The Ordinary has received cult status in the skincare world, and for good reason. Since launching in 2016, the brand has revolutionised the way we shop for skincare, giving customers access to affordable, high-quality formulas that always deliver.
And now, they’re back in the spotlight – fresh off the heels of its new-and-improved hyaluronic acid serum – with the release of a new milky exfoliating toner: the Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner.
While the brand does already have an exfoliating toner in its lineup (longtime favourite and bestseller, the Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating toner), the milky toner is a non-acid exfoliator created with sensitive skin in mind. It works over time to exfoliate dead skin cells and hydrate your complexion, feeding your skin with moisture and strengthening the skin barrier too.
“As much as people adore our glycolic exfoliating toner, it is an AHA product – so it’s best suited to those who respond well to using exfoliating acids,” says Prudvi Kaka, Chief Scientific Officer of The Ordinary. “We saw the desire for a gentler and hydrating toner from The Ordinary to compliment Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner and challenged ourselves to give our audience what they are hoping for – while introducing new skin ingredients and technologies to The Ordinary’s portfolio.”
The new toner also marks another first for the brand: An entry into the exciting world of fermented ingredients, which have been quietly trending for some time now. (Fermented arnica is a hero ingredient in Haus Labs’ viral Triclone Skin Tech Foundation, and a patented fermented superfood complex, Hadasei-3, is also found in many Tatcha products.)
“Fermentation has been used in skincare for many years if not decades — some examples of ingredients typically derived from fermentation include direct acids like glycolic and lactic acid, as well as hyaluronic acid and amino acids,” Prudvi explains. “The growth in popularity is likely due to the changes that ingredients undergo when being fermented. We commonly see larger molecules being metabolised (brown down) into smaller molecules during the fermentation process, often increasing their bioavailability.”
Other star ingredients include squalane for hydration, plus fermented N-Acetylglucosamine (aka NAG, which is also found in The Ordinary’s post-acne serum).
“Most exfoliating ingredients work by targeting the bonds that act as the glue holding dead skin cells together. However, while AHAs break through these bonds, N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) keeps these bonds from sticking the dead skin cells to each other to begin with, allowing the dead skin to easily be exfoliated. Essentially, NAG gently exfoliates the skin by acting like a key on the other side of a keyhole. It occupies the space where the links that hold skin cells together (corneodesmosomes) would fit, and prevents cells from joining together. This helps to gently speed up the skin’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells. We have also included squalane, which is a hydrocarbon naturally found in the skin. It not only supports skin hydration, but also contributes toward this product’s comfortable, milky texture,” Prudvi adds.
To get the most of the toner, simply sweep it over your skin regularly to reduce the appearance of textural irregularities – that includes bumps, enlarged pores, and dullness. It also works hard to remove any build-up of dead skin, in turn improving radiance and glow. For best results, incorporate it into your routine as your first step post-cleanse, morning and night.
The Ordinary: Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner
Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner gently exfoliates for smoother, more hydrated and radiant skin.
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