10 Best Drugstore Toners For Acne-Prone Skin
Tighten your open pores and reduce the appearance of pimples and inflammation.
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
The best drugstore toners for acne-prone skin help tackle your acne flares without burning a hole through your pockets! Acne is a common skin problem aggravated by pollution, hormones, diet, and sometimes, some skincare products. Toners formulated for acne-prone skin have alcohol-free formulas that do not strip your skin’s natural moisture.
Toners gently refresh your skin and tighten the skin’s pores. Toners for acne-prone skin have formulas enriched with glycolic acid and salicylic acid that help manage acne breakouts. These also have soothing properties to prevent inflammation of the skin.
Keep reading to check out our list of the best drugstore toners for acne-prone skin.
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Best Sun Damage Protection Lavo Glycolic Exfoliating Toner $19.97 ON AMAZON Read More › $19.97 ON AMAZON - 6
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Best Non-Greasy Formula Amaki Rose Water Hydrating Mist Toner $21.5 ON AMAZON Read More › $21.5 ON AMAZON - 9
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Best Pore Minimizer Lauda Botanicals Oily Skin Control Toner $12.5 ON AMAZON Read More › $12.5 ON AMAZON - 10
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In This Article
10 Best Drugstore Toners For Acne-Prone Skin
Best Overall:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution is a face toner ideal for acne-prone skin. The toner contains both salicylic andglycolic acids. These acids gently exfoliate and remove excess dirt and dead skin, leaving your skin refreshed and even-toned. The toner helps protect your skin against environmental and sun damage. The glycolic acid in this toner penetrates into the skin and unclogs pores. The 0.5% salicylic acid formula helps clear blackheads, whiteheads, and acne scars. The toner is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used daily. It does not contain any harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid and Thermal water
Pros - Dermatologist tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy-tested
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
 
Cons
- Â None
Best For Combination Skin:Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner
The Paula’s Choice Pore-Reducing Toner is infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. The formula helps clear out clogged pores and minimizes their appearance. It restores the skin’s natural moisture balance and fights the effects of aging. It helps balance the oil on your face to reduce acne breakout and help achieve an even skin tone. It also contains chamomile and burdock root extracts to soothe sensitive skin, reduce inflammation, and heal your skin for a smooth and radiant complexion.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Chamomile & Burdock root extract, Hyaluronic acid, and Ceramides
Pros - Lightweight
- Non-comedogenic
- Offers anti-aging benefits
- Evens out skin tone
- Soothes sensitive skin
- Offers antioxidant benefits
- Restores skin’s moisture barrier
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
None
Pro TipBest For pH Balance:S.W Basics Toner
Thistoner by S.W Basics is infused with raw apple cider vinegar, organic witch hazel, sandalwood oil, and clary sage oil. Both witch hazel and apple cider vinegar help balance the natural pH of the skin. The toner calms skin redness and irritation and further helps improve your skin tone. It does not contain any harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients that may otherwise damage or irritate your skin. This potent formula also controls excess oil production without stripping the natural moisture from your skin.
Key Ingredients: Raw apple cider vinegar, Witch hazel, Sandalwood, Clary sage) and Water
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Filler-free
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Expensive
Did You Know?Best Hypoallergenic:Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
The Green Tea Fresh Toner by Isntree is specifically formulated for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It is infused with green tea extract, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica extract. The green tea in this toner is rich in amino acids, minerals, polyphenols, and proteins. These ingredients help relieve skin irritation and revitalize your skin.
The hyaluronic acid in this toner forms a layer over your skin and protects it from environmental damage. It further helps stimulate cell regeneration and improves collagen production. This toner maintains the skin’s moisture balance and unclogs enlarged pores. It contains no harmful ingredients or harsh chemicals that may otherwise irritate or damage your skin. Watch this video for more information about the product.
