True story: We’ve never met a dermatologist, or skincare expert who doesn’t love glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works by dissolving the glue that holds dead skin cells together, lifting pigment from the skin, and promoting cell turnover. And it does this all without creating little micro-tears in your skin, like an aggressive scrub.
Glycolic acid toners are a beneficial step in your skincare routine if you are seeking to treat skin issues like fine lines, acne, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It also stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis to produce increased amounts of collagen which helps skin feel firmer.
It’s commonly found at concentrations below 10% whereas professional chemical peel treatments regularly use glycolic acid in high concentrations of up to 70%. Glycolic acid can also increase sun sensitivity, so it’s important to wear sunscreen while using glycolic acid to avoid sun damage. Wear SPF of at least 30, please.
Best Glycolic Acid Toners
Ahead, we’ve gathered up 10 of the best glycolic acid toners to help you achieve the glowiest skin of your dreams:
1. Best for Sensitive Skin: Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
Depending on the percentage and how it’s formulated, some glycolic acid serums can be irritating–especially if you have sensitive skin. Don’t worry though, this alcohol-free mild formula is made with glycolic acid, grapefruit and hydrating aloe extract that works to refine pores, diminish the appearance of fine lines, and uneven skin tone without irritating the skin.
Price: $18; ulta.com
2. Best for Dullness: Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner
A moderate-strength solution, it’s suitable for almost all skin types, and can be used as your nightly low-dose treatment. The potent formula also nourishes the skin with ginseng and aloe vera. Expect energized, brighter skin instantly.
Price: $15; pixibeauty.com
3. Best Affordable: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution
Searching for an effective drugstore pick? The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Acid Toner has you covered. It contains a combination of glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng and tasmanian pepperberry, which are ideal for correcting dark spots, evening out your skin texture, and reducing fine lines — without any irritation whatsoever.
Price: $8.50; sephora.com
4. Best for Dry Skin: Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner
Made with hyaluronic acid and aloe, this glycolic acid toner is the perfect choice for anyone with dry, or dehydrated skin. In addition to gently exfoliating, it draws moisture to your skin, leaving it supremely plump and dewy.
Price: $14; ulta.com
5. Best Splurge: Dior Capture Youth New Skin Effect Enzyme Solution
Chemical exfoliants can often be drying, but this isn’t the case with this top-rated glycolic acid toner from Dior, which is ideal for normal to oily skin types. It also absorbs quickly into the skin, without leaving behind any tacky or sticky residue.
Price: $65; sephora.com
6. Best for All: Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Solutions Toner
This beloved Peter Thomas Roth formula serves to both exfoliate and moisturize the skin. It is powered by witch hazel to combat breakouts, your complexion will appear brighter, refreshed and revitalized.
Price: $44; beautybay.com
7. Best for Acne-Prone Skin: DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Healthy Toner
Inside the bottle is a blend of AHAs—including glycolic, lactic acids—that work together to treat hormonal breakouts, excessive oil production and unevenly textured skin. It also contains green tea that helps with redness and inflammation.
Price: $39; dermstore.com
8. Best with Niacinamide: Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution
All glycolic acid toners brighten to some degree, but this one goes the extra mile with a blend of skin brighteners like niacinamide and azelaic acid. It also contains oil-dissolving salicylic acid to further ward off clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Price: $37; walmart.com
9. Best Natural: Evolve Organic Beauty Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner
If you’re into organic beauty, this glycolic acid toner from Evolve should 100 percent be on your radar. This formula is made without parabens and phthalates and contains a blend of naturally-derived glycolic acid, pore-minimizing willow bark extract, and hydrating glycerin.
Price: $28; credobeauty.com
10.Best for Enlarged Pores: The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner
If you’re looking to minimize the appearance of your pores without breaking the bank, this option is an easy addition to your routine. This formula contains 10% glycolic acid to also help reduce the appearance of those stubborn dark spots on your skin.
Price: $11; sephora.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use glycolic acid toner everyday?
Depending on the concentration, yes, you can use glycolic acid every day. However, if you are a beginner, don’t use it daily otherwise you risk damaging your skin barrier by over-exfoliating.
How to choose a glycolic acid toner?
When choosing any glycolic acid treatment, the percentage of glycolic acid is just one factor. The product’s pH is the other. So a product containing a low percentage of glycolic acid but with a lower pH (around 2) will be more effective than a high percentage but low acidity product.
Should I moisturize after glycolic acid?
Remember to always apply moisturizer to protect and hydrate your newly exfoliated skin. Keeping your skin hydrated will also prevent any potential redness or irritation.
What percentage of glycolic acid is effective?
The ideal percentage of glycolic acid for at-home use would be 2 percent to 10 percent.
Who should avoid using glycolic acid?
If you have peeling or broken skin, you should wait until it is healed before attempting to use glycolic acid toner in your routine.
You may also like
- 10 Best Chemical Exfoliators That Will Give You Super Smooth Skin
- AHA vs. BHA: A Beginner’s Guide To Chemical Exfoliation
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