Did you know that adding a glycolic acid toner to your skincare routine is one of the best ways to keep your skin looking younger, smoother, and more vibrant? That's […]
Did you know that adding a glycolic acid toner to your skincare routine is one of the best ways to keep your skin looking younger, smoother, and more vibrant?
That's because alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid draw out impurities, resurface skin texture, brighten skin tone, and even stimulate collagen production. (source: Soleymani et al., 2018)
Cleansing your face with a glycolic acid toner also prepares your skin to better absorb subsequent treatments like a chemical peel, retinol serum, or face cream.
But with so many glycolic acid toners on the market, which one is right for you? 🤔
Keep reading to find out!
RELATED ARTICLES:
What Is The Best Glycolic Acid Toner?
Here are my top recommendations:
- Editor's Choice: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
- Best Ingredient List: Civant Skin Care Purifying Toner
- Professional Quality: Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution
- Strongest Toner: Platinum Skin Care Revitalizing Glycolic Toner
- Award-Winning Toner: Pixi Glow Tonic
- Most Popular Pick: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Best AHA/BHA Toner: CosRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Effaclar Clarifying Solution may help smooth skin texture and shrink enlarged pores as well, but keep in mind that 2% glycolic acid is a low concentration, so don't expect dramatic results.
Finally, the last key ingredient is thermal spring water from La Roche-Posay, France, rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, but most importantly selenium.
Research funded by thermal spring water companies (La Roche-Posay, Avène, Uriage, Vichy) has shown that the natural minerals in spring water have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for inflammatory skin diseases like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
(sources: Seite, 2013 and Merial-Kieny, 2011)
My Verdict: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution is my #1 pick with an amazing formula of 0.5% salicylic acid, 2% glycolic acid, and thermal spring water that will help you reduce breakouts, minimize pores, and improve skin texture.
Finally, capryloyl salicylic acid (a.k.a. lipohydroxy acid or LHA) is a derivative of salicylic acid that slowly penetrates the skin and stimulates cell renewal while natural oils like jojoba and argan moisturize and nourish with vitamins A and E.
All Civant Skin Care products are vegan, cruelty-free, made in the USA, and come with an industry standard 30-day money back guarantee.
RELATED:
On the other hand, Civant Skin Care did not disclose the glycolic acid percentage, which means it's likely very low (1-2%). The formula does include alcohol which may cause skin dryness.
My Verdict: If you're looking to add a powerful toner to your brightening skincare routine, Civant Skin Care Purifying Toner is a must-have with glycolic acid, loads of botanical extracts, and natural oils, without any harsh chemicals (except for alcohol, for some reason).
For the best deal, check out the Starter Brightening Kit which includes 2 full sizes of Meladerm.
Malachite extract, derived from gemstone, protects against free radicals and oxidative stress while glycolic and salicylic acids exfoliate skin texture and clarify pores.
Unfortunately, this glycolic acid toner is not alcohol-free and a bit more expensive.
My Verdict: Give your skin a professional treatment (or prepare it for one) with Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution featuring a unique formula of glycolic acid, azelaic acid derivative, niacinamide, malachite extract, and salicylic acid, for a brighter and clearer complexion.
My Verdict: Complete your anti-aging skincare routine with Platinum Skin Care's powerful Revitalizing Glycolic Toner featuring 10% glycolic acid to smooth fine lines and fade dark spots while preparing your skin to better absorb further treatments like a glycolic acid peel.
Overall, Pixi Glow Tonic is a fan favorite toner that works well in any skincare routine, especially with energizing ginseng extract to help your skin wake up in the morning!
My Verdict: If you're looking for an old classic that'll keep your skin glowing, Pixi Glow Tonic is an excellent choice with 5% glycolic acid, ginseng, and aloe vera.
My Verdict: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a cult classic with an amazing formula and price, not to mention 8,000+ worshippers on Amazon (but buy from DECIEM!).
My Verdict: CosRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner combines natural AHAs/BHAs from apple and willow bark water into a refreshing & soothing toner mist.