10 Reasons to Add a Glycolic Acid Toner to Your Routine

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Glycolic acid toners have always been a dermatologist favorite, but its popularity has skyrocketed recently thanks to skin care obsessives on TikTok. For the uninitiated, glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliator that’s sourced from sugar cane. “It’s a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), and it dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells in the stratum corneum,” says Dr. Margarita Lolis, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and New Jersey.

As a result, the acid is a pro at getting rid of dead skin cells and has all sorts of uses, especially in toner form. You might see people on social media utilizing it to brighten underarms or get rid of body odor—I definitely have. But the most common and conventional benefits include “improving hyperpigmentation, decreasing inflammation, and boosting the natural turnover of skin cells,” explains Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. Toners also helps reduce sebum production. However, Dr. Lolis suggests those with dry or sensitive skin proceed with caution and “look for formulas with glycerin, aloe vera, or other soothing ingredients to decrease the risk of irritation” when trying out glycolic acid toners for the first time.

All in all, when used carefully, the exfoliator is a fantastic ally for anyone who wants their skin to look as smooth and radiant as your favorite celebrity on a red carpet. With the help of trusted dermatologists and hundreds of customer reviews, we’ve narrowed down the options to this list of the 10 best glycolic acid toners money can buy. Your (skin’s) future is bright!

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

When someone says glycolic acid toner, this is generally the first one that comes to mind. The Ordinary’s version became an instant classic when it launched years ago, and it’s one of Dr. Lolis’ top picks. “The concentration is just right and is generally well tolerated,” she reports.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry derivative, ginseng root, aloe vera

Size: 8 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I bought this toner years ago when I was dreaming of smoother skin, and that’s exactly what I got. It eradicated many of the tiny bumps on my skin that bugged me, plus it added an unexpected glow. Also, I found that it got rid of my dry patches, making any foundation or concealer I applied look a lot more seamless.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

Glycolic Exfoliating Toner

Exfoliating and hydrating at the same time is possible, thanks to Good Molecules. The skin care brand’s glycolic acid toner marries AHAs and hyaluronic acid, resulting in a combination that simultaneously combats texture, hyperpigmentation, and dehydration.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, aloe

Size: 4 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I absolutely love this product, as I use it every night before bed, and when I wake up in the morning, my skin looks so clear and smooth. I highly recommend.”

Glow Tonic

As its name suggests, this toner is designed to give you that coveted lit-from-within glow with the help of glycolic acid. The formula counteracts the potentially irritating effects of the acid by including soothing aloe vera.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe vera

Size: 8.5 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my favorite skincare product ever. I have combination skin, and this does not dry your skin, yet it keeps the oil away. Best I ever used. I have sensitive skin, and this stuff does not make my face red at all.”

8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

This exfoliant isn’t a toner, but it’s perfect for those who prefer a lightweight gel texture over a runny liquid one. The formula is so gentle that you can build up to applying it twice a day.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, green tea, chamomile, aloe

Size: 3.3 fl. oz.

Paula’s Choice rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Paula’s Choice reviewer says: “This might be the holy grail product for my acne. I’ve spent years trying to figure out my skin,and nothing has stuck. I’ve tried A313, epiduo, various serums, every different type of cleanser, and my acne still persisted. I’ve used this product for two days, and active blemishes are disappearing, and hyperpigmentation is completely gone. This feels like it might be the thing I’ve needed all along! As someone who works out a ton for my job, I think this gel does the trick of getting all the dead skin off my face and declogging my pores. I already love this product!”

Conditioning Clarifying Toner

While AHAs like glycolic acid are gentler on the skin, a BHA can do an even better job of getting into and clearing your pores. SkinCeuticals’ toner incorporates both types of acid, ensuring that every inch of your skin feels and looks soft, clean, and clear.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, eucalyptus oil

Size: 6.8 fl. oz.

Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says:

Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner

Enthusiasts appreciate the Inkey List for its straightforward, no-frills formulas, mainly because the products clearly state their purpose—and do it well. The brand’s glycolic acid toner is optimized for all skin types, but oily-skinned folks will probably appreciate it the most due to the infusion of witch hazel, which aids in reducing excess sebum.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, witch hazel

Size: 3.4 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I love this. It has made a visible change in my skin discoloration issues. Have ordered my second bottle.”

