Product Reviews Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
849 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 849 customers Super Great for Keratosis Pilaris (KP) 4
lexxdoesnailss from Rialto,CA
I have keratosis pilaris which is an overbuild of protein on my skin and it makes my arms and cheeks look like I have chicken skin. I started using this product every night and noticed a significant reduction in these bumps. I recommend to use it nightly at first but then slowly use it about 3 times a week.
Yes 4
Miss Boo from Monroe La.
No comments
Great toner 5
Mick from Cali
I use this after cleaning my face at night and it helps me get the rest of my makeup off that my cleaners missed. It doesn't fry out my skin or make it feel sensitive. I did slowing introduce it into my routine though to avoid possible irritation.
I have noticed it helping my skin's clarity - less blackheads+whiteheads and less breakouts. I follow it up with this brand's niacinamide and hyaluronic acid and then CeraVe moisturizer. It has been great for my skin.
NOT THE BEST 2
Ashley A from Miami, FL
I bought this thinking it would be amazing and great on my skin because of the "good" reviews. Well my skin is a mix of oily and dry and it's sensitive. Every time I would apply this toner on it would sting and burn. I realized that it started to cause my skin to get red little pimples and red acne on my cheek. If you have sensitive skin don't buy please.
Wow 5
Pow-Pow from Inglewood
I bought this because it's really popular on tic tok and I needed a toner in my skincare routine. I use it about twice a week and wow just wow. I thought my face was clean but after using this toner I can see all the dirt that came from my skin. Definitely recommend if you need a toner.
Do you eat sugar? 1
Honey from Montana USA
I do not eat any sugar whatsoever. This product contains literally 4 different forms of sugar. Your skincare shouldn't make you sick and unhealthy.
My only holy grail product! 5
Rubez from Texas
I started using this product about a year ago and never had a holy grail product until this! I believe this product works best for oily/combination skin, especially after reading some of these reviews. Esthetician friend of mine recommends this to oily clients.
I have struggled with hormonal acne as a teen (23 now) and still get cystic zits from time to time. This toner helps keep my breakouts at bay like nothing else I've ever tried. Sometimes I get lazy, fall off my skincare routine, or get breakouts due to wearing glasses/maskne and I apply this at night and it will literally clear or majorly diminish my blemishes overnight, even the deep cystic ones! I also use hydrocolloid blemish patches (with nothing fancy in them!) and the ordinary niacinimde+zinc serum occasionally and of course have even better results, but even without this toner majorly keeps my oil/breakouts under control! Whenever I am consistent and use it on a regular basis I do notice my dark spots lightening, more even skintone and less redness/splotchiness as well — I am so thankful for this product.
How I apply: I wash my face then dry it completely (as this toner stings if applied to wet skin) I then apply the toner using my finger tips, wait awhile (sometimes wash my hands and brush my teeth to really let it sink in) then apply the ordinary's niacinimide+zinc formula, wait for that to sink in then apply moisturizer. I mainly only use at night due to it making skin more sensitive to sun and always wear sunscreen.
I personally wouldn't recommend this for dry skin but definitely worth a try if you're experiencing oily/blemish prone skin especially for the price! It's helped mine so much even after a year of using it!
ALSO THIS BOTTLE WILL LAST YOU FOREVER!!!!
breakouts 3
Dee Bee from Carmichael, CA
Sadly for me, all this did was make me breakout. I was so sad! After three days of using it, I started to get pimples all over. Boo.
Love it 5
Cristina from Puerto Rico
Leaves my face feeling soft and it helps with my pores.
i love it 5
cate from co
this makes my skin so glowy and healthy looking
make sure to research before using this product because it can't be used with certain other products and stuff like that
leaves my skin feeling sticky 2
ki from chicago
was super excited to try this product especially given the price, but was sad to find that when i put it on it leaves my fingers feeling oily and stick, and my face is the same way after application.
made me breakout 1
mack from Md
I first thought my skin was purging but it never went away. I never have struggled with acne even as a teenager until using this.
