The skincare industry can often be a confusing place for consumers. With an overwhelming array of products, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be challenging to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising miraculous results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.

It is therefore crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Rather than taking claims about products at face value, it is important to delve deeper into the ingredients used within the product. This can provide a more accurate assessment of whether the product will truly live up to its claims.

In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner by The Ordinary. We will be examining the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really does what it promises.

So, let’s dive into the main claims being made about this product and break them down:

Claim #1: The Product Significantly Smooths Skin Texture

The Ordinary’s Website States: “Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is an exfoliator that significantly smoothes skin texture…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Glycolic Acid is a well-known alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that works to exfoliate the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed. This process results in a smoother skin texture. The presence of this ingredient in the formula supports the claim.

Claim #2: The Product Promotes the Appearance of a More Even Skin Tone

The Ordinary’s Website States: “…promotes the appearance of a more even skin tone…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Glycolic Acid is also known for its ability to improve skin tone. It does this by removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells, revealing a new layer that is typically more even in tone. Additionally, the formula contains Rosa Damascena Flower Water and Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, both of which are known for their skin-soothing properties that can help to reduce redness and promote an even skin tone.

Claim #3: The Product Reduces the Appearance of Lines and Wrinkles

The Ordinary’s Website States: “It also reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles.”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: Glycolic Acid can stimulate the production of new collagen, which can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the formula contains Panax Ginseng Root Extract, which is known for its anti-aging properties, including the ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Claim #4: The Product Contains a Plant-Derived Tasmanian Pepperberry Derivative

The Ordinary’s Website States: “It contains…a plant-derived Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative…”

Truth Assessment: True

Explanation: The ingredient list includes Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, which is a derivative of the Tasmanian Pepperberry. This ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe the skin and reduce irritation, particularly from the use of AHAs like Glycolic Acid.

Assessment Verdict:

Truth Rating: 9/10

Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly likely

The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner appears to be highly truthful in its claims. The product’s key ingredient, Glycolic Acid, is well-known and scientifically proven for its exfoliating properties, which can indeed promote smoother skin texture, more even skin tone, and reduced appearance of lines and wrinkles. The presence of other beneficial ingredients such as Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, and Panax Ginseng Root Extract further supports these claims.

However, users should be mindful that individual skin reactions can vary. While the product contains ingredients known for their skin-soothing properties, some people may still experience irritation or sensitivity, especially those with sensitive skin or those new to using AHAs. It’s always recommended to do a patch test before using a new product.

It’s also important to note that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order, but this doesn’t tell us everything about the concentrations of each ingredient. An ingredient listed first will be present in the highest quantity, but it could still be less than effective if the overall formula is heavily diluted.

Remember, not all skincare products work the same for everyone. Always do your research, understand your skin type and needs, and be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true. Look for products with scientifically proven ingredients and be mindful of potential irritants, especially if you have sensitive skin.

This product review has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The review is conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, who utilizes a variety of reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided. These sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), and The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, various publicly available sources are also consulted to provide a well-rounded perspective on the product under review.