Best toner for acne prone skin

Today’s toner formulas are more advanced than ever before. Not only do they boast a ton of skincare benefits (like offering extra hydration, minimizing pores, and removing any traces of grime and oil, to name a few), toners deliver active ingredients straight to your face. A good toner is either acid-based (to exfoliate and resurface) or hydrating (to lock in moisture), according to board-certified dermatologist Lucy Chen, M.D. To get the most out of your toner, it’s recommended to apply it after cleansing. Whether your skin is sensitive and looking for soothing benefits, acne-prone and needing excess oil removal, or dry and thirsting for more moisture, the right toner can target concerns and treat them accordingly. There are hundreds upon hundreds of options available, so to take the guesswork out of selecting the right toner for you, we handpicked 24 of the most popular toners and asked our testers to try them out and be brutally honest. After trying the toners in The Lab, our Manhattan testing facility, testers judged each one based on feel, absorption, hydration, and appearance. The highest-rated products made this list. Keep reading to discover the best toners of 2023, according to our testers. What We Don't Like • Requires multiple pumps Tower28 is known for its sensitive skin-friendly makeup and skincare formulas. This toner—which comes housed in a firetruck red spray bottle—is wildly popular for its magical ability to soothe, purify, and repair stressed-out skin. I...

When it comes to treating blemishes, stronger products aren’t always better. The best toners for acne-prone skin add a powerful punch of skin-boosting ingredients to your routine while helping you remove the last traces of pore-clogging dead skin, oil, sunscreen, and makeup that cleansers might not catch. Most importantly, though, these toners won't irritate or dry out your skin, since that can exacerbate acne flareups. “People with acne-prone skin often use too harsh of toners,” says Toners should be applied right after cleansing your skin and before any serums, acne treatments, moisturizers, or sunscreens. Because acne-prone skin is often in need of ingredients that will help balance your skin and reduce inflammation, it's important to read the labels and choose Many shoppers look for exfoliating toners to tackle acne, and if you're dealing with blackheads, Dr. Hooper recommends looking for over exfoliating. “Stingy or itchy means the barrier is impaired,” Dr. Hooper explains. “If it looks oily but feels irritated and red. Your skin is producing excess oil so you end up getting on this cycle that your skin can’t get off.” After you're done applying toner, your skin should not feel tight or look red. And be sure to follow up with your Scroll on to shop the best toners for skin that’s breakout-prone, congested, inflamed, or otherwise irritated. 1. An Alcohol-Free Toner With Salicylic Acid See On Amazon With an impressive 7% glycolic acid, this User review: “This stuff is a...

Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.​Dr. King is a highly sought after dermatologist in New York City, where she has been treating patients for almost twenty years. She has won numerous awards including Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, Top Doctors New York Metro Area, New Beauty Top Beauty Doctor, and RealSelf Top Doctor. Isaac Winter is a fact-checker and writer for Real Simple, ensuring the accuracy of content published by rigorously researching content before publication and periodically when content needs to be updated. Highlights: Helped establish a food pantry in West Garfield Park as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Interviewed Heartland Alliance employees for oral history project conducted by the Lake Forest College History Department. Editorial Head of Lake Forest College's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years. If you're struggling with acne, it might be time to add a toner to your To find the best toners for acne-prone skin, we spent hours researching the most popular options on the market. We narrowed down the list by considering factors like ingredients, benefits, and value. For expert advice on choosing a toner, we spoke with Michele Farber, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing with Schweiger Dermatology Group, and Hadley C. King...

