If you already include a toner in your skincare routine, have you considered choosing a glycolic acid toner? This specific kind of toner visibly transforms your skin, promoting smoother and radiant skin, all the while boosting your other skincare products. In this post, we help you understand what a glycolic toner is, and we also answer your main concerns about it. At the end, check our favorite formulas and give yourself a try at this transforming skincare step.
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is a small molecule made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Being the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), this molecule doesn’t have a hard time penetrating the skin and getting where it needs to perform visible transformation on your skin. Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is used in many cosmetic formulations for face, body, and hair, from masks, shampoos, body lotions, facial serums, and, of course, toners!
What does toner with glycolic acid do?
Glycolic acid does several different things for your skin. At the same time, it exfoliates, provides anti-aging results, and targets hyperpigmentation. As it removes dead skin cells on the skin surface and accelerates skin cell turnover, glycolic acid promotes smooth skin, which not only feels soft and even but also looks more radiant. With higher concentrations of glycolic acid, you may also notice visible improvements with melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
How should beginners use glycolic acid?
Considering the power of this tiny molecule, you should start with low-concentration formulas to make sure your skin gets acquainted with it. Depending on your skin needs and skin tolerance, you may not even need to use your glycolic acid toner daily! Start with a patch test. After making sure your skin can tolerate it, begin slowly (like twice a week), and see how your skin looks and feels. If you think you can handle more, then add a few extra applications during the week and notice how your skin responds. Keep in mind that the directions of the brand are a great reference. Always check the “how to use” section on your product’s packaging!
Can I use glycolic acid in the morning?
Glycolic acid is photosensitive, which means that it reacts when in contact with sunlight and other sources of UV radiation. When using it in the morning, you’re exposing your skin to unnecessary risk of adverse reactions. It is not only potentially uncomfortable but also defeat the whole purpose of skincare. Again, we refer you to the application directions of your product, which probably recommend you use the glycolic acid toner in the evening. Especially if you live in a country with strong sunlight or have an outdoor lifestyle, applying glycolic acid toner in the morning would not be recommended.
Is glycolic acid toner supposed to tingle?
Yes, it is quite common to experience mild tingling when using a glycolic acid toner. However, it’s important to notice the difference between mild tingling and a burning sensation or persistent stinging. If you experience a strong reaction like these last two, then you should rinse off the product immediately and discontinue use. It may be the case that your skin is too sensitive to the concentration is higher than your skin is ready to deal with at the moment. It’s always important to notice how your skin reacts to your skincare, especially when dealing with glycolic acid toners and other powerful actives.
What concentration of glycolic acid should I use?
As it happens with other ingredients, a higher concentration is not always the better choice for you. Especially when starting to use glycolic acid, you may benefit by choosing a low concentration. However, if you have thick and dull skin with hyperpigmentation, you may not see the desired results until you go for a high concentration of glycolic acid. Make sure you understand your skin type and needs before choosing. When in doubt, start from lower concentrations and work your way up.
What is the best glycolic acid toner?
Sometimes glycolic toners announce themselves, but that’s not always the case. Here, you have a selection of our favorite glycolic acid serums that may join efforts with other actives to deliver the best results.
Saturday Skin Pore Clarifying Toner
Exfoliation for enlarged pores
Saturday Skin Pore Clarifying Toner
This gentle yet effective exfoliation solution was formulated to refine skin texture and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. Featuring 10% glycolic acid, it helps to remove accumulated dead skin cells, supporting a smoother appearance and more even tone. In addition, a pore-targeting complex combines witch hazel, tea tree oil, and red clover to help regulate excess sebum and visibly minimize pores. Equally important, sodium PCA contributes to maintaining optimal hydration, preventing dryness during exfoliation.
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Glycolic acid & salicylic acid
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Beauty of Joseon has developed a daily exfoliating formula that refines skin texture all the while respecting its natural balance. Powered by green plum water, 2% glycolic acid (AHA), and 0.5% salicylic acid (BHA), this glycolic acid toner promotes effective exfoliation, helping to clear dead skin cells and excess sebum for smoother-looking skin. In addition, mung bean extract grants a soothing action, making the formula comfortable for regular use.
Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Exfoliating AHA Treatment
Glass-like skin
Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Exfoliating AHA Treatment
Made to visibly refine skin texture while supporting optimal hydration, this toner features a 10% AHA complex including glycolic and lactic acids. These ingredients help to gently dissolve accumulated dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and more luminous appearance. The formula is enriched with four types of hyaluronic acid, delivering intense hydration to keep skin feeling soft and comfortable during exfoliation.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Peeling Toner
Daily exfoliation
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Peeling Toner
This exfoliating toner was developed to support skin renewal, all the while enhancing brightness and smoothness. Formulated with 5% pure glycolic acid, the formula helps lift away dead skin cells, encouraging cell turnover for a more even tone and refined texture over time. With regular use, it contributes to visibly reducing the appearance of dark spots for a more radiant complexion. Equally important, aloe vera and allantoin help maintain comfort and hydration thanks to their soothing properties.
Filorga Oxygen-Peel Re-Oxygenating Micro-Peeling Lotion
Micropeeling cocktail
Filorga Oxygen-Peel Re-Oxygenating Micro-Peeling Lotion
This glycolic acid exfoliating toner was designed to renew the skin’s surface and restore a smoother and more radiant appearance. The micro-peeling complex combines multiple exfoliating acids, including glycolic acid, to gently refine texture and minimize the look of pores, while also targeting early signs of aging. Enriched with revitalizing ingredients, like biomimetic polysaccharides and hyaluronic acid, this formula promotes a fresher and brighter complexion without dryness.
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
Resurfacing & brightening toner
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
Designed to enhance skin clarity and radiance while maintaining comfort, this resurfacing formula counts on glycolic acid to accelerate the removal of dead skin cells, promoting a brighter and more even-looking complexion. Along with the glycolic acid, the formula features aloe vera to support the exfoliation process, contributing to soothing and protecting the skin, reducing the risk of discomfort. Botanical extracts add a refreshing sensory element, making daily use more enjoyable.
If you’re now even more curious about glycolic acid, we have the answers you need. First, check our post where we dive, in detail, about the action of glycolic acid on your skin. Then, you may follow to our post about the best glycolic acid serums!
