7% Glycolic Acid Hydrating Toner
An AHA toner with Glycolic Acid at a brand-confirmed 7%, paired with 1% Sodium Hyaluronate and an unusually comprehensive barrier-support system: five ceramides (Ceramide 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 II) alongside Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide (a ceramide analogue from Evonik). Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Seed Extract provides beta-glucan and antioxidant polyphenols. Aloe Vera Juice acts as a soothing base alongside glycolic acid. Laminaria Digitata (Brown Algae) Extract adds marine antioxidant and mineral content. The five-ceramide barrier complex is an unusual and generous inclusion for an acid toner format - it acknowledges and directly addresses the barrier disruption risk that comes with regular AHA use.
- Active Experienced Users
- Daily Use (Night)
- You have reactive or sensitised skin
- You have sensitive or eczema-prone skin
₹499 · ₹3/ml • Analysed 11 June 2026
7% Glycolic Acid is appropriate for intermediate skincare users, not beginners. Use 2-4 times per week at night. Morning SPF is essential - glycolic acid increases photosensitivity, and UV-induced PIH after acid use is a significant risk for Indian Fitzpatrick III-VI skin tones. The ceramide barrier complex directly addresses post-exfoliation dryness common in India's dry winter months.
This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.
At a glance
What was checked
Excellent
What was checked
Brand-confirmed; effective exfoliating concentration.
Well-documented in published AHA literature.
HA and Niacinamide add genuine hydration alongside the exfoliation.
The breakdown
Public Evidence Score across 5 pillars. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyStrong
Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.
Full INCI published. Glycolic Acid at 7% is within the EU-recommended max of 10% for rinse-off (this is a leave-on, technically). No parabens, no SLES, no synthetic fragrance. Lactic Acid adds mild exfoliation. Niacinamide adds anti-inflammatory benefit that reduces AHA sensitisation. No high-concern substances identified.
Formula LogicStrong
7% Glycolic Acid is a moderate AHA concentration effective for cell turnover and surface texture.
7% Glycolic Acid is a moderate AHA concentration effective for cell turnover and surface texture. pH of ~3.5-4 (typical for glycolic acid toners) ensures active exfoliation. Niacinamide addition is smart - it reduces post-AHA irritation and supports barrier integrity. Hyaluronic Acid maintains hydration during exfoliation. Well-reasoned multi-active formula.
Claims EvidenceExcellent
Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.
7% Glycolic Acid publicly confirmed by brand. Hydrating claim supported by HA and humectant ingredients. Exfoliation and brightness claims strongly supported by published AHA literature. No independent test certificates published.
Test TransparencyGrade CFair
Glycolic Acid concentration confirmed.
Glycolic Acid concentration confirmed. No pH disclosure (critical for AHA efficacy and safety assessment). No patch-test or sensitisation study published for this specific product.
Consumer ClarityStrong
Concentration clearly stated.
Concentration clearly stated. PM-use recommendation present. SPF pairing advisory included. pH not disclosed - important for informed consumer use of an AHA product.
Ingredient list
Strong
Ingredient list
| Ingredient |
|---|
Purified Water |
Glycolic Acid |
Triethanolamine |
Glycerine |
Sodium Hyaluronate |
Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract |
Aloe Vera Juice |
Phenoxyethanol |
Ethylhexylglycerine |
Allantoin |
Hydroxyethylcellulose |
Laminaria Digitata Extract |
Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide |
Ceramide 1 |
Ceramide 2 |
Ceramide 3 |
Ceramide 4 |
Ceramide 6 II |
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract |
Xylitylglucoside |
Anhydroxylitol |
Xylitol |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Regulatory screen
Review
Regulatory screen
Pass - Glycolic Acid within cosmetic use limits; note EU requires sun protection advisory (present)
Pass - compliant with Indian Cosmetics Regulation 2020
Pass
Pass - cosmetic-use AHA with sun protection advisory
Pass
Pass - no SVHC candidates identified
Pass - no IARC Group 1/2A carcinogens
Pass
Pass
Pass
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
Claims checked
Excellent
Claims checked
Brand-confirmed; effective exfoliating concentration.
Evidence visible
Well-documented in published AHA literature.
Evidence visible
HA and Niacinamide add genuine hydration alongside the exfoliation.
Evidence visible
What would strengthen this review
Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps
- ○pH value disclosure
- ○Product-specific tolerability or sensitisation study
- ○Free acid percentage vs total glycolic acid
A thoughtfully formulated AHA toner. 7% Glycolic Acid paired with Niacinamide is a smart combination - the B3 vitamin mitigates the inflammatory response from exfoliation. The missing pH disclosure is a notable gap; efficacy of glycolic acid depends heavily on pH and informed users need this data.
Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.
Full methodology
- What global regulations say about each ingredient
- What toxicology evidence shows at cosmetic concentrations
- What formula concentration context changes
- What the product format and leave-on contact time changes
- What the stated user group needs
- What published test evidence confirms
- What the brand is claiming vs what evidence supports
