Product Reviews Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
730 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Chemical Scalp Exfoliant - Helps Manage Dandruff & Oils I use this product for "other than the intended purpose". Skin care is important to me, but I struggle with psoriasis/dermatitis which sometimes results in dandruff and a rough patch behind one ear.
In the past I have tried glycolic acid for my face and it was terrible. More than just a purging, it made my sensitive skin angry and caused break outs whether it was a budget friendly item or a high end product. Still, while researching scalp and hair care I came across information that suggested glycolic acid was not only a good exfoliant, but that it also can help to make hair smoother and more manageable for some people. I spot tested it and then applied and massaged it into my whole scalp with a little behind my ears 20-30 minutes before a shower. Sometimes I do a length/ends hair masque at the same time. It rinses out easily with my shampoo and has kept my scalp and ear free of any dandruff or itching. I usually massage in a hydrating toner after from an applicator bottle when my hair is damp (not wet) and make sure some is behind my ear. Whether or not I apply anything else topical to my other skin, this has drastically improved the look and feel of my scalp and my ear.
I do this every other or every few days to maintain results. As a bonus, I have noticed that my hair does not get as oily so that I can easily go 3-5 days without a wash. I generally do wash my hair every other day and it tends to be thirsty, but this has not dried it out.
My only disclaimer is that my scalp did purge, but for me it was only two big spots that cleared quickly and never returned. I do also have to be careful not to get it on my face or neck to avoid breakouts/sensitivity (why, I have no idea), but the applicator makes that easy. I thought I couldn't do glycolic at all, and like most skin issues sometimes this completely solves the issue and once in a while I have to do an extra round or add medicated products for a flare up - but it is definitely a routine staple now!
Most Helpful Critical Review Not a bad product, my skin just didn't care for it Product came with 2 options to apply them with: a squirtle or a regular top lid thingy. I chose the squirtle and I'd spritz it on a bottom pad and swept across my face. It would sting me. I thought my skin was just not used to it. This was one of the first products I purchased when I got into skincare, and that's when I found out I had some sensitivity in my skin. I've always known I've been oily in areas and dry in some, but I always assumed my skin could handle anything. It just stung though, didn't burn; my skin can handle some decent AHA & BHA type of kink. Anyways, back to it, yeah it would sting me and I thought my skin just needed more time to get used to it so I started once a week, then twice a week for the month and kept stinging. Aside from the sensitivity, it didn't do much for me either- in fact, I think it made my skin worse. I felt grimy after I used it. Gave it the score I gave it because it didn't work for my skin because I wanted a product containing a AHA/BHA ingredient but it didn't work like those ingredients ~should~ work. Great price, and LOTS of product. BANG FOR THE BUCK. I gifted it to my friend and I told him it didn't work for me so he should try it to see if his skin likes it or not.
Reviewed by 730 customers I love The Ordinary! 5
Tricia from Queen Creek, AZ
I use this at night right after I wash my face but before I start my serums.
Winter's for snowflakes not skin flakes 5
Kay from Portsmouth, NH
Slightly stings as applied. Skin feels fresh and that dry winter facial skin is gone
not for sensitive skin ! ! 1
jayy from AK
I bought this thinking it would fade acne scars.. all it did was break me out again :( i broke out in small itchy pimples all over my face where i used it. i thought maybe i had to go through purging, but my skin just wasn't clearing up. i stopped using it and my skin hasn't broken out like that again. i wanted so bad for this to work but it just didn't.
Awesome!! 5
Vandy from U.S.
I use this product every night and my complexion has improved so much.
Any oiliness I have is gone the next day, along with any breakouts I have.
I've even noticed a decrease in breakouts during my time of the month when my skin is at its worst!
Wouldn't recommend for people with dry skin, however.. it can be a little drying even for someone with oily skin like myself.
Not great for my face, but a game changer for KP bumps 5
Dana from Oregon
It's a big bottle which is nice, but it's too strong for my face and has fragrance that I think was irritating. However, I recently started using it after I shower on my arms and legs to try and help with my KP bumps. It is amazing -- it's big and strong enough to work for body use. I've been disappointed in products marketed for KP, they're usually expensive and the lotions are sticky. I use an exfoliating mitt in the shower, apply this toner right out of the shower, then apply my regular body lotion after. Great results, highly reccomended.
