These days, skin toners aren’t just made the balance your skin’s pH levels, but come with a whole myriad of options and effects. Whether it’s hydration, exfoliation, cleansing, or anti-ageing, the right toner can do wonders for your complexion, and yes – it can help your skin stay blemish-free, too! Keep reading and find out which toner is good for acne-prone skin.

Which toner is best for acne-prone skin?

Generally speaking, the best face toner for acne-prone skin should have these properties:

Clarifying: Helps get rid of any impurities and bacteria accumulated during the day.
Gentle formula: Ensures there’s no irritation leading to potential breakouts.
Oil control: Sebum balancing properties help stop excess oil from clogging the pores.
Inflammation soothing: Antioxidants such as green tea help calm the skin without irritating existing and emerging spots.
Light exfoliation: Ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or mandelic acid promote cell turnover, helping new and healthy skin emerge quicker.

Now that you know what a good toner for acne-prone skin should look like, keep in mind that no product is a universal solution, because everyone’s skin is different. Choosing the best toner most often comes down to your exact skin type.

Best toner for oily, acne-prone skin

Oily skin has over-active sebaceous glands and often comes with enlarged pores, which can easily become clogged, forming blackheads and spots. Since acne is most common for oily skin types, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a great toner for you.

To choose the best toner for oily and acne-prone skin, look for astringent properties, in other words – pore tightening and oil control. A witch hazel or salicylic acid toner will be your best friend. You will also benefit from some gentle exfoliating properties.

Best toner for dry, acne-prone skin

Dry skin has a naturally weaker barrier, it may feel tight and itchy after cleansing, and it’s prone to flaking and irritation.

A hydrating toner for acne-prone skin is your best bet. Try a cleansing toner with a glycerine or glycol-based formula – these are intensely hydrating and help fight spots as well as retain moisture in the skin. Definitely avoid alcohol as well as other harsh ingredients in your toner (and your entire skincare routine) and focus on products meant for dry skin specifically.

Best toner for combination, acne-prone skin

Combination skin can be oily in some areas (most often the T-zone – forehead, nose, and chin) while dry in others (cheeks, eye area).

Go for light moisturizing agents such as hyaluronic acid. Ideally, choose a toner meant for combination skin, made specifically for this skin type. You may also benefit from using products strategically – for example, apply a toner for acne-prone, oily skin only to your T-zone, leaving out the dryer areas of your face.

Best toner for sensitive, acne-prone skin

Sensitive skin has a weakened natural barrier and it’s prone to redness and irritation.

Choose a gentle toner for acne-prone skin free of fragrance. Definitely avoid alcohol content and steer clear of exfoliants in your toner, too. Soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile and vitamin E can help calm and restore your skin.

A complicated skincare routine can overwhelm sensitive skin, so try to stick to as few steps as possible – a simple, hypo-allergenic cleanser, toner, and moisturizer is all you need for the everyday.

How to use a facial toner

After removing make-up and cleansing, apply your toner on a cotton pad and sweep it over dry skin with up and outward motions. Let it absorb for a minute or two (do not rinse off). Then, continue with the rest of your routine, like serum and moisturizer.

Whether you’re looking for hydrating, pore-minimizing, or the best Korean toner for acne-prone skin, we’ve got you covered! Find your pick on Notino.