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The 12 Best Toners for Oily Skin, According to Dermatologists

If midday shine has got you down (and it’s only 10 a.m.), these toners may be exactly what you need.

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When you have oily skin, preventing that dreaded-yet-inevitable shine from taking over your face is practically a side hustle. Quick fixes like blotting papers and setting powders are great in a pinch, but if you really want to tamp down the grease, a toner—in addition to a great cleanser and lightweight moisturizer—may be helpful.

“Toners used to get a bad rap because previous generations stripped the skin with alcohol-containing ingredients,” says San Diego-based board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm, M.D. This compromised the skin barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, breakouts, and even more oil. But these days, toners focus on giving back to your skin, especially if you’re oily or acne-prone. “Modern toners usually support healthier skin turnover and prepare skin to receive other active ingredients applied after toning,” says Dr. Palm.

How to choose the best toner for oily skin

Seek out key ingredients: Look for beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), or poly hydroxy acids (PHAs)—like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids—in lower concentrations, as they exfoliate the skin, clear your pores, and reduce sebum production, says New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Zain Husain, M.D.

Sulfur also has anti-inflammatory and oil-regulating properties. “It’s helpful in both oily and acne-prone skin types,” says Dr. Palm. To ensure the toner you choose won’t be too drying, make sure that, in addition to these oil-fighters, it contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, and antioxidants.

Steer clear of harsh add-ins: Avoid a toner that’s high in alcohol or other astringents, as this will cause dryness and trigger more oil production. “Any toners that advertise ingredients like high concentrations of alcohol or witch hazel or over-glorify astringent and exfoliating properties should be avoided,” says Dr. Husain. Ditto for synthetic fragrances, he adds, which can cause irritation and breakouts. A good rule of thumb: Skip products that give your skin that too-tight feeling, adds Dr. Palm.

Pay attention to other skin problems: “If you have acne in combination with oily skin, you don’t want to use an over-exfoliating toner that will dry out the skin and increase oil production,” says Dr. Husain, which will only spur more breakouts. “And if you have oily skin but also suffer from rosacea, you definitely want to avoid witch hazel and not overuse glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as those can trigger a flare-up.”

Trial and error may be necessary: “By just looking at the label or contents, it would be impossible to really know the best toner for your skin,” says Richard Bottiglione, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Alliance Dermatology and Mohs in Arizona. “The packaging won’t give you any hint of how strong it is.”

Ultimately, only trying the product will give you the best idea of what works for you and what doesn’t—but where to start? Below, dermatologists share the toners they recommend for oily skin, with picks for every price point:

BEST OVERALL

Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic

Editor’s Choice
Glow Tonic
BEST OVERALL

Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic

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$26 at Amazon$30 at Walmart$29 at Skinstore
Credit: Dermstore

This toner contains glycolic acid, an AHA that sops up excess grease, sends dead skin cells packin’, and leaves skin feeling smoother. It also contains aloe vera to hydrate and soothe, while ginseng gives a brightening effect. Don’t be afraid of the word “glow” here: Your complexion will look refreshed, rather than overly dewy.

BEST VALUE

AcneFree Witch Hazel Mattifying Face Toner

Witch Hazel Mattifying Face Toner
BEST VALUE

AcneFree Witch Hazel Mattifying Face Toner

Now 47% Off
Credit: Walmart

AcneFree’s Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner contains a great combination of ingredients, says Hadley King, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Witch hazel temporarily shrink pores, glycolic and lactic acids gently exfoliate and remove excess oil, aloe vera and glycerin hydrate and soothe, and chamomile calms inflammation.

RAVE REVIEWS

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
RAVE REVIEWS

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Credit: Sephora

The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid Toning Solution is alcohol-, paraben-, and fragrance-free. “It contains soothing ingredients like ginseng and aloe vera to help calm down the skin as the glycolic acid takes effect,” says Dr. Husain. (If your skin is sensitive as well as oily, however, he recommends patch testing this product first.)

