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Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner vs AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight TonerGlow RecipeWatermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner7.5The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionThe OrdinaryAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution8.1vs

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution edges out Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner, 8.1 to 7.5. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner is stronger on texture and feel.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight 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 AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

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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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

Glow Recipe

Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Highest score
Beauty score
7.5Good
8.1Great
Results30% of score
7.5
8.2
Formula & ingredients20% of score
7.4
7.6
Texture & experience15% of score
8.5
6.8
Value20% of score
6.5
9.3
Community love15% of score
8.0
8.2
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$36.00/ 5 fl oz / 150 mlMid-range
$9.50/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlDrugstore
Price per ounceLowest wins
$7.10 / oz
$9.36 / oz
What it does
  • Pore refining
  • Clogged pores
  • Smoothing
  • Hydrating
  • Resurfacing
  • Smoothing
  • Clogged pores
  • Dullness
Made for
All skin types, Combination skin, Oily skin, Dry skin, Normal skin
Normal skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
Key ingredients
PHAsSalicylic acidGlycerinHyaluronic acid
Glycolic acidLactic acidSalicylic acidHyaluronic acidPanthenol
Format
Toner
Peel
Texture
Slightly viscous, hydrating toner (one reviewer calls it gloopy) that dries down without stickiness
Red, water-based exfoliating serum applied with fingertips and rinsed off
Fragrance-free
—
—
Claims
Vegan, Leaping Bunny certified, Paraben-free, Silicone-free, Sulfate-free
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Brand origin
🇺🇸 American beauty
🇨🇦 Canadian beauty
Video reviews
5
5
Best for
  • • Beginners to chemical exfoliation
  • • Dry or combination skin wanting pore care without tightness
  • • Those who value a sensorial toner step
  • • Rough texture and dullness on resilient skin
  • • Clogged pores on oily or combination skin
  • • Experienced exfoliant users wanting an at-home peel
Strengths
  • Hydrating base of watermelon, cactus water and 16% glycerin offsets the acids
  • Gentle enough for daily AM and PM use, according to the brand
  • Cooling, sting-free feel even with daily use, per reviewers
  • Strong 32% combined AHA/BHA blend delivers visible smoothing
  • Weekly use makes a $9.50 bottle last a long time
  • Hyaluronic acid and panthenol support the acid load
Watch-outs
  • Expensive per milliliter versus basic AHA/BHA toners
  • Mild acid load may underwhelm experienced exfoliant users
  • Only for experienced acid users; not for sensitive or compromised skin
  • Misuse or over-long contact can cause significant irritation
Where to buy

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner or AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution?

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution edges out Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner, 8.1 to 7.5. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner is stronger on texture and feel.

Which is better value?

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner works out to about $7.10 / oz and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution to about $9.36 / 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.