Versus

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Versus COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Toner
Exfoliator
Canadian Brand Canada
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on June 07, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

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.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Masking, Skin Conditioning

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

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine
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 

When to use

3,411 Routines
22% use in am
78% use in pm
69% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
1,979 Routines
25% use in am
75% use in pm
57% 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 44 ratings
Works Well (18) Great Value (18) Irritating (12)
CustardBunny's avatar

CustardBunny

1 year ago
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 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.

#drying
#broke me out
#irritating
#sticky
sjordan74's avatar

Shane Jordan

8 months ago
Review

This is great for exfoliation. This product is thin and watery which makes it a great product to use with a cotton pad. I use it as needed, by gently wiping my face with a soaked cotton square immediately after cleansing. I have also used this under my arms for discoloration & itching and on my feet.
The product is absorbed into the skin and leaves little to no residue.

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 10 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 38 ratings
Absorbs Well (13) Light (12) Works Well (11)
sword's avatar

sword

1 year ago
Review

Gently Exfoliates
I decided to try a leave-on exfoliator rather than an exfoliating cleanser because I noticed I kept getting irritation from exfoliating cleansers. This Cosrx one is really gentle and pleasant. It takes a few minutes for it to absorb into my skin, but afterwards I get very little irritation and my skin texture and pore appearance have definitely improved.

#great value
#light
#no scent
#works well
v22's avatar

v22

6 months ago
Review

My favourite COSRX product. Pores appear smaller after a few hours. Was not expecting sebaceous filaments to disappear. I usually use one pump of liquid and put it directly on my T-zone and leave it to do its magic for about a few hours before applying moisturiser. (Putting moisturiser right after reduces its effectiveness from my personal experience.)

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent