RetiStar Stabilized Retinol is a retinol complex containing 0.05% retinol, tocopherol, sodium ascorbate, and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in caprylic/capric triglycerides in an oily dispersion. This is a gel-like serum. This peel also contains hyaluronic acid cross polymer for extended hydration. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. 2013;6:281-288. doi:10.2147/CCID.S34029, Guo X, Mei N. Aloe vera: a review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects. Another important factor Dr. Zeichner says to keep in mind is the pH of the product itself. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is a gel formula that contains a high 5% concentration of caffeine and highly-purified Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves. Active Ingredients: Lactic, salicylic, glycolic acids, activated charcoal | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Benefits: Hydrates, exfoliates | Size: 8 fl. The Inkey List advises not to spray with water after application. The Ordinary produces six different kinds of retinol, and three of the six products contain a granactive retinoid. I have yet to see a noticeable change in my skin, but I will continue to use these products as a preventative measure. Related Post: The Best The Ordinary Products for Dry Skin. If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. The right formula (AKA this one) can be super effective for dry skin, too. It feels silky and hydrating, plus it provides an excellent base for makeup without needing to layer an additional product for more moisture. Related Post: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution Review. Precisely what it was designed to do. And that's why it won a 2020 Best of Beauty Award. Caffeine works as a diuretic that helps to relieve water retention, a contributing factor to under-eye puffiness. This formula features 2 percent beta hydroxy acid to exfoliate skin and unclog pores, and its zinc compound helps reduce inflammation. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. Apply a couple of drops as the last step in your skin-care routine before you go to sleep, and you'll wake up with glowy, moisturized skin every time. Getty Images | Courtesy of brand | Angela Trakoshis. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key featureslike ingredients, shade range, or designin addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Yes, please!! MY PICK: Both niacinamide serums are effective at controlling oil and minimizing the appearance of blemishes. I really like these straightforward hero-ingredient products and their budget-friendly prices. NOTE: The Ordinary also has a gentle and hydrating Squalane Cleanser, ideal for dry skin. After just one use, you'll notice smoother, brighter skin., The Kaolin Clay Mask is ideal for getting all that gunk out of your pores. Their granactive retinoid is a complex of solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR). I like mixing The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder with The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid since it is a water-based serum. It is also rich in vitamin C that works as a free-radical fighter in addition to brightening the skin and fighting hyperpigmentation. , The Glycolic Acid Toner features 10 percent of its star alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, to minimize the look of pores and fine lines. According to Miami board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, tranexamic acid is an increasingly popular ingredient for treating discoloration. After application, it takes a bit of time to dry, but it does not interfere with other skincare and makeup products. If brightening is your goal, try the Bolden Brightening Glycolic Acid Toner. 5 hours ago, by Njera Perkins Like The Inkey List, it is best used as the last step of your skincare routine and can be mixed in with your foundation or moisturizer. Ultimately, both brands complement each other. It is a water-free, highly concentrated formula that may irritate sensitive skin. Aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, willow bark, allantoin | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Hydrates, exfoliates, soothes | Size: 5 fl. https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/glycolic-acid-toners/slide20. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes, "After a month of use, I do feel like my skin looks brighter and clearer, and I think the dark spots are clearing up, too." The alpha-hydroxy acid is an excellent chemical exfoliant, great at dissolving dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores and a generally lackluster appearance, but has wrinkle-fighting benefits, too. This particular mist is yet another formulation that offers that powerhouse pairing of glycolic acid with beta hydroxy acids meant to help refine pores and texture and keep excess oil at bay. Glamglow Supertoner Exfoliating Acid Solution Toner, Best Brightening: Yep, its as simple as that. MY PICK: I found both The Inkey List and The Ordinary retinol/retinoid products very comparable. This newer form of retinoid claims to cause less irritation than other retinoids/retinols while being just as effective. NOTE: The Ordinary clearly states that there are some situations where this serum wont help with dark circles, like if you have hollowness in the eye contour due to sub-dermal tissue structure (i.e., fat or bone), or fat deposits that can cause permanent puffiness. Its important to note that retinoids may increase your skins sensitivity to the sun, so sunscreen is necessary when using these products and for a week afterward. EGCG provides protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The aloe plant's inner gel mucilage (the part that's used in skin care products) is made up of 99.5% water. Since I usually dont love my skin feeling oily, I tend to reach for The Ordinary Rosehip Oil more often. The Inkey List retinol vs The Ordinary retinol there are many different types of retinoids available on the market today. MY PICK: Both products have a comfortable skin feel and wear well with makeup. Plus, despite how well it exfoliates, its still gentle enough for everyday use, thanks to the addition of soothers such as niacinamide and glycerin. . Both brands focus on single hero-ingredient products, which lend themselves to comparison. Squalene is unstable when exposed to oxygen, so for skincare products, hydrogen is added to squalene to form a saturated and stable oil: squalane. By the end of the four weeks, my complexion was a lot less dull and looked overall much healthier and radiant." The liquid formula works well with other skincare products, and I have seen slightly more clarity and smoothing with The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe, ginseng | Skin Type: Oily | Benefits: Hydrates, exfoliates, soothes | Size: 8 fl. A 2% concentration of Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid to reduce blemish-causing bacteria and citric, lactic, and succinic acids to support an even skin tone. You cant go wrong with either retinoid, but the longer I use it, The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion has become one of my favorite retinoids on the market. The more I learn about alpha arbutin, the more I like this ingredient for brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and discoloration. Its great to see that both brands educate their customers about their formulations and the benefits of their ingredients. Youll only need a few drops as the last step in your skincare routine. If youre battling blemishes, consider an option that pairs glycolic acid with salicylic acid. Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe leaf juice | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Hydrates, exfoliates, soothes | Size: 8 fl. Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, witch hazel, niacinamide | Skin Type: Dry | Benefits: Hydrates, exfoliates, soothes | Size: 7.5 fl. Namely, niacinamide, licorice root extract, and algae extract, which has the added benefit of also being a powerfully protective antioxidant. Come bedtime, wash your face, then simply apply it all-over, before any serum or moisturizer. Yet, The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCGs serum texture left my eye area a bit dry and in need of additional moisture. This comparison is the perfect example of how everyones skin is unique, and what works (or doesnt work) for me may not work (or work) for you. Ready to try one? It doesnt seem to provide the moisturizing effect of a typical eye cream, so when I use this, I often need to later another eye cream on top for additional moisture under my eyes. On that note, this one is also great for hard-to-reach spots on the body that are also prone to breakouts (like your back and chest). Melanie Rud is a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. Squalene (with an e) is naturally present in the skins barrier and prevents moisture loss but declines as we age. The first thing that jumps out at you regarding this treatment is the color. It dries quickly with very little tackiness. MY PICK: Unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution due to my somewhat sensitive skin type. Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: what is available? 2011;10(9):990-1000. The pH of the formula is approximately 4.9. As a result, lactic acid may be an option for sensitive skin, as it is generally better tolerated than glycolic acid. My skin has improved clarity, and fine lines are diminished when I wake up in the morning after using this serum at night. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. For this reason, I reach for The Inkey List products slightly more often than The Ordinary products. Using the tube with a disc cap could be very messy. Salicylic acid exfoliates and helps to clear pore congestion, which is ideal for oily complexions. You can also mix a drop or two into your moisturizer or foundation for a beautiful glow. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g37771989/best-glycolic-acid-toners/, 18 Glycolic Acid Toners That Work Magic on Your Skin. Both acid facial peels from The Inkey List and The Ordinary contain a potent amount of direct acids to unclog pores, improve skin texture and help improve the appearance of blemishes and congestion. CosRX AHA/BHA Treatment Toner, What to Look For in a Glycolic Acid Toner, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Astringent, Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review, Aloe vera: a review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects, Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment, Hydroxy acids, the most widely used anti-aging agents. "It chemically nixes the cell buildup that leads to clogged pores and blemishes, and it's also an anti-aging mainstay.". You only need a drop or two to cover your entire face. Retinoids can also encourage new collagen production, so they are stand-out ingredients in an anti-aging skincare arsenal. This peel contains 30% alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in the form of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids, plus 2% beta hydroxy acid (BHA) in the form of salicylic acid. The Inkey List Retinol Serum is formulated with two different retinoids: 1% RetiStar stabilized Retinol and 0.5% Granactive Retinoid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As Ive continued to use these two retinoids, I reach for The Ordinary more often than The Inkey List. Yay for low-cost, high-quality anti-aging skincare!! Due to the high concentration of free acids, The Ordinary warns that this peel should not be used on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin and recommends that it be used only by experienced users of acid exfoliation. No matter whether youre looking to fade dark marks caused by sun damage, leftover acne scarring, or who the heck knows what, this formula gets the job done. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A, so please keep this in mind if using it with retinoids since retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and can be harsh on the skin. Find our favorite toners, serums, cleansers, and more from The Inkey List ahead. Using these oils as the last step in my skincare routine seals in the water-based products underneath. Related Post: How to Build A Skincare Routine with The Ordinary Products. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice. I use it as the last step of my skincare routine, but I think both oils are light enough to use under a moisturizer. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All rights reserved. This toner is formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores and helps to improve skin texture and brightness. MY PICK: Ive been using each oil on one side of my face and have found them very similar. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Lactic acid is an AHA that also has humectant properties. In addition to lactic acid, she says that aloe vera, glycerin, and chamomile are other great hydrating or skin-calming ingredients to look out for. I have a question, when I use vitamin C in the morning or retinol at night, I spray some water after the application for mix it/blend it better. Retinoids help fight fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and texture by neutralizing free radicals that break down collagen. As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. MY PICK: I didnt really care for either product due to irritation, but I preferred The Inkey List Vitamin C Cream since it caused slightly less irritation than The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone. When it comes to choosing a glycolic acid toner, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner first recommends looking into the concentration of glycolic acid in the product. Thanks! The formula comes in a bottle with a dropper. It also contains a 5% multi-fruit acid blend for additional exfoliation and to smooth the skin. Unfortunately, this toner irritated my skin and reddened my face upon application, although I did notice that my skin was brighter and clearer in the morning after using this at night. Rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and pro-vitamin A, the oil has a natural scent due to the high omega fatty acid content. This standout is so good, it even got Byrdie Senior Editor Hallie Gould(a devotee to a much pricier toner) to convert. The powder easily dissolves in the hyaluronic acid serum, which is lightweight and non-greasy. