Skin science article
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus PrescriptSkin Glycolic Acid Peel 5%
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus PrescriptSkin Glycolic Acid Peel 5% This smoothing toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Ascorb
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner Versus PrescriptSkin Glycolic Acid Peel 5%
This smoothing toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Ascorbic 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
Glycerin
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Allantoin
Panthenol
Ascorbic Acid
Retinyl Palmitate
Tocopheryl Acetate
Benzyl Alcohol
Dehydroacetic Acid
Limonene
Parfum
Water, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Panthenol, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Limonene, Parfum
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Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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:
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
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!