The Ordinary Glycolic Acid – Benefits, Uses & Review

The Glycolic acid is an active ingredient, which is odorless, colourless that is used in many skin care products, it chemically exfoliants the skin. Chemically exfoliants are water and oil – soluble acid based solution that are depends on the concentration. Day by day the popularity of chemical exfoliants are increasing due to their various skin benefits.

The Ordinary is a popular brand in skincare industry, One of their popular product is “The Ordinary Glycolic Acid”. In this blog post we will discuss about its Benefits, Uses, Side effects, and a complete detailed review, that will help you to know, Is it beneficial for You?

What Is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid?

The Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy acid or AHA type in short term. This 7% Glycolic acid toner exfoliates the skin that provides improvement on skin. The main purpose of this to brighten the skin, bring glow on skin, makes skin smoother, and reduces the acne. The overall purpose of this to bring positive results on facial skin. It is useable on all skin type, even the skin is oily, dry and normal.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Glycolic Acid (7%)

The Glycolic acid is its main and primary exfoliant. It is a type of Alpha hydroxy acid, which is mainly founds naturally in sugar cane and beets. This is commonly used by dermatologist to remove dead skin cells. Many peoples use glycolic acid to remove scars, dark spots and acne from face. Most of the cosmetic companies are started using glycolic acid into their products.

Supporting Ingredients

Aqua Water – This Ingredient is very common for skin care product, because it acts as a solvent for those ingredients who do not mix with oil.
Rosa Damascena Flower Water – This flower water comes from the Damask Rose flower. In general, flower water are derived from the rose plant, these are diluted versions of essential oils.
Glycerin – This is an natural moisturizer found within our skin, that helps in providing moisturization to dry skin and also protects skin from irritation.
Urea – Urea is naturally found in urine, which we excrete. Urea is also founds in our skin, that is beneficial for moisturizing the skin.
All other Ingredients – There are 42 ingredients are found in The Ordinary Glycolic Acid which are Centaurea Cyanus Flower water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf water, Propanediol, Triethanolamine, Aminomethyl Propanol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit extract, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Glycine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Pca, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Fructose, Sucrose, Glucose, Hexyl Nicotinate, Dextrin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Gellan Gum, Trisodium

Benefits of The Ordinary Glycolic Acid

Its First benefit that it provides brighten and glowing look to skin, with regular proper use your skins looks more clearer, even and glowing.
If your skin is very rough and dry then this will help in making the skin smoother and soft.
If Lines and wrinkles are started to appearing on your face then this works for reducing them.
This works in removing Acne and pimples from the skin.
It helps in providing prevention to face from UV damage from sunlight.

Who Should Use It?

Skin Type:- In general it is suitable for all skin types including Dry, Normal and Oily skin, it gives positive result to all skin types.
Works On:- Individual who is facing skin problems like dullness, Uneven Texture, Dark spots, Acne, Rough skin, and pimples can use it, it provide you best results.
Age Group:- 20s can use it to treat acne and to brighten skin tone. 30s to 40s can use it to protect skin from sun damage and for reducing lines and wrinkles on skin. 40s can use it to reverse skin aging and to brighten the dull skin. For Teens it is best to get advice from dermatologist before using it.
Body Care:- You can also use it for body skin care, to reduce acne from back, to remove body smell, to fills the crack of feet heels.

How to Use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Correctly

Step-by-Step Routine

First of all remove makeup from face and clean face properly
Then Thoroughly, Dry your skin
On cotton pad apply few drops of ordinary glycolic acid.
Apply this to all of your face skin
After this apply any serum or moisturizer that you usually use.

If you want to increase the effectiveness of glycolic acid then let it dry for 5 minutes before applying any moisturizer and serum. If possible then always apply moisturizer or serum after glycolic acid use.

Frequency of Use

In Initial, Use 2-3 times in a week
Then After, Use it daily at night before bed

Important Precautions

It is important to use sunscreen while using this, because its use can increases sun sensitivity.
Always avoid using it with other strong acids.
If your skin is sensitive and you experience irritation after its use, then reduces the frequency of use or stop using it.

Results Timeline: What to Expect

Its consistent proper use for 4-6 weeks usually gives you best result on skin. The timeline of result is:

First Week: Skin becomes smoother and brightness started appearing on skin.
2-4 weeks: From skin dullness and blackheads are reduced and improved radiance.
6-8 weeks: Acne marks are disappeared from the skin, aging sign also reduced and visible texture improvement.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Price is affordable
AHA concentration is high
Bottle size is enough large
This is Multi-benefits exfoliating toner

Cons

Not suitable for sensitive skin
Require proper sunscreen use
For beginners not suitable for daily use

Side Effects and Safety Tips

User with sensitive skin may experience mild itching, redness and stinging.
Its exfoliating nature may cause dryness on skin in beginning.
If sunscreen is not used after its use then there is risk of sunburn and UV damage from sunlight.

Use with Caution:

Acid Beginners: This may be too much strong for those who are using acid for first time on skin, so started using it with 2-3 times in a week only.
Specific Areas: Do not apply this on shaved or irritated skin

Where to Buy

Amazon
The Ordinary Official Website
Nearby Local Stores

FAQs About The Ordinary Glycolic Acid

Can beginners use it?

Yes beginners can use it but always start with small amount 2-3 time in a week

Is it safe for daily use?

It is safe for daily use for experience regular users, beginners should avoid daily use.

What is the best time to apply?

In General, its evening use gives you the best result.

Does it help with acne scars?

Yes, this is helpful in removing scars from skin but it required proper regular use.

Final Verdict - Is this worth Buying?

Glycolic acid is beneficial for the skin if it used in proper way. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid contains 7 percent toning solution that is beneficial for skin.

So If you are struggling with acne, dark spots and scars then you should definitely try – The Ordinary Glycolic Acid.