i'll swipe the AHA on with a cotton pad then follow up with the watermelon toner. i do this maybe 2-3 nights a week. i've been using acids for years and my skin responds well to them. i find the glow recipe one to be gentle. it does have a fragrance which is strong, but it's a very natural scent to me. i'm very sensitive to artificial fragrance and it doesn't bother me; it only lasts a minute or two.