2% AHA Exfoliating Toner

A common complaint about glycolic acid toners is their unpleasant scent. However, reviewers rave about this toner’s summery, citrusy fragrance. The product also does everything you’d want a glycolic acid toner to do, including helping control oil production, sloughing away dead skin cells, and reducing the appearance of pores.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid,

Size: 12 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Been using for a few months now and can certainly tell the difference. Skin has been clearer, and I certainly can see the difference with my pores.”

Kale-Lalu-yAHA

This KraveBeauty exfoliator is like a green juice for your skin. Beyond the exfoliation it provides, the formula’s kale, parsley, and spinach offer a litany of antioxidants and vitamins to nourish and protect the skin from free radicals, while hyaluronic acid brings some much-needed hydration.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, kale, spinach, parsley

Size: 6.76 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Bought for my daughter who has super sensitive skin. This stuff is amazing! Gentle on the face yet does what it says it’s gonna do.”

Glow2OH™ Dark Spot Toner

Glycolic acid and lactic acid, another member of the AHA family, are the stars of this anti-aging, dark spot-reducing toner. The supporting cast includes witch hazel for its brightening and astringent properties, and chamomile extract for its soothing powers.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, witch hazel, water, lemon extract, sugar cane extract, licorice root extract, chamomile extract, sandalwood extract

Size: 6.5 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “This is a holy grail product for me. I’ve been using it for years, and it’s helped greatly with my dark spots, and I can always tell a difference in my skin after using it. I’ve repurchased at least four bottles.”

10% Glycolic Acid Pore Clarifying Toner

Oily skin and excess sebum production can often lead to clogged pores that appear to be larger than we’d like. This toner contains pretty much all of the most beloved ingredients to address the issue, including glycolic acid, witch hazel, and tea tree oil. With consistent use, it’ll clarify your skin and balance your skin’s natural oils, leading to smaller-looking pores.

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, tea tree oil, witch hazel, red clover

Size: 4.22 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Overall, I would really recommend this product to most people. It does a great job smoothing skin and minimizing pores, it doesn’t cause redness, and it’s high-quality. I would, however, caution people to test it out first and I would suggest that those with very sensitive skin may want to look for something else.”

Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials

• The Best Toners for Dry Skin

• The Best Toners For Every Skin Type

• The Best Face Exfoliators for a Soft, Smooth Complexion

• The Best Dermatologist-Approved Face Masks for Erasing Blackheads

Meet the Experts

Dr. Margarita Lolis is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and New Jersey.

Dr. Nazanin Saedi is a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia.

How often should you use a glycolic acid toner?

Dr. Saedi suggests exfoliating once or twice a week. Dr. Lolis agrees and recommends taking a look at your skin type and the other products in your rotation beforehand to pinpoint the exact frequency. “I always take a conservative approach when using toners, especially ones with glycolic acid,” she says. If your skin seems to be tolerating it well, you can increase your usage. “The concentration or strength of the glycolic acid is also important. I recommend starting with a low concentration of glycolic acid and working up to stronger formulations over time, depending on how well your skin tolerates it,” Dr. Lolis adds.

Is there anyone who should avoid glycolic acid toners?

Because glycolic acid can be irritating and lead to flare-ups, Dr. Lolis advises “patients with a history of eczema, rosacea or sensitive skin to avoid glycolic acid, as well as patients with a sunburn or any excoriations,” she says.

All hope is not lost, though. If you still want to reap the benefits of the acid, trying a glycolic acid cleanser may be the way to go, according to Dr. Saedi. “Cleansers will be on your skin for a shorter period of time and water will help dilute and neutralize the acid. After using a cleanser with glycolic acid, your skin will be primed to absorb the added ingredients from the serums and moisturizers that follow,” she says.

It’s also important to keep in mind that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Overusing an exfoliator can wreak havoc on your skin and damage its barrier, even if you don’t have sensitive skin to begin with. “It’s especially tempting to throw a bunch of ingredients onto your skin when you are trying to clear irritation or a breakout, but this can make matters worse. So I advise patients to choose one exfoliant and stick with it. Slowly increase the frequency or try a higher concentration before adding more actives,” explains Dr. Saedi.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted skin experts about glycolic acid toners. She also searched the internet for glycolic acid products, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.

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