It pains me (in a good way) to say that The Ordinary may have just enabled my skincare addiction with their science-minded products.

Here I am lurking through r/asianbeauty, looking for another product to add to my ever-growing list of things to try when I get paid. (The list is still pretty long…)

I saw a post about some HG (Holy Grail) product that isn’t AB (Asian Beauty) specific, but its helped too many to not be mentioned.

So I look it up on Google.

Lo and behold, DECIEM comes up and the nerd inside me shrieks.

So I spend the next half hour browsing the site. I would buy something, but

I’m trying not to frivolously throw my money at everything I do not want to become another horror story on /r/AsianBeauty that tried something new and destroyed their acid mantle (skin’s barrier).

So I head over to r/asianbeautyexchange, find my favorite sellers latest thread, and ordered a 10ml decant of something that caught my eye.

You guessed it!

The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution!

The product in question! Photo from The Ordinary’s website.

I tested it for you so that you have at least some idea of what it does. Plus I get to go ham on testing skincare products.

Whoo Hoo!

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What is this product? Why should I use it?

Well, I’m glad you asked.

Switches to cooler glasses.

This product is an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) that primarily increases skin turnover aka how fast your skin sheds and makes new cells.

As a result, the skin looks younger, smoother, and more even in skin tone!

Picture of Glycolic Acid, an AHA. Pic from Wikimedia Commons

Which makes it great for people who are trying to either fix the blemishes caused by the aftermath of acne (I am still at war) or want to polish off their skin to bring out their natural beauty.

I’m honestly just aiming for no-need-for-makeup-face glory.

As an extroverted introvert, I like the thought of getting dress up but not the actual activity. So no makeup needed would be a blessing on my life and wallet.

How to use it?

Great question!

Puts on a lab coat.

Now there are four important things to make note of when using this product:

You don’t have any open wounds. You have thoroughly cleansed your face of makeup and sunscreen. You are able to wait long enough for the acid to neutralize (about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the person) The toner has a pH of 3.5-3.7

Here are the Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Rosa damascena flower water, Centaurea cyanus flower water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Aminomethyl Propanol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Glycine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, PCA, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Hexyl Nicotinate, Dextrin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Gellan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.

My Routine while Testing

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Cosrx Natural BHA Skin Returning A-sol (AM only)

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Neutrogena Vitamin C (PM only)

Biore Sunscreen

After confirming that it is okay for you to use, here is how to use it:

Cleanse your face ensuring that there is no residue of makeup or sunscreen. You want to make sure that the acid actually gets to your skin and does its job. My advice for that is either double cleansing or using the pads of your fingers to rub the dirt off for a minute to two longer. Squeeze enough of the liquid that it gathers in your cupped palm. I’m talking five to six milliliters. Rub your hands together and gently pat your face ensuring complete coverage. Make sure to avoid the eye area due to the skin being too thin to deal with harshness. Let it sit on your face for 15 to 30 minutes in order to neutralize. I usually shower before my nightly skincare routine, so I waste time by lotioning, watching a video on YT, or doing homework. Whatever it takes to make you wait! Then continue with the rest of your products, as normal.

This product doesn’t conflict with anything else to my knowledge, so feel free to use your regular products.

Remember that this is a toner. It comes after cleansing and before your moisturizers and serums as a way to prep your skin’s pH so that further treatments will be more effective.

Who is it best for?

This toner is best for Individuals:

Want to improve their skin’s dullness

Want to fix texture irregularities

Want to even out skin tone as a whole

Want an AHA that is cheap and works well

Special ingredients to watch out for?

Tasmanian Pepperberry extract aka Tasmannia lanceolata: has high antimicrobial properties, soothes irritation, and an anti-inflammatory.

Photo from woodbridgefruittrees.com.au

Aloe Vera: soothes and calms the skin from burning sensations

Photo from Wikipedia

Ginseng Root: also soothes and calms the skin from burning sensations

Photo from Wikipedia

My Experience?

Ultimately, this is a great product for someone looking to increase their skincare game with some more direct and stronger methods.

My face before and after!

The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a great addition to any novice that has an established routine and is ready to get more specific with their routine.

It’s formulated to abate the harsh irritations that AHAs can cause. So as long as you use it carefully, your skin will be fine!

You can buy it here.

Now that I have geeked out enough…

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