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THAYERS Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner

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Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner

THAYERS Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner

Credit: Amazon

This line of alcohol-free toners uses high-quality ingredients sourced from nature, are 100% cruelty-free, and don’t use any animal ingredients (with the exception of beeswax).  “They grow their own organic witch hazel, a natural astringent that’s the hero ingredient in the brand’s toners, which come in several varieties, including rose petal, coconut water, lavender, and cucumber,” says Dr. King.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner

Amazon’s Choice
Pore Refining Toner

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner

Credit: Amazon

It may be suitable for all skin types, but Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Toner is especially beneficial for those with oily skin. “It contains both alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, which help with oil and gently exfoliate the skin,” says Suzanne Friedler, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology PC in New York.

HERLA Damask Rose Softening and Calming Toner

Amazon’s Choice
Damask Rose Softening and Calming Toner

HERLA Damask Rose Softening and Calming Toner

Credit: Macy's

If your skin is sensitive on top of being oily, this toner by Herla is where it’s at. “With 100% pure Damask rose water, it’s a very hydrating and soothing formulation, without oils or other comedogenic ingredients to aggravate oily skin,” says Dr. King.

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La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Toner for Oily Skin

Serozinc Face Toner for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Toner for Oily Skin

Credit: Amazon

Besides being alcohol- and fragrance-free, this toner only contains three ingredients to combat oily skin, and is suitable for those on the sensitive end of the spectrum. “It’s a very versatile toner because you can spray it on your face after cleansing to soak up the oil and mattify the skin, but you can also spray it on to touch up your makeup throughout the day because the ingredients (water, salt, and zinc sulfate) won’t cause irritation,” says Dr. Husain.

OLEHENRIKSEN Balancing Force Oil Control Toner

Balancing Force Oil Control Toner

OLEHENRIKSEN Balancing Force Oil Control Toner

Credit: Sephora

The stellar trifecta of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids in this toner is a dream for acne-prone skin. What’s more, it also contains witch hazel to help tighten pores, as well as botanical oils—such as green tea, eucalyptus, algae, and Irish moss—for a burst of hydration and antioxidants. 

SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner

Conditioning Toner

SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner

Credit: Dermstore

This toner contains glycolic and salicylic acids to help reduce oil production, while simultaneously cleansing the skin and helping to fight acne. “It’s soothing ingredient is eucalyptus, which calms down the skin,” says Dr. Husain. “It’s also fragrance- and paraben-free, but does contain alcohol.”

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Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

Credit: Glossier

This combination toner by Glossier contains three acid groups that are great for oily skin (alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy, and polyhydroxy acids). It sweeps away dead skin cells and helps to improve the appearance of enlarged pores, redness, and blemishes.

LA MER The Oil Absorbing Tonic

The Oil Absorbing Tonic

LA MER The Oil Absorbing Tonic

Credit: Nordstrom

La Mer’s toner formula is infused with algae extras that significantly reduce excess oil and rebalance the skin. “It’s a cult favorite of some of my patients,” says Dr. Palm.

PCA Skin Skin Nutrient Toner

Skin Nutrient Toner

PCA Skin Skin Nutrient Toner

Credit: Dermstore

This toner contains lactic acid, which helps to remove dead skin cells, says Dr. Friedler, as well as pumpkin extract, from which the vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids nourish the skin while preparing it for further treatment.

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How to apply toner to benefit oily skin

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Wash up: A toner should not be used to clean the skin on its own, but rather applied immediately after you cleanse. “The longer you wait, the drier your skin will be and the efficacy of the toner will decrease,” says Dr. Husain.

Swipe it on: Using a cotton-based swab or pad, apply your toner by gently patting it onto the skin. “Don’t wipe too hard or rub because these motions can cause the product to evaporate rather than absorb into the skin,” says Dr. Husain.

Find the right frequency: How often you apply your toner depends on the ingredients it contains, as well as the ingredients in the other skincare products you’re using.

If your toner contains ingredients that are hydrating and soothing, or if your other skincare products aren’t super-harsh, then twice daily should do the trick. But if the ingredients in both your toner and other skincare products are on the harsher side, it may be irritating to apply your toner more than once per day. Listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.

And don’t forget: “Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids can deactivate retinoids, so if you use a retinoid at night, you should forgo a toner with these ingredients before applying the retinoid,” says Dr. King. Finish with moisturizer—even oily skin needs hydration to prevent excess grease throughout the day.

Headshot of Krissy Brady
Krissy Brady

Krissy is a regular contributor to Prevention, and she also writes for Cosmopolitan, Weight Watchers, Women's Health, FitnessMagazine.com, Self.com, and Shape.com. 

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