The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
4.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Results you may expect from using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution has a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a high humectancy of 7.9 out of 10, primarily due to Propanediol (est. ≈1.5%), Glycerin (est. ≈1.3%) and Aspartic Acid (est. ≈0.3%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈7.0%),
 highly effective in peelings, yet with below-average anti-wrinkle efficacy when used in leave-on skincare products.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
Water
7
Glycolic Acid
4
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
3
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water
2
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
1.5
Propanediol
1.3
Glycerin
1
Triethanolamine
0.3
Aminomethyl Propanol
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
0.3
Aspartic Acid
0.3
Alanine
0.3
Glycine
0.3
Serine
0.3
Valine
0.3
Isoleucine
0.3
Proline
0.3
Threonine
0.3
Histidine
0.3
Phenylalanine
0.3
Glutamic Acid
0.3
Arginine
0.3
PCA
0.3
Sodium PCA
0.3
Sodium Lactate
0.3
Fructose
0.3
Glucose
0.3
Sucrose
0.3
Urea
0.3
Hexyl Nicotinate
0.3
Dextrin
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Polysorbate 20
0.3
Gellan Gum
0.3
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
0.3
Sodium Chloride
0.3
Hexylene Glycol
0.3
Potassium Sorbate
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
1,2-Hexanediol
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aspartic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Alanine
Function:
Origin:
Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Serine
Function:
Origin:
Valine
Function:
Origin:
Isoleucine
Function:
Origin:
Proline
Function:
Origin:
Threonine
Function:
Origin:
Histidine
Function:
Origin:
Phenylalanine
Function:
Origin:
Glutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
PCA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Fructose
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose
Function:
Origin:
Urea
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Nicotinate
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Gellan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.9
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.9 10
7.9
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.9 10
7.9
All humectants
7.9
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 7 1.5
Total
1.5
Glycolic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
7
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.9 5 No
All soothing
3.9
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %7
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower WaterA fragrant water that is leftover after the steam distillation of Damask rose petals. During this process, the essential oil floats to the surface of the water and is collected. The leftover water has a fresh, rosy scent.
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Centaurea Cyanus Flower WaterAlso known as Cornflower floral water, this soothing ingredient gives off a fresh, floral scent. More research is required to explore its functions.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf WaterA fragrant extract derived from the leaves of aloe vera. It has a fresh, green scent and is used as a formula base.
Propanediol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Triethanolamine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl PropanolA synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf ExtractDescription is coming soon
Aspartic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aspartic AcidA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to retain water on the skin’s surface and is slightly acidic, thereby helping to balance the pH of a skincare product.
Alanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlanineA simple amino acid used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient. It is a part of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factor, a complex mixture of free amino acids and other water-soluble compounds found in skin cells.
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. Some recent studies suggest that it may have barrier repair properties.
Serine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SerineA non-essential amino acid, meaning that our body can produce it. It is the largest constituent of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and is used in skincare as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Valine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ValineAn essential amino acid (meaning our body cannot make it on its own and we get it from food instead). Like some other amino acids, Valine is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor.
Isoleucine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsoleucineA humectant moisturizing, essential amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to increase water content on the skin’s surface and can increase the barrier repair effects of ceramides.
Proline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ProlineThe best humectant moisturizer of all the amino acids. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor and increases hydration in the top layers of the skin. It also has antioxidant activity and helps to heal damaged skin.
Threonine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ThreonineAn essential amino acid that may play a role in collagen production. However, more research is needed in order to confirm or deny these claims.
Histidine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HistidineA humectant moisturizing amino acid with weak antioxidant effects that is a part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. It can attract water to the skin’s surface and is slightly alkaline, thereby helping to balance a product's pH.
Phenylalanine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenylalanineAn essential amino acid used in the treatment of vitiligo and other pigmentation issues. It is considered less effective than other anti-pigment ingredients and is often used in combination with them.
Glutamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glutamic AcidA non-essential amino acid that serves as a building block for all proteins in the body. It is a moisturizing humectant and a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of amino acids in skin cells that keeps them hydrated.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PCAAlso known as pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, this ingredient is one of the main components of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (which prevents the skin’s surface from drying out).
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
Fructose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FructoseA natural sugar that moisturizes the skin by drawing water to the surface.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Sucrose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SucroseThis ingredient is more commonly known as table sugar or saccharose and is derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. It is used as a humectant moisturizing ingredient in skincare products, as well as a sweetener.
Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UreaUrea can be found in urine, skin, and other tissues as a degradation product of proteins. In concentrations below 5%, urea is humectant moisturizing. At concentrations above 10% it is keratolytic, that helps to break away old, flaking, and cracked skin.
Hexyl Nicotinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl NicotinateDescription is coming soon
Dextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DextrinA partially hydrolyzed potato starch, most commonly used as a viscosity controlling and binding agent. When dispersed into water, it can create textures ranging from a thick paste to a soft gel.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Gellan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gellan GumA polysaccharide gel created by a species of bacteria called Sphingomonas elodea. It is used to either create soft, viscous, elastic gels or hard, brittle gels.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.