The 10 Best Toners for Acne-Prone Skin of 2024, According to Dermatologists
When crafting the perfect skincare routine, there’s one product you may be overlooking: a facial toner. In addition to serving as a base layer that helps your serums and moisturizer absorb better into your skin, facial toners can be great for acne-prone skin in particular as they work to help balance the skin’s pH and remove dirt and makeup.
To narrow down the best toners for acne-prone skin, we reviewed and researched a variety of options, considering factors such as active ingredients, formulation, size, and value.
For expert tips on choosing the right acne-fighting toner and which ingredients to avoid, we also tapped board-certified dermatologists Dr. Connie Yang, MD, FAAD and Dr. Geeta Yadav, MD.
Whether you’re looking for a hydrating formula that won’t strip your dry skin or a solution that can also target post-acne scarring and dark spots, here are our favorite options for every skin type and budget.
Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Toner at Amazon
$15
$11
twenty/twenty beauty Easy on the Eyes Calming Face Mist with Hypochlorous Acid at Amazon
$42
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It exfoliates the skin to reduce the appearance of blemishes and smooth the skin’s texture.
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It has a strong odor that may be off-putting to some people.
This fan-favorite facial toner is all over social media, but unlike many viral skincare trends, this one’s actually worth buying into, according to dermatologists. Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid, which is great for those who struggle with blackheads and clogged pores, Dr. Yang says.
It also has green tea, an antioxidant that staves off free radicals and soothes redness and inflammation, adds Dr. Yadav. This gentle formula is great for anyone who’s acne-prone but especially for those with normal to oily skin. Dr. Yang recommends starting off by incorporating this facial toner into your skincare regimen one to two times a week.
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea | Best for: Oily skin | Size: 4 ounces
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It’s made from 94% natural-origin ingredients such as zinc.
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It may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Dr. Yadav recommends Sephora Collection’s Clarifying Toner for its healthy skin properties that help regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of pores thanks to zinc, a natural mineral known for purifying the skin, and niacinamide, which brightens, hydrates, soothes, and provides free radical defense, Dr. Yadav says.
It's also a good option for those looking for a clean solution, as this unscented facial toner is vegan and made with 94% natural-origin ingredients. While this formula is suitable for nearly all skin types, it’s best suited for those with combination to oily skin.
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc | Best for: Combination to oily skin | Size: 5 ounces