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Head to head

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution vs Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution edges out The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, 8.1 to 8.0. It wins on results, while the Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is stronger on texture and feel and community love.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

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

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
8.1Great
8.0Great
Results30% of score
8.2
7.7
Formula & ingredients20% of score
7.6
7.6
Texture & experience15% of score
6.8
7.2
Value20% of score
9.3
9.3
Community love15% of score
8.2
8.4
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$9.50/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlDrugstore
$9.00/ 3.4 fl oz / 100 mlDrugstore
Price per ounceLowest wins
$9.36 / oz
$2.66 / oz
What it does
  • Resurfacing
  • Smoothing
  • Clogged pores
  • Dullness
  • Smoothing
  • Resurfacing
  • Dullness
  • Brightening
Made for
Normal skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
Normal skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
Format
Peel
Toner
Texture
Red, water-based exfoliating serum applied with fingertips and rinsed off
Water-based liquid toner
Fragrance-free
—
—
Claims
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Brand origin
🇨🇦 Canadian beauty
🇨🇦 Canadian beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Rough texture and dullness on resilient skin
  • • Clogged pores on oily or combination skin
  • • Experienced exfoliant users wanting an at-home peel
  • • Dull, uneven or rough-textured skin
  • • Budget-conscious acid users
  • • Body texture and scalp buildup
Strengths
  • 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
  • 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
  • Only for experienced acid users; not for sensitive or compromised skin
  • Misuse or over-long contact can cause significant irritation
  • Brand advises against use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin
  • Increases sun sensitivity; daily SPF is essential

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner?

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution edges out The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, 8.1 to 8.0. It wins on results, while the Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is stronger on texture and feel and community love.

Which is better value?

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution works out to about $9.36 / 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.