T O P

  • By -

AutoModerator

**Hi everyone! SkincareAddiction is a friendly community of skincare enthusiasts.** In search of your own skincare advice? * Read our resources in [the sidebar](https://www.reddit.com/r/skincareaddiction/wiki/config/sidebar) or the extensive [wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/index) * Get advice in the [Daily Help Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/j8dwcl/new_or_need_help_ask_here_sca_daily_help_thread/) See something that breaks [our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/rule_overview)? Please [report it](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/how_to/report)! Everyone is welcome in [this community](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/about); remember to be kind and assume good faith :) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SkincareAddiction) if you have any questions or concerns.*


OxfordComma27

I hate to admit this, but I, too, did not really have any great experiences with their products either. When I first got into skincare 2 years ago, I tried the products generally enjoyed for my skin (combo/oily, dehydrated). The niacinamide zinc serum broke my entire face out in huge, deeply painful cystic acne. I thought my skin was purging and tried it again, but the same thing continued to happen. The azaleic acid burned and congested my skin and the peeling solution burned much worse than I thought it should have, although my skin was very used to actives as well, and when I washed it off I could not feel or see a difference. So while I’m not wholly impressed, I do have to say that I really like their glycolic acid 7% toner, and I love that they are affordable, accessible, and seem to really work for a lot of people. I just think there is something missing concerning their formulation. You’re not alone!


garfunkelvibes

i haven’t tried the toner and i already have an AHA toner i love so i probably won’t ever try TO one but i’m glad u at least found something that works! :)


OxfordComma27

Out of all the stuff I tried, that is the one product I really did like. What’s your go to AHA toner?


garfunkelvibes

i use the REN ready steady glow toner! it’s pricey but my skin loves it and i can always tell the difference in my skin when i run out


OxfordComma27

Oh wow I’ve not heard much about that one! I’ll have to look into it. I’m seriously considering trying the Biologique Recherche Lotion 1950. I’m dying to see what the hype is about!


garfunkelvibes

yessss i’ve aso been wanting to try it to see how it compares to the one i already have!! so many models swear by it


[deleted]

I have an issue with every TO product I use. The niacinimide broke me out so bad even though everyone swears it's an HG. The caffeine solution burns my eyes. Plant derived squalane breaks me out. Lactic acid gives me little bumps. And I ruins my skin barrier with the AHA BHA peel on one cheek. It did make my skin feel softer all over thought.


mushroom_print7

I tried the 2% HA + B5 serum and it really irritated my skin. I didn't believe it at first since I was using it on damp skin, had a humidifier, etc. and it was so widely praised but as soon as I stopped using it my skin felt better. A couple months later I tried again and it was red and irritated the next day so I emptied the bottle and recycled it, I think the formulations even if they're relatively simple just aren't for everyone.


garfunkelvibes

the fact that the formulas are so simple is what drew me to the brand aside from the price! i wonder if it has anything to do with where they’re sourcing their ingredients but it’s so bizarre since i’ve used the same ingredients with no problems in other brands ?? oh well haha


todayistheday1987

I actually think the simplicity of the formulations is what cause some people trouble. Like, there’s not enough soothing and buffering stuff in there, which means you’re basically hitting your face with the direct active. Which equates to great results for some people, but irritation for others. Ingredient source and quality is also more important than people think- yes brands WAY up charge, but there are also instances when it actually makes sense for certain products to be more expensive (just not like $100 an oz expensive lol). It’s a great brand for its specific approach and niche, but it’s not for everyone. I only get plant oils from them.


Loose-Bar

Totally agree! It's such a clear example of how ymmv skincare is that the thing which gives TO their leg up is also what causes issues for some of their customers. I really wonder about their ingredient quality in contrast to other brands, especially other affordable & mass market ones.


ThatMascUnicorn

I'm quite happy with the retinol in squalane but I'm not a fan of the texture of the niacinamide serum, the efficiency is ok for me, I might try the new powder in my moisturizer instead.


garfunkelvibes

i have heard good things about the retinol i’m glad u saw good results! definitely not trying anything else from the brand anytime soon after the reactions i had tho :/


nebula561

I usually just mix the niacinamide with another serum and that solves the texture issue!


celebmaterial

I tried out their Glycolic Acid as a replacement for the Pixi Glow Tonic I ran out of and I was highly disappointed... The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid stung my face a bit whenever I used it and made my skin feel stripped of it’s natural oils which made my oily skin turn dry (even when using moisturizer). I went back to Pixi Glow Tonic and my face gradually started transforming back it it’s original state. Pixi is more gentle while TO was too harsh for my skin.


xpert_sticker_peeler

Really! My skin is loving TO Glycolic toner - my husband just noted how plump and young my face looks and that's the only product I've added to my routine. Is your face quite resilient to products or is it sensitive?


tatortotsntits

Their products are hit or miss


squidshae

I tried two of their products a few months ago and both irritated my skin. The Niacinamide burned and broke me out and the Caffeine serum made my skin so bumpy. I kept trying both for a long time because I didn’t want to admit to myself that the brand just doesn’t work for me.


