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For those battling acne-prone skin (like me), finding the right skincare solution is a never-ending pursuit. From cleansers to serums, moisturizers to prescription creams, I’ve tried almost everything to keep breakouts at bay. But despite all my years of trial and error, I recently realized I had overlooked one product: toner.
Back in my teenage years, toners were essential, but as an adult, I stopped using them and wondered if they still had acne-fighting benefits worth revisiting. According to Dr. Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist at Ocean Skin and Vein Institute in Southern California, toners were once seen as crucial for removing residue left by cleansing bars. However, with advancements in skincare formulations, this is no longer necessary. Still, acne-prone skin can actually benefit from certain types of toners.
Dr. Shokeen suggests that individuals with acne-prone skin should seek toners containing ingredients like salicylic acid to help unclog pores, glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids for gentle exfoliation, or tea tree oil for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, lactic and mandelic acids can prepare the skin for other products like serums and moisturizers.
As always, Shokeen advises consulting a dermatologist to understand your skin’s needs and recommends avoiding toners with irritating or pore-clogging ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances, menthol, or sulfates, which may trigger breakouts or irritation.
Toners should be a refreshing addition to your skincare routine, enhancing your overall goals and preparing your skin for subsequent products. Most toners can be used twice daily after cleansing, though those with higher concentrations of active ingredients should be introduced slowly and carefully.
In the end, a reliable toner is an easy addition to your acne-fighting regimen. It’s a quick, simple step that can be seamlessly incorporated into even the most basic skincare routine and provide noticeable results.
Here are some of Dr. Shokeen’s top toner recommendations, along with a few editor’s picks featuring her preferred ingredients.
These are perfect for those with acne-prone skin looking to clear blemishes and heal existing breakouts without using harsh ingredients or prescription-level treatments.
1. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
If you’re dealing with blackheads and acne, Dr. Divya Shokeen, a dermatologist at Ocean Skin and Vein Institute, suggests giving this renowned Korean beauty product a try. It combines AHAs and BHAs for exfoliating, brightening, oil control, and breakout reduction. White willow bark serves as a potent anti-inflammatory and helps combat active acne, making this toner a surprisingly powerful and ingredient-rich solution.
Purchase it from Dermstore for
2. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Recommended by Shokeen, this leave-on exfoliating toner is not for the faint-hearted. With a high concentration of salicylic acid, it works to slough off dead skin cells and clear clogged pores. It even boasts anti-aging properties and helps diminish the appearance of wrinkles. Green tea soothes irritated skin while methylpropanediol provides hydration, ensuring this potent formula won’t leave your skin feeling parched.
Available at Sephora for $14+ (in two sizes).
3. Thayers Rose Petal and Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
5. PCA SKIN Nutrient Toner
PCA SKIN is a brand that acne-prone individuals should become familiar with immediately, even though it's not as widely known. I’ve found its Blemish Control bar to be incredibly effective, and now I'm eager to try their Nutrient Toner. Made with highly regarded AHAs, it helps refine and keep pores clear, while vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids nourish the skin, preparing it for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Available at Dermstore for $46.
6. Dr. Jart+ Teatreement Toner
This editor's choice contains tea tree oil, which has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as approved by Shokeen. It’s a purifying toner designed to eliminate excess oil and dirt from the skin, calm redness, reduce irritation, and hydrate your complexion.
Available at Stylevana for $9.99 (was $21.80).
7. Innisfree Clarifying Toner with Bija Seed Oil
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
