After Glycolic Acid Toner: Your The Ordinary Routine

The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is a cult-favorite chemical exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells, brightens dullness, and refines texture. However, glycolic acid—an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)—is potent, and using it incorrectly (or pairing it with the wrong products) can lead to irritation, dryness, or a compromised skin barrier. To maximize its benefits and minimize risks, here’s your ultimate guide to building a post-toner routine that nourishes, hydrates, and protects.

**1. Why What You Apply After Glycolic Acid Matters**

Glycolic acid works by dissolving the « glue » that holds dead skin cells together, revealing fresher, smoother skin. However, this process can:

Temporarily weaken the skin barrier, increasing sensitivity.
Raise pH levels, disrupting the skin’s natural acidity.
Increase sun sensitivity, making UV protection non-negotiable.

Your post-toner steps should focus on rebalancing pH, replenishing hydration, and fortifying the skin barrier.

2. The Ideal Post-Glycolic Acid Routine

Step 1: Neutralize pH (Optional but Recommended)

Glycolic acid works best at a low pH (3.5–4). After letting it sit for 5–10 minutes, some prefer to neutralize its acidity with:

A pH-balancing mist like Avène Thermal Spring Water or La Roche-Posay Thermal Water.
A hydrating toner with a slightly higher pH (5–6), such as COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner or Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner.

Why? This step isn’t mandatory, but it helps prep skin for subsequent products and reduces irritation risk.

Step 2: Hydrate and Soothe

After exfoliation, hydration is critical. Opt for humectants to attract moisture and soothing agents to calm the skin:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: Plumps and hydrates without heaviness.
Paula’s Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner: Contains ceramides and peptides to repair the barrier.
Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Serum: Calms redness with centella and panthenol.

Pro Tip: Avoid toners or serums with alcohol, witch hazel, or fragrance, which can further irritate.

Step 3: Strengthen the Barrier

Glycolic acid can strip lipids, so replenish with ceramides, fatty acids, or peptides:

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: Balances sebum, reduces redness, and supports barrier health.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream: A rich ceramide cream for dry or sensitive skin.
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer: Lightweight yet restorative for combination skin.

For Oily Skin: Skip heavy creams and try a gel moisturizer like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream.

Step 4: Lock in Moisture (Night)

At night, seal everything with an occlusive or facial oil:

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane: Mimics skin’s natural oils, non-comedogenic.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5: Heals irritation with panthenol and shea butter.
Rosehip Oil: Packed with vitamin A and antioxidants for overnight repair.

Morning Alternative: Use a lighter moisturizer and always follow with sunscreen.

Step 5: Sunscreen (Morning Only!)

Glycolic acid makes skin extra vulnerable to UV damage. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning:

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46*: Contains niacinamide to calm and protect.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+**: Lightweight, hydrating, and fungal-acne-safe.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+: Gold standard for high UV protection.

**3. What Not to Use After Glycolic Acid**

Avoid these ingredients immediately after glycolic acid to prevent irritation:

Other AHAs/BHAs: Retinoids, salicylic acid, or lactic acid.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): High risk of stinging or redness.
Physical scrubs: Over-exfoliation can damage the barrier.
High-strength actives: Benzoyl peroxide, strong retinols.

Wait at least 12–24 hours before reintroducing these ingredients.

4. Sample Routines for Different Skin Types

For Dry/Sensitive Skin

Glycolic Acid Toner (2–3x/week, PM only).
COSRX Propolis Toner.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5.

For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

Glycolic Acid Toner (3–4x/week, PM).
Paula’s Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (AM).

For Mature/Combination Skin

Glycolic Acid Toner (3x/week, PM).
Beauty of Joseon Centella Serum.
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer.
The Ordinary Rosehip Seed Oil.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ (AM).

5. Pro Tips for Safe Glycolic Acid Use

Start slow: Use 2–3x/week, gradually increasing to nightly if tolerated.
Patch test: Apply behind the ear for 48 hours before full-face use.
Avoid the eye area: The skin here is thinner and more sensitive.
Don’t mix with vitamin C: Use glycolic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning.
Hydrate extra on exfoliation days: Sheet masks or overnight sleeping packs work wonders.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Your Skin Stings or Turns Red

Pause exfoliation for 3–5 days.
Apply aloe vera gel or La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5.
Simplify your routine: Use only gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF.

If You Experience Breakouts

This could be purging (4–6 weeks) or irritation. Differentiate by location:
Purging: Breakouts in areas you usually get them.
Irritation: Redness, rash, or breakouts in new areas.

If Skin Feels Tight or Flaky

Swap glycolic acid for a gentler exfoliant like The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA.
Add a urea-based moisturizer (e.g., Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream) to dissolve flakes.

7. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Alternatives

If glycolic acid is too harsh, try these gentler options:

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA: Milder AHA for sensitive skin.
Pixi Glow Tonic (5% Glycolic Acid): Lower concentration with aloe vera.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid: Salicylic acid for clogged pores.

Final Verdict

The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toner is a powerhouse, but its efficacy hinges on what you layer afterward. By following up with hydrating, barrier-supporting, and protective products, you’ll achieve a radiant complexion without compromising skin health. Remember: Exfoliation is only 20% of the job—the other 80% is how you care for your skin afterward.

Have you tried this toner? Share your post-glycolic acid routine in the comments! 🌟