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes. Read on for our favorite glycolic acid toners. The guide breaks down the benefits of each product and who they are best suited for. Marie Claire. They want to bring pricing and communication integrity to the forefront of the skincare industry. We do a double-take every time we look at the price tags of any product from this brand, and this toner is no exception. You get the gist. A Tasmanian pepperberry derivate helps to reduce irritation that is associated with exfoliating acids. Its liquid formula applies smoothly after water-based serums but before thicker serums and creams. This high combination of AHAs is included in this formula to exfoliate dead skin cells in the outermost layer of skin cells to even skin tone and to brighten the appearance of your complexion. This is a hero hydrator that can be combined with direct acids and skincare actives for maximum hydration. Theres no shortage of different ways to incorporate the superstar ingredient into your routine, but toner is arguably the easiest. It contains a 10% concentration of niacinamide plus zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid at 1%, which helps to balance the visible aspects of sebum activity occurring in the sebaceous glands. For just $8, the Hyaluronic Acid is a great pick if your skin needs a burst of hydration. Youll also need to learn about product formulations and how products should or shouldnt be combined. A supreme multitasker, it also works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. In other words, you get to save some money while you watch your skin thrive. It also helps to repair free radical damage and protect the skin barrier. RETINOID UPDATE: There are a lot of affordable retinoids on the market. Since neither product could make a noticeable improvement in my dark circles, it came down to other anti-aging benefits. I want to love this product because it is a best seller for The Ordinary, but it just didnt work out for me. Vitamin C is a hero antioxidant that targets fines lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and loss of elasticity and firmness. In addition to eliminating confusion with straightforward products, the brand also has a 24/7, 365-days-a-year customer-service program with free, personalized skin-care advice. When the two are combined, you'll be looking like you had a full night's rest (even if you didn't). It also contains Matrixyl 3000 peptide, which targets fine lines while plumping the skin and supporting collagen production. The lower the pH, the more potent of an effect it will have on the skin in terms of exfoliation, he says. Ad Choices. You dont want to waste the oil and have it run down the side of the tube. Other higher-end skincare brands owned by Deciem include Niod and Hylamide, so The Ordinary enjoys the backing of an extensive family of skincare brands and their research. It provides the perfect canvas for eye makeup such as concealer. Related Post: The Best The Ordinary Skincare Products for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin. This keeps the focus on the product inside the packaging. For more on this retinol serum, please see my The Inkey List Retinol review. (Retinol is a type of retinoid.) Having the same pH and pKa indicates a balance between acidity and salts. This allows for maximum efficacy with minimal irritation. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes. Active Ingredients: Glycolic, salicylic, lactic acids, gluconolactone | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Hydrates, exfoliates, soothes | Size: 4.4 fl. Fun fact: AHAs like Glycolic acid actually have some subtle hydrating effects, and here its combined with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, too. While the products and results are very similar for both brands, the price and packaging give The Ordinary the edge in the comparison between the two. It also has witch hazel to help control excess oil. HPR is a retinoic acid ester delivered in a protective capsule system for improved delivery and effects. For more details on The Ordinarys peeling solution, please see my posts on How To Use The Ordinary Peeling Solution and What To Use After The Ordinary Peeling Solution. Wow amazing reviews. Vitamin B5 helps heal the skin, while black carrot provides antioxidant properties. Sure, toners are more often associated with oily skin types, but that doesnt have to be the case. Look for products that combine glycolic acid with lactic acid, as this is a great combination that gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin, she says. These featherlight hydrators are some of our go-tos no matter what time of year it is for intense hydration that absorbs quickly without clogging pores or T-zones. This product is formulated to brighten dull and stressed-out skin. Otherwise, both products behave very similarly. Glycolic acid is a smaller molecule than other acids such as lactic acid, so glycolic acid travels deeper into the skin. They also both have HA in them, I think. If you are wondering whether The Inkey List or The Ordinary has better skincare products, lets look at the formula comparisons for each main ingredient/product type. Even though packaged in glass, The Ordinarys rosehip oil comes in UV-protective packaging. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution contains 7% glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian Pepperberry to help combat irritation. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA contains 2% alpha arbutin and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, a next-generation form of hyaluronic acid. Due to the low concentration of retinoids, this could be a great option for beginners. It also dries quickly and hydrates well. Rosehip oil contains essential fatty acids to support collagen formation and skin elasticity. While we enjoy all of the products, we've narrowed it down to nine of our favorite products. Thank you so much for this article!! Ill continue to use both oils in my skincare routine. Ive used this product several times, and every time my skin becomes itchy and irritated. Luckily, both brands have very helpful information on their websites on how to use their products. The Inkey List has four cleansers, while The Ordinary only has one. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. You can read more about my experience with The Ordinary in this review of The Ordinary skincare products. This serum is also formulated with 1% multi-molecular hyaluronic acid for hydration and to plump the skin. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.