7 Wildly Good Glycolic Acid Benefits That Are Too Good to Gatekeep
Okay, bestie, let’s get one thing straight: I don’t fall for internet hype easily. Like at all. Everyone and their chihuahua could be raving about something, and I’ll still be sitting there with my arms crossed like, “Yeah, no thanks.”
Perfect example? I refused to watch F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for YEARS because literally every person I knew was obsessed. I thought it was overrated AF. (Spoiler: My boyfriend made me watch it, and now I quote Chandler while I’m asleep. So, yeah, jokes on me.)
And guess what? That exact same thing happened with The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner. I saw the hype. I rolled my eyes. And now? I’m here eating my words while pouring this magic potion all over my life.
Because, babe… this stuff? It’s not just for your face. It’s a whole damn lifestyle. Let me spill the tea on all the unexpected ways I use it that actually work.
Real talk, these are all things I’ve tried myself, and my skin’s never been happier.
7 (Low-Key Genius) Ways to Use The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid Toner
1️. Scalp Detox, But Make It Chic
Do you know those days when your scalp feels like it’s getting more buildup than your group chat drama? Yup, same. Glycolic acid is a game-changer. I use it as a pre-wash treatment by dabbing it on my scalp with a cotton pad and letting it sit for 15–20 mins (max!) before shampooing.
If your scalp is flaky or itchy, follow up with a hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo—look for something with aloe or tea tree. You’ll thank me later when your roots feel like they just came back from a spa vacation.
2️. Bye Bye Texture, Hello Smooth Skin
Having blackheads and textured skin is totally normal. I know that a rough patch on your jawline that won’t quit? Swipe the toner on your clean, dry face 2- 3x a week (ONLY at night, okay?) and let it sit before layering on your favorite moisturizer.
Pro-tip: Sensitive skin girlies, you should use the sandwich method. That means apply your moisturizer first, then the toner, and then again moisturizer. It’s like putting on a soft layer of clothing before wearing a scratchy sweater.
3️. Underarm Makeover
Real talk — dark, pigmented underarms are common and nothing to stress about. But if you wanna brighten them up and fight odor too?
Use this toner — after your shower, swipe it under your arms with a cotton pad. It acts like a natural deodorant and exfoliates the skin over time.
Don’t do this: right after shaving. That’s asking for irritation. Wait 24 hours minimum.
4️. Strawberry Legs + Booty Bumps = Handled
If you’re dealing with KP (keratosis pilaris), butt acne, or those annoying red dots on your thighs, Use this toner on clean, dry skin (legs, booty, thighs… wherever!) 2- 3x a week. Then seal it in with a thick, non-comedogenic body lotion.
I layer with a lotion that has urea or ceramides — it helps lock in hydration and smooths skin so much faster.
5️. Crusty Feet Be Gone
When the seasons change, my feet go from soft to Sahara Desert REAL quick. But this little glycolic trick works wonders.
Step 1: Soak your feet in warm water for 5-7 minutes
Step 2: Dry completely
Step 3: Apply glycolic acid all over your heels and soles
Step 4: Wait till it absorbs fully (important!)
Step 5: Slather on some Vaseline or any thick balm, then throw on some cozy socks overnight.
You will wake up to baby feet that Cinderella could never have.
6️. Body Wash Boost Hack
In case you are too lazy to do the full-body routine like me, I have a small trick for you.
Add a few drops of glycolic acid toner to your body wash right on the loofah, whip it into a lather, and wash as usual.
Mini PSA: Don’t use this hack daily — 2x a week is more than enough. You don’t want to over-exfoliate and start glowing red instead of radiant.
7️. The Secret Bikini Zone + Inner Thigh Fix
Hyperpigmentation around the bikini area or inner thighs is something that I think everybody go through. A few dabs of this toner (on clean skin) can help fade the marks gradually. But PLEASE do a patch test first, and never apply it on broken or freshly shaved skin. Your skin will scream. Trust me.
Pair it with a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer like Avene Cicalfate or a healing balm with panthenol. Slow and steady wins this race.
Final Thoughts, Glowbabes
So yeah, this little bottle? Not just hype—it’s a whole lifestyle shift, do-it-all, skincare MVP — if you use it right.I just genuinely love sharing things that work, especially when they’ve turned my skin from chaos to calm.
But don’t just slap it on and hope for miracles. Be gentle, be patient, and most importantly… be consistent. Your skin’s not a microwave, babe — it’s a slow cooker. Give it love and time, and it WILL reward you.