10 Best Alcohol-Free Toners in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Not all toners are the same, and depending on your preference and skin needs, you could benefit more from alcohol-free toners. Most people usually forget—others are simply neglectful—to tone their skin after cleansing. Toning is an essential part of a skincare routine. It helps remove deep-seated dirt that washing alone cannot eliminate.
If you are still unsure whether to include toning as a part of your skincare regimen, we listed down some ways on how you can benefit from them. We even included some comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz. We also have a buying guide on how to choose an alcohol-free toner and a top 10 list so you can have an informed choice for your next purchase.
Quick List - Top Alcohol-Free Toners
Céleteque DermoScience
Hydrating Toner With Acne-Fighting Ingredients for Oily Skin
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust Us
- The Benefits of Using Toners
- Few Ways to Know if the Product Is Actually Alcohol-Free
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Katrina Luz
- Is It True That Alcohols in Toners Help Clean the Face More Thoroughly?
- Does Alcohol-Free Toner Cause Acne or Help Acne?
- Is it Better to Apply Toner With a Cotton Pad or Just With the Fingers?
- Go All Out With Your Skin Regimen Using These Skincare Products and Tools
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
The Benefits of Using Toners
For people with oily and acne-prone skin, toning must be a necessity. It removes excess oil on the face that usually causes acne breakouts. But regardless of your skin type, toning is beneficial if you can find the perfect one for you.
It Reduces the Appearance of the Pores and Balances Your Skin's pH Level
Apply a reasonable amount of toner on a cotton pad, gently blot and wipe the skin with it. This process will remove excess oil on the skin and tighten the pores, blocking impurities to penetrate the skin.
Right after cleansing your face, applying toner will help rebalance the pH level of the skin which prevents dehydration. But there is a consideration; you must use a toner with a low pH level, the ideal is 4.7 to 5.75. More often than not, this means that you have to go after an alcohol-free toner because alcohol can dry up your skin.
- Balances the pH level of the skin
- Hydrates the skin
- Removes impurities missed during cleansing
- It makes a nice, satisfying self-care step in the routine
It Helps Hydrate the Skin
Toners often contain humectants like glycerin, honey, aloe vera, and lactic acid. These humectants are usually used to keep moisturized, soft, and supple skin. Humectants are like “moisture magnets”; they work by attracting moisture to themselves. They can even pull natural moisture from the environment.
When used as a skincare ingredient, these humectants can pull moisture coming from the lower layers of the skin, bringing it to the surface that moisturizes the outer layer.
The negative rep of toners in the past was due to the fact that toners used to be equated to alcohol-based astringents with the aim of reducing the oiliness of the skin. Newer toners, however, are now usually water-based. They even come in different types, from hydrating toners to "active"-infused toners.
Hydrating toners contain moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, among others. Now, these are generally gentle on the skin!
How to Choose an Alcohol-Free Toner - Buying Guide
Toners are a great way to prepare the skin for the next skincare steps. They can also have added benefits, like moisturizing or soothing the skin. There are a lot of toners that cater to different skin issues, so it is important to know what factors to consider in buying one. To know more about these factors, read through our buying guide below.
Understand What Your Skin Needs Based on Your Skin Type
Using alcohol-free products is somehow being one-step ahead due to the fact that you can guarantee that your skin will not dry out. When choosing any skincare product, you must always put in mind they are not all the same. Meaning, you must choose carefully based on the ingredients and your skin type.
Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Essential Oils for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, it is always better to stay away from toner with alcohol content. Although alcohol has antibacterial properties, it does not work well with dry skin since it eliminates the natural sebum of the body. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are responsible for moisturizing the skin while simultaneously making it soft.
Essential oils, on the other hand, also moisturize and smoothen the skin. To name some, rose oil works best to soothe and calm the skin, plus it has a very brilliant smell, chamomile relieves inflammation and also works with sensitive skin, jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E, which moisturizes the skin and fights off free radicals.
Take in mind that some people may have an allergic reaction that may cause contact dermatitis so make sure to do some skin tests before you apply anything to your face.
If you have a dry skin type, definitely an alcohol-free toner is the way to go, particularly a hydrating toner. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These can give you the extra hydration you need. But of course, just because you have a hydrating toner doesn't mean you can skip the moisturizer!
Use a Toner That Contains Witch Hazel, Bentonite Clay, and Tea Tree Oil for Oily Skin
If you have an oily type of skin, find a toner that contains witch hazel. This ingredient acts as a natural astringent that can tighten pores, cleanse the skin, and dry out oils. An oily complexion can cause your skin to look shiny or worse, greasy! Bentonite clay can help you control the shine on your face and simultaneously purify the skin.
Another beneficial natural ingredient for those with have oily and acne-prone skin is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has cleansing and purifying properties that can help combat shine and pesky acne.
Oily skin may benefit from an astringent toner. Astringent toners may contain witch hazel which has been shown to remove sebum and even alleviate inflammation caused by acne. Astringent toners may have a higher risk for irritation, though. So make sure to patch test before adding it to your regimen.
Consider Algae if You Have a Sensitive Skin
Algae is not your typical non-flowering aquatic plant because it is excellently useful and beneficial for human skin. Algae extract contains essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that help protect the skin by repairing damage caused by external factors and other signs of aging. It also contains amino acids that help detoxify the skin and remove impurities that often cause irritated skin.
There has been increasing interest over the past years with natural ingredients being incorporated into skincare products. However, it's important to remember that natural doesn't necessarily equate to it being exempted from causing a reaction.
One particular new player has been algae. Marine algae contain compounds such as phlorotannin, fucoidan, fucoxanthin (to name a few) which possess anti-melanogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and/or anti-aging properties. More studies need to be done on these promising natural ingredients. As always, even though they are naturally derived, remember to patch test!
Find an Alcohol-Free Toner with Salicylic Acid for an Acne-Prone Skin
Acne-prone skin is often oily and shiny, one of the reasons why people usually think that having oily skin is relative to having acne-prone skin. However, your skin can be acne-prone even when it’s dry. While oiliness is a contributing factor, your skin can be oily but not acne-prone.
If you have acne-prone skin, it is essential to remove excess oil that you can achieve through toning and find the right toner for that purpose. So consider alcohol-free toner with salicylic acid. The ingredient helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells while exfoliating the skin. It also promotes collagen production, which makes the skin elastic.
For oily