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When TikTok tells you to put a facial toner on the soles of your feet – namely The Ordinary glycolic acid 7% exfoliating toner (£6.75, Beautybay.com) – you, of course, give it a go. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.
The craze first came to my attention when TikToker Elle McNamara appeared on my FYP, pointing out the sub-£10 product as the key to quick, exfoliated feet. As someone who’s spent many an evening pre-holiday with pumice stones, foot files and sugar scrubs in hand, I was naturally intrigued.
In the video, McNamara says, “This is the most underrated hygiene product. Apply glycolic acid onto a cotton pad onto damp feet. It eats away your dead skin. Follow with a layer of vaseline, put some socks on and thank me later.”
With my glycolic, cotton pads, Vaseline and socks ready to go, I thought to myself: “It can’t be this easy. Can it?” Keep reading to see how I got on.
How I tested The Ordinary glycolic acid 7% exfoliating toner:
With an aim to use the product over the course of three nights, I applied The Ordinary’s glycolic acid to the soles of my feet using a cotton pad, saturating it generously. I then rubbed a pea-sized amount of Vaseline onto each foot and quickly slipped on some cotton socks to lock in the moisture and left the duo of products on my feet through the night. During and after testing, I recorded the following details:
- Efficacy: As someone often pressed for time, I was keen to see if this unique use for TO’s glycolic would present instant results, or require repeat, consistent use.
- Value for money: This toner is very affordable, but if I need to use a third of a bottle every time I use it, that ‘budget buy’ is quickly going to rack up a serious expense. Likewise, if I need to use it 10 times as much as a pumice stone, it likely won’t prove as cost effective.
- Long-term results: The real clincher – how long will this toner leave my feet looking smooth (if at all)?
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Lucy Smith is a skincare expert and has been reviewing the industry’s newest and most popular products for more than five years. For IndyBest, she’s demonstrated her exfoliating know-how with expert-led pieces on salicylic acid and, after speaking with Kate Somerville, the benefits of lactic acid. She’s tested several of The Ordinary’s best-sellers, from its multi-active delivery essence to its SPF serum.
Read more: I’m a beauty writer, and I’m fully on board with the Rhode glazing mist hype
