Head to head
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution vs The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The bottom lineThe Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution does more across the board (it leads on hydration, oil-control & blemishes), while The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if you want the actives; The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which should you pick?
Pick AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
- plump, lasting hydration is what you want
- you want the more affordable option
Pick Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution if
- you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula
What each delivers
Side by side
| AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Exfoliant | Exfoliant |
| Key actives | Glycolic acid 30%, Salicylic acid (BHA) 2%, Glycerin | Glycolic acid 7%, Pro-vitamin B5, Gluconolactone |
| Texture | A middleweight lotion — enough to comfort without feeling heavy. | A middleweight lotion — enough to comfort without feeling heavy. |
| Fragrance | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Likely | Likely |
| Pregnancy | No flagged actives | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 16 listed | 11 listed |
| Price | ~€8 | ~€9 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Both share
Only in Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Fine lines & firmnessEither works
- Breakouts & congestionAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- Dryness & dehydrationAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€9).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution better for breakouts & congestion?
For breakouts & congestion, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution does more across the board (it leads on hydration, oil-control & blemishes), while The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution if you want the actives; The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which is cheaper, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution?
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the cheaper of the two (~€8 vs ~€9).
Can I use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution together?
They are both exfoliants, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.