What Do Toners Do For Your Skin?

Toners were earlier developed to balance the skin’s pH level but have now evolved to aid several aspects. Cleansing your face with a face wash does not guarantee a 100% cleanse. Toners remove grease and makeup residue from your pores and tighten your pores. They also balance the sebum levels to make your skin oil-free. Keep scrolling to look at the 13 best toners for oily skin available online.

13 Best Toners For Oily Skin

1. Best For Large Pores:LAROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR Astringent Lotion

The LAROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin types. It has micro-exfoliating properties that reduce pore size. It is infused with lipo hydroxy acids that help smoothen and refine the skin texture. Other ingredients include glycerin, salicylic acid, hydrogenated castor oil, and capryloyl salicylic acid. You can check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more convincing. Pros

Dermatologist-tested Allergy tested Oil-free Non-comedogenic Paraben-free Value for money

Cons

May sting on application.

2. Best For Blackheads:PAULA’S CHOICE Pore-Reducing Toner

The Pore-Reducing Toner by PAULA’S CHOICE is enriched with niacinamide that minimizes pores and fights the signs of aging. The antioxidants balance oily skin and eliminate blackheads and blemishes to smoothen your skin. The hydrating ceramides refine and protect your skin from damage. This toner is infused with chamomile extracts, burdock root extracts, and hyaluronic acid that restore the skin barriers to promote an even skin tone. It does not strip away natural moisture and provides hydration. Pros

Lightweight Gentle Paraben-free Artificial fragrance-free Value for money

Cons

Greasy residue

3. Best For Acne Breakouts:natural outcome Oily Skin Toner

The Oily Skin Toner by natural outcome is infused with grapefruit, lemon, aloe vera, witch hazel, and pomegranate. The antibacterial grapefruit dissolves excess oils, balances oil production in your pores, and prevents breakouts. The antioxidant-rich pomegranate has acne-fighting properties that promote cell regeneration. Lemon prevents acne and clarifies skin. It also has natural vitamin C that brightens the complexion. Witch hazel refines the pores and is a natural astringent that cleanses dirt or grime. Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that soothe irritation and breakouts while hydrating your skin. Pros

Alcohol-free Cruelty-free Dye-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Mineral oil-free Value for money

Cons

May cause irritation.

4. Best For Irritated Skin:raya Calendula Astringent

The Calendula AstringenT by raya is specially formulated for oily skin. It is infused with aloe vera, lemon, calendula extracts, and glycolic acid. Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that soothe irritation and breakouts while hydrating your skin. Lemon prevents acne and clarifies and brightens your skin. Glycolic acid balances your face’s natural pH, prevents breakouts, reduces excess oil, and eliminates fine lines or wrinkles. Pros

Paraben-free Cruelty-free Value for money Mild

Cons

Unpleasant smell

5. Best Pore Cleanser:sebamed Clear Face Facial Toner

This toner from sebamed is a gentle, deep pore cleanser. The pH-balanced moisturizing toner soothes, cleanses, and restores the natural skin barrier. It removes excess oil, grime, and dirt while controlling sebum production. This toner contains panthenol, silk proteins, and allantoin to soothe your skin and improve cell regeneration. Pros

Clinically tested Contains natural ingredients Paraben-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Mineral oil-free Value for money

Cons

Contains alcohol

6. Best Gentle:Premier Luxury Collection Skin Toner

This skin toner is soft and gentle and is infused with witch hazel, chamomile, Dead Sea minerals, and lactic acid. Dead sea minerals are rich in sodium, calcium, zinc, and potassium that remove oil, dirt, grime, and dead skin cells while reducing pores. Chamomile has soothing properties that calm any irritation or breakouts. Lactic acid maintains your skin’s pH and prevents it from drying out. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that controls sebum production. Pros

Contains natural ingredients Mild Alcohol-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Dye-free Vegan Cruelty-free Silicone-free Value for money

Cons

May sting on application.

7. Best Hydrating:glo SKIN BEAUTY Purifying Mist

The Purifying Mist by glo SKIN BEAUTY is a spray on toner for oily skin. It is infused with aloe vera, witch hazel, grape seed extract, niacinamide, and willow bark extract. Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that soothe irritation and breakouts while hydrating your skin. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that controls sebum production. This antioxidant-rich toner refines your complexion, strengthens the skin barriers, and protects the skin from damage. Pros

Smells good Contains natural ingredients Value for money

Cons

Contains alcohol

8. Best For Shine-Free Look:BIOTHERM PURE-FECT SKIN Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Toner

The PURE-FECT SKIN Micro – Exfoliating Purifying Toner by BIOTHERM is infused with L. Digitata extracts and zinc. It controls excess sebum production and gives you a shine-free look. This toner also reduces the pore size and imparts a cool and refreshed feeling to the skin. The fragrance is mild, soothing, and citrusy. Pros

Mattifying Mild fragrance Paraben-free Dye-free Silicone-free Value for money

Cons

May cause irritation.

