Top 10 Dermatologist-Approved Toners for Acne-Prone Skin

Top Pick

This beloved toner has gained major attention on social media, and dermatologists say it’s one trend worth following. Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant features 2% salicylic acid, making it ideal for those dealing with blackheads and clogged pores, as explained by Dr. Yang.

It also contains green tea, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against free radicals while calming redness and inflammation, according to Dr. Yadav. This mild formula is ideal for acne-prone individuals, particularly those with normal to oily skin. Dr. Yang suggests starting with one to two applications per week to ease it into your skincare routine.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea | Best for: Oily skin | Size: 4 ounces

Best Value

Dr. Yadav suggests Sephora Collection’s Clarifying Toner for its ability to promote healthy skin by balancing oil production and reducing pore visibility. The toner includes zinc, a natural ingredient known for its purifying effects, and niacinamide, which hydrates, brightens, calms, and offers antioxidant protection, according to Dr. Yadav.

This toner is also an excellent choice for those seeking a clean skincare option. It’s unscented, vegan, and composed of 94% natural-origin ingredients. While it works well for most skin types, it’s particularly beneficial for those with combination to oily skin.

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc | Best For: Combination to oily skin | Size: 5 ounces

Top Anti-Aging Solution

Spending $100 on a facial toner may seem like a splurge, but there's a reason SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence is adored by both celebrities and skincare professionals. This luxury Japanese brand's toner offers the benefits of a retinol, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin C serum combined in one product.

Containing 90% Pitera, a natural bio-ingredient derived from fermentation, this treatment is packed with 50 micro-nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It helps diminish the appearance of dark spots from UVA and UVB exposure and reduces the visibility of fine lines.

Additionally, it smooths the skin’s texture, accelerates skin cell turnover, and is clinically proven to soothe redness.

Active Ingredients: Galactomyces ferment filtrate | Best for: Oily skin | Size: 2.5 ounces

Ideal for Oily Skin

If you're a fan of Thayers’ Original Witch Hazel Facial Toner, their Blemish Clearing Acne Treatment Toner, which contains 2% salicylic acid, may be a great option to try. This toner gently exfoliates to clear blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads on acne-prone skin.

This vegan formula not only targets blemishes but also prevents new pimples by controlling excess sebum. It features naturally-derived ingredients such as lemongrass, a purifying oil that helps detoxify, and tea tree oil, which helps combat blemishes.

With its witch hazel, a powerful antioxidant, this toner is ideal for oily skin as it provides soothing effects. However, it may cause irritation for those with dry or sensitive skin. The 12-ounce bottle offers long-lasting value for the price.

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, witch hazel, lemongrass | Best for: Oily skin | Size: 12 ounces

Ideal for Hormonal Acne

The Ordinary is a beloved skincare brand known for its clinically-backed, affordable products. Their Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner targets dull skin, uneven texture, and an imbalanced skin tone.

Glycolic acid, an AHA, is a chemical exfoliant that works wonders for those with hormonal acne, helping prevent pore blockages caused by excess sebum.

Dr. Yang explains that hormonal acne is primarily caused by fluctuations in hormones like testosterone, leading to increased oil production. As a result, treatments that target excess sebum, clogged pores, and inflammation are often effective in managing this condition.

This facial toner, enriched with glycolic acid, also includes ginseng root and aloe vera, known for their soothing properties and ability to enhance radiance, helping you achieve visibly glowing skin.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, ginseng root, aloe vera | Ideal for: Dry skin | Volume: 8 ounces

Recommended for Sensitive Skin

While specifically designed for use as an eye spray, Dr. Yadav suggests that twenty/twenty beauty’s Easy on the Eyes Calming Face Mist with Hypochlorous Acid also serves as an excellent facial toner for those with sensitive skin.

This formula, developed by dermatologists and ophthalmologists, contains 0.02% pure hypochlorous acid, an antimicrobial agent that eliminates acne-causing bacteria while soothing redness, inflammation, and irritation.

This versatile two-in-one product not only supports healthy, clear skin but is also known for its ability to ease chronic eye conditions like styes and dry eye. Dr. Yadav explains that the formula is so mild it’s even safe for use on babies, making it perfect for those with highly sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients: 0.02% pure hypochlorous acid | Ideal for: Sensitive skin | Volume: 2 ounces

Best for Hydration

Glow Recipe’s popular Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner offers an effective acne treatment. A combination of 3% gluconolactone (a PHA) and 2% betaine salicylate (a BHA) works together to clear pores and smooth the skin’s surface.

Additionally, the formula features a blend of watermelon extract, cactus water, and glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture from the air, leaving the skin intensely hydrated and with a radiant glow.

However, individuals with oily skin should be cautious, as this ultra-hydrating, alcohol-free formula may leave a greasy feeling and could potentially lead to breakouts.

Key Ingredients: Watermelon fruit extract, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, gluconolactone, betaine salicylate | Best for: Dry skin | Volume: 5 ounces

Ideal for Combination Skin

Farmacy’s Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner is perfect for acne-prone, combination to oily skin. A combination of salicylic acid (BHA) and papaya enzymes work together to exfoliate and deeply cleanse pores without removing the skin’s natural oils.

Additionally, moringa seed extract and moringa water help combat dirt, excess oil, and other acne-causing impurities, keeping the skin clear.

Chlorella, an antioxidant powerhouse, nourishes and soothes the skin, leaving it with a glowing complexion. The alcohol-free, clean formula controls oil production, ensuring a clear, healthy-looking skin appearance.

Key Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, chlorella, moringa seed extract, papaya enzyme | Best for: Combination to oily skin | Volume: 4 ounces

Ideal for Scars and Dark Spots

Dr. Yang suggests REN Clean Skincare’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic for its acne-fighting abilities that visibly tighten pores and smooth the skin’s surface. Its gentle formula also helps target dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

This toner is enriched with lactic acid, an AHA that exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, more even skin tone. It also contains azelaic acid precursors, which brighten the skin and help reduce pigmentation from post-acne marks, according to Dr. Yang.

Additionally, this formula includes salicin from willow bark extract, a BHA that refines pores and reduces inflammation. This toner is perfect for those with normal to oily skin, as it clears excess oil and clarifies the complexion for a bright, even look.

Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, willow bark extract, azelaic acid | Best for: Oily skin | Volume: 8.5 ounces

Best Korean

COSRX’s AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner has gained popularity in Korean beauty for its ability to exfoliate and purify the skin. AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) are potent exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells from the surface, promoting a brighter, clearer complexion.

BHAs also help to regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of pores. “The combination of AHAs and BHAs not only addresses acne but also exfoliates to lighten post-acne pigmentation,” says Dr. Yang.

The formula also includes white willow bark, which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that aids in treating blemishes. Additionally, the toner comes in a handy spray bottle, making it easy to apply.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, betaine salicylate, white willow bark | Best for: Combination to oily skin | Size: 5.07 ounces

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant stands as our top choice for acne-prone skin due to its potent acne-fighting formula suitable for all skin types. Both Dr. Yang and Dr. Yadav agree that this social media sensation is worth the attention, thanks to a powerful mix of salicylic acid and green tea. For those seeking a more affordable alternative, we recommend the Sephora Collection Clarifying Toner with Niacinamide and Zinc, which offers excellent skin benefits by regulating oil production and minimizing pore appearance.

Expert Tips for Selecting Toners for Acne-Prone Skin

Essential Ingredients to Look for

For those dealing with acne-prone skin, certain active ingredients are especially beneficial for tackling blemishes and preventing future breakouts. Look for products containing salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, hypochlorous acid, niacinamide, witch hazel, and zinc.

• Salicylic acid: It works by penetrating deep into the pores to exfoliate dead skin cells. Dead skin can trap oil and bacteria, leading to congestion and acne. Aside from addressing blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid also helps reduce pore visibility and enhances skin texture.
• Hyaluronic acid: A humectant, hyaluronic acid attracts moisture from the environment to hydrate and plump the skin. It helps regulate oil production to prevent acne and can also smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
• Hypochlorous acid: This antimicrobial helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria, soothes irritation, and controls oil production.
• Niacinamide: A potent anti-inflammatory, niacinamide reduces redness, calms irritation, balances oil levels, and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.
• Witch hazel and zinc: Both are excellent for managing oil production, preventing clogged pores.

Identifying Your Skin Type

Although most of these active ingredients are suitable for acne-prone skin, it’s essential to consider your unique skin type and concerns when selecting a toner. This will help determine which formulas will be most effective for you.

• Dry or Sensitive Skin: Humectants like hyaluronic acid and emollients like ceramides help strengthen the skin's protective barrier, according to Dr. Yadav. For sensitive skin, soothing ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera, and centella asiatica are also beneficial, Dr. Yang suggests. Additionally, sulfur is a great option for this skin type, as it's often better tolerated than more irritating acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
• Oily Skin: Those with oily skin often benefit from ingredients like salicylic acid, zinc, and witch hazel, Dr. Yadav notes. Sulfur is also an excellent choice for oily skin, offering both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight acne and calm inflammation. It also absorbs excess oil and helps keep pores clear, as Dr. Yang mentions.

Common Questions You Might Have

Is toner necessary for acne-prone skin?

Toners are an efficient way to introduce active ingredients into your skincare routine, addressing specific concerns like acne, explains Dr. Yang. For acne-prone skin, a non-comedogenic toner with acne-fighting properties can help maintain your skin’s barrier and clear up blemishes, she adds.

Is a salicylic acid toner effective for acne?

As noted earlier, a toner with salicylic acid can be highly beneficial for acne-prone skin, according to Dr. Yang. It helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts, while also protecting the skin from future blackheads and whiteheads.

However, when incorporating any new product into your skincare routine, it's essential to do a patch test first, advises Yadav. If your skin responds well, you can gradually add it to your routine.

Is it advisable to use astringents on acne-prone skin?

Astringents are products designed to remove excess oil from the skin and cause the skin tissue to contract, creating a temporary tightening effect that can reduce the appearance of pores, according to experts.

Dr. Yang advises, "I do not recommend using an astringent regularly, as it can be very harsh and drying on the skin, even for those with oily skin."

Example A: Alcohol, which is the most common ingredient in astringents, according to Dr. Yadav. No matter your skin type, she suggests steering clear of alcohol-based formulas to protect the skin barrier. If alcohol is listed among the first three ingredients, it’s a good indicator that the toner contains a high concentration of it. All the products mentioned in this list are alcohol-free.

Dr. Yadav states, "Many people think that drying out the skin is the key to ‘killing’ blemishes, but it actually causes more issues over time."

Trust Us

This article was written by Naydeline Mejia, a seasoned writer with over four years of experience in product reviews and lifestyle content, particularly on beauty topics. For this piece, we researched various facial toners for acne-prone skin, evaluating active ingredients, skin type suitability, value, and size. We also consulted with Dr. Connie Yang, a board-certified dermatologist from New York City, and Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto, Canada, for expert advice on what to look for in a facial toner.