The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner - 3.38 fl oz - Ulta Beauty

You might also like

See more

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner - 3.38 fl oz - Ulta Beauty

62 Fair
$9.00 · 3.4 fl oz
View on Amazon
Verified Amazon match

Summary

This toner contains beneficial ingredients like glycolic acid, aloe vera, and ginseng extract, which provide exfoliating, hydrating, and antioxidant benefits. However, it also includes potentially irritating compounds such as triethanolamine and hexyl nicotinate, which can cause skin sensitivity. The presence of synthetic additives and the overall processing level contribute to a moderate score, reflecting both the positive and negative aspects of the formulation.

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 8
Harmful ingredients 3
Category Skin Care

Key ingredients 42

Aqua
Neutral

Aqua, or water, is used as a solvent in many skincare products. It is typically purified to remove contaminants, ensuring safety and effectiveness. No significant interactions or concerns are associated with its use in this product.

See more about Aqua →
Glycolic Acid
Good

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its exfoliating properties. It is derived from sugar cane and helps to remove dead skin cells, promoting a brighter complexion. Its small molecular size allows for deeper penetration, enhancing its effectiveness.

Risks

May cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in high concentrations or with prolonged use.

Benefits

Promotes skin renewal and improves texture by exfoliating the outer layer of skin.

See more about Glycolic Acid →
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Good

Rosa Damascena Flower Water is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is obtained through steam distillation of rose petals, preserving its natural benefits. This ingredient is often used to calm irritated skin and provide a pleasant fragrance.

Benefits

Provides soothing effects and a natural fragrance, enhancing the sensory experience of the product.

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Good

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water is valued for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It is extracted from cornflower petals, often used to soothe and tone the skin. This ingredient is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Helps to soothe and tone the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Very Good

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is derived from the aloe vera plant, known for its hydrating and soothing properties. It is processed to retain its natural polysaccharides, which help to moisturize and calm the skin. This ingredient is highly regarded for its ability to support skin healing.

Benefits

Provides hydration and soothing effects, supporting skin healing and comfort.

See more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water →
Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is a glycol used as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent. It is often derived from corn sugar fermentation, offering a natural alternative to petroleum-based glycols. It enhances the absorption of other ingredients without significant health concerns.

Benefits

Improves the absorption of active ingredients and provides a smooth texture to the product.

See more about Propanediol →
Glycerin
Very Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to maintain hydration. It is typically derived from plant oils and is known for its ability to improve skin barrier function. This ingredient is widely used for its moisturizing properties.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and supports the skin's natural barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Triethanolamine
Bad

Triethanolamine is used to adjust pH and stabilize emulsions in skincare products. It is a synthetic compound that can form nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens, under certain conditions. Its use is generally limited to low concentrations to minimize risks.

Risks

Potential formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic, especially with prolonged exposure.

See more about Triethanolamine →
Aminomethyl Propanol
Bad

Aminomethyl Propanol is used as a pH adjuster in cosmetic formulations. It is a synthetic compound that can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Its safety is contingent on concentration limits set by regulatory bodies.

Risks

May cause skin irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.

See more about Aminomethyl Propanol →
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Good

Panax Ginseng Root Extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. It is extracted from the ginseng root, which is rich in ginsenosides that help to revitalize and energize the skin. This ingredient is often used to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and supports skin vitality and elasticity.

See more about Panax Ginseng Root Extract →
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Good

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is derived from the Tasmanian pepper plant and helps to soothe and protect the skin from environmental stressors. This ingredient is beneficial for reducing redness and irritation.

Benefits

Helps to soothe skin and provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage.

See more about Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract →
Aspartic Acid
Neutral

Aspartic Acid is an amino acid used in skincare for its conditioning properties. It is naturally occurring and helps to maintain skin hydration and elasticity. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Supports skin hydration and elasticity through its conditioning properties.

Alanine
Neutral

Alanine is an amino acid that serves as a skin-conditioning agent. It is naturally found in the body and helps to maintain skin moisture balance. This ingredient is typically well-tolerated and safe for use in skincare products.

Benefits

Contributes to maintaining skin moisture balance and overall skin health.

Glycine
Neutral

Glycine is an amino acid that acts as a skin-conditioning agent. It is naturally present in the skin and helps to improve skin texture and hydration. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances skin texture and hydration, supporting overall skin health.

See more about Glycine →
Serine
Neutral

Serine is an amino acid used for its moisturizing properties in skincare. It is naturally occurring and helps to maintain skin hydration and smoothness. This ingredient is considered safe and effective for improving skin texture.

Benefits

Supports skin hydration and smoothness, enhancing overall skin texture.

Valine
Neutral

Valine is an amino acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. It is naturally found in the body and contributes to maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity, supporting overall skin health.

Isoleucine
Neutral

Isoleucine is an amino acid used for its skin-conditioning properties. It is naturally occurring and helps to maintain skin hydration and elasticity. This ingredient is typically well-tolerated and safe for use in skincare products.

Benefits

Contributes to maintaining skin hydration and elasticity, supporting overall skin health.

Proline
Neutral

Proline is an amino acid that acts as a skin-conditioning agent. It is naturally present in the skin and helps to improve skin texture and hydration. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances skin texture and hydration, supporting overall skin health.

