# The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Italy.

Brand: [The INKEY List](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/the-inkey-list)
Category: [Toners](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/best/toners)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for oily skin; a few toners fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Excellent suitability for your oily skin is provided by glycolic acid and witch hazel water, which work to exfoliate and regulate oil production, addressing your concerns about shine.
- The moderate concentration of glycolic acid offers effective chemical exfoliation for smoothing texture and controlling oiliness.
- This formula is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin): High (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract

## What the research says

- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- A Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract increased LOXL1 expression twofold, decreased elafin synthesis, restored functional elastic fibers, reduced nonfunctional elastin aggregates, decreased wrinkles, and improved skin firmness. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/))
- Hamamelis bark proanthocyanidins strongly increased the proliferation of cultured human keratinocytes and reduced transepidermal water loss and erythema formation in SLS-irritated skin, whereas the polysaccharide fraction had no effect. ([Phytochemistry, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/))
- Witch hazel bark extract and hamamelitannin showed pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, supported keratinocyte migration in a wound healing assay, and inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth, whereas their skin microbiota metabolite ellagic acid stimulated inflammatory mediator release. ([Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40819781/))
- Topical application of 1,3-propanediol at various concentrations, alone or combined with butylene glycol and/or glycerol, increased skin hydration and reduced trans epidermal water loss in 30 healthy female subjects over an 8-hour period, with the 15% concentration and the addition of glycerol providing greater benefits. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/))
- A mixture of propanediol, xylitol, and caprylic acid demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against C. acnes and S. aureus, reduced 5-alpha reductase expression, and decreased skin oiliness, porphyrin, and inflammatory lesions in participants over 28 days. ([Molecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34771112/))
- Sustainable cosmetic products formulated with renewable PDO-based emulsifiers showed equivalent performance in sensory and moisturization evaluations compared to those formulated with petroleum-derived PEG-based emulsifiers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29465392/))

## What reviewers say

Users frequently praise this toner as a potent and affordable exfoliant that effectively smooths rough texture and minimizes the appearance of pores, particularly for oily or congestion-prone skin. Due to its high 10% glycolic acid concentration, it is often described as too harsh for sensitive skin types, with some users reporting stinging or irritation.

- Liked: Smoother skin texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Great value (often mentioned)
- Liked: Reduces pores & acne (often mentioned)
- Liked: Brightens complexion (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Irritation and stinging (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Too strong/drying (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Purging/Breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Small packaging (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliating toner once a week at first, then increase frequency only if your skin feels fine.
- Apply the exfoliating toner after cleansing and before your moisturizer or SPF.
- Gently press a few drops of the exfoliating toner into your skin and let it dry.
- Apply the exfoliating toner on clean and dry skin for the best results.
- Avoid the eye area and always use sunscreen during the day.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/020cca37b222f917c1e8d86638215d98.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner a great fit for oily skin?

This toner is a great fit because glycolic acid and witch hazel work together to gently exfoliate your skin and control excess oil, helping to keep shine under control. The moderate concentration also helps smooth out your skin texture safely and effectively.

### Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for oily skin?

Glycolic acid and witch hazel water make this toner a great fit for oily skin because they exfoliate the surface and help regulate oil production to control shine. The moderate amount of glycolic acid also helps smooth texture safely without harsh ingredients.

### What does Glycolic Acid do for oily skin?

Glycolic acid helps clear away dead skin and excess oil for a smooth, clean feel. It gently removes buildup from the surface, which keeps pores clear and skin looking fresh.
Sources: [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37894698/), [Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21029205/)

### What does Witch Hazel do for oily skin?

Witch Hazel helps calm irritated skin and may reduce redness and swelling. It is unlikely to cause irritation and is generally well tolerated by sensitive skin types.
Sources: [Phytochemistry, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/), [Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40942097/)

### Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This exfoliating toner fits into an oily skin routine as a weekly step to start, or used more often if your skin tolerates it well. Glycolic acid and witch hazel water help exfoliate skin and control oil.

### Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this toner with retinol on alternating nights or in separate routines, because using strong exfoliants and retinol together at the same time may cause irritation on oily skin. Apply this toner first on clean skin when you use them on different days.

### How often should I use this toner?

Start by using this exfoliating toner once a week to see how your skin reacts. If your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often.

### Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause major breakouts, though you may experience some initial purging as the glycolic acid clears out your skin. The formula helps control oiliness and smooth texture safely without harsh ingredients, though a few shoppers do report mild stinging.

### Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol).

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [BE THE SKIN BHA+ Pore Zero Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/be-the-skin/bha-pore-zero-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €24.27 at Amazon
- [Augustinus Bader The Essence Exfoliating Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/augustinus-bader/the-exfoliating-toner/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €129.90 at Amazon
- [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €17.25 at Lookfantastic

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €24.75 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €18.47 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €40.49 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Lookfantastic: €11.21 (https://www.lookfantastic.it/p/the-inkey-list-glycolic-acid-toner-100ml/14272889/)
Prices checked 14 Oct 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Witch Hazel Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Betaine, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/glycolic-acid-toner/for/oily-skin