If you’re looking to amp up your skincare routine but aren’t too confident to dive into the world of retinol or serums yet, a toner with an active such as a glycolic acid toner may be the best gateway for you. Toners have been part of the Filipino skincare routine for decades now! While they’ve evolved in efficacy and formulation over time, they’re still familiar and trusted. Find out why and which toner may work best for you.
What does a glycolic acid toner do?
Glycolic acid is an alphahydroxy acid. It’s great for exfoliating the skin. It also helps minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic acid is often touted the ‘glow’ acid because it helps renew the skin and give it radiance.
Is it good to use glycolic acid toner everyday?
Since glycolic acid is an exfoliant and it comes in different strengths, it isn’t advised to be used everyday. Twice a week is ideal but anything more than that may cause damage to the skin.
Best glycolic acid toners in the Philippines
Ready to pick one up and add it to your routine? Here are some of the best ones you can get in the country — there are budget and high-end options.
Dermorepubliq 7% Glycolic Acid Skin Renewing Toner



Got dull, tired skin? Rejuvenate it with the help of this local brand’s toner. Aside from glycolic acid, it also contains soothing centella asiatica and cucumber and aloe vera extracts; anti-inflammatory witch hazel and brightening papaya.
ful Glycolic Acid 7% Toner



Unclog your pores with the help of this toner. The glycolic acid in this toner works with an azelaic acid derivative to slough off dead skin cells and impurities from your skin. It’s also enriched with aloe leaf juice and hyaluronic acid for soothing and hydration.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution



This fan-favorite product from The Ordinary is perhaps one of the most popular glycolic acid toners on the market. It doesn’t get any more straightforward than this. But did you know many people use this as a deodorant too?
L’Oreal Glycolic Bright Glowing Toner



If you’re looking for something that’s not as potent but still effective as other glycolic acid toners, this L’Oreal one might be the one for you. Since it has a lower concentration, it can reportedly be used daily. The best part? It’s been tested and recommended for Asian skin.
Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner



Is to get glowing skin on top of your must-do list? This pick from K-beauty brand Good Molecules may just be the one to help you achieve it. This toner pairs glycolic acid with galactomyces ferment to provide you with a smoother, more radiant complexion.
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner



Looking for something a bit more potent? This one’s got 10% glycolic acid that promises to help you get rid of blackheads and fine lines and minimize the appearance of your pores. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Pixi Glow Tonic



This may have been the one that started it all. This award-winning and fan-favorite toner also has soothing aloe vera and skin-energizing red ginseng for a soothed, bright complexion.
Frankly AHA 8.05 Clearing and Exfoliating Toner



Get clearer and brighter skin with the help of this toner that’s also enriched with 17 types of hydrating and skin-protecting amino acids.
Nudestix 5% Citrus Fruit & Glycolic Glow Toner



If you’re just starting out, pick this one up. It’s formulated with 3% glycolic acid, which can help you ease into more active ingredients or more potent versions of this ingredient. It also has citrus fruit acids that help exfoliate the skin for radiance and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Saturday Skin Pore Clarifying Toner



If your pores are your biggest problems, this glycolic acid offers a solution. Aside from its main ingredient, it also has a blend of tea tree oil, witch hazel and red clover that balances the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores.
Looking for more skincare stories? Check these out:
- How I Take an Everything Shower
- These Cleansers Are Great for Combination Skin
- Add These Niacinamide Toners to Your Routine for Brighter Skin
P.S. If you’re keen on buying the product/s in this article, use Shopback when you buy and get P100 (and cash back!) through this link. Learn more about how Shopback works here.