Show more When it comes to acne-prone skin, Dr. Sperling recommends serums that are formulated to target the different concerns you're experiencing. Acne scarring and hyperpigmentation often appear after breakouts. The New Jersey-based derm suggests Since acne serums are packed with a higher concentration of breakout-fighting ingredients, Dr. Sperling warns of possible irritation depending on how sensitive your skin is. Instead of applying a new serum to your breakout as soon as it appears, start by spot testing with a small amount of product to the inner upper arm to see if you have a reaction. "Always review the ingredients" and "make sure the product is non-comedogenic" to prevent clogged pores, she warns. No matter if you're experiencing active breakouts or want to get rid of leftover marks from acne scars, there are serums to help improve your skin's condition. Read ahead for the best serums for acne-prone skin, according to experts. Blackheads can pop up anywhere from your face to your Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc compound 1%, hyaluronic acid Skin type: Combination, oily, normal Customer review:"This serum did clear my blackheads and it is great because it doesn't peel off your face like other serums I wish it came in a bigger size." There's nothing like the pain from a pimple that's trying to break through the skin. This lightweight serum removes toxins from the skin and helps reduce inflammation. Key ingredients: Glacial algae, collagen Skin type: Dry, sen...

If you’re a skincare 10-stepper or a fan of the is it?—so it takes some research to really understand what it does. That’s where we come in. You might be thinking that essences are just If you can't wait to try an essence (*raises hand*), you're in luck—we've rounded up some of our favorites for all skin types. Pro tip: If you happen to have sensitive skin, opt for one that is fragrance-free. Read on for facial essences that your skin will love. What We Don't Like • Expensive You’ve probably seen ads for this essence all over social media (shoutout to James Corden for that skin #selfcare!), but this essence has been a fan-favorite in the beauty world for some time now. Infused with Pitera, an ingredient derived from yeast fermentation, the formula contains over 50 micro-nutrients that do everything from nourish, condition, smooth, and hydrate your skin. What users love most is how quickly they see a difference—even after a few days of use. Price at time of publish: $235 Cruelty-Free: No What We Don't Like • Reviewers note results aren't drastic Looking to achieve “honey skin” status? Here’s your ticket there. For the ultimate smooth, balanced, and even complexion, this fermented formula—with 17% hydrating birch juice and 9% brightening rice extracts—is exactly what you need. Because it’s packed with a ton of humectants, it draws in moisture and keeps it there. Price at time of publish: $38 Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Don't Like • Reviewers note results aren't drastic I know ...

Recently, we've fallen back in love with once basic toner the love it deserved . Although, mind you, our favorite toners these days are anything but basic (or rough on the skin). “The newest generation of toners are less harsh than traditional formulas and can be either hydrating or exfoliating, but either way improves the skin’s moisture barrier rather than strip it,” explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. Essential for nixing any lingering leftovers post-cleanse, rebalancing moisture and Keep reading for the best drugstore toners that won't break the bank. What We Don't Like • New formula has less witch hazel A true classic, this rose petal–infused drugstore toner is a dream for those with sensitive and dry skin. Free of alcohol, it will never irritate or overdry, and thanks to a helpful dose of organic aloe vera, it feels oh-so soothing after a long day at the office or outside in the sun. The brand has been around since 1874, so clearly, they’re doing something right. King is a fan of the entire line, noting that they use high-quality, naturally-sourced ingredients, including the organic Price at time of publish: $11 Active Ingredients: Witch Hazel | Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Normal | Benefits: Hydrates and balances | Size: 12.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No What We Don't Like • Smells like rubbing alcohol This brand offers countless different takes on toner, but this original can’t be beaten, particularly if you have oily skin. The brand ha...

We updated this article in November 2022 to include more information about each of our top picks, and add three new Beauty Lab-vetted recommendations from Dickinson's, Paula's Choice and La Prairie. Say goodbye to the dehydrating astringents of your teens — face toners have come a long way since those skin-stripping formulas of yore. Today's toners are packed with skin-boosting ingredients — including hydrators like glycerin and exfoliators like Many of these new non-drying toners (also often labeled as facial essences, tonics or waters) are recommended by dermatologists for all skin types and complexion issues, including acne. "These versions contain treatment ingredients similar to But what exactly do toners do? An effective toner will help ensure your skin is totally clean and free of impurities, plus give it an extra dose of active ingredients. After To find the best toner for your skin type and concerns, browse our picks, which are researched, vetted and recommended by GH Institute Beauty Lab scientists, who have decades of experience evaluating and testing all types of skincare products. Our top picks: Pixi's cult-classic exfoliating toner has become a go-to for our analysts in the GH Beauty Lab. That's because this does-it-all pick works to address multiple skin concerns, making it especially great for those with combination skin. "It contains oil-nixing astringents, soothing aloe, exfoliating glycolic acid and noticeably makes my skin glow in the morning when I app...

