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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner vs Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner edges out Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, 8.0 to 7.9. It wins on results, value and community love, while the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is stronger on formula and texture and feel.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

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Beauty score
7.9Good
8.0Great
Results30% of score
7.4
7.7
Formula & ingredients20% of score
7.9
7.6
Texture & experience15% of score
8.4
7.2
Value20% of score
8.3
9.3
Community love15% of score
8.1
8.4
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$23.00/ 8.45 fl oz / 250 mlMid-range
$9.00/ 3.4 fl oz / 100 mlDrugstore
Price per ounceLowest wins
$2.72 / oz
$2.66 / oz
What it does
  • Soothing
  • Redness
  • Hydrating
  • Irritation-free
  • Smoothing
  • Resurfacing
  • Dullness
  • Brightening
Made for
Sensitive skin, Acne-prone skin
Normal skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
Format
Toner
Toner
Texture
Watery, lightweight toner to pat on with fingertips or a cotton pad
Water-based liquid toner
Fragrance-free
Yes
—
Claims
Fragrance-free, Non-comedogenic, Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Brand origin
🇰🇷 K-beauty
🇨🇦 Canadian beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Reactive or redness-prone skin that wants a calming, fragrance-free toner
  • • Oily or acne-prone skin that wants light hydration
  • • A break from exfoliating toners
  • • Dull, uneven or rough-textured skin
  • • Budget-conscious acid users
  • • Body texture and scalp buildup
Strengths
  • Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula built on heartleaf water with panthenol, centella and hyaluronic acid
  • Generous 250 ml bottle for $23 on Anua's site
  • Reddit users describe it as soothing and balancing for reactive skin
  • Very low price for a 7% glycolic acid toner
  • Visibly smoother, brighter skin reported with regular use
  • Versatile: brand-approved for scalp, widely used on body
Watch-outs
  • Some r/AsianBeauty users find it underwhelming for hydration, needing several layers
  • Effects are subtle; users say not to expect it to transform skin
  • Brand advises against use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin
  • Increases sun sensitivity; daily SPF is essential

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner or Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner?

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner edges out Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, 8.0 to 7.9. It wins on results, value and community love, while the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is stronger on formula and texture and feel.

Which is better value?

Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner works out to about $2.72 / oz and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner to about $2.66 / oz, based on typical non-Amazon retail prices when we last checked.

How do you score them?

Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.