My Skin Was a Hot Mess: An Honest Review of the LBLS Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

By Sarah M. | Updated October 24, 2023

Listen, I’m going to be completely real with you. A few months ago, my skin decided to throw a total tantrum. I’m talking dullness that made me look like I hadn’t slept since 2019, weird little bumps on my forehead that refused to leave, and pores so visible I felt like you could see them from space. I was desperate for something that actually worked without costing half my rent.

I’ve tried the high-end stuff, the fancy “glow” toners that cost $60 a bottle, and honestly? Most of them just felt like scented water. Then I stumbled across the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution from LBLS. I’d seen it floating around my feed, and at $35.97 for a massive 240ml bottle, I figured, why not? If it sucks, I’ll just use it on my crusty elbows (pro tip: glycolic acid is great for that too).

Here’s the thing: I’ve been using it for six weeks now, and my skin has some thoughts. If you’re wondering if this “affordable” toner is actually worth the hype or if it’s just going to burn your face off, keep reading. I’m breaking down everything—the tingle, the smell, and the actual results.

What is this stuff, anyway?

So, the LBLS Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is basically a chemical exfoliant. Instead of using those physical scrubs that can actually cause micro-tears in your skin (we’re leaving those in 2010, okay?), this uses Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to “unglue” dead skin cells.

The 7% concentration is a bit of a sweet spot. It’s strong enough to actually do something about texture and “closed mouth” acne (you know, those annoying little white bumps), but it’s not so strong that it’ll peel your skin like an orange—at least, if you use it right. It also has a pH of 3.6, which is apparently the “magic number” for the acid to be effective without being overly aggressive.

The First Impression: It’s Huge!

Can we talk about the size? When the box arrived, I was shocked. 240ml is a lot of product. Most toners come in those dinky 100ml bottles that run out in three weeks. This bottle feels like it’s going to last me through a small apocalypse.

The packaging is super simple—just a clear bottle with a twist-top nozzle. I actually really like the nozzle because you can control exactly how much comes out onto your cotton pad. No wasted product here. The liquid itself is clear with a very slight yellowish tint, which I later learned is from the Tasmanian Pepperberry they add to help soothe the skin.

But enough about the bottle. How does it feel? The first time I swiped it across my face, I felt… the tingle. It wasn’t a “my face is on fire” burn, but more like a “hey, I’m working” spicy sensation. It lasted about 30 seconds and then faded. If you have a compromised skin barrier or you just shaved, let me tell you—this will bite. Be careful!

My Results: Is [Product] Worth It?

I’m not a fan of overnight miracle claims because they’re usually lies. However, after about three days of using this Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution at night, I noticed my skin felt significantly smoother to the touch. You know when you wash your face and it feels a bit “gritty”? That was gone.

By week three, the “glow” actually started to show up. My foundation was sitting so much better on my skin because there weren’t any dry patches for it to cling to. As for the pore refining? My nose looks way cleaner. It didn’t make my pores disappear (nothing does, they aren’t doors!), but it definitely cleared out the gunk that makes them look bigger.

The “Buttery” Texture: My skin feels silky now. Not just “clean,” but actually soft. I think the combo of Aloe Vera and Ginseng in the formula helps it from being too drying. I’ve used some glycolic toners that left my face feeling like parchment paper, but this one has a bit more “cushion” to it.

The Comparison: LBLS vs. The Competition

I know what you’re thinking. “Sarah, how does this compare to the famous name brands?” I’ve put together a quick little table to show you why I’m sticking with the LBLS version for now.

Feature	LBLS 7% Toning Solution	High-End “Glow” Toner	Drugstore AHA Toner
Price	$35.97 (240ml)	$58.00 (100ml)	$15.00 (150ml)
Main Acid	7% Glycolic Acid	5% Glycolic Acid	Mixed AHAs (low %)
Soothing Agents	Pepperberry, Aloe, Ginseng	Aloe, Ginseng	Usually none
Value for Money	Excellent	Poor	Average

The Pros & Cons (Let’s Be Real)

No product is perfect, and I promised you an honest review. Here is the breakdown of what I love and what I… well, don’t love so much.

How I Use It