Glycolic acid reigns supreme in the skincare world—it's a favorite among dermatologists, skincare experts, and Byrdie editors alike for its litany of benefits. The " There’s no shortage of different ways to incorporate the superstar ingredient into your routine, but toner is arguably the easiest. Come bedtime, Ready to try one? Read on for our favorite glycolic acid toners. What We Don't Like • A little sticky We do a double-take every time we look at the price tags of any product from this brand, and this toner is no exception. Like the other offerings, it focuses on a singular star ingredient—in this case, it’s (obviously) glycolic acid at a powerful 7% concentration. And while that’s the star of the show, it’s paired with Price at time of publish: $10 Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe | Skin Type: All | Benefits: Hydrates, exfoliates, soothes | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes Review: Pixi's Glow Tonic Is Radiant Skin in a Bottle A hero product for both the brand and a team Byrdie staple, this formula is lauded as much for the affordable price tag as it is for the effective-yet-gentle formula. Glycolic acid is balanced out with soothing aloe and ginseng, meant to increase circulation for further glow-enhancing effects. It leaves your complexion clear and radiant, without any unwanted redness or uncomfortable tingling sensation. Price at time of publish: $29 Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe, ginseng | Skin Type: Oily | Benefits: Hydrates, exfoliates, sooth...

Toners are a beneficial addition to a skincare routine if someone experiences increased oils on the surface of the skin or acne. “A toner can provide a second cleansing step to remove residual oil, product, dirt, bacteria, pollution, and debris that may remain after washing your skin with a cleanser and water,” says Cynthia Bailey, MD, dermatologist and founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care. Toners have a reputation for drying your skin out and potentially causing more irritation. However, with the right ingredients, toners can be beneficial—especially if you have Also important in toners are alcohol-free formulas and ones that incorporate moisturizing ingredients to help hydrate your skin. We spoke with dermatologists and evaluated toners for their active ingredients, how well they moisturize, packaging, and price. Here are the best toners for acne-prone skin that are on the market today. Cons • Expensive The Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner is our best overall choice because it has key active ingredients working alongside hydrating ingredients to clear acne-prone skin. This toner features white willow bark extract (a BHA) and caviar lime extract (an AHA), which exfoliate the skin. These two key ingredients are paired with hydrating squalane, which makes for a gentle formula that prevents your skin from drying out. Use this toner after washing your face to act as a secondary cleanser, while restoring moisture. This BIossance toner is both alcohol- and paraben-free...

If your skin is prone to frequent breakouts, getting your hands on the best toner for acne might help deal with them better. A toner helps reduce the chances of getting acne, by cleansing your pores with excess oil and buildup. It leaves your skin clean, nourished, and contamination-free. If you have tried every other thing for your acne without any significant results, try using a toner in your daily skincare routine. It would not only balance out the oil secretion all over your face but also help calm angry inflammations. Additionally, toners that act on your acne are formulated with naturally therapeutic ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree, aloe, and other important vitamins and acids that help fight the stubborn acne and scars. These add that additional layer of nourishment and defense. To help you get started on your acne-free journey, we have shortlisted the top 15 best toners for acne for you to choose from. Top Picks Check Price Bask in this recipe for blooming skin infused with pure rose water, witch hazel extracts, and aloe vera. Soothing blisters, eliminating excess oil and dirt, the toner ensures a therapeutic experience with every use too. Also, the rose water and witch hazel blend tighten pores, control oil production, and keeps the skin radicle-free. And besides this, the aloe vera extract soothes and nourishes the skin intensely to leave a healthy and stunning glow. Try it to witness the difference. Pros • Locks in moisture • Hydrates intensely • Fades s...