Glycolic Acids have become a staple ingredient for many skin care products in the last few years. Like any other exfoliating acids, Glycolic Acids can be found in many formulations from night creams to serums and peels. Regardless, the most common or “favourite” way to use Glycolic Acid is still in the form of toner, usually a step after cleansing.
So, what does Glycolic Acid do to your face?
Glycolic Acid is essentially a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) which is commonly derived from Sugar Cane as well as Pineapple and Sugar Beets. Its main function is to exfoliate the skin which can subsequently prevent acne and help to even out overall skin tone by ridding of excess pigments on the skin.
Glycolic Acid also stimulates the production of collagen which helps reduce fine lines too. In short, this form of AHA is perfect to keep breakouts, dullness, wrinkles and congested skin at bay.
Keep on reading to find out the best Glycolic Acid Toners for a glow-up now!
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Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner is an alcohol-free toner that’s suitable for dry skin types as it will not strip your skin of its natural moisturisers. This mild resurfacing toner helps to brighten and balance the skin post-cleansing. Surprisingly, this toner contains merely 4 ingredients which are deionized water, Aloe Vera Gel, Grapefruit Extract, and Glycolic Acid. Talk about being gentle on the skin as well!
Boscia’s Resurfacing Treatment Toner is a dermatologically tested resurfacing treatment toner formulated with 20% Acid Complex. This important ingredient thoroughly resurfaces and exfoliates the skin for an invigorated and transformed-looking skin.
The toner also contains Apple Cider Vinegar to help tone the skin and soften the look of fine lines as well as wrinkles. Lastly, Salicylic Acid in this toner will help treat acne too.
A favourite amongst beauty editors and skincare obsessives, Pixi’s Glow Tonic is a gentle exfoliating toner that removes dead skin cells to reveal a refined texture and healthy glowing skin.
This hypoallergenic formula is made with a blend of botanical extracts like Aloe Vera and Ginseng. Aside from being known for its marvellous antioxidant properties, Ginseng Root Extract is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties which helps to quell redness and puffiness too.
For overactive sebaceous glands, Cosrx’s AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is the best option. There’s a solid 10% of each Apple Water (a natural AHA) and Willow Bark Water (a natural BHA) in this toner, which may be overly drying for normal to dry skin types.
Nevertheless, the main ingredient of this toner is Mineral Water and studies have shown that cosmetic compositions containing Thermal Spring Water or Mineral Water with an active agent like AHAs or BHAs will exhibit a reduced irritant effect. Simply put, the Clarifying Treatment Toner is still gentle enough for oily-sensitive skin.
More: 10 Best Toners That’ll Make Those Pores of Yours Almost Invisible
Having infused with 7 Vitamin Complex, Dr Jart’s Plus V7 Toner is most ideal for those who suffer from hyperpigmentation or melasma. It’s a brightening toner that clears and brightens the skin with a vitamin Keratin care solution. Besides Glycolic Acid, this toner also contains exfoliants like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Lactic Acid, to speed up skin renewal.
Sephora Collection’s Glow Peel Pads are not only travel-friendly but also highly effective. Formulated with 96% ingredients from natural origin, these peel pads contain natural Glycolic Acid derived from Sugar Cane and natural peptides from Marine Algae.
As a result, the toner exfoliates and tighten the skin respectively. Additionally, 86% of plastic in the Glow Peel Pads container is made from Sugar Cane Residuals which makes it more sustainable.
Milia are white and small bump-like cysts found on the surface layer of the skin which are basically caused by dead skin cells building up and getting trapped in the pores. Ren’s Clarimatte Clarifying Toner is a decongesting toner that helps unclog pores and refresh the skin.
This toner also helps to control oil, clear blockages, remove dead skin cells, and minimise the pores for smoother, clearer skin.
Finding a Glycolic Acid Toner from the drugstore is quite challenging as there aren’t many brands that produce them. Thus, Nanowhite’s Refining Treatment is a rare gem found in the drugstore.
This treatment toner is power-packed with Glycolic Acid (or Sugar Cane Extract), Ferulic Acid, Omega White-C, Allantoin, Orange Extract, Lemon Extract, and Bilberry Extract. As such, the toner balances, tightens and refine pores for more radiant skin - all in a bottle under RM 20.