15 Best Toners for Acne-Prone Skin: A Definitive Guide and How to Use Them

According to Maiman, this toner contains three hydroxy acids for a "powerhouse punch" at oil and acne. They work to "collectively exfoliate the skin, clear pores, and reduce sebum production," while the witch hazel tightens pores and further reduces oil. But don't worry about it drying your skin out—botanical oils like green tea, eucalyptus, algae, and Irish moss work to hydrate, mitigate irritation, and provide a boost of antioxidants, as Maiman explains.

I'm here to hype this baby wayyyy up, considering I use it religiously, and it legit has transformed my skin. Packed with AHAs including lactic acid and BHAs including willow bark, this toner not only reduces the appearance of pores while exfoliating your skin, but also leaves your skin glowy as hell. Pro tip: use it in the morning before makeup application, your products will go on like a breeeeze.

There's nothing quite like a beauty product under 10 bucks that actually does its damn JOB and does it WELL. So say hello to The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid Toner, a toner that will visibly give your skin that pretty glow thanks to the mild exfoliating solution. Use it once a day at night, and make sure you check out the brand's regimen guide, so you know what products are safe to use together to avoid potential dryness and irritation beforehand.

Another one of Maiman's recommendations is this toner, and I'm obsessed with it too. Sometimes, salicylic acid can cause skin dryness or irritation, however, "Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid mitigates this because of the included green tea, an antioxidant that soothes and minimizes irritation," she says. So rest assured, your skin will clear up without the uncomfortable dryness and irritation often associated with acne products.

You've got a rich blend of ultra-moisturizing hyaluronic acid and pineapple extract—containing ample amounts of vitamin C—that work together to create this awesome dark-spot-correcting toner. Not only that, it'll help to kick acne to the curb thanks to its ability to calm excess oil production and soothe textured skin.

Listen, no 'best toner list' would be complete without the cult favorite. If you've inhabited the beauty sphere, you're well aware of the buzz behind this product, thanks to celeb hype-ups and literally everyone who has ever tried it. We did a deep dive on the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, so if you want alllll the deets, check it out. For now, here's the TL;DR: The P50 is a spinoff of the OG that doesn't include phenol (a debated ingredient in skincare) and is great for those with oily skin, acne, or blackheads. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to skip this one, as it could cause irritation.

True story: I'm high-key obsessed with rose water. Not only does the yummy smell make me feel like I'm in a literal garden, but the beauty benefits are unreal. Rose water is packed with antibacterial properties that can lessen acne and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness. To kick its acne-busting powers up a notch, this toner also includes AHAs and BHAs—you know, those exfoliating ingredients that'll help to clear your skin of pimples.

Packed with BHAs from willow bark, this toner works to unclog and decongest the skin. Thanks to the polyhydroxy acids that provide gentle exfoliation, the effects of the BHAs are amplified, explains Maiman. The skin glow you'll get after using this toner is thanks to the added watermelon extract, which is hydrating and packed with vitamins and amino acids. "Finally, cactus water seals in moisture and prevents moisture loss while simultaneously delivering electrolytes and antioxidants," says Maiman.

Ahhh, Glossier, one of my fave skincare brands. Instead of harsh physical exfoliants—which can be quite irritating and less effective than chemical exfoliants—the Solution toner is filled with AHAs, BHAs, andddd PHAs. Which, quick refresh, are all chemical exfoliants that work to remove gunk from the top layer of your skin. Over time, your skin will feel oh-so-smooth and soft thanks to this concoction.

According to Chiu, this is a top toner for acne if you're looking to clear up your skin. The product is "gentle yet pore-refining, which means it will calm inflammation without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry," she says. Filled with natural BHAs thanks to the white willow bark extract and AHAs from the caviar lime extract, this toner will work its acne-busting magic. But my favorite part is the squalene, a hero hydrator that'll give you the hydration of your dreams without the shine of a typical oil.

If your goal is to wave buhhh bye to acne and even out your skin tone, Chiu suggests the Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner. This vegan toner uses salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin while keeping it feeling smooth and soothed, thanks to the added grape and rose water. It's also packed with antioxidants that work to limit sebum oxidation, which helps treat those pesky blackheads we all know and hate.

Glycolic acid is the hero ingredient of Saturday Skin's Pore Clarifying Toner. To amp up the formulation's acne-busting powers, the addition of witch hazel will balance the skin's texture and tone. Don't worry about your skin feeling tight and stripped—a humectant (AKA a substance that attracts water to the skin) called sodium PCA will keep your skin hydrated AF.

This v mild exfoliating toner uses a combo of glycolic and salicylic acid to exfoliate and rid your face of dead skin, oil, and bacteria. Thanks to vitamin B5—an ingredient that essentially "binds" water to the skin—your face will be left feeling noticeably soft. The best part? Formulated with a combination of aloe, lavender, and peppermint, this toner has a soothing and calming effect.

Yeah, this bb ain't cheap, but if you're willing to spend a little extra $$$, you can experience the wonders of the luxury Japanese skincare line, SK-II. Jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and natural acids, this toner will leave your skin glowing. In addition, it will soften texture while targeting dark spots and fine lines. According to Chiu, this product also makes a great toner for acne-prone skin.

This K beauty product is a best-selling refining toner that is formulated with yummy hydrating ingredients. Made primarily of birch juice derived from the sap of birch trees, this milky toner is packed with minerals and antioxidants. The addition of squalane, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate will hydrate the skin, while the AHAs and PHAs work to reduce fine lines and acne.