13 Best Drugstore Toners For Oily Skin
Combat excess oil production and unclog your pores effectively, all on a budget.
Shawnda DorantesMSN, APRN, FNP-C
Expertise: Skin Care & Injectables
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse.Dorantes began her career as a Beauty Advisor for ... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 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 four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Aditi NaskarDiploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Ramona SinhaCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 11 years
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Toners are the best solution for many skin issues faced by oily skin. They contain active ingredients and help minimize sebum production, clear the pores, and exfoliate your skin. They do not cost and bomb, and there are many best drugstore toners for oily skin that work pretty well to offer glowing skin. Scroll down to find the list of the 13 best drugstore toners for oily skin to add to your skincare routine.
In This Article
What Do Toners Do For Your Skin?
Toners were earlier developed by the beauty industry to balance the skin’s pH level but have now evolved to aid several aspects of skincare. 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
Image: Laroche-posay The LAROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin types. This toner has micro-exfoliating properties that reduce the pore size and help you achieve glowing skin. This dermatologist-recommended pore-minimizing toner for oily skin is infused with lipo hydroxy acids that help smoothen and refine the skin texture and prevent clogged pores. Other ingredients include glycerin, salicylic acid, hydrogenated castor oil, and capryloyl salicylic acid. You can check out the YouTuber’s review of this salicylic acid toner for oily skin if you need more encouragement to give it a try!
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy tested
- Tested on acne-prone skin
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Value for money
Cons
- May sting on application.
Pro Tip2. Best For Blackheads:PAULA’S CHOICE Pore-Reducing Toner
Image: Paula's Choice 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
- Clinically proven results
- Paraben-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Value for money
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Greasy residue
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 5,480 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
3. Best For Acne Breakouts:natural outcome Oily Skin Toner
Image: Natural Outcome 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, minimizes the occurrence of clogged pores and prevents breakouts. The antioxidant-rich pomegranate has acne-fighting properties that promote cell regeneration and give you glowing skin.
Lemon prevents acne and clarifies skin. This lightweight formula 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. This formula is well-received by reviewers online for its mattifying effect on the skin.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Value for money
Cons
- May cause irritation.
| LAROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR Astringent Lotion Best For Large Pores | PAULA’S CHOICE Pore-Reducing Toner Best For Blackheads | natural outcome Oily Skin Toner Best For Acne Breakouts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily | Oily, Acne Prone Skin, Combination, Normal | Oily |
| Dimensions | 1.75 x 1.75 x 6.7 inches | 1.97 x 1.97 x 6.3 inches | - |
| Weight | 7.41 Ounces | 8.15 Ounces | - |
| Dimensions | - | - | 6.1 x 2.32 x 2.32 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,785 | 5,480 | 441 |
| Price | $24.99 | $22.0 | $11.95 |
4. Best For Irritated Skin:raya Calendula Astringent
The Calendula AstringenT by raya is specially formulated for oily skin. This lightweight formula 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 to give you a radiant skin. It removes excess oil, grime, and dirt while controlling sebum production. This clinically-tested toner smells good and contains panthenol, silk proteins, and allantoin to soothe your skin concerns and improve cell regeneration.
