng root and aloe vera, which are great for radiance and soothing the skin.
When & How Do I Use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid?
- Best to use in the evenings only as this product can increase sun sensitivity.
- Apply to a cotton pad and wipe over your face and neck avoiding your eye area.
- Check products that conflict below. You can use them in alternate routines.
- Patch test this product before using and do not use if you have sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Always read the instructions.
For more in-depth information about this product, please go to The Ordinary website.
Which Products Conflict With The Ordinary Glycolic Acid?
It is best to avoid using the following products in the same routine. They can be used in alternate routines morning/evening.
- Peptides
- EUK 134
- Direct Acids
- The Ordinary products you can and cannot mix
Why can’t I use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid with certain products?
By Deciem: Glycolic Acid is part of the Direct Acid family, it is not so friendly with products that contain peptides or EUK 134. We also recommend avoiding the use of retinoids alongside direct acids if you are an inexperienced user of either.
We would not recommend combining direct acids with peptides due to the susceptibility of peptides to hydrolysis (which breaks the bonds between peptides, reducing their efficacy and making them into individual amino acids). At low pH, the peptides undergo processes such as deamidation (the removal of an amide group) and oxidation, which compromise the activity of the peptides.
Having said that, if you have previously combined peptides with acids and have not experienced any negative side effects or discoloration, you may continue to combine the two products as so as the combination does not pose any potential harm. Our recommendations are meant to serve as a preventative measure to avoid any incompatibility between those combinations and also because skin tolerance is subjective.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Reviews
Rachael @rachiecandice Dehydrated / Normal Skin. This is a nice gentle exfoliating toner. I personally prefer not to use exfoliants daily, so I use this when needed, but it keeps my skin even and clear.
Jess @sk.insta.story says I have tried this and the Pixi version and found them to be comparable. They both didn’t do much for my skin. Now I use the glycolic to try and get rid of milia at the top of my cheeks!
Reviews by the Deciem Addicts
NNT says: I give you a 4/5. You sting like hell but only for about 30 seconds. You’ve made my skin so smooth and glowy. I recommend ppl only use hydrating products after you.
TK says: I really really wanted this to be a 5/5. And it still could move up to 5/5. I’ve been using it twice a week and now up to 10 minutes. From the comments I’ve read here, I expected my skin to be smooth and glowing because it would get rid of the dryness I get from using Granactive 5%. My skin just looks ok in the morning and my lower cheeks are dry by 2pm and upper cheeks by 4pm. But I still give it a 4/5.
Marla says: Love it! I feel like my skin is so incredibly smooth. The Ordinary has done amazing things for my skin and I am so thankful! After battling acne since I was 11, this 27 years old finally has skin good enough to show off 🙂
thebeautyaddict.deI absolutely love this product, it works so great for me, it definitely improved the overall look of my skin and I love how soft my skin feels after using the toner😍 I’ll definitely repurchase it 😍
glamlifelights5/5 from me. It’s a gentle exfoliator, doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry or stripped, I can see results almost immediately (that glow!), you get tons of product for the price, and there’s no strong fragrance.
Photos of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid – Authentic
There are often concerns about whether the product is authentic or not. I advise you only buy through one of the many authorised stockists online, and you can read more about The Ordinary fakes here. This product was purchased from Deciem, and you can see the bottle, the text, the colour of the product and the consistency.


Frequently Asked Questions About Glycolic Acid
These questions have been answered by Deciem on Social Media.
Can this product be used in the morning routine? Evening only.
How many times a week can I use it? It can be used daily.
Can I use it with niacinamide same time? Yes, you can.
Can we use it for dark circles under the eyes? We don’t suggest using Direct Acids around the eyes. You may wish to explore Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG.
Can I use at the same time hyaluronic acid? Yes, you can use Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 after the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
Does it work for inflammatory pimples? Please note that Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.
More FAQS about Glycolic Acid
Can this product be used on black skin? I heard a derm say it’s too strong for our skin and that mandelic acid is better because it’s more gentle. It’s suitable for all skin types, but if you’re new to direct acids, the Mandelic Acid offers a more mild option. We also recommend avoiding unprotected sun exposure and applying SPF regularly with use.
