Glycolic acid toner for glowing skin: My review of The True Therapy Toner

Looking for a toner that can minimise pores, and leave a long-lasting glow but only find a product that leaves your face sticky? I get you. I have used many toners. They either strip the skin or fail to deliver so I wonder if there is a place in skincare routine for this product. When I spotted The True Therapy Retexturize 10% Glycolic Acid Toner, I had to try it. It promised deep cleansing, hydration, and skin barrier support, all powered by a blend of effective ingredients. I wasn’t expecting miracles, but I gave it a shot. What followed was a fairly balanced experience with some hits and a couple of minor misses. If you are someone who wants effective exfoliation without compromising on skin comfort, go through my honest, no-fluff take on how this glycolic acid toner actually performed.

First impressions: Potent start with noteworthy characteristics

The True Therapy toner comes in a clear 200ml bottle, suggesting a substantial quantity for regular use. Upon initial application, its texture is light, living up to the promise of a non-comedogenic formula. While it feels effective in deeply cleansing the pores, a distinct aroma was noticeable upon dispensing, and after application. It also felt a bit sticky, however, it was not overpowering.

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What is inside the bottle? Know your ingredients

This toner boasts a carefully selected blend of active ingredients designed to address various skin concerns:

• Glycolic acid (10%): A potent AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), it primarily acts as an exfoliant and astringent, targeting deep pore cleansing and minimising their appearance. Glycolic acid is an effective way of reversing the signs of age and photodamage, as per the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
• Aloe vera extract: Known for its soothing properties, a glycolic acid toner claims to hydrate skin and reduce potential redness or irritation. Aloe vera can prevent skin ulcers and treat burn wounds, as per the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences.
• Witch hazel extract: A good glycolic acid toner for face with this ingredient can help tighten skin, control oil production, and calm inflammation.
• Additional ingredients: It also contains lactic acid, antioxidant green oat extract, amino acid complex 17, and pro-vitamin B5. These components further contribute to skin health, hydration, and barrier support.

The brand also claims that this glycolic acid toner is free from silicones, sulfates, parabens, and dyes.

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Value for money: A promising alternative to expensive products

Customers found this glycolic acid toner to be effective. Most thought it was offering a good value for money. They considered it to be a compelling alternative to more expensive, high-end brands. This positions it as an accessible option for those seeking quality exfoliation without a significant financial outlay.

Also Read: Glycolic acid vs salicylic acid: Which one is better for your skin?

Performance: Strengths and considerations

To help you in your decision-making, here is a balanced view of the advantages and points to consider before buying The True Therapy 10% Glycolic Acid Toner:

Reasons to love:

• Remarkable effectiveness: This glycolic acid toner lives up to its claims. It genuinely improves skin texture and imparts a noticeable glow. Moreover, it effectively cleanses and minimises the appearance of pores.
• Skin health benefits: This face toner helps in balancing skin oils, effectively tackling impurities, and contributing to the prevention of breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Points to note:

• Distinct scent: Despite being labeled as fragrance-free, it has a strong, distinct smell.
• Post-application stickiness: Skin felt somewhat sticky to touch after the toner was fully absorbed, which some users might find undesirable.
• Application sensation: I experienced a mild burning sensation after applying to areas with active pimples.

Also Read: Best glycolic acid serums for face: 6 top choices for you!

Key benefits and skin-friendly features that matter

Beyond its core exfoliating action, this glycolic acid toner offers several noteworthy features:

• Pore refinement: It helps exfoliate and unblock pores. This contributes to the minimised appearance of pores.
• Oil and impurity control: This face toner is formulated to gently balance skin oils and effectively remove impurities.
• Acne support: This glycolic acid toner may soothe acne-prone skin and contribute to preventing new breakouts.
• Radiance and texture improvement: It promises to enhance skin radiance and refine rough skin texture.
• Skin elasticity: Regular use of this toner may help increase skin elasticity through surface hydration.
• Clean formulation: The brand claims that this product is free from silicon, sulfate, paraben, and dyes, which makes it safe to use.
• Dermatologically tested: It is clinically tested to ensure safety and gentleness on the skin.

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Best for:

• Individuals seeking to improve skin texture and radiance.
• Those looking for effective pore tightening and deep cleansing.
• Users who are comfortable with the typical tingling sensation associated with glycolic acid.
• Individuals interested in a high-quality, cost-effective exfoliant.

Not ideal for:

• Individuals with extremely sensitive skin or open wounds/active, inflamed breakouts, due to the potential for a burning sensation.
• Users who prefer entirely scent-free skincare products.
• Those who dislike any lingering stickiness after toner application.

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How to use The True Therapy retexturize 10% glycolic acid toner?

For optimal results, it is recommended to include this glycolic acid toner into your nighttime routine:

• Start by properly cleansing your face, preferably with a gentle cleanser.
• Pour a small amount of the toner onto a cotton pad.
• Gently wipe the cotton pad over your face and neck. Take care to avoid the delicate eye area.
• Follow up with a serum or moisturiser.
• For best results, use it a maximum of three times a week on facial skin.

Also Read: From salicylic to hyaluronic acid: How to pick the right skincare active for your skin type

Final verdict:

The True Therapy Retexturize 10% glycolic acid toner brings a powerful, exfoliating approach with its active ingredients and skin-resurfacing benefits. For most skin types seeking texture improvement and a glow, it ticks many boxes: effective exfoliation, pore refinement, and clear results. But for those with sensitive skin or active breakouts, the burning sensation and distinct scent may be deal-breakers. The sticky finish may be less appealing for some.

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(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)