We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare The 13 Best Toners for Acne-Prone Skin of 2024 Plus, expert advice from dermatologists on how to use a toner effectively. By Marisa Petrarca and Nor'adila Hepburn Nor'adila Hepburn Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 28, 2024 Medically reviewed by Hadley King, MD Medically reviewed by Hadley King, MD 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. Learn More Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel Jessica Wrubel is an accomplished writer, copy editor, and fact checker, working for over 15 years for various publications owned by Tribune Publishing, The Arena Group, and Hearst Communications in the areas of Food, Health & Wellness, Travel, Lifestyle, Education, and Home Improvement. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Brian Kopinski If you're struggling with acne, it might be time to add a toner to your daily skincare routine. But before choosing just any formula, it's important to consider your unique skin type to find the right toner for you. "Toners are liquids that are applied after cleansing, before additional topical products," says Hadley C. King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Like cleansers or moisturizers, toners can offer "various benefits depending on the active ingredient, ranging from hyaluronic acid for hydration to salicylic acid for oil control to glycolic acid for exfoliation and treatment of uneven pigment," adds Michele Farber, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. 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 overall value. In addition to Dr. King and Dr. Farber, we spoke with Dr. Elaine Kung, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology, and Rachel Chambers, licensed esthetician & Oh Beauty’s in-house expert, for recommendations on choosing the best toner for you. Our Top Picks Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Toner at Amazon $17 Jump to Review Best Budget: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Splurge: Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner at Amazon $80 Jump to Review Best Natural: Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Exfoliating: REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Tonic at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Gentle: Obagi Medical Nu-Derm Toner at Amazon $45 Jump to Review Best Hydrating: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Caudalie Vinopure Pore-Minimizing Toner at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best for Dark Spots: Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner at Sephora $19 Jump to Review Best for Redness: Paula's Choice Clear Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Overall La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Toner PHOTO: Target $17 at Amazon $17 at Target $23 at Walmart What Stands Out It’s safe for sensitive skin yet contains both AHAs and BHAs, which exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. What Could Be Improved It may be too drying for some people. This clarifying toner from La Roche-Posay stops acne in its tracks while giving your complexion an overall boost. The liquid formula is free of oil, fragrance, and parabens, and is created specifically for those with oily, acne-prone, and combination skin. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA) and glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA). This exfoliating duo works overtime to make your skin look and feel its best. The AHAs remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin to smooth its texture, while the BHAs penetrate under your skin to clear clogged pores. That's how this toner refines the appearance of pores and clears up blackheads, whiteheads, and acne blemishes. For best results, you can use this toner up to twice daily, in the morning and/or evening. If you want to take your routine to the next level, use La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash before toning—it's step one of the brand's acne-treatment system. Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and glycolic acid | Size: 6.7 ounces Best Budget The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner PHOTO: Sephora View on Nordstrom $9 at Target $9 at Sephora What Stands Out It contains glycolic acid, which keeps pores clean and unclogged. What Could Be Improved The toner is quite potent, so it should only be used at night. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution packs a punch without a steep price tag. The unscented, alcohol-free formula is best for those on the market for a toner that targets dullness and uneven texture (in addition to acne, of course). While this toner doesn't fight existing acne as salicylic acid does, it prevents future breakouts since it contains glycolic acid—an ingredient that keeps the surface of your skin free from pore-clogging debris. To help combat any potential irritation, this toner contains Tasmanian pepperberry derivative. This ingredient is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules that work to keep skin calm and soothed. And just a heads up: You should avoid using this toner more than once daily because it's very potent, so overdoing it can cause irritation and potentially worsen acne. Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry derivative, ginseng root, and aloe vera | Size: 8 ounces Best Splurge Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner PHOTO: Sephora $80 at Amazon $80 at Nordstrom $80 at Sephora What Stands Out It’s designed to help regulate the skin’s pH. What Could Be Improved It’s not exfoliating, so it’s best for mild acne. Dr. Barbara Sturm's Balancing Toner is more expensive than others on our list, but it's a mild formula that's entirely free of exfoliating ingredients—and it will soothe sensitive, irritated skin prone to breakouts. That said, it's an excellent option for those who want to use a toner every day without having to worry about potential irritation. (It's a great way to remove excess oil and debris that your cleanser didn't tackle.) Beyond removing oil and makeup residue, this formula contains an ingredient called sugar biovector, which helps regulate the skin's delicate pH balance. Believe it or not, your skin's pH can be altered just by tap water's alkalinity, which can affect your complexion. All things considered, this splurge-worthy toner is a gentle yet effective option that is designed to calm the skin. Key Ingredients: Sugar biovector, beta-glucan, and hyaluronic acid | Size: 5.07 ounces Best Natural Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner PHOTO: Sephora $30 at Amazon $30 at Sephora $30 at Kohls.com What Stands Out It contains natural ingredients including willow bark, caviar lime extract, and squalane. What Could Be Improved You should do a patch test first, as some of the natural ingredients could be irritating to some people. From its recyclable bottle and packaging to its EWG-certified status and natural ingredients, the Biossance Squalane + BHA Minimizing Toner is sustainable in all ways. It features powerful AHAs and BHAs and is suitable for use on all skin types. That said, this product works best on those who have oily skin or are prone to breakouts. Let’s talk about the ingredients first. It features a trio of all-natural ingredients that minimize pores and keep skin smooth. The main ingredient is white willow bark extract, which is a natural astringent that can unclog pores and soak up excess oil. There’s also caviar lime extract, which contains essential AHAs, polyphenols, and flavonoids that slough away dead skin cells. Finally, the sugarcane-derived squalane adds moisture without making your face too shiny. This toner is also alcohol-free, which can be too drying for some skin types. Be aware that if you have sensitive skin you might want to do a skin patch test to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction to it. Key Ingredients: White willow bark extract, caviar lime extract, squalane | Size: 4 ounces Best Exfoliating REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Tonic PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon View on Renskincare.com $40 at Macy's What Stands Out It’s great for dark spots since it’s designed to brighten skin. What Could Be Improved It’s mildly sticky, which might feel unpleasant to some. The Ren Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is a brightening powerhouse designed to make your skin appear radiant. This alcohol-free toner gets the job done with exfoliating—and hydrating—lactic acid that banishes dead skin cells, and salicin to minimize the appearance of pores. And that's not all: The formula also contains azelaic acid to enhance your skin's natural glow while helping with hyperpigmentation. Just note that the brand advises those with very sensitive skin to dilute the formula before applying it—at least until their skin adjusts to its exfoliating properties. To do so, try dampening a cotton pad with water before adding the toner. Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, salicin, and azelaic acid | Size: 3.3, 8.5, and 16.9 ounces Best Gentle Obagi Medical Nu-Derm Toner PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon $45 at Walmart $45 at Dermstore What Stands Out It contains natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients. What Could Be Improved It’s not an exfoliating toner, so it’s not a good choice for severe acne. The Obagi Nu-Derm Toner is alcohol-free, so it's ideal for removing excess oil and impurities without stripping your skin of moisture. Therefore, it’s safe to be used twice a day—once in the morning and once again in the evening. It’s powered by gentle ingredients, including aloe vera and witch hazel. Aloe vera is a very soothing ingredient that also has antimicrobial properties, so it cleans the skin without exfoliating, while witch hazel is a popular remedy for skin inflammation. This is a non-exfoliating toner, which is great for those looking for something gentle, but not great for those who want something more powerful to treat their acne. This toner does, however, help remove dead skin cells and balance your skin's natural pH, making it a good toner for people looking for skincare benefits beyond acne-reduction. Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, aloe vera | Size: 6.7 ounces Best Hydrating Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner PHOTO: Sephora $16 at Amazon $43 at Walmart $16 at Sephora What Stands Out You can also use it as a face mask or spot treatment. What Could Be Improved The sweet watermelon fragrance may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner will hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of pores—and like all of the brand's viral products, it comes in a pretty bottle worthy of prime real estate on your vanity. This toner also has an impressive ingredient lineup, boasting polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) that gently exfoliate, along with BHAs and a hydrating trio of watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, and cactus water. The toner’s unique texture makes it a versatile option as well. It’s somewhat sticky (the brand calls it “bouncy”), so it can easily be used as a spot treatment or even a mask. One thing to note is that it has a very fruity fragrance, which might not be to everyone’s liking. But, it’s undeniable that the bright pink color certainly adds some fun to your skincare routine. Key Ingredients: Watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid, cactus water, PHA and BHA | Size: 5.07 ounces Best for Oily Skin Caudalie Vinopure Pore-Minimizing Toner PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon $30 at Sephora $30 at Skinstore.com What Stands Out It contains mostly natural ingredients to reduce the appearance of large pores. What Could Be Improved It’s not the best option for sensitive skin. Anyone with oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types will appreciate the benefits of the Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore-Minimizing Toner. It uses salicylic acid to unclog your pores of oil and make them look less noticeable and shiny. This toner also contains grape and rose water for an antioxidant boost and a dose of hydration. Essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint also help keep pesky blackheads at bay—but those with sensitive skin should do a patch test to make sure they don’t have a reaction. Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, grape and rose water, lavender and peppermint essential oils | Size: 6.7 ounces Best for Dark Spots Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Sephora $19 at Kohls.com View on Ulta What Stands Out It targets dark spots and blemishes. What Could Be Improved It has a skin-tingling after effect which some might find uncomfortable. Dark spots and dullness are no match for the Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner. The star ingredients in this formula are glycolic acid and lactic acid, two types of AHAs known for minimizing age spots and discoloration from UV damage while improving skin texture. With daily use, you should notice a reduction in dark spots within a few weeks. This product contains witch hazel water to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. It also has soothing botanical extracts and a sweet, lemony scent. Keep in mind that the brand notes that it's normal to experience a tingling sensation when you first sweep it across your skin—think of it as a sign that the acids are doing their job. Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and witch hazel water | Size: 6.5 ounces Best for Redness Paula's Choice Clear Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon $35 at Sephora $35 at Paulaschoice.com What Stands Out It’s designed to ease redness, dark spots, and irritation. What Could Be Improved It’s one of the smallest bottles on our list. Bid adieu to acne-related redness—and acne itself—with the help of this toner from Paula's Choice. This formula contains allantoin, a skin-soothing ingredient that calms redness and sensitivity. Teamed with exfoliating salicylic acid and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this powerful trio helps banish blemishes, unclog congested pores, and fade red post-acne marks. It's recommended that you ease into this product by using it every other day to start and note your skin's response before implementing it into your morning and evening routine. This toner is just one step in Paula's Choice Clear Line, which is designed for acne-prone skin. While you don't have to switch to every product in the collection to see results, some people may find it more convenient to follow a curated skincare routine—such as using a separate product from the Clear line to treat body acne. Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid | Size: 4 ounces Best for Blackheads Ole Henriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner PHOTO: Sephora $27 at Amazon $33 at Sephora $35 at Kohls.com What Stands Out It features a non-comedogenic formula that does not clog pores. What Could Be Improved The smell of eucalyptus and peppermint could be overpowering if you’re not accustomed to it. Oily skin is one of the major reasons why blackheads form on the skin. So if you want them gone once and for all, a toner specially formulated for oily skin could be extremely helpful. The Ole Henriksen Balancing Force Oil Control toner contains a slew of ingredients with natural antiseptic properties, including green tea, eucalyptus, kelp, and Irish moss. It also contains salicylic acid and AHAs, which are great for preventing blackheads since they unclog pores and promote cell turnover. To lock in moisture and stimulate collagen production, this toner also contains neem seed oil, which helps keep skin looking youthful. It has a eucalyptus-peppermint scent that is refreshing, but could come off as too strong for some people. Just keep in mind that you might want to start off using it a few times a week rather than every day to see how your skin reacts. Key Ingredients: Active botanicals, salicylic acid, neem seed oil | Size: 6.5 ounces Best for Scarring Farmacy Brighten Up Dark Spot Toner PHOTO: Farmacy $34 at Amazon $17 at Sephora View on Farmacybeauty.com What Stands Out It reduces acne plus evens out skin tone. What Could Be Improved It’s only available in a small 4-ounce size. Treating cystic acne requires a multi-pronged approach, so you should look for a toner with a strong yet gentle formula that will calm the skin and help with scarring. This option from Farmacy contains three active ingredients: tranexamic acid (TXA), which is clinically proven to reduce dark spots, plus polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and azelaic acid to even out texture. Additionally, it contains tangerine peel essence, which delivers a dash of antioxidants. To use, apply on a clean face once or twice a day. Unlike liquid toners, this one is a cream, so it’s also hydrating. Keep in mind that it’s not the most heavy-duty toner, so using it alone probably won’t make a huge difference. Instead, you should use it in conjunction with an acne-fighting cleanser and spot treatment to really get the full effects. Key Ingredients: TXA, PHA, azelaic acid, tangerine peel | Size: 4 ounces Best Spray Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray PHOTO: Sephora $28 at Amazon $12 at Sephora View on Tower28beauty.com What Stands Out You can use it throughout the day as needed. What Could Be Improved It has a chlorine scent, which could be a turnoff. Want a gentle toner that also acts as a refreshing mist? Consider the viral SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. Unlike other toners that require the use of cotton pads, this product comes in a spray bottle that you apply directly to the face. It contains hypochlorous acid, an antibacterial ingredient that stops inflammation and minimizes redness. It’s so effective that it even has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which means it’s safe for anyone who has extra-sensitive skin or suffers from eczema. For best results, use it after your skin has been washed and dried. It’s gentle enough to use twice a day during morning and evening cleansing routines, and can also be used as needed throughout the day if you need some freshening up. Just be aware that it has