I got bored of using it as a toner. So I started putting it everywhere else.
The real magic? It’s a $13 chemical exfoliant that works on any body part with dead skin. Which is… all of them.
It’s the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution from The Ordinary. Under $15. I bought it for “glowy skin” but found better uses.
Underarm Brightener
Swipe on post-shower to gently exfoliate and prevent darkening from deodorant buildup.
Foot & Elbow Softener
Soak a cotton pad, press on rough patches for 2 minutes. Keratosis pilaris on arms? Gone in a week.
Scalp Clarifier
Part hair, apply directly to scalp before shampooing once a week. Cuts through product gunk instantly.
Photo: Angelina / Unsplash
It’s not just glycolic acid. The formula has a Tasmanian pepperberry derivative to calm irritation — smart. The acid itself is derived from sugar cane.
- Glycolic Acid 7%: Dissolves dead skin-cell glue
- Tasmanian Pepperberry: Reduces associated redness
- Ginseng Root: Antioxidant
- Aloe Vera: Soothing base
Photo: Sonia Roselli / Unsplash
Water-thin. Sticky for 30 seconds, then it vanishes. Smells faintly like a chemistry lab — not perfumed, just functional.
Week 2, my underarms were noticeably smoother. Surprise? My knees looked less ashy. A press release would never call knees “ashy.”
Photo: Linh Ha / Unsplash
Body skin is visibly smoother. Face? Still good, but body benefits won. Didn’t lighten hyperpigmentation like a dedicated serum would.
Photo: Lesly Juarez / Unsplash
It’s a brilliant, cheap body treatment that happens to be a decent facial toner. Rebuy? Already have a backup.