The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Versus

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Versus Tree of Life Retinol Serum with Botanical Hyaluronic Acid

Toner

Serum

Canadian Brand Canada

American Brand United States

Updated on June 07, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 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, 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.

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Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients

Tree of Life Retinol Serum with Botanical Hyaluronic Acid 18 ingredients

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients

Tree of Life Retinol Serum with Botanical Hyaluronic Acid 18 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

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

Retinol Serum with Botanical Hyaluronic Acid

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf

Masking

Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide

Skin Conditioning

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Pentylene Glycol

Phospholipids

Retinol

Polysorbate 20

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Potassium Phosphate

Buffering

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Carrageenan

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Emollient

0-2 / 0 Oil Icon

Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil

Emollient

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant

0 / 0 Vitamin E Icon

Camellia Sinensis Callus

Propolis Wax

Sodium Benzoate

Potassium Sorbate

Ethylhexylglycerin

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Pentylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carrageenan, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Callus, Propolis Wax, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying

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

As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.

Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.

The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.

Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 20

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative

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

This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate

Sodium Benzoate

Masking, 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.

Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.

Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.

It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.

Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.

We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate