Side-by-side comparison

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads vs The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution

Both exfoliants contain Glycolic Acid, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.

2Shared hero actives
First Aid Beauty
Facial Radiance Pads
ExfoliantMid-rangeEvening only
DullnessRough TextureSensitivity

Gentle lactic-and-glycolic acid swipe pads with soothing lemon peel and aloe. An easy, low-irritation glow step for sensitive skin new to acids; mild enough to use a few times a week.

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The Ordinary
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution
ExfoliantBudgetEvening only
DullnessRough TextureCongestion

A 7% glycolic acid toner with aloe, ginseng and Tasmanian pepperberry to temper sting. A cult budget AHA for glow and texture; potent enough that it's a once-every-few-days step, not a daily toner, and demands daytime SPF.

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The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both contain Glycolic Acid. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads adds Lactic Acid. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads is the better fit for sensitive skin; The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution for congestion. On price, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution is the less expensive option (Budget versus Mid-range).

The overlap

What they share

These hero actives appear in both formulas:

Glycolic AcidAloe Vera
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Glycolic Acid~5–25%
  • Lactic Acid~3–10%
  • Glycerin~2–6%
  • Hamamelis Virgi…~1.5–4%

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Glycolic Acid~5–25%
  • Rosa Damascena …~3–10%
  • Centaurea Cyanu…~2–6%
  • Aloe Barbadensi…~1.5–4%

● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.

At a glance

The specs

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance PadsThe Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution
CategoryExfoliantExfoliant
Price tierMid-rangeBudget
Best forDullness, Rough Texture, SensitivityDullness, Rough Texture, Congestion
Usage notesEvening onlyEvening only
Shared hero activesGlycolic Acid and Aloe Vera
Questions

Common questions

Is the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads or The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Glycolic Acid; First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads adds Lactic Acid.
What's the difference between the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution?
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads's hero actives are Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Aloe Vera. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution's are Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera and Ginseng. They also sit in different price tiers (Mid-range versus Budget).
Are the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Glycolic Acid, but First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads's Lactic Acid isn't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution together?
They both fill the exfoliant slot in a routine, so you'd normally pick one. If you like both, use one in the morning and the other at night, and patch-test when introducing anything new.
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1 shared hero active

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