New Favorite Product 5
B from Las Vegas
Wow! I have no words. Has my skin feeling really clean, fresh and hydrated. Also really good for other places other than face. I have dark coloration on my armpits and neck and it has definitely helped! Make sure to have a really good moisturizer for after.
Highly recommend!
So good 5
Eli from Florida
I'm 45 and my skin has never looked so good. Truly. My cart is now full of other The Ordinary products so I can see if they work as well. Won't have to buy this again for a while since it's a fairly big bottle. Amazing how affordable it is
Awful Toner 1
JMB from New York
Did not like this product or brand at all and would not recommend
Great product 5
Lili from Guntersville al
Great for keeping maskne at bay!
I don't like it 2
Miya from Maryland
I used it for about 2 months and no changes, it just made me breakout more and more and I'm struggling to get rid of the dark spots it left.
Never again. 3
daehreppoc from Turlock
This stuff burned tf outta my face. It made everything I usually use (serums/creams/spf) after I tone burn even worse. I washed it off of my wash afterwards and then I woke up with sooo much dry flakey skin. I didn't use it again but I tried to put my spf on again and it burned yet again. Not as bad as the day before, but still.
I have semi-sensitive skin and this stuff is a big NO.
Love this! No burn or smell! 5
Vanessa from KS
I love this product and I really feel like it seriously cleans my face. It never burns and it doesn't have any kind of unnatural fragrance. Would recommend 100%!
Life changer 5
Holy grail from Birmingham, AL
My normally normal skin has turned dry and flakey the last few months. It's become extremely sensitive. I have been using the ordinary products trying to get my skin back normal. No matter what I have done it's still been red, dry, and flakey. I added this product to my routine last night and used it for the first time. Oh my gosh, over night my redness is almost gone, my skin isn't dry, and my flakey skin is gone. I used it again tonight and my skin is glowing. I love love love this product.
A must have for normal to oily skin 5
William from MI
This product really works wonders for my skin and is far and away the best toner I have come across. I have normal/oily combination skin and this toner is a great chemical exfoliant for my morning routine- as first use it does sting a bit, but that subsides within a minute or two. I recommend using in combination with the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum for a great one two punch that will help manage any initial reactivity to this product- also, I use in the morning so I HAVE to use an SPF on my face everyday to counter any extra sensitivity. This is something I would do regardless, but definitely should NOT be skipped.
great for enlarged or clogged pores 5
skincare junkie from hemet, CA
I use this about twice a week and it has helped a ton with the visible pores on my nose. It makes my face tingle sometimes but it's never irritating.
AMAZING FOR DRY SKIN! 5
Liz B from NJ
I have super dry skin and this has saved it. My skin can be sensitive at times but it didn't irritate it, if you have super sensitive skin I wouldn't recommend it. If you have dry, textured skin like me this will be your holy grail! After one use my skin was smoother and more hydrated. I've been using it for a few days and it keeps getting better.
doesn't burn!! 5
nicole from clarksville
love love love this product! the timers i've used before have always burned & dried out my face. this was does not!! it feels so good in my skin and gives me a refreshing feel!! so worth it
good stuff n i wouldn't lie! 5
skante princess from Fort Worth, TX
okay i bought and tried tons of different serums + this toner all at once so i don't know what in particular made a big difference, probably everything, but im just gonna leave one review. the ordinary is great!! seriously works. my best advice to you is to get off what other people are telling to buy tiktok & actually read yourself the descriptions on this site of what each product helps with & find the ones that describe your own specific issues. mix a drop of it all n warm in your hands and just rub that ish on your face & go to bed easy peasy. the stuff works man idk what i could say normally i wouldn't go out of my way to write a review. personally i have hyperpigmentation n i felt like id never be able to be viewed as beautiful without makeup in my whole life until i tried this & it randomly worked. my skin is looking better then ever