For normal to dry skin, how frequently is It recommended? You may wish to start off with 2-3 times a week.
Can I pair it up with a moisturiser? If yes, then how much time should I account for in between the application of the ordinary glycolic acid toner 7% and a moisturiser? @theordinaryYes, you can apply a moisturizer after. Please note there is no need to wait a certain amount of time in between the application of products.
It’s Glycolic ok to use in the summer? Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution should only be used in your PM routine. We recommend avoiding unprotected solar exposure and frequently reapplying sunscreen (every 2 hours), especially with the use of Direct Acids/Retinol/Retinoids. You may wish to explore Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants or Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 with Antioxidants for protection. Both are mineral sunscreens that offer UVB protection of SPF 15 or 30 as well as antioxidant support.
Can I apply this Glycolic toner before applying your “Buffet” serum? No, we suggest using “Buffet” & Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution in separate regimens.
Is Glycolic good for oily skin? Yes! We recommend using up to 3x per week.
How do you suggest applying Glycolic Acid? With fingers or a cotton pad? You can do it either way.
Can Glycolic be used on the scalp to exfoliate? Please note this product has been specifically formulated and tested for use on the face. If you wish to use it elsewhere, we strongly recommend applying a small test patch before proceeding.
More Faqs
Is Glycolic Acid safe if you´re pregnant? We do not test our products on pregnant/nursing women. Hence, we cannot provide any confirmation on that aspect. It is best to consult your physician in advance before use just to be on the safe side.
Does Glycolic help with cystic acne? Just as a note – none of our products can be considered medical treatments for acne, so we suggest consulting with your physician to see what may work best for your skin.
Can I use Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide with Glycolic Acid? Yes, you may.
Why can’t I buy Glycolic Acid in Canada? There are certain Deciem products which are unavailable in some countries due to regulations, and this is one of them. You may find other stockists will ship to these countries though.
Can I use Glycolic Acid on my feet? Quite a few of the Deciem Addicts do use glycolic acid on their feet and swear by it.
Is it possible to use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid as a deodorant? Some of the Deciem Addicts do use the Glycolic Acid as a deodorant. Do your own research on the internet and try it out for yourself. Do come and let us know how you get on by leaving a comment in the Deciem Chat Room.
More Faqs
Can I use The Ordinary Glycolic toner for sensitive skin? This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. For a milder solution, you may prefer to try The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA. This is a superficial alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peeling formulation that targets uneven tone, textural irregularities, and fine lines. Its larger molecular weight allows mandelic acid to penetrate the skin slower and is suitable for all skin types. We recommend avoiding unprotected solar exposure, gradually incorporating one new product into your regimen at a time and applying test patches first to see what works best for your skin.
Can I Glycolic Acid after the AHA 30% Peeling Solution? We suggest alternating between them to avoid irritation.
Can I use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% zinc 1% after Glycolic Acid? Yes, you may indeed.
Is it ok to use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner every day (PM) or it could lead to over-exfoliating? Glycolic Acid can certainly be applied daily
Can I use Glycolic Acid with the Granactive Retinoid in Squalane? We would recommend using them on alternate evenings!
I use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide daily. Then once a week I use the peeling solution. Where would I fit Glycolic Acid in? You may incorporate The Glycolic Acid in alternating PM routines as The Peeling Solution if you wish.
Please can I use this with The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin for my acne treatment? Yes, you may. Just as a note – none of our products can be considered medical treatments for acne, so we suggest consulting with your physician to see what may work best for your skin.
Final Thoughts On Glycolic Acid
85% of the Deciem Addicts love Glycolic Acid, and 80% have seen an improvement in their skin. 83% said they had no issues using this product, and a huge 81% will be repurchasing it. This, along with the AHA 30% + BHA 2% are the 2 most popular acids in the Facebook Group.
Products Similar To The Ordinary Glycolic Acid & Other Acids
Lots of members also love Pixi Glycolic Acid. Deciem doesn´t really have another toner like this, but you can look at the other acids, including The Ordinary AHA 30% + 2% BHA and the Salicylic Acid Masque.