a chlorine scent, which could be unpleasant for some. Key Ingredients: Hypochlorous acid | Size: 4 ounces Final Verdict We think the best toner for acne-prone skin La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner, which clears acne while improving the skin's overall appearance. If you're looking for a lower-price option, we recommend The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7-Percent Exfoliating Toner, a highly potent formula that improves skin clarity while boosting your complexion's radiance. How to Shop for Toners for Acne-Prone Skin Like a Pro Ingredients When shopping for a toner, consider what skincare concerns you want to target so you can find the right active ingredients to fit your needs. Some common ingredients found in toners for acne are salicylic acid (BHA) for oil control, witch hazel to refine pores and reduce inflammation, niacinamide for redness and oil control, and AHAs to clear out pores. “It all depends on your skin type,” says Chambers. “For normal, dry, or mature skin needing replenishment, I would recommend essences or toners with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, as these all help with hydration and moisture retention. For combination, oily, or acne-prone skin types, toners with AHAs, BHAs, and witch hazel are effective at keeping skin clear and exfoliated.” Skin Type You should also consider your skin type (oily, acne-prone, dry, etc) to ensure the toner is the right fit. For example, alcohol-based toners are better for oily skin since they can be drying, while toners with active exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid or AHAs may be irritating to sensitive skin, says Dr. King. Likewise, "some are formulated specifically to be hydrating and moisturizing, which is particularly helpful if your skin is dry, and may be particularly well-suited for dry winter weather," she says. Chambers says that if you’re older, “mature skin needs help with both moisture and exfoliation, as hydration and cell turnover decrease in the later years.” Skincare Routine After you find the right toner for your skin, it's time to implement it into your skincare routine. If you've selected a toner with exfoliants, note that you shouldn't use it every day from the start. It's important that you work your way up to it slowly, according to Dr. Farber. Pro tip: "Oily skin will tolerate more frequent application of active ingredients, while it is best to start 1-2 times weekly on sensitive skin," she says. Dr. Kung agrees: “Skincare with AHAs or BHAs may be difficult for people to endure every day. This may be especially true for people who are also using medications for acne like topical retinoids. I advise people to ask their dermatologists if their new toner may be suitable for their skin.” Questions You Might Ask What does toner do? "Toners across the board help remove oil and refresh the skin after cleansing," says Dr. Farber. That said, they aren't one-size-fits-all products, as some formulas benefit specific skin types or concerns more than others. It ultimately comes down to its active ingredients. For example, Dr. Farber notes that actives like hyaluronic acid are ideal for hydration, while salicylic acid is best for oil control and glycolic acid is ideal for exfoliation and uneven pigment. Is toner bad for acne? Toner can help treat acne, but it's important to be mindful of what products you pair it with. While salicylic acid is helpful for oil control, Dr. Farber says "it needs to be combined properly with other skincare ingredients to prevent over drying, which can cause breakouts." You should also keep in mind that more doesn't necessarily mean better. To avoid overdoing it, "it's best to have a few targeted active ingredients," says Dr. Farber. Dr. Kung also advises users to be mindful when buying toners that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or "fruit acids." According to her, “they may contain mild exfoliants, which is akin to giving yourself a micro or ‘mini’ chemical peel at home.” This can cause irritation. “I have seen so many patients over the years calling my office for an emergency appointment from giving themselves a rash when trying out new skincare products that contain AHAs or BHAs,” says Dr. Kung. How do you apply toner, and when do you apply it during your skincare routine? The best way to apply toner is after cleansing, before essence or serum, says Dr. King. Apply the amount designated on the product packaging to a cotton ball or pad before sweeping it across your skin. She also recommends blotting, not rubbing, "particularly if the toner contains exfoliating ingredients." Dr. Kung adds that “oftentimes, people overuse toners because they drench their cotton pads with the liquid.” She suggests controlling the pour so that you get less than a dime size amount. She also offers a helpful tip for anyone buying a toner for the first time: “When you are trying out a new toner, instead of using it day and night, start off twice a week, especially if your toner contains AHAs or BHAs.” Can you use a toner every day if you have acne? “The answer is yes,” says Chambers. “But for everyday use, I’d recommend a toner that is still potent but not harsh, so it doesn’t dry out the skin. Over-drying the skin causes irritation, which may worsen acne.” She adds that you should “always follow with a light, oil-free moisturizer designed for acne-prone skin, as this type of skin needs hydration too!” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Marisa Petrarca, a contributing writer for Real Simple with over five years of editorial experience crafting product reviews and lifestyle content, and was updated by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. They consulted four experts for their recommendations on choosing the best toner: Michele Farber, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing with Schweiger Dermatology Group; Hadley C. King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology; Dr. Elaine Kung, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Future Bright Dermatology; and Rachel Chambers, licensed esthetician & Oh Beauty's in-house expert.