9. Best For Skin Tightening:LATHER Citrus Balancing Toner

This clarifying toner is infused with rosemary extracts, lemon extract, horsetail extract, lemongrass oil, pine tree extract, and mandarin orange extracts. These ingredients balance the pH level of the skin and have skin tightening properties. This toner also helps control natural sebum production and refreshes your skin. It is rich in omega-6 linoleic acid and allantoin to smooth out your skin and keep it clean. The balancing toner is also rich in vitamin E and has antioxidant-rich ingredients. Pros

Mild Contains natural ingredients Paraben-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Mineral oil-free Cruelty-free Dye-free Synthetic fragrance-free Value for money

Cons None

10. Best pH-Balanced:Obagi Medical Nu-Derm Face Toner

The non-drying Obagi Medical Nu-Derm Face Toner helps to adjust the pH of the skin. It is suitable for dry, regular, and oily skin. You can use this toner after cleansing the skin to remove the dead skin and impurities. The toner helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It transforms the skin’s appearance by improving the complexion and making the skin look healthier. Pros

Alcohol-free Non-drying formula Travel-friendly Easy-to-use

Cons

Watery consistency

11. Best Anti-Aging:VMV HYPOALLERGENICS Superskin 3 Monolaurin + Mandelic Acid Toner

This toner from VMV HYPOALLERGENICS is a deep-cleansing and acne-managing toner. It brightens your skin tone and reduces signs of aging. The toner gently removes dead skin cells, dirt, impurities, and excess oil from your pores and prevents breakouts. It gives a matte look and clarifies your skin by lightening blemishes and fine lines. Pros

Clinically tested Fragrance-free Mattifying Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Paraben-free Dye-free Phthalate-free Preservative-free Value for money

Cons

Contains alcohol

12. Best Alcohol-Free:CLARINS PARIS Lotion Tonique

The Lotion Tonique from CLARINS PARIS is an alcohol-free facial toner that refreshes the skin while balancing its moisture and pH levels. It contains purifying iris and sage extracts that tone the skin, minimize pore, and soothe irritation. This toner is formulated with Clarins’ Anti-Pollution Complex that removes all traces of makeup and oil residue and leaves your skin feeling radiant and refreshed. Pros

Mild Colorant-free Alcohol-free Value for money

Cons None

13. Best Value For Money:CHRISTINA forever young Balancing Toner

The forever young Balancing Toner by CHRISTINA contains active ingredients like saponaria, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and quillaja. Glycolic and lactic acids are alpha-hydroxy acids that gently remove dead skin, dirt, and impurities. They also improve the skin cell turnover and blood circulation. Saponaria and quillaja are rich in antioxidants and hydrate your skin. This toner cleanses your pores of excess sebum without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. It restores your skin’s ideal pH and tones your complexion. Pros

Alcohol-free Gentle Value for money

Cons

Greasy

Let’s now look at the factors to consider while choosing a toner for oily skin.

How To Choose The Best Toner For Oily Skin

pH Balance

The healthy pH for skin is 5.5. If you have oily skin, your skin tends to become more acidic. Over-cleansing will make your skin worse and dry it out. A toner with an optimal pH level will balance your skin’s acidity and make it moisturized and glowing.

Check The Key Ingredients

Opt for toners with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids. They gently exfoliate your skin, cleanse the pores, and reduce sebum production without drying out your skin. Look for soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and aloe vera. Opt for naturally-derived ingredients that do not irritate or damage your skin.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Avoid ingredients like alcohol that dry out your skin, strip off moisture, trigger sebum production, and cause breakouts. Highly concentrated ingredients like witch hazel may cause irritation and breakouts. Avoid products with alcohol, parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and silicones to prevent skin damage.

Other Skin Problems

If you have combination or oily skin, excessive exfoliation can dry it out and increase oil production. Therefore, avoid ingredients like glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and witch hazel that can trigger acne.

Why Trust Stylecraze

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and loves reviewing new and exciting products for her readers. She handpicked the best drugstore toners for oily skin after thoroughly researching multiple products and sifting numerous user reviews on trusted online forums and websites. The shortlisted products are dermatologically-tested and contain potent natural ingredients that help tighten your pores with every application. How should I apply a toner? Soak a cotton pad with the toner and gently dab or swipe it on your neck and entire face. You can also dab some on your hand and pat it on your face. Make sure you use a toner after cleansing your face and before moisturizing it. How many times a day should I use a toner? It is recommended to use a toner twice a day after washing. If your skin is very sensitive and gets irritated or dry easily, applying the toner once will be sufficient. How do you know your skin toner is working? After using a toner, your face feels less greasy or shiny. It also tightens your pores and makes your face look smoother and cleaner. How long does a toner last? Toners can last up to one year from the date of manufacturing. If you find any change in color, smell, or irritation to your skin, discard the product immediately. Can I use drugstore toner without moisturizer for oily skin? Yes. If the toner provides enough moisture, it can be applied without a moisturizer. However, it is always advisable to use moisturizer to keep the skin nourished, hydrated, and supple. Can you use rosewater as a toner for oily skin? Yes, rose water helps balance natural oils and is a great option as a toner for oily skin.

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