One of the trendiest and most effective skincare products to make a splash with consumers this year? Liquid toners, formulated with glycolic acid, for speedy chemical exfoliation.
“Nowadays, toners do it all. In addition to their main goals—think improving the appearance of pores, evening out tone, and cleansing the skin—they’re now infused with ingredients that give them an extra kick. Glycolic acid is an MVP when it comes to removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, which means eradicating dark spots and brightening the complexion,” writes Taylore Glynn in Marie Claire.
To help shed away dead, dry skin cells and reveal a more luminous complexion, a liquid glycolic acid toner is a thoroughly modern, supercharged skincare solution.
The liquid toner boom
In recent years, liquid toners have witnessed an incredible spike in popularity, thanks to renewed consumer demand for updated formulations containing active ingredients like glycolic acid.
“Toners of the past were known for their astringent properties, which often dried skin out. Today, however, toner formulations have been improved to target an array of skin concerns, such as the loss of collagen or excess oiliness that can lead to breakouts — all made with varying ingredients, depending on your skin-care goals,” explains Audrey Noble in Allure.
While toners were once designed to remove excess makeup or debris from the face, the liquid toners of today target a huge variety of skincare issues, from anti-aging help to reducing dark spots.
And the most popular liquid toners of all? Glycolic acid toners that can exfoliate the skin gently and help improve many other skincare issues like hyperpigmentation, clogged pores, and acne.
Exfoliation in a swipe
First and foremost, glycolic acid liquid toners are seeing a recent surge in popularity because these formulations allow consumers to quickly and effectively exfoliate the skin with a quick swipe.
“Glycolic acid reigns supreme in the skincare world—it’s a favorite among dermatologists, skincare experts, and Byrdie editors alike for its litany of benefits. The alpha-hydroxy acid is an excellent chemical exfoliant, great at dissolving dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores and a generally lackluster appearance, but has wrinkle-fighting benefits, too,” writes Melanie Rud in Brydie.
Glycolic acid toners can help reveal a more luminous complexion!
Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule size in the powerful Alpha Hydroxy Acid family, which makes glycolic acid the ingredient best at penetrating the skin cell. Once a glycolic acid liquid toner is applied to the face, glycolic acid acts quickly, dissolving the bonds holding dead skin cells together. This helps to slough away dead, dry, or older skin cells from the face and reveal a brighter complexion.
A beneficial skincare step
Additionally, liquid glycolic acid toners are seeing a resurgence in popularity because these toners can help to prep the skin for follow-up products like moisturizers, night creams, serums, or overnight facial masks.
“Glycolic acid reigns supreme in the skincare world. The AHA is an excellent chemical exfoliant.”
Melanie Rud, Brydie
By shedding off dead skin cells from the face, a glycolic acid toner can allow for better, faster absorption of other skincare products.
“A direct result of its exfoliation properties, glycolic acid helps to better prepare your skin for other products to be applied and allows them to be more effective in achieving their designed objectives. With all the obstacles, such as dead skin and dirt, out of the way, your skin can better absorb these products,” explains Kate Somerville on her eponymous blog.
In short? For consumers seeking to use less skincare products, a glycolic acid toner is a highly effective, multipurpose product fit for a skinimalist skincare routine.
The toners of today
The liquid toner is a beloved skincare formulation that’s experienced a recent update. Thanks to more modern formulations that incorporate powerful active ingredients like glycolic acid, consumers can use liquid toners to reveal a brighter, healthier complexion in a swipe.
