Face masks and cleansers might be the most obvious candidates when it comes to choosing products to treat your acne, but toners are an underrated way to tackle breakouts and can have big results. Toners are often overlooked as an old-fashioned step in a traditional skincare routine, but the truth is, not all toners are created equal, and some formulas can be brilliant additions to your everyday routine if you’re prone to breakouts and blemishes.
More than just fancy scented water, these toners help to ensure your skin is clean, removing an excess oil or debris that your cleanser has left behind, and they also replenish moisture and balance skin’s pH (important in preventing congestion). That’s a lot of work for one product.
Scroll down to meet the best toners for acne prone skin.
Dr Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Mist
This always-sold-out toner is formulated with cica (also known as tiger grass), a natural anti-inflammatory which helps to calm and soothe even the most angry and irritated skin.
By BEAUTY BAY 5% GLYCOLIC ACID + 1% PHA TONER
A blend of AHAs and PHAs, this toner targets different layers of the skin by breaking down and removing dead skin cells, resulting in clearer pores and a reduced chance of the congestion that leads to breakouts.
Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Daily Blemish Tonic
This acne-focused formula contains a cocktail-like blend of salicylic acid, witch hazel, and charcoal – three ingredients which are well-known for their benefits for skin that experiences breakouts.
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion
Clinique’s famous skin-clearing toner is best for oily or severely congested skin. It targets oil production and absorbs excess oil to over time reduce pore size, blackheads, and under-the-skin spots.
PSA Skin Heroine
Combining two of the most gentle exfoliating acids, lactic and mandelic, this toner also contains blemish-busting favourites like niacinamide and licorice root to target enlarged pores and blackheads.
Origins Zero Oil
Sweep this gentle toner over your face for the benefits of soothing natural ingredients like sage leaf water, aloe vera, and glycerin. The result? Stressed, textured skin appears calm and feels soft.
Dermalogica Ultracalming Mist
If your breakouts are painful and inflamed, this toner is for you. It’s made with a calming blend of aloe, oat, and bisabolol which work to soothe and calm but also strengthen the skin barrier, helping to keep out irritants and bacteria.
COSRX BHA Power Liquid
This COSRX toner is perfect for skin that’s experiencing congestion, oiliness, and blackheads alongside breakouts. It contains a super gentle form of salicylic acid which penetrates the skin and exfoliates deep within the pores to reduce congestion.