Key Ingredients: Green tea extracts, Gingko tea extracts and White willow bark extracts
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Mild on skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Pro TipBest Sun Damage Protection:Lavo Glycolic Exfoliating Toner
The Glycolic Exfoliating Toner by Lavo is ideal for those with oilyskin. It is infused with lactic acid, vitamin C, aloe vera, calendula extract, and glycolic acid. The alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliates dead skin cells and helps unclog pores. The toner helps maintain your skin’s natural pH and fights acne-causing bacteria. It further controls excess sebum production and prevents breakouts. The aloe vera and calendula extracts help soothe your acne and irritation and leave your skin feeling refreshed. This toner possesses anti-aging properties and helps diminish fine lines, blemishes, and wrinkles. It hydrates and calms your skin to give you clearer and blemish-free skin. It containsno harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients that may otherwise damage or irritate your skin.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera gel, Glycerin, Lemon juice, Calendula extract and Glycolic acid
Pros
- Helps remove makeup
- Protects against sun damage
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Doesn’t suit sensitive skin
- Unpleasant smell
Best Non-Comedogenic Formula:Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Toner
The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Toner helps get rid of acne before its emergence by targeting sensitive areas with the help of microclear technology. This technology helps dissolve oil and delivers salicylic acid to the targeted areas. It refreshes your face by reducing any inflammation and redness caused by the breakouts. The formula is infused with salicylic acid, green tea, and cucumber that reduces, heals, and soothes acne-prone skin. It unclogs pores and gets rid of accumulated impurities and oil from your face, leaving it clean and energized.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and Green tea
Pros - Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Best for oily, acne-prone skin
Cons
None
Best For Long-Lasting Hydration:Glytone Acne Clearing Toner
The Acne Clearing Toner by Glytone is light and refreshing. It is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin to clear blemishes. This toner helps clear acne and breakouts to reveal smooth skin. It further helps control excess oil production and sebum. The toner also contains sulfur and benzoyl peroxide, which helps clear breakouts and unclogs pores. The hydrogel formula provides long-lasting hydration to leave you with smooth and soft skin.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Pros - Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Exfoliates skin
Cons
- None
Best Non-Greasy Formula:Amaki Rose Water Hydrating Mist Toner
The Rose Water Hydrating Mist Toner by Amaki is an all-natural, organic formula. It is made from Bulgarian roses and reduces acne, pimples, and blackheads. The toner gives an instant splash of hydration to your skin that lasts all day. It helps balance your skin’s pH and removes excess oil and dirt. The anti-aging formula helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and gives you radiant and younger-looking skin.
The toner is also rich in antioxidants and protects your skin from free radical damage. The toner improves your skin texture, enhances complexion, and calms your skin with regular use.
Key Ingredients: Rosewater
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Synthetic preservative-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Additive-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- May not suit sensitive skin
Best Pore Minimizer:Lauda Botanicals Oily Skin Control Toner
The Oily Skin Control Toner by Lauda Botanicals is ideal for oily and combination skin. It is infused with witch hazel, aloe vera, vitamin C, vitamin E, rosemary extract, and allantoin. This toner helps balance your skin’s pH and leaves your skin feel hydrated. The lemon bioflavonoids, allantoin, and linolenic acid help smoothen skin and reduce blotchiness. Rosemary and witch hazel help mattify your skin and make it oil-free. This alcohol-free toner reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. Both vitamin C and citric acids are rich in antioxidants and help in cell regeneration.
Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, Rosemary extracts, and Aloe vera
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- Color-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- None
Best Vegan:Belif Problem Solution Toner
The Problem Solution Toner by Belif is ideal for people with acne-prone skin. It is infused tea tree oil that has anti-bacterial properties to prevent excess sebum. The toner also contains willow bark extract that is rich with salicylic acid – it gently exfoliates your skin and leaves it with an improved complexion. The toner also helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and removes dirt and build-up from within.It further helps disinfect breakouts and aids in soothing redness, acne, and blemishes. With regular use, this mild toner leaves your skin even-toned and smooth.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil and Salicylic acid
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Vegan
- Mineral oil-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Synthetic preservative-free
- Cruelty-free
- Triclosan-free
- Ethanol-free
- Propylene glycol-free
Cons
- None
Now that you know about the best toners that suit acne-prone skin, here is a list of ingredients that you should look for while choosing one. Most toners contain these components as they target acne and effectively combat breakouts and other skin concerns.