Threonine
Neutral

Threonine is an amino acid used for its moisturizing properties in skincare. It is naturally occurring and helps to maintain skin hydration and smoothness. This ingredient is considered safe and effective for improving skin texture.

Benefits

Supports skin hydration and smoothness, enhancing overall skin texture.

Histidine
Neutral

Histidine is an amino acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent. It is naturally found in the body and contributes to maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity, supporting overall skin health.

See more about Histidine →
Phenylalanine
Neutral

Phenylalanine is an amino acid used for its skin-conditioning properties. It is naturally occurring and helps to maintain skin hydration and elasticity. This ingredient is typically well-tolerated and safe for use in skincare products.

Benefits

Contributes to maintaining skin hydration and elasticity, supporting overall skin health.

Glutamic Acid
Neutral

Glutamic Acid is an amino acid that acts as a skin-conditioning agent. It is naturally present in the skin and helps to improve skin texture and hydration. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances skin texture and hydration, supporting overall skin health.

See more about Glutamic Acid →
Arginine
Neutral

Arginine is an amino acid used for its moisturizing properties in skincare. It is naturally occurring and helps to maintain skin hydration and smoothness. This ingredient is considered safe and effective for improving skin texture.

Benefits

Supports skin hydration and smoothness, enhancing overall skin texture.

See more about Arginine →
Pca
Neutral

PCA, or pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor. It helps to maintain skin hydration and elasticity. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity, supporting overall skin health.

Sodium Pca
Neutral

Sodium PCA is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to maintain hydration. It is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor. This ingredient is widely used for its moisturizing properties.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and supports the skin's natural barrier function.

See more about Sodium Pca →
Sodium Lactate
Neutral

Sodium Lactate is a humectant and pH regulator derived from the fermentation of sugar. It helps to maintain skin hydration and improve texture. This ingredient is generally safe and effective for use in skincare products.

Benefits

Supports skin hydration and smoothness, enhancing overall skin texture.

See more about Sodium Lactate →
Fructose
Neutral

Fructose is a simple sugar used as a humectant in skincare products. It helps to attract moisture to the skin, maintaining hydration. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and supports the skin's natural barrier function.

See more about Fructose →
Glucose
Neutral

Glucose is a simple sugar that acts as a humectant in skincare formulations. It helps to attract moisture to the skin, maintaining hydration. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and supports the skin's natural barrier function.

See more about Glucose →
Sucrose
Neutral

Sucrose is a disaccharide sugar used as a humectant and exfoliant in skincare. It helps to attract moisture to the skin and can provide gentle exfoliation. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and provides gentle exfoliation, improving skin texture.

Urea
Good

Urea is a humectant and keratolytic agent that helps to maintain skin hydration and exfoliate dead skin cells. It is naturally occurring in the skin and enhances moisture retention. This ingredient is beneficial for improving skin texture and hydration.

Benefits

Supports skin hydration and exfoliation, improving overall skin texture and smoothness.

See more about Urea →
Hexyl Nicotinate
Bad

Hexyl Nicotinate is used as a vasodilator in skincare products, promoting blood flow to the skin. It can cause redness and irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals. Its use is generally limited to low concentrations to minimize risks.

Risks

May cause redness and irritation, especially in sensitive skin types.

Dextrin
Neutral

Dextrin is a polysaccharide used as a binding agent in skincare formulations. It is derived from starch and helps to improve the texture and stability of products. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability, enhancing the overall formulation.

Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant in skincare products. It is naturally found in citrus fruits and helps to maintain the acidity of formulations. This ingredient is generally safe when used in appropriate concentrations.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types, particularly in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps to adjust pH and provides mild exfoliation, improving skin texture.

See more about Citric Acid →
Polysorbate 20
Neutral

Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is derived from sorbitol and fatty acids, helping to blend oil and water components. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Improves product stability and texture, enhancing the overall formulation.

See more about Polysorbate 20 →
Gellan Gum
Neutral

Gellan Gum is a gelling agent used to thicken and stabilize skincare formulations. It is produced through the fermentation of sugars and helps to improve product texture. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and stability, improving the overall formulation.

See more about Gellan Gum →
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent used to improve the stability of formulations. It binds metal ions, preventing them from affecting product performance. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Improves product stability by binding metal ions, enhancing overall formulation performance.

See more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →
Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used as a thickening agent in skincare products. It helps to improve the texture and viscosity of formulations. This ingredient is generally safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and viscosity, improving the overall formulation.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Hexylene Glycol
Neutral

Hexylene Glycol is used as a solvent and viscosity agent in skincare formulations. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Improves product texture and spreadability, enhancing the overall formulation.

See more about Hexylene Glycol →
Potassium Sorbate
Neutral

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in skincare products. It is a salt of sorbic acid and is effective in low concentrations. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth, enhancing product safety and shelf life.

See more about Potassium Sorbate →
Sodium Benzoate
Neutral

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative used to inhibit microbial growth in skincare formulations. It is a salt of benzoic acid and is effective in low concentrations. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth, enhancing product safety and shelf life.

See more about Sodium Benzoate →
1.2-Hexanediol
Neutral

1.2-Hexanediol is used as a solvent and preservative booster in skincare products. It helps to improve the stability and efficacy of formulations. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and efficacy, improving overall formulation performance.

Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is used as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster in skincare formulations. It helps to improve the texture and stability of products. This ingredient is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and stability, improving overall formulation performance.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout app

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store