Head to head
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution vs The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution vs The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
The bottom lineThe Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution if you want the actives; The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
The OrdinaryGlycolic Acid 7% Toning SolutionSee every ingredient in Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, decoded
Which should you pick?
Pick Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution if
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- your barrier feels stressed and needs the support
- you want more actives working at once
Pick Salicylic Acid 2% Solution if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- you want the more affordable option
- you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
What each delivers
Side by side
| Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Exfoliant | Exfoliant |
| Key actives | Glycolic acid 7%, Glycerin, Sodium PCA | Salicylic acid (BHA) 2% |
| Texture | A middleweight lotion, enough to comfort without feeling heavy. | A middleweight lotion, enough to comfort without feeling heavy. |
| Fragrance | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Not likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | No flagged actives | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 42 listed | 11 listed |
| Price | ~€9 | ~€7 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Both share
No active in common.
Only in Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Fine lines & firmnessGlycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Breakouts & congestionSalicylic Acid 2% Solution
- Dryness & dehydrationGlycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€7 vs ~€9).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution better for fine lines & firmness?
For fine lines & firmness, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution does more across the board (it leads on hydration, barrier repair, anti-aging), while The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution if you want the actives; The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which is cheaper, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution?
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€7 vs ~€9).
Can I use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution together?
They are both exfoliants, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.
Compare it with…
All 6 comparisons
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution vs Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution vs The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution vs The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution vs Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution vs The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA