As someone with skin that throws tantrums at the slightest provocation, I’m always wary of new products, especially those containing powerful ingredients like AHAs. But the allure of smoother, brighter skin often wins, and so I embarked on a cautious journey with The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner.
Ingredients:
First Impressions:
The usual The Ordinary story – simple packaging, budget-friendly price. While exciting for my wallet, my sensitive skin remained skeptical.
Treading Carefully:
Patch test? Check. Gradual introduction? Double check. Despite my precautions, there were definitely some bumps (literally) along the road.
I started slow by using it twice a week then gradually moved to every alternate day. My skin, felt slight tingling sensation from very first use and slowly built tolerance but never fully got used to the strength. By that i mean, on some days I would still find this causing redness, tingling, and a general feeling of discontentment.
Also with prolonged use, I found my skin around my mouth and smile lines started to feel dry and dehydrated. So i decided that it is definitely too potent for sensitive skin and then went back to using it twice a week like when I introduced it initially and still it would tingle my skin. So long story short, there is still 1/4th of it left lying unused for almost 6 months in my closet. i might try and use it on body on areas I have ingrown hair.
The (Uneventful) Results:
Sadly, I never got to experience the promised smoother, brighter skin. My sensitive skin simply couldn’t handle the 7% concentration of glycolic acid, even with my cautious approach.
Lessons Learned:
While The Ordinary’s toner might be a holy grail for some, it’s a hard pass for my sensitive skin. This experience solidified the importance of listening to my skin and not getting caught up in the hype.
Key Considerations:
- Potent Exfoliation: The 7% glycolic acid concentration proved too formidable for my sensitive skin, triggering redness and discomfort with each use.
- Personal Tolerance: Despite the varied experiences shared by others, my skin’s reaction underscored its unique sensitivities and limitations.
- Embracing Realities: While the allure of flawless skin is undeniable, it’s essential to acknowledge and respect our skin’s inherent vulnerabilities, steering clear of products that threaten to disrupt its delicate balance.
The Verdict: 3/5
This product might be a great option for those with less sensitive skin, but for my fellow delicate-skinned folks, proceed with extreme caution. Remember, patch testing and gradual introduction are your best friends, and if your skin throws a fit, listen to it! There are plenty of gentler options out there that won’t turn your face into a red zone.
P.S. If you’re considering this toner, I highly recommend consulting a dermatologist first, especially if you have extremely sensitive skin like mine or your skin is prone to rosacea. They can help you navigate the world of chemical exfoliation with expert guidance and recommend products that are best suited for your unique skin needs.