12 Best Toners For Acne-Prone Skin, Say Dermatologists

Powered by 100% natural salicylic acid, this Caudalie toner acts like a vacuum for your pores, purging them of blackheads, oil buildup, bacteria, and dead skin cells that typically cause breakouts. The formula, although powerful, is non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin, thanks to added grape seed water and rosewater, and will calm inflammation and enhance your glow.

Formulated with witch hazel and two percent salicylic acid, this acne-fighting toner is tough enough to give pores a deep clean and remove dirt, oil, and makeup that might otherwise cause breakouts and yet, gentle enough to use morning, afternoon, and night. And while the common dream of shrinking pores may still be impossible, Neutrogena’s astringent will help de-clog your pores so that they *appear* smaller.

We all know that in order to achieve that universally-coveted glowing skin, you must start with hydration—and this toner from Glow Recipe fully takes that into account. Watermelon extract, the star ingredient, hydrates skin and delivers essential vitamins and amino acids to help soothe inflamed, acne-prone skin, while polyhydroxy acid gently exfoliates, and cactus water seals in moisture with electrolytes and antioxidants to ensure a bouncy texture.

With a high concentration of glycolic acid, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry, this exfoliating toner offers mild exfoliation without stripping skin. The alcohol-free solution is great for dry or dull skin and promises to improve skin radiance, as well as clarity and texture.

If your skin seems to bounce between dry and oily faster than you can say “combination skin,” then this toner is ideal for you. With witch hazel to help reduce oil buildup and a blend of glycerin, aloe leaf juice, and botanical extracts to protect against irritants, accelerate the blemish healing process, and deliver clinically proven hydration, Isla Beauty’s elixir seriously does it all.

This alcohol-free toner from Mario Badescu has been a cult favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why. The glycolic acid formula exfoliates and resurfaces skin to minimize the look of pores, balance skin, and create a more radiant, even complexion.

Designed to be the hero (or heroine) of your skincare regimen, this toner calls upon six percent mandelic and lactic acid, niacinamide, licorice root, and botanical extracts to deep clean pores, reduce breakouts, and enhance your glow. And the best part of all? It’s 100 percent clean and biodegradable.

Made with antioxidant-rich white lotus to protect and clarifying anise extract to speed up cell turnover, this toner exfoliates and purifies in one step. The gentle formula helps skin look radiant and clear and feel soothed, hydrated, and pampered.

This refreshing toner targets oil buildup and clogged pores to remove all impurities, but it’s also a great option for improving skin texture. With two percent salicylic acid to exfoliate and refine, moringa to purify, and papaya enzymes to clarify and freshen, Deep Sweep will leave your skin clean, controlled, and even.

Formulated with glycolic acid, probiotic extracts, and beetroot, this Tula toner gently exfoliates skin while smoothing and hydrating. The alcohol-free gel removes impurities, calms irritation, and balances skin to allow for better absorption of the rest of your skincare regimen while offering continued antioxidant protection and hydration.

Although cleansing is always a crucial step in any skincare routine, we all sometimes find ourselves in a pinch when cleanser simply isn’t an option—and this toner is the perfect alternative. Designed to purify acne-prone skin, the formula features witch hazel to control oil and tighten pores, algae extract to regulate sebum production, and grape seed extract and vitamin E to protect skin from free radicals.

The secret to bright, glowing skin, this toner is great for all skin types, especially if it’s looking dull or lackluster. It uses the powers of lactic acid to chemically exfoliate dead skin cells and refine pores, superfood mushrooms to improve skin renewal, and upcycled floral waters to soothe, leaving skin dewy and radiant.