Toners gently refresh your skin and tighten the skin’s pores. Toners for acne-prone skin have formulas enriched with glycolic acid and salicylic acid that help manage acne breakouts. These also have soothing properties to prevent inflammation of the skin. Keep reading to check out our list of the best drugstore toners for acne-prone skin.
10 Best Drugstore Toners For Acne-Prone Skin
1. Best Overall:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution is a face toner ideal for acne-prone skin. The toner contains both salicylic andglycolic acids. These acids gently exfoliate and remove excess dirt and dead skin, leaving your skin refreshed and even-toned. The toner helps protect your skin against environmental and sun damage. The glycolic acid in this toner penetrates into the skin and unclogs pores. The 0.5% salicylic acid formula helps clear blackheads, whiteheads, and acne scars. The toner is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used daily. It does not contain any harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients. Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and Thermal water Pros
Dermatologist tested Non-comedogenic Allergy-tested Oil-free Fragrance-free Paraben-free
Cons
None
2. Best For All Skin Types:ProactiveMD Balancing Toner
The Balancing Toner by ProactiveMD is specially designed for acne-prone skin and balances your skin’s natural pH. The toner minimizes and tightens enlarged pores by eliminating impurities and build-up. It contains citric acid that exfoliates dead skin cells and aloe vera that keeps the skin moisturized. This potent formula is free of alcohol and does not strip the natural moisture of your skin. It leaves your skin fresh and revitalized post-application. Moreover, the witch hazel in the formula soothes inflamed skin and calms itchiness and irritation. Key Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide Pros
Dermatologist-tested Exfoliating formula Alcohol-free Suits all skin types
Cons
None
3. Best For pH Balance:S.W Basics Toner
Thistoner by S.W Basics is infused with raw apple cider vinegar, organic witch hazel, sandalwood oil, and clary sage oil. Both witch hazel and apple cider vinegar help balance the natural pH of the skin. The toner calms skin redness and irritation and further helps improve your skin tone. It does not contain any harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients that may otherwise damage or irritate your skin. This potent formula also controls excess oil production without stripping the natural moisture from your skin. Key Ingredients: Raw apple cider vinegar, Witch hazel, Sandalwood, Clary sage) and Water Pros
Sulfate-free Paraben-free Synthetic fragrance-free Phthalate-free Silicone-free Filler-free Cruelty-free Alcohol-free
Cons
Expensive
4. Best Hypoallergenic:Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
The Green Tea Fresh Toner by Isntree is specifically formulated for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It is infused with green tea extract, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica extract. The green tea in this toner is rich in amino acids, minerals, polyphenols, and proteins. These ingredients help relieve skin irritation and revitalize your skin. The hyaluronic acid in this toner forms a layer over your skin and protects it from environmental damage. It further helps stimulate cell regeneration and improves collagen production. This toner maintains the skin’s moisture balance and unclogs enlarged pores. It contains no harmful ingredients or harsh chemicals that may otherwise irritate or damage your skin. Watch this video for more information about the product. Key Ingredients: Green tea extracts, Gingko tea extracts and White willow bark extracts Pros
Dermatologist-tested Mild on skin Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Lightweight Non-greasy Fragrance-free Cruelty-free
Cons
None
5. Best Sun Damage Protection:Lavo Glycolic Exfoliating Toner
The Glycolic Exfoliating Toner by Lavo is ideal for those with oilyskin. It is infused with lactic acid, vitamin C, aloe vera, calendula extract, and glycolic acid. The alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliates dead skin cells and helps unclog pores. The toner helps maintain your skin’s natural pH and fights acne-causing bacteria. It further controls excess sebum production and prevents breakouts. The aloe vera and calendula extracts help soothe your acne and irritation and leave your skin feeling refreshed. This toner possesses anti-aging properties and helps diminish fine lines, blemishes, and wrinkles. It hydrates and calms your skin to give you clearer and blemish-free skin. It containsno harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients that may otherwise damage or irritate your skin. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera gel, Glycerin, Lemon juice, Calendula extract and Glycolic acid Pros
Helps remove makeup Protects against sun damage Cruelty-free Paraben-free
Cons
Doesn’t suit sensitive skin Unpleasant smell
6. Best Non-Comedogenic:Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Mat Mattifying Toner
The Cleanance Mat Mattifying Toner by Eau Thermale Avene is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. It is infused with hydrolyzed castor oil, monolaurin, and salicylic acid. Monolaurin helps control excess sebum production. The toner further provides an instant mattifying effect and leaves you with a fresh feeling. It acts as an astringent and helps unclog and tighten enlarged pores. Additionally, it is free of any harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients. Key Ingredients: Thermal water and Salicylic acid Pros
Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Exfoliates skin
Cons
None
7. Best For Long-Lasting Hydration:Glytone Acne Clearing Toner
The Acne Clearing Toner by Glytone is light and refreshing. It is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin to clear blemishes. This toner helps clear acne and breakouts to reveal smooth skin. It further helps control excess oil production and sebum. The toner also contains sulfur and benzoyl peroxide, which helps clear breakouts and unclogs pores. The hydrogel formula provides long-lasting hydration to leave you with smooth and soft skin. Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid Pros
Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Exfoliates skin
Cons
None
8. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Amaki Rose Water Hydrating Mist Toner
The Rose Water Hydrating Mist Toner by Amaki is an all-natural, organic formula. It is made from Bulgarian roses and reduces acne, pimples, and blackheads. The toner gives an instant splash of hydration to your skin that lasts all day. It helps balance your skin’s pH and removes excess oil and dirt. The anti-aging formula helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and gives you radiant and younger-looking skin. The toner is also rich in antioxidants and protects your skin from free radical damage. The toner improves your skin texture, enhances complexion, and calms your skin with regular use. Key Ingredients: Rosewater Pros
Non-greasy Synthetic preservative-free Cruelty-free Sulfate-free Alcohol-free Dye-free Paraben-free Additive-free
Cons
Unpleasant smell May not suit sensitive skin
9. Best Pore Minimizer:Lauda Botanicals Oily Skin Control Toner
The Oily Skin Control Toner by Lauda Botanicals is ideal for oily and combination skin. It is infused with witch hazel, aloe vera, vitamin C, vitamin E, rosemary extract, and allantoin. This toner helps balance your skin’s pH and leaves your skin feel hydrated. The lemon bioflavonoids, allantoin, and linolenic acid help smoothen skin and reduce blotchiness. Rosemary and witch hazel help mattify your skin and make it oil-free. This alcohol-free toner reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. Both vitamin C and citric acids are rich in antioxidants and help in cell regeneration. Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, Rosemary extracts, and Aloe vera Pros
Non-GMO Vegan Color-free Cruelty-free Paraben-free Mineral oil-free
Cons
None
10. Best Vegan:Belif Problem Solution Toner
The Problem Solution Toner by Belif is ideal for people with acne-prone skin. It is infused tea tree oil that has anti-bacterial properties to prevent excess sebum. The toner also contains willow bark extract that is rich with salicylic acid – it gently exfoliates your skin and leaves it with an improved complexion. The toner also helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and removes dirt and build-up from within.It further helps disinfect breakouts and aids in soothing redness, acne, and blemishes. With regular use, this mild toner leaves your skin even-toned and smooth. Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil and Salicylic acid Pros
Dermatologist-tested Vegan Mineral oil-free Synthetic dye-free Synthetic fragrance-free Synthetic preservative-free Cruelty-free Triclosan-free Ethanol-free Propylene glycol-free
Cons
None
Now that you know about the best toners that suit acne-prone skin, here is a list of ingredients that you should look for while choosing one. Most toners contain these components as they target acne and effectively combat breakouts and other skin concerns.
Ingredients That Benefit Acne-Prone Skin
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acidpenetrates the pores to remove build-up, dirt,and bacteria that cause acne and breakouts. Itexfoliates the skin, minimizes enlarged pores, and keeps zits under control. Salicylic acid further removes dead skin cells, reduces skin discoloration, evens out skin texture, and leaves you with a youthful and smooth appearance.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is said to have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes irritation, red bumps, and cysts and helps eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. It also helps reduce spots and blemishes left behind from cystic acne. Benzoyl peroxide gently exfoliates dead skin cells to give you smoother and clearer-looking skin.
Adapalene
Adapalene is a type of retinoid ideal for reducing pimples. It helps reduce acneand prevents further breakouts. Additionally, it helps decrease swelling and inflammation. Thissuper retinoid further fights signs of aging like dark spots, fine lines, dull skin, and wrinkles. Facial toners not only target acne but also prevent pimples and breakouts. They are an easy-to-use skincare essential that soothe redness and itchiness. But how do you use one?
How To Use A Facial Toner
Begin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type (preferably one without fragrances or sulfates). Wet a cotton ball or pad with the toner and apply it all over the face and neck. Allow it to dry completely. Apply a gentle moisturizer that suits your skin type.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author behind this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She understands that acne-prone skin needs something more effective, like a toner, to help manage breakouts. She went online and searched for the best toners, and read through their reviews. She then researched each of them to make sure you choose only the best products available. These toners have high-quality ingredients without harsh elements. They were also selected based on their skin care benefits and skin-friendliness. Which type of toner is the best for acne skin? Salicylic acid toners are best suited for oily- or acne-prone skin. However, if you have dry skin, glycolic acid toners offer dual action of hydration and exfoliation. Can I use toner every day for acne-prone skin? Yes, you should use a toner daily if you have acne-prone skin to eliminate excess debris and pollutants from the skin that cause acne. Can I skip moisturizer after toner? No, you should not skip the moisturizer after the toner because moisture is essential for healthy, wrinkle-free skin. Can I leave the toner on my face overnight? Yes, you can apply toner after cleansing your face and leave it overnight. Should I use toner if I have acne-prone skin? Yes, you can use toner if you have acne-prone skin to balance your skin’s pH level and eliminate pore-clogging debris, dirt, and makeup that your cleanser may leave behind. Is a toner necessary? Yes. Toners remove oil accumulation, residue, and dead skin cells while reducing acne and other skin breakouts.
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