COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner

Versus

COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner Versus The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Toner

Korean Brand

Canadian Brand

Updated on June 07, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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.

New Comparison

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner 16 ingredients

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C (ABC) Daily Toner

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract

Emollient

Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Salix Alba Bark Water

Astringent

Pyrus Malus Fruit Water

Masking

Butylene Glycol

Humectant

1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Niacinamide

1,2-Hexanediol

Ethyl Hexanediol

Sodium Lactate

Water

Glycolic Acid

Allantoin

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning

Betaine Salicylate

Antimicrobial

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Antioxidant

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract, Salix Alba Bark Water, Pyrus Malus Fruit Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Lactate, Water, Glycolic Acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Adenosine, Betaine Salicylate, Ascorbyl Glucoside

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycolic Acid

Buffering

Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Masking

Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water

Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water

Masking

Propanediol

Solvent

Glycerin

Humectant

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Triethanolamine

Buffering

2 / 0

Aminomethyl Propanol

Buffering

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Emollient

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract

Aspartic Acid

Alanine

Glycine

Serine

Valine

Isoleucine

Proline

Threonine

Histidine

Phenylalanine

Glutamic Acid

Arginine

PCA

Sodium PCA

0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Lactate

Fructose

Glucose

Sucrose

Urea

Hexyl Nicotinate

Dextrin

Citric Acid

Polysorbate 20

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Gellan Gum

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Sodium Chloride

Hexylene Glycol

Potassium Sorbate

Sodium Benzoate

1,2-Hexanediol

Caprylyl Glycol

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.

It is a:

Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
Emollient, helping to soften skin
Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives

Glycolic Acid

Buffering

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.

Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.

Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.

Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:

Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.

When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.

The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.

Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Glycolic Acid

Sodium Lactate

Buffering, Humectant

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

This ingredient is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin. NMF also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.

High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.

Fun fact: Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.

Learn more about Sodium Lactate

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.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water