This is amazing 5
Kasey from Tampa Florida
I have really sensitive skin so I'm always Leary trying anything, but I've been using this toner for about 2 weeks and so far so good. It feels great, it's light weight and I can already tell a difference in my skin tone.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS !!! 4
Amasia from None of your business
DO NOT USE THIS IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN!!! When i read all these comments I was skeptical about this product, so then I brought it and it did it's thing. The only reason why it might sting for some people is because those people have sensitive skin and if you read the product it's states do not use for sensitive skin. Since it is a AHA it will cause your skin to purge which is a good thing it'll only last for 4 to 6 weeks. And my experience while I was using it I saw a glow in my skin and it started to look great I highly recommend this product if you have combination to oily skin, it might not seem like it's doing nothing at first but trust the process you won't regret buying it. And don't forget to make sure you use moisturizer because you might dry your skin. Some of these bad comments are just people that used it wrong!!
I really love this product! 5
omw to glass skin from MN
I use this product after I cleanse my face, and then add my other serums from the ordinary and then add their moisturizer and my skin has never looked better!
Read the label. 5
Shailo from Maui
It states it's not for sensitive skin. However, after using it—the next morning I couldn't get over the glow it was giving me. I definitely have to work on my tolerance since it does feel like a slight sun burn for a couple of seconds. Still a happy purchase.
Helped clear my hormonal acne! 5
Klzzz from California
I was skeptical at first, but after the purging. This did so many wonders. I have no more active acne anymore and it's helped my scarring as well. I use it maximum of 2x a week. I recommend this to all my friends. Remember to patch test.
Amazing! 5
Sam from Madison, WI
If you have dark armpits from shaving, this is amazing! I've been using this for a month & my armpits have gotten lighter.
Quick question! 5
Aly10 from Eastvale
So do they only sell this product online?:(
This one I like 4
Nikkib from Michigan
Ok this ones good. Beware it's not a normal toner, it does have glycolic acid in it as it states, too close to eyes and you'll know it. Great for decongestant. I would not use this on sensitive skin.
Skin Saver 5
KateQ from Jackson, MS
This is a product where I see an immediate difference in my skin. If I have the hint of a breakout, I use this on the area (but NOT on broken skin) and it's gone the next day. My skin texture feels so much smoother from using this as well.
Amazing!!! 5
Tate from Reno
I used it once, and I woke up the next day with glowing skin!!! 10/10 would recommend.
Really wanted to love it 1
Bri from Orlando, Florida
I used the product as recommended on the bottle. When I woke up the following day my skin was covered in small bumps. My face was red, dry, and extremely irritated. Please be careful with this product! If you have sensitive skin I would definitely find another toner.
. 5
em from chicago, IL
i use it after i come from the gym when my face is all sweaty
It stings on my skin 3
Texxasgurl45 from Dallas,TX
I started using this almost a month ago. I read the reviews and decided to give it a shot. Honestly, I don't see any difference in the texture of my skin. It also stings every time I use it. At first I thought it would get better, but it hasn't. Disappointed
I would buy this again 4
sharolyn from Corpus Christi, TX
Love it. Recommend to all my friends
Saving grace for maskne 5
Brandizzle2020 from Arkansas
Amazing results for acne. Wearing masks has made me have a major increase in breakouts, and this toner has literally cleared deep cystic pimples within 1-3 days. I've worked in Dermatology for years and highly recommend this toner. I apply this at night after double cleansing. I follow up with the Ordinary Niacinamide+Zinc serum and then apply Skin Medica HA5 moisturizer. (Can mix the Ordinary NMF moisturizer with the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid +B5 for more cost effective option on the moisturizer) I wear vitamin CE Ferulic by Timeless in the mornings followed by SPF. Wear your sunscreen!!!
I love it 5
Farwa from Maryland
I love this toner, it's been making a huge difference in my skin since I've started to use it nightly! It's definitely a permanent staple in my skincare routine.
good for me but don't use if you have sensitive skin 5
anna from texas
it's worked for me. I started once a week til I worked up to every other day. I DO NOT recommend this to anyone w sensitive skin because the glycolic acid is at such a strong concentration. try maybe paula's choice 2% aha bha for more sensitive skin. that's what I would recommend.
Love it so far. 5
Brie from Dekalb, IL
So far I really enjoy it and a little goes a long way. Definitely only use it once a day. Can be a little irritating to sensitive skin but not bad. It's mostly irritating if you just exfoliated your skin.
life saver 5
Nia from Boston
this thing is amazing. it's most suitable for hyperpigmentation on your body because it's pretty strong, so i probably wouldn't use it on my face. attach a spray nozzle and it's 12/10
My go-to😭❤️ 5
Shayla from Texas
I use this product after washing my face with organic black soap... I LOVED IT EVER SINCE I'VE FIRST TRIED IT. It helps exfoliate dead skin, it helps with my acne, it evens out my skin tone, & helps with dark marks. Not to mention, it helps with the "glow" that so many try to obtain. It cleans my pores & all. I love it so much. It may sting if it's your first time using an glycolic acid toner or simply if you have overly-sensitive skin. However, I haven't found any other toner that does what this one does! The ordinary is a holy grail.
