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The 30-second answer
Glycolic acid is an AHA exfoliant that raises sun sensitivity, so per Cleveland Clinic: patch test, start once or twice a week at night, use SPF 30 or higher in the morning, and do not combine with retinol or other exfoliants at first. The cheapest is Kolagra at EGP 159 (5%), with 7% there are Dermaelle 350 ml at EGP 440 and Nuvera at EGP 440, and the highest is Eveline 15% at EGP 589. With sensitive skin, eczema or pregnancy: ask first.
What is an exfoliating toner?
An exfoliating toner goes on after cleansing and contains an acid such as glycolic. Per Cleveland Clinic glycolic is the smallest AHA so it penetrates easily, and it removes dead cells, unclogs pores and may lighten mild sun or acne spots. Per DermNet, AHAs loosen the bonds that hold surface cells together so they shed more easily. Home products are usually lower in concentration than in-office peels, and may take several months of consistent use.
How to use it safely
- Patch test first: try a small area before the whole face (Cleveland Clinic).
- Start low: once or twice a week at night, and raise to nightly only if your skin tolerates it.
- Sunscreen: glycolic acid raises sun sensitivity, so use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours.
- One at a time: do not combine at first with retinol, other exfoliants (lactic or salicylic) or vitamin C, so you can tell what caused any irritation.
- Dryness and irritation: overuse causes irritation and dryness, so moisturise and cut the frequency.
- Who should ask first: sensitive or dry skin, rosacea and eczema, skin that is not healing, and pregnancy or breastfeeding.
5 glycolic toners
#1
Glycolic 5%Cheapest
Kolagra Anti-Shine Face Toner – 200 ml
A niacinamide and glycolic 5% toner for oily and combination skin
EGP 159
EGP 0.8 per ml · 200 ml
- The page: glycolic acid 5%, niacinamide, zinc PCA 1% and Matmarine
- The page: after cleansing with a cotton pad, starting once nightly
- The page: alcohol-free, and calls it hypoallergenic
Heads-up: The page advises not to combine it with retinol or other exfoliants at first, and sunscreen in the morning; stop if redness or burning
#2
Glycolic 7%Largest bottle
Dermaelle Glycolic Acid Toner – 350 ml
A water-based, gentle exfoliating toner with 7% glycolic acid
EGP 440
EGP 1.3 per ml · 350 ml
- The page: glycolic acid 7% with niacinamide, zinc PCA, licorice, centella and allantoin
- The page: a water-based toner on a cotton pad at night, for face and elbows and knees
- The cheapest per ml among the 7% toners
Heads-up: The page advises starting gradually, patch testing, and says it may not suit reactive skin
#3
Glycolic 7%3 acids
Nuvera Glyco-Clear Toner – 200 ml
A three-acid, fragrance-free toner
EGP 440
EGP 2.2 per ml · 200 ml
- The page: glycolic 7%, salicylic and lactic acid with centella 3%, niacinamide 2% and oat
- The page: fragrance-free and dermatologically tested
- The page: for all skin types, with gradual use
Heads-up: It has three exfoliating acids in one product, and Cleveland Clinic advises against combining exfoliants at first
#4
Glycolic 7% (pack)On offer
See-Lit Night Time Toning Exfoliator – 250 ml
An exfoliating toner with glycolic, salicylic and niacinamide
EGP 455650
EGP 1.8 per ml · 250 ml
- On the pack: glycolic acid 7% and 250 ml
- The page: glycolic, salicylic, niacinamide, urea, amino acids and vitamin E
- On offer, from EGP 650 to 455
Heads-up: The page says “once or twice daily”, more than the Cleveland Clinic start (once or twice a week); start with less
#5
Glycolic 8% (pack)Oily skin
BIONNEX The Nordea Purifying Glycolic Acid Toner – 100 ml
An exfoliating toner with glycolic acid and aloe
EGP 549
EGP 5.5 per ml · 100 ml
- On the pack: glycolic acid 8%, aloe vera and birch, for normal, combination and oily skin
- The page: niacinamide, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and allantoin
- The page: 2 to 3 times a week in the evening
Heads-up: The priciest toner per ml (EGP 5.5 per ml); and the page advises not to use it with retinol
3 higher-strength serums
If you want more than the toners: these are glycolic serums at 10 and 15%. Higher is not necessarily better; start with the lowest.
#6
Glycolic 10%Lactic 5%
Derma Ten Reviving Power Serum – 30 ml
An exfoliating serum with glycolic, lactic and kojic acid
EGP 330
EGP 11.0 per ml · 30 ml
- The page: glycolic 10% and lactic 5% with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, kojic acid and licorice
- The page: three evenings a week on dry skin
- The cheapest serum: EGP 330
Heads-up: It also has kojic and lactic acid, so more than one exfoliant; patch test a small area
#7
Glycolic 10%Lactic
Lavilor Glycolic Acid Serum – 30 ml
A renewing serum with glycolic and lactic acid and microbiome support
EGP 680
EGP 22.7 per ml · 30 ml
- On the pack: 10% pure glycolic acid + lactic acid
- The page: panthenol, glycerin, propanediol and a prebiotic and postbiotic system
- The page: daily sunscreen is essential
Heads-up: The priciest here (EGP 680 for 30 ml), and the page says it is not a guaranteed treatment for every pigmentation
#8
Glycolic 15%Serum
Eveline Peel Shot 15% Glycolic Acid Serum – 30 ml
An exfoliating serum with the highest glycolic percentage here
EGP 589599
EGP 19.6 per ml · 30 ml
- The page and pack: glycolic acid 15%, and on the pack gluconolactone and mandelic acid
- The page: in the evening, starting 2 to 3 times a week
- The page: for combination, oily and normal skin, with a mild scent
Heads-up: The highest percentage here; Cleveland Clinic says to start once or twice a week after a patch test
Price comparison
| Product | Glycolic | Size | Price | Per ml |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolagra Anti-Shine Face Toner – 200 ml | 5% | 200 ml | EGP 159 | EGP 0.8 |
| Dermaelle Glycolic Acid Toner – 350 ml | 7% | 350 ml | EGP 440 | EGP 1.3 |
| See-Lit Night Time Toning Exfoliator – 250 ml | 7% (pack) | 250 ml | EGP 455 | EGP 1.8 |
| Nuvera Glyco-Clear Toner – 200 ml | 7% | 200 ml | EGP 440 | EGP 2.2 |
| BIONNEX The Nordea Purifying Glycolic Acid Toner – 100 ml | 8% (pack) | 100 ml | EGP 549 | EGP 5.5 |
| Derma Ten Reviving Power Serum – 30 ml | 10% | 30 ml | EGP 330 | EGP 11.0 |
| Eveline Peel Shot 15% Glycolic Acid Serum – 30 ml | 15% | 30 ml | EGP 589 | EGP 19.6 |
| Lavilor Glycolic Acid Serum – 30 ml | 10% | 30 ml | EGP 680 | EGP 22.7 |
The serums are 30 ml and applied in a few drops, so price per ml is not a fair comparison with a 350 ml toner.
Ask a dermatologist or pharmacist if
- Your skin is sensitive or dry, or you have rosacea, eczema or an active skin infection (Cleveland Clinic).
- Severe redness, burning or extra peeling appears: stop the product and moisturise.
- In pregnancy or breastfeeding: Cleveland Clinic says it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but to ask a doctor, and DermNet says it is safe, so ask before using.
- You use retinol, acne medicine, laser treatment or peels: ask before adding an exfoliant.
- No studies compare these products, so choose by the stated percentage and what your skin tolerates.
Not sure which one?
Beseha pharmacists answer on WhatsApp. Tap the “Ask a pharmacist” button and tell them your skin type and the products you use.
FAQ
How often should I use a glycolic toner?
Cleveland Clinic advises starting once or twice a week at night, and raising it to nightly only if the skin tolerates it.
Do I need sunscreen?
Yes; glycolic acid raises sun sensitivity, so use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, per Cleveland Clinic.
Can I combine it with retinol?
Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding combining it at first with retinol, other exfoliants and vitamin C, and introducing one active at a time.
Does an exfoliating toner lighten dark spots?
Cleveland Clinic says it may lighten spots from mild sun damage or acne, and home products can take months; the AAD lists glycolic acid among fading ingredients.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Cleveland Clinic says people with sensitive or dry skin, rosacea or eczema should ask a doctor first.
Which is the cheapest?
Kolagra at EGP 159 (5%), and the cheapest per ml is Dermaelle 350 ml at EGP 440 (7%).
Is it suitable in pregnancy?
Cleveland Clinic says it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but to consult a doctor first, and DermNet says it is safe; so ask first.
Read next: Dark spot creams and serums and Acne gels and creams.
The bottom line
Start with a lower-percentage toner (5 to 7%) once or twice a week at night after a patch test, sunscreen in the morning, and one active at a time. The cheapest starts at EGP 159, and the 10 and 15% serums are for those more used to acids. If your skin is sensitive, you are pregnant or you use retinol, ask first.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic: Glycolic acid
- DermNet: Alpha hydroxy acid facial treatments
- AAD: How to fade dark spots
This content is for information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Prices and availability may change; the final price is on the product page.
