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The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner INCI & ΔpH Conflict Guide
High-strength pH 3.6 low-molecular-weight AHA toner (3.6% free acid value). Causes severe barrier stripping if stacked with retinoids or copper peptides.
Recommended Spacing: 15 Minutes
Apply in the AM only if paired with broad-spectrum SPF 30–50+ and separated from antagonistic pH/redox actives.
In the PM, At pH 3.6 with a 76 Da molecular weight, 7% Glycolic Acid causes acute barrier stripping if layered with Tretinoin, BHA, or Benzoyl Peroxide.
Layering low-pH keratolytic acids (pH 3.0–3.8) with nuclear retinoids strips the stratum corneum barrier, accelerates acid-catalyzed retinoid degradation, and causes severe retinoid dermatitis.
Stacking multiple leave-on AHA/BHA exfoliants in one routine dissolves both hydrophilic surface corneodesmosomes and lipophilic sebaceous lipids, causing acute barrier burn.
Layering low-pH keratolytic acids (pH 3.0–3.8) with nuclear retinoids strips the stratum corneum barrier, accelerates acid-catalyzed retinoid degradation, and causes severe retinoid dermatitis.
- AM Prep: pH 5.5 Gentle Amino-Acid Cleanser or Water Rinse [pH 5.5 · Pat dry]
- AM Barrier + Photoprotection: Physiological Ceramide Moisturizer + Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ [pH 5.8 · Mandatory final step]
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Esthetician & Cosmetic Chemist FAQ
What is the formulation pH and full INCI profile of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner?
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is formulated at pH 3.6 ($13). Full INCI: Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Aminomethyl Propanol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract.
Which skincare actives conflict with The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner?
At pH 3.6 with a 76 Da molecular weight, 7% Glycolic Acid causes acute barrier stripping if layered with Tretinoin, BHA, or Benzoyl Peroxide.
Is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner comedogenic or fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe?
Run the pre-loaded INCI analyzer above to inspect positional comedogenicity (0–5) and C12–C24 Malassezia lipid ester triggers for every ingredient in Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner.