People who struggle with acne-prone skin (like myself) are constantly looking for skincare solutions. There isn’t a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, or prescription cream I haven’t tried in an effort to keep blemishes at bay throughout my entire adult life. And despite my decades of research and experience, I recently realized there was one skincare product I hadn’t bothered to use since I was a teenager: a toner.
When I was a teenager in the early aughts, toners were vital, but I fell off my usage as an adult and was curious to see if they have any acne-fighting benefits that would make this product category worth another try. Dr. Divya Shokeen , a board-certified dermatologist at Ocean Skin and Vein Institute in Southern California, told us that toners were once considered necessary because you needed them to remove residue commonly left behind by cleansing bars — but thanks to improvements in skincare formulations, this is no longer the case.
However, acne-prone skin can, in fact, benefit from certain toners. Shokeen explained that “those with acne-prone skin should look for toners that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, which is effective in unclogging pores, glycolic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids, which can gently exfoliate the skin, or tea tree oil, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.” She added that “lactic and mandelic acids can also help to prepare the skin for other skincare products like serums and moisturizers.
” As with all skincare issues, Shokeen recommended consulting with a dermatologist to get a sense of your skin type and condition and cautioned those with acne-prone skin to avoid toners that might have irritating or comedogenic ingredients. Be on the lookout for formulations that include alcohol, fragrances, menthol, or sulfates ― all of which can lead to further breakouts and irritation. Toners should be a refreshing part of your skincare routine that supports your overall goals and helps prep your skin for the rest of your products.
Most can be used twice a day after cleansing, but those with higher percentages of active ingredients should be incorporated into your routine slowly and thoughtfully. All in all, a trusty toner is an easy product to add to your acne-fighting arsenal. It’s a quick and easy step that can be popped into even the simplest skincare routine and make a big difference.
Below, I’ve rounded up a few of Shokeen’s recommended toners along with some editors’ picks based on her preferred ingredients. They’re great for people with acne-prone skin who want to reduce blemishes and heal existing breakouts without resorting to ultra-harsh ingredients or prescription-strength products. 1.
COSRX AHA/BHA clarifying treatment toner If you're struggling with blackheads and acne breakouts, Dr. Divya Shokeen , a dermatologist at Ocean Skin and Vein Institute, recommends trying out this popular Korean beauty brand. It combines AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate, brighten, control oily skin, and reduce breakouts.
White willow bark acts as an effective anti-inflammatory and helps treat active acne breakouts, making this versatile and active ingredient-packed toner an unexpected powerhouse. Get it from Dermstore for $20 . 2.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA liquid exfoliant Recommended by Shokeen, this leave-on exfoliating toner is not for the faint of heart. It has a high percentage of salicylic acid that can help to slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores — it even has anti-aging benefits and can help to smooth out the look of wrinkles. It also uses green tea to soothe irritated skin and methylpropanediol to hydrate, so you don't have to worry about this powerful formula leaving your skin dryer than the desert.
Get it from Sephora for $14+ (available in two sizes). 3. Thayers rose petal and witch hazel facial toner with aloe vera There's a good chance you've spotted this popular toner out in the wild — it's long been used to keep skin smooth, hydrated, and balanced.
But just because it's often found in health food stores doesn't mean it’s any less powerful. This toner's effective ingredients make it a Shokeen must-have, and it's especially great for teens and people in their early 20s who don't want to drop a lot of cash on a toner but want to see results. It's made with witch hazel and aloe vera, which work together to balance oily skin, keep it hydrated and smooth, and neutralize bacteria.
Get it from Amazon for $10.53 (also available in five other scents). 4.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar clarifying solution Recommended by Shokeen, this toner features a medicated formula that includes salicylic acid, which can help unclog pores, get rid of excess oil, and clean away daily skin gunk. It's gentle enough to use twice a day and won't clog pores or strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier. Get it from Amazon for $16.
99 . 5. PCA SKIN Nutrient toner PCA Skin is one of those relatively under-the-radar brands that people with acne-prone skin need to familiarize themselves with immediately.
I find its Blemish Control bar to be an absolute lifesaver, and I am keen to try the Nutrient toner as well. It's made with highly coveted and recommended AHAs that can help refine pores and keep them fresh and clear while vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids nourish the skin so it's ready to receive the rest of your skincare products. Get it from Dermstore for $46 .
6. Dr. Jart+ Teatreement toner This editor's pick is formulated with Shokeen-approved tea tree oil, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It's a purifying toner that can help remove excess oil and grime from the skin, soothe redness, irritation, and blemishes, and hydrate the skin. Get it from Stylevana for $9.99 (originally $21.
80). 7. Innisfree clarifying toner with bija seed oil I wanted to include this toner from Innisfree because not only does it contain the Shokeen-endorsed acne-fighting ingredient salicylic acid, but it also features glycerin, a hydrating compound that softens the skin and helps to lock in moisture.
So often, people with acne think they need to dry out their skin to keep it as oil-free as possible and skimp on moisturizing ingredients — I've certainly been guilty of this myself. But balanced skin requires hydrating, nourishing ingredients; otherwise, they strip the natural moisture barrier. This toner splits the difference beautifully and has a low enough price point that it can be a great entryway for anyone looking to add a toner to their routine without breaking the bank.
Get it from Amazon for $18.05 (packaging may vary). The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
.
