Y.O.U 12% Acid Intensive Peeling Serum Versus The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Updated on February 21, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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, parabens 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
Y.O.U 12% Acid Intensive Peeling Serum 76 ingredients
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Y.O.U 12% Acid Intensive Peeling Serum 76 ingredients
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMalic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningDiethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glyceryl Glucoside
HumectantLactobionic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Parfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentCeteareth-25
CleansingCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingCarnosine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
PEG-8
HumectantAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Octyldodecanol
EmollientCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
AntimicrobialPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
CI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77266
Water, Malic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Mandelic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Gluconolactone, Betaine, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycolic Acid, Glyceryl Glucoside, Lactobionic Acid, Lactic Acid, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Cyclodextrin, Ceteareth-25, CI 42090, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide NP, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Carnosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-8, Alpha-Arbutin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Tranexamic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Phospholipids, Nonapeptide-1, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Ceramide EOP, CI 16035, CI 77266
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingCentaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Triethanolamine
BufferingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Aspartic Acid
MaskingAlanine
MaskingGlycine
Buffering
Serine
MaskingValine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Histidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantArginine
Masking
PCA
HumectantSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingFructose
HumectantGlucose
HumectantSucrose
HumectantUrea
Buffering
Hexyl Nicotinate
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentCitric Acid
Buffering
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Gellan Gum
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Glycolic Acid, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Aminomethyl Propanol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Glycine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, PCA, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Hexyl Nicotinate, Dextrin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, 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.
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 WaterGlycerin 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 Glycerin1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 AcidCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe contains the antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins neutralize free radicals.
It also contains sugars in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, choline, many common minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Aloe is known to be anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and healing.
Aloe should not replace your sunscreen, as it does not offer UV protection.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Y.O.U 12% Acid Intensive Peeling Serum 76 ingredients
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Y.O.U 12% Acid Intensive Peeling Serum 76 ingredients
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 42 ingredients
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.
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.
