The Ordinary

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution

ExfoliantBudgetEvening only
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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.

What this is good for

✓ Great forDullnessRough TextureCongestion

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them.

~50–80%Aqua
~5–25%Glycolic Acid
~3–10%Rosa Damascena …
~2–6%Centaurea Cyanu…
~1.5–4%Aloe Barbadensi…
~1–2%4 ingredients
≤ 1% each4 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %1% regulatory line

What's actually doing the work

Glycolic Acid
AHA / Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Acid
The smallest AHA, so it penetrates efficiently to loosen dead surface cells, smoothing texture and boosting radiance. Increases sun sensitivity — daily SPF is essential.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Barbadensis
Botanical
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Aloe Vera works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Ginseng
Panax Ginseng Root
Botanical
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Ginseng works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.

Routine placement

Evening only

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (64% active overlap). We found 1 option that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all exfoliant dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.

Similar on the shelf

Put this in context

Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.