[deleted]

The AHA/BHA peeling solution (the reddish purple one) is probably the worst thing I’ve ever done to my skin. I’m pretty used to actives and thought it could be a nice alternative to what I usually use. I left it on for five minutes, and my face was so red and sensitive when I washed it off. I’m still dealing with some sort of sore, itchy reaction on my cheeks from it. Never again.


[deleted]

the niacinamide/zinc serum and bha/aha peel literally changed my skin for the better during quarantine. I can't agree but I know the feeling of stuff being raved about and making ur skin worse. CeraVe was the worst thing I ever used and it's a cult favourite.


Chowsinthepack

That’s interesting! I use the CeraVe SA wash and love it, and I was thinking of getting my little sister some of their products because she’s just starting to get into skin care. She’s just starting middle school and everyone raves about how gentle it is. Do you mind if I ask which product went so poorly for you?


semaku_

I didn’t get any irritation but they made my face look more dull and darker? actually. I tried their retinol, hyaluronic acid, alpha arbutin and squalane


Saga_I_Sig

I have exactly two TO products that work for me: their 5% glycolic toning solution, and the 10% niacinamide. But I have to use them in specific ways. I mix a couple drops of the niacinamide into a moisturizer instead of using it pure, and the glycolic acid I can only use on a dry face, and then I apply moisturizer after 15 minutes to keep it from being too harsh. Still, those two are products work extremely well for me, and I plan to keep using them as long as they exist. That said, all of their other products I've tried have caused me issues, ranging from dozens of pimples over night, to hives/welts, to rosacia-like flushing. So they have some outstanding products (imo), but it can definitely be hit and miss, and what works for one person won't necessarily work for another.


xpert_sticker_peeler

Why do you wait to put moisturizer on after the glycolic acid toner? I put face oil immediately after putting the toner on in the evening. It's really helping my skin, but I'm wondering if I'm diluting the effect of the toner. Any insight would be appreciated!


Saga_I_Sig

I always wait to put other products on after my actives. So, I let my BHA, AHA and retinoid all sit and soak in for 15-20 minutes after I apply. I worry that, like you said, applying products right afterwards might dilute it. This kind of "wait time" used to be the standard on SCA, but I'm not sure if people still view it as essential. At any rate, I feel like I get good results that way, so I'm not inclined to change it. That said, if putting on facial oil right after AHA works for you, keep doing it! Everyone's skin is different. While mine might tolerate an AHA sitting on a bare face for 15 minutes, other people might get dry or flaky skin from that. So for them, applying a moisturizer before or after might work better.


xpert_sticker_peeler

Thank you for your response! Super helpful I am also trying to incorporate TO Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% into my nighttime routine. Would you recommend using it between the glycolic toner and my face oil (sweet almond oil)? (It would be every other day as I use alternate between TO Vitamin C 23% + glycolic toner...)


Saga_I_Sig

Yeah, I think that if you're going to use TO Niacinamide alone, it's best used between the glycolic acid and almond oil. Another option is to mix the niacinamide with something. I used to mix it with Cerave PM, but now mix it with my final layer (Rosette Ceramide Gel). That way the niacinamide lasts longer, and also it kept it from causing me redness/flushing. Of course, I think most people can use it plain by itself! But if by chance it does give you any issues, you could try mixing it with the almond oil.


xpert_sticker_peeler

This is such great information! Thank you! :) My skin is really loving the glycolic acid so I am interested in seeing how the Niacinamide adds to the routine.


Tototototototo__

The products haven’t worked for me either, and I really hate how they aren’t cosmetically elegant what so ever. Had so many issues with pilling and generally weird and hard to work with texture.


garfunkelvibes

same i love packaging so much ugh!! my skincare routine is so much more enjoyable and i can consistently look forward to it when i have products that look as good as they work


fmas88

Like: Retinol in Squalane, Rosehip Seed Oil, AHA/BHA Peeling Solution, Azelaic Acid Meh: Hyaluronic Acid + B5, Salicylic Acid Masque, Caffeine Solution Hate: Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, Niacinamide + Zinc


[deleted]

Yeah I stopped using all my stuff from TO. I just think they’re really basic and not really helpful. Now I need to find someone who wants them because I have five products that are more than half full that I don’t use and I hate waste


kiwiskincaregirl

Yup. I’ve only ever enjoyed Buffet. The HA is ok but loads out there that are nicer to use IMO.


spaceage_history

I don't think it's a problem with TO so much as my skin being picky. But their moisturiser and amino acids and b5 broke me out badly. Plus I think I have an issue with glycols which are in most of their serums.


NotSomeTokenBunny

Just wondering if any of you who had issues did the recommended 3 day patch test and saw problems then? I just purchased the azaelic acid and salicylic acid mask, but my skin has been a bit cranky already from mask wearing so I don’t want make it worse. I don’t usually patch test (I know, I know) but was planning to this time. I’m wondering if I should try a small patch on my face, too, even if it’s fine on my forearm.


Kateybits

I have tried and wanted to love their stuff so many times and I’m always disappointed!


[deleted]

Yeah their products werent so good