Pros
- Clinically tested
- Contains natural ingredients
- Dermatologically tested
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Value for money
Cons
- Contains alcohol
Caution6. Best Non-Comedogenic: CeraVe Hydrating Toner
Image: Cerave The CeraVe Hydrating Toner is formulated for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. It is non-alcoholic and contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and essential ceramides that provide ample hydration and makes the skin smooth, soft, and refreshed-looking skin. The ceramides essentially help with restoring the skin’s natural skin barrier and maintaining the pH balance. This dermatologically-approved oil-free toner for oily skin formula also aids in eliminating leftover dirt from deep within the pores.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Non-alcoholic
- Fragrance-free
- pH balanced
- Allergy tested
- Oil-free
Cons
- Might not be suited for sensitive skin
7. Best Anti-Inflammatory: Eight Saints Clear Seaweed Face Toner
Image: Eight Saints The Eight Saints Clear Seaweed Face Toner helps remove dirt and oil from the skin without stripping away its natural moisture. The purifying mist contains key skincare ingredients, such as witch hazel that reduces the likelihood of breakouts, vitamin B5 to nourish and protect the skin barrier, and MSM as an anti-inflammatory. These ingredients will make your skin more supple, wrinkle-free, and acne-resistant. It’s the ideal toner to use after cleansing to remove the last traces of makeup, clear pores, and renew skin before moisturizing.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Mild
- Clinically proven results
- Contains natural ingredients
- Non-drying
Cons
- Might give a tingling sensation
8. Best For Skin Smoothening:PCA SKIN Smoothing Facial Toner
Image: Pca Skin The PCA SKIN Smoothing Facial Toner is one of a kind, alcohol-free toner formulated specifically to reduce the appearance of acne and pores for a smooth and clear skin texture. The acne-fighting toner for oily skin contains aloe, botanical extracts, citric, and lactic acids to remove dead skin cells for a brightened skin tone, without stripping the natural moisture from the skin. This dermatologist-recommended toner reduces excess oil from the skin to prevent further acne breakout and uneven skin texture.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Best suited for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Might burn or irritate the skin
9. Best For Skin Tightening:LATHER Citrus Balancing Toner
This clarifying toner for oily skin 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 refreshing toner for oily skin is also rich in vitamin E and has antioxidant-rich ingredients. To incorporate this antioxidant-rich toner for oily skin into your skin care routine, use it both in the morning and evening for optimal results. Witness its refreshing and revitalizing effects on your skin!
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
Image: Obagi 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 dermatologist-tested 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 1,548 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
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 to help you achieve a youthful appearance and reduces signs of aging. The clinically-tested 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 For Combination Skin:THAYERS Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner
Image: Thayers The THAYERS Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner is an affordable option that is formulated to tone and smooth the skin while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. This toner helps reduce the appearance of pores, and balances the pH level of the skin. It is made with organic witch hazel, aloe vera, and vegetable-derived glycerin that provides the hydration and nourishment required for smooth skin to help you retain a youthful appearance. It is considered to be one of the best soothing toners for oily skin.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Cruelty-free
- Non-alcoholic
- Non-comedogenic
- 100% natural ingredients
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Strong fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 108,935 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
13. Best For Brightened Skin:InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner
Image: Insta Natural The InstaNatural Vitamin C Toner is an astringent spray that maintains your skin’s pH balance and natural moisture barrier. It contains vitamin C which keeps the skin hydrated and reduces signs of aging, while adding more brightness to your skin. It is infused with witch hazel, lavender, and geranium oils which balance oil production, reduce skin irritation, and leave you with radiant and soft skin for a youthful appearance.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- pH-balancing
- Anti-aging
- Sulfate-free
- No synthetic fragrance
- PEG-free
- Petroleum-free
- Formaldehyde releasor-free
- Cruelty-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Affordable option
Cons
- Might dry out your skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 6,054 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
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 exfoliating 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, keep in mind your skin concerns and avoid ingredients like glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and witch hazel that can trigger acne or lead to dehydrated skin.
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Drugstore Toners For Oily Skin
Choosing the right toner for your oily skin might be challenging without prior knowledge about the ingredients. The wrong toner can cause serious harm to your skin, and hence, you must be cautious. Check out the infographic below for a lowdown on key ingredients that enhance the effectiveness of drugstore toners for oily skin.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic 
The Bottom Line
Drugstore toners can help reduce pores and exfoliate your skin. No, they do not cost a lot, but you need to choose the best drugstore toner according to your skin type. For oily skin, toners can help remove grease and makeup residue from your pores while attempting to tighten your skin. For instance, try the LAROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR Astringent Lotion to mimize large pores and blackheads, and the PAULA’S CHOICE Pore-Reducing Toner to improve rough skin texture. On the other hand, the CeraVe Hydrating Toner works effectively for those with oily skin who still need hydration. Some toners also comprise micro-exfoliating properties that smoothen the texture of your skin and help in hydrating, nourishing, and rejuvenation. Avoid toners that sting too much when you apply them.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 one of the best natural toners for oily skin.
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