The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner

The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner

This smoothing toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.

This smoothing toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Glycolic Acid

Propanediol

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Sodium Hydroxide

Butylene Glycol

Phenoxyethanol

Alcohol

PPG-26-Buteth-26

Betaine

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract

Ethylhexylglycerin

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Betaine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Dipropylene Glycol

Sodium Citrate

1,2-Hexanediol

Glycerin

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

Whey Filtrate

Salicylic Acid

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Pentylene Glycol

Niacinamide

Tricholoma Matsutake Extract

Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract

Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract

Sodium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Whey Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Reviews

Alternatives

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:

The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.

Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.

It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.

Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.

AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.

Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.

Overall, glycolic acid helps with:

Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.

To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).

The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:

It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.

Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.

If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.

Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.

Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.

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.

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.

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. Remember to stay hydrated!

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