Ingredients That Benefit Acne-Prone Skin
- Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acidpenetrates the pores to remove build-up, dirt,and bacteria that cause acne and breakouts. Itexfoliates the skin, minimizes enlarged pores, and keeps zits under control. Salicylic acid further removes dead skin cells, reduces skin discoloration, evens out skin texture, and leaves you with a youthful and smooth appearance.
- Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is said to have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes irritation, red bumps, and cysts and helps eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. It also helps reduce spots and blemishes left behind from cystic acne. Benzoyl peroxide gently exfoliates dead skin cells to give you smoother and clearer-looking skin.
- Adapalene
Adapalene is a type of retinoid ideal for reducing pimples. It helps reduce acneand prevents further breakouts. Additionally, it helps decrease swelling and inflammation. Thissuper retinoid further fights signs of aging like dark spots, fine lines, dull skin, and wrinkles.
Facial toners not only target acne but also prevent pimples and breakouts. They are an easy-to-use skincare essential that soothe redness and itchiness. But how do you use one?
How To Use A Facial Toner
- Begin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type (preferably one without fragrances or sulfates).
- Wet a cotton ball or pad with the toner and apply it all over the face and neck.
- Allow it to dry completely.
- Apply a gentle moisturizer that suits your skin type.
Infographic: Tips To Take Care Of Acne-Prone Skin & Ingredients To Avoid
Acne-prone skin is difficult to manage. The constant struggle with grease and pesky pimples can be tiring. The below infographic explains how to manage acne-prone skin. You will also learn about the ingredients that aggravate and trigger acne. Scroll down to check out the tips to control your acne and achieve healthy, glowing skin. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic 
Toners help refresh your skin without stripping the skin’s hydration. In addition, they tighten the skin’s pores and have anti-inflammation properties that aid in soothing inflammation on the skin. And toners would be a magical drug if you have acne-prone skin. Acnes are a common skin concern that occur due to pollution, accumulated dirt, excessive sebum production, and some medical conditions. The products listed above are formulated with salicylic acid and glycolic acid to prevent acne breakouts, acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. It would be of great help to invest in the best toners for acne-prone skin as they eliminate the dead cells and keep the skin fresh.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author behind this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She understands that acne-prone skin needs something more effective, like a toner, to help manage breakouts. She went online and searched for the best toners, and read through their reviews. She then researched each of them to make sure you choose only the best products available. These toners have high-quality ingredients without harsh elements. They were also selected based on their skin care benefits and skin-friendliness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of toner is the best for acne skin?
Salicylic acid toners are best suited for oily- or acne-prone skin. However, if you have dry skin, glycolic acid toners offer dual action of hydration and exfoliation.
Can I use toner every day for acne-prone skin?
Yes, you should use a toner daily if you have acne-prone skin to eliminate excess debris and pollutants from the skin that cause acne.
Can I skip moisturizer after toner?
No, you should not skip the moisturizer after the toner because moisture is essential for healthy, wrinkle-free skin.
Can I leave the toner on my face overnight?
Yes, you can apply toner after cleansing your face and leave it overnight.
Should I use toner if I have acne-prone skin?
Yes, you can use toner if you have acne-prone skin to balance your skin’s pH level and eliminate pore-clogging debris, dirt, and makeup that your cleanser may leave behind.
Is a toner necessary?
Yes. Toners remove oil accumulation, residue, and dead skin cells while reducing acne and other skin breakouts.
- Best Drugstore Toners For Oily Skin
- Best Toners For Combination Skin For Hydrated, Plump, And Glowing Skin
- Best Natural And Organic Toners For Different Skin Types
- Best Witch Hazel Toners That Are Hypoallergenic
