Product Reviews Rated 4.11 out of 5 stars
784 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 784 customers Give it a try! Everyone's skin is different. 4
Bella :) from Salt Lake City
I use this at night only. 3-4 times a week on days I don't wash my face in the shower. It does sting a little but if you put more products on over (which you definitely should be) that will make it feel better. I follow up with the ordinary amino acids, niacinimide, and alpha arbutin. And then my moisturizer.
YOU HAVE TO TRY IT! PERIOD 5
Dash from Little Rock, AR
I was skeptical about trying this toner. There was a little discomfort at first. I wanted to continue to use it because of its benefits. I only use in the PM. In two days it corrected itself!! For me, its what it took to get my skin to where it needed to be for the product to work. Boy did it come through!!. It helped clear my dark spots (along with a serum from The Ordinary)and added a glowing tone to my skin with CONTINUED use. Get it you wont be sorry!!!! There may be a little stinging at first but keep going..I would say a week max. If after that your skin doesnt change discontinue. It works though!! For me at least.
Also. its great for your armpits. It lightened my skin tone, it reduced my sweating, and help with the workout smell. Again with CONTINUED use. Apply some to a cotton round under your arm ,let it dry and apply deodorant. Apply to your face after you cleanse. Cotton balls are not effective as the rounds. Hope this helps!
Love ittt 5
Laiba from Houston
Really helped improve my texture and pores
Good but not great 3
Gwen from Connecticut
I used this product for a while and it was fine. It did the job but didn't wow me. Overall good for the price !
Love it! 5
jessica from Dayton, OH
I purchased this on a whim and I'm so glad I did! i've never had terrible breakouts, just a pimple here and there on my chin and forehead around the time of my cycle or if I sleep in a full face of makeup/don't wash my face as thoroughly as i should. My skin GLOWS after I use this. the first three times I used it I felt a small burning tingling sensation, but I read that it is normal. It makes my skin feel hydrated and helps to remove any makeup left! Sometimes I wash my face with their squalene cleanser before and I always follow the toner with their moisturizer. I highly recommend and you cannot beat that price!!
SUCKS. 1
Ordinary Glycolic Acid from Morganton, NC
it gradually made me break out worse than i was already breaking out. I had extreme redness and little bumps everywhere that would form cyst. i highly recommend this be a last resort...
skin looks better 5
bas from tx
i feel like my skin is smoother and brighter bc of this
Good exfoliant toner 4
Rose petal from Nyc
This is a nice exfoliant. It gets rid of flakey, dead skin. My skin is dry and I appreciate that this does not contain alcohol so it does not dry my skin out. My skin is very sensitive and it did not irritate my skin. However I also did not apply it more than once a week so I did not over exfoliate.
1/5 2
Gianna from pa
the smell isn't too great, It really did nothing for my skin but aggravated my pimples and made them more red and I noticed no difference in the pores on my nose either.
Wonderful for Acne 5
A.J. from Menifee, CA
Love, love ordinary products! I bought this for my 2 teens and it is really helping clear up their acne along with their acne cream. This is great since I have bought so many different products for them and found they are allergic to salicylic acid and benzene peroxide, so this is a great option since it has neither of those ingredients in it. We only use it at night and make sure to use a moisturizer since it can be drying. Overall this is a wonderful product, I will definitely recommend and continue to purchase it!
It's okay 4
Megan from Brooklyn, NY
I use this once every other night and it's a pretty good toner. I will say it did burn the first few times I tried it out but once it stopped, my face felt so clean and cool. I would recommend if your skin isn't sensitive.
Worth a try! 5
GS from Seattle, WA
I've been using this for a couple of weeks now, every night. I've definitely noticed my skin feels smoother, and my pores seem so much smaller. My main concern is acne scars/hyperpigmentation though and I haven't really seen drastic changes in that. They could be a tiny bit lighter but they're definitely still there. I would say this product is good for texture, not so much acne and scars. Still a great product though and I will continue to use it.
I'll never stop buying this 5
Beetlebailey from Waterloo
This is so amazing. I use this every single night and it's transformed my skin and redness. If I stop using this I'll notice a big change and not for the better either. Please, stop spending money on high end skincare and stick to this.
I love this product 5
Lala from Alabama
I use about 3 times a week so it doesn't dry my skin out and it definitely helps with brightening it up. Love this
Would definitely recommend 5
Jesskuh from Corona, Ca
I started using this product a week ago and I can already see a big difference. I use it every night after I was my face. The first couple days after application my face did sting for a few seconds but it never irritated my skin. The redness on my face has calmed, the acne and little bumps I had are also not as visible. I am totally in love with this product!
Pretty Good! 4
Nicole from CT
It did its job for the most part, however I did not know that it is not good for sensitive skin, which I have. In fact, it states on the back that it should not be used on sensitive skin. There was slight redness and a mild burning sensation occasionally, but aside from my sensitivity issues, it did work really well!
Powerhouse product, can be intense 5
AC from DC
This is a concentrated, affordable toner that really produces results in terms of skin clarity and texture. I introduced it into a routine where I was alternating nights of toner with nights of retinol, which can be a harsh combo of products for some skin, and the first week I used this my skin flaked like crazy. I had to cut it down to only a few times a week to let my skin adjust. A month later, I am back to alternating with retinol and my skin has never looked better. This can be intense, so be prepared to use it sparingly or slowly ramp up, but the effect is amazing.
Idk what it does but i like it 4
Idk from Wheaton
I love this omg
Great product 5
SunnyInAZ from Tucson AZ
I love this product line and purchase many of their products. I read one reviewer mention that it helped her KP bumps. I've struggled with my chicken skin problem for years. Despite going to a number of dermatologist for help and following their advice, nothing worked. I decided to try this product twice daily. I noticed a huge difference within a week. My arms are much smoother and almost bump free.
Didn't do much 2
Alaina from Arizona
The product lasted 6 months. I have oily acne prone skin & this did nothing for me. I saw no improvements & it caused some breakouts. I used it with a cotton ball every morning.
love love love 5
Cali from Houston
This is one of my favorite products. I use it everyday on my sensitive skin. Even after I take off my makeup and wash my face, this toner still picks up dirt or leftover makeup. It does burn if you put it on broken skin so avoid those areas. But I always feel cleaner after using this product. 10/10 recommend :)
PERFECT 5
Leah from San Ramon, CA
I really, really love this product, along with all my other Ordinary products. This toner showed results in way faster than expected, and it actually works. I have combination skin, and I get most of my pimples and acne scars on around my mouth, chin, jawline, nose, and forehead. So like everywhere lol. I recommend using this at night, and I don't know if this is ok for everyday use, but I use it every night. Try to not pick at your skin before using this toner because it will sting on any broken skin. This tingled/ stung the tiniest bit the first time I used it, but otherwise it doesn't burn or hurt. If you have sensitive skin this might not work for you.
FAVORITEE! 5
Yads from Los Angeles
I absolutely love this. It has helped my acne so much !!
So far so good 5
Jewelz from San Antonio, TX
I tried the glycolic toner because I was looking to start a skin smoothing regime, but at noob status. I've been using it for over a week and am really quite pleased with the results so far. No peeling or dryness has occurred and I have already noticed lightening of my discolored spots. I haven't noticed much smoothing as yet, and some mild redness immediately after use, but it quickly disappears. The price pony makes this products value unbelievable. Will build up to more big girl acid products and stick to the ordinary.
A miraculous replacement for prescription retinoids 5
Kat from Seattle
For years I used a prescription retinoid to control my cystic acne, and it kind of worked. Over time my hair began to thin, though, and I read that prescription-strength retinoids might be a cause, so I decided to try glycolic acid instead.
I use this product every other evening in between cleansing and moisturizing. It stings a bit going on but by morning my face is calm and baby-soft. I no longer get ANY cystic lesions, either! It works better than the prescription retinoid, and at a tiny fraction of the cost.
I also have mild rosacea. While it does make my face red at the time of application, my skin gets over it by morning. Being able to eliminate any mechanical exfoliation--because this chemical exfoliant works so well--must be a good thing. Overall I don't have any more papillae than I did before, so this product seems to play well with my rosacea overall.
