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Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe toners. They have a total of 1 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Glycolic Acid Buffering
AHA  •  7 Benefits  •  2 Concerns

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with research to back up its benefits. Its main role is to peel the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Rosa Damascena Flower Water Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Rosa Damascena Flower Water comes from the Damask rose. It is a dilluted version of the Rose Essential oil.

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water Skin Conditioning

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water is created using the cornflower, Centaurea cyanus. The cornflower is a blue flowering plant native to Europe.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water Masking

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Triethanolamine Buffering, Emulsifying, Masking
2 / 0

Triethanolamine is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.

2 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Aminomethyl Propanol Buffering

Aminomethyl Propanol is used to adjust the pH of products. It is also used as a base to create other organic compounds. Having a balanced pH is important for protecting your skin.

Panax Ginseng Root Extract Emollient, Skin Protecting, Tonic
2 Benefits

Panax Ginseng Root is a popular herb from Asia. This root contains antioxidants, favonoids, and vitamins B12 and D.

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is an antioxidant.

Aspartic Acid Masking, Skin Conditioning

Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally. It is an antioxidant.

Alanine Masking, Skin Conditioning

Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body.

Glycine Buffering, Skin Conditioning

Glycine is an amino acid that helps build proteins. It is already present in our skin as our bodies produce them naturally.

Serine Masking, Skin Conditioning

Serine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.

Valine Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Valine.

Isoleucine Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Isoleucine.

Proline Skin Conditioning

Proline is an amino-acid. It helps moisturize the skin and plays an important role in creating proteins.

Threonine

Threonine is an amino-acid. It helps hydrate the skin and has antioxidant benefits.

Histidine Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Histidine.

Phenylalanine Masking, Skin Conditioning

Phenylalanine is an amino acid. It is a skin soothing and hydrating ingredient. Amino acids play a crucial role in wound healing and skin hydration.

Glutamic Acid Humectant

Glutamic Acid is an amino acid that is found in all living organisms. Our bodies use this to help nerve cells in the brain communicate with other cells.

Arginine Masking, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

PCA Humectant, Moisturising

PCA is derived from amino acids and is naturally found in our skin's barrier.

Sodium PCA Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Sodium Lactate Buffering, Humectant

Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and used to adjust the pH of a product.

Fructose Humectant

Fructose is fruit/plant sugar. It can be found in apples, figs, and honey.

Glucose Humectant

Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms. In skincare, glucose is used to hydrate the skin. It also acts as a prebiotic for our natural biome.

Sucrose Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Sucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.

Urea Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
2 Benefits  •  2 Concerns

Urea is also called carbamide and is the diamide of carbonic acid. In cosmetics, urea is used to hydrate the skin. It also provides exfoliation in higher concentrations.

Hexyl Nicotinate Emollient

We don't have a description for Hexyl Nicotinate.

Unknown Full details ->
Dextrin Absorbent

Dextrin is used to thicken a product and helps bind ingredients together. It is created from starch and glycogen.

Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA  •  4 Benefits  •  2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->
Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Gellan Gum

Gellan Gum is a high-molecular weight heteropolysaccharide gum. It is created by the process of pure-culture fermentation with the bacterium Pseudomonas elodea.

Disliked Full details ->
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.

Sodium Chloride Masking
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Hexylene Glycol Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
0-2 / 0-1

Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.

0-2 Com. / 0-1 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Potassium Sorbate Preservative
Preservative

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Benzoate Masking, Preservative
Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Disliked Full details ->
1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract Skin Conditioning

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract comes from the cactus known as Prickly Pear. Prickly Pear extract has soothing and antioxidant properties.

Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract comes from the watermelon. Watermelon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid  •  4 Benefits  •  May cause irritation

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

Gluconolactone Skin Conditioning
PHA  •  2 Benefits

Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.

Polyglutamic Acid Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin

Polyglutamic Acid is made up many glutamic acids chained together. It is created from bacterial fermentation.

Betaine Salicylate Antimicrobial
BHA  •  2 Benefits  •  May worsen Rosacea

Betaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.

Salix Alba Bark Extract Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Good for Oily Skin

Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance  •  Good for Oily Skin

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract comes from the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae. This tea tree is native to Australia.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract Skin Conditioning

This extract comes from the Roselle flower, or Hibiscus Sabdariffa. Roselle flowers are rich in antioxidants and have anti-aging benefits.

Lactobacillus/Watermelon Fruit Ferment Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Lactobacillus/Watermelon Fruit Ferment Extract.

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract comes from the cucumber. Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.

Saccharum Officinarum Extract Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Bleaching, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Good for Dark Spots

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Astringent, Humectant, Soothing
Good for Scar Healing

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.

Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract Skin Protecting

Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract comes from the Paeonia Suffruticosa plant known as the Peony.

Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract.

Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Sorbitan Oleate Emulsifying
3 / 0
2 Concerns

Sorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol. It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.

3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Levulinic Acid Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance

Levulinic Acid is a fragrance that comes from the degradation of cellulose. It is a saturated fatty acid.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Levulinate Skin Conditioning

Sodium levulinate is the a sodium salt of Levulinic Acid. If dissolved in an aqueous solution, the two ingredients become identical.

Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance  •  2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
30
3
8
1
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner
17
1
2
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

2,227 Routines
22% use in am
78% use in pm
74% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,001 Routines
51% use in am
49% use in pm
92% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 24 ratings
Works Well (7) Great Value (7) No Scent (4) Irritating (3) Drying (3) Light Scent (3)
CustardBunny's avatar

CustardBunny

3 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Ive used this for a whileee now.
First on my face, way too harsh so i did body only. I got lots of acne and heard nothing but "an all cure for...

Ive used this for a whileee now.
First on my face, way too harsh so i did body only. I got lots of acne and heard nothing but "an all cure for everything skinwise" lol.
Well it HURTS like a bitch. God it stings.
Absolutely no difference, if anything worse skin issues. Around the buttocks area.

Best thing that couldve happened to me? African Black Soap.

tiffchikin's avatar

tiffchikin

7 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Didn't do anything for me
I wanted to like this product so much but after finishing one and a half bottle I still didn't see a difference on my...

Didn't do anything for me
I wanted to like this product so much but after finishing one and a half bottle I still didn't see a difference on my face. Stings a little bit so I only used it 2-3 times a week.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner 22 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 14 ratings
Hydrating (3) Absorbs Well (3) Light Scent (3) Expensive (2) Works Well (2) Light (1)
glasscasita's avatar

glasscasita

7 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I don't understand this product.
After doing skincare for over a decade, I've tried hundreds of products (yes, my wallet isn't happy). This product...

I don't understand this product.
After doing skincare for over a decade, I've tried hundreds of products (yes, my wallet isn't happy). This product was one of the worst out of these hundreds. Most products I've tried are alright. This one was truly not good. It has a strong scent, didn't absorb, and just didn't do anything positive for my skin at all. I gave it 2 weeks and stopped when I started breaking out. I truly cannot understand why people love this toner so much.

emmagracesan24's avatar

emmagracesan24

2 years ago · Oily Skin
Review

Irritation and Breakouts
First and foremost I use BHA and AHA literally every other day with no irritation (so I'm not purging or sensitive) and...

Irritation and Breakouts
First and foremost I use BHA and AHA literally every other day with no irritation (so I'm not purging or sensitive) and this products gave me little forehead breakouts and a burning sensation on my skin. I have experienced purging before from multiple different products and this was purely irritation breakouts. Fragrance was the last ingredient so I thought I was fine, but I'm willing to bet the fragrance made my reaction to this product worse.