Nothing would help my body odor until I tried The Ordinary's Viral Glycolic Acid – and it's on sale for Black Friday

I don't know if it's a change in my body's chemistry or a second puberty, but as I've gotten older, my regular deodorant just doesn't cut it anymore. I often run from the office to an after work drink or to a concert and need a deodorant that can keep up with me. A few months ago, videos on the topic appeared on TikTok The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Tonera product that promised to be a new alternative to deodorant. I was immediately fascinated.

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Black Friday 2024: Save up to 23 percent on The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner.

$12 at The Ordinary

The hashtag #glycolicacidasdeodorant features hundreds of videos of people giving up deodorants in favor of glycolic acid. This trend has garnered more than 30 million views on TikTok alone. I can see the appeal right away—with rave reviews about how it stops body odor, sweat, and underarm pigmentation, all for the low price of $15 a bottle.

As I delved deeper into the glycolic acid rabbit hole, I learned about its many uses beyond deodorant—it can help with everything from dandruff to dark spots. But the eternal question remains: Does it actually work? I started using The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner about six months ago. Here is my honest review.

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What is that?

Glycolic acid is a natural compound found in fruits, beets and sugar cane The ordinary derived from the Tasmanian pepperberry.

Glycolic acid is a so-called alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, which is a popular ingredient in the skin care world. Simply put, this compound gently exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells so that new cells can grow in their place. What's special about this acid is that it has the smallest molecules of the entire AHA family, meaning it can easily penetrate pores, promoting collagen production and killing the bacteria that cause body odor.

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I've been using this 7% glycolic acid exfoliating toner instead of deodorant for six months. Is it as good as the original?

$12 at The Ordinary

According to TikTok beauty fans, glycolic acid tinting solution can:

How to use it?

I find it works best immediately after a shower on clean, dry skin. This is crucial as water can reduce its effectiveness. So be sure to dry it first. To use as a deodorant, put a quarter-sized amount on a cotton pad and dab it on your armpits. Pro tip: Don't use it if you've recently shaved or it will burn. This is a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

Glycolic acid is a natural exfoliator, so you can also use it anywhere that needs a good refresh. Whenever I see dandruff appear, I apply this product to my scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes before I shower. I also rub it on my heels and elbows when they feel a little rough to encourage new cell growth. It also helps reduce fine lines and acne scars, so it has become a regular part of my skincare routine.

Since I found the bottle a bit unwieldy when traveling, I bought this refillable spray bottles. I top up the product with this so it's easier to take with me on the go.

What do dermatologists say?

“Glycolic acid is thought to help reduce body odor by lowering the pH of the skin and making it harder for the odor-causing bacteria to survive,” said Dr. Marisa K. Garshick, board-certified dermatologist Today. “By removing dead skin cells and lowering the pH of the skin, it can also help prevent body odor by preventing its buildup and reducing the likelihood of bacteria causing foul odors.”

While many TikTok users have had luck keeping their body odor at bay with glycolic acid, there are some caveats: “Using glycolic acid will not reduce sweating,” says Garshick. “To be considered an antiperspirant or antiperspirant product, a product must contain an aluminum-based compound that forms a plug that blocks the release of sweat.”

Because glycolic acid is an exfoliant, you should also pay attention to redness, flaking, and sensitivity when using it.

The verdict

I love the multifunctionality The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner Is. It really seems to be the answer to all of my skincare needs: pigmentation, exfoliation, smell, dandruff – the list goes on! I can't think of another product that can do so many things and do them well.

This product outperforms any traditional deodorant I've ever tried and keeps me smelling fresh for hours. I apply a generous amount in the morning and stay odor-free all day. As mentioned, it doesn't stop you from sweating, which might be a deal breaker for some, but I don't mind. Since I tend to wear a lot of black, I also like that this product doesn't leave a white residue on my clothes like traditional deodorants do. Personally, I doubt I'll ever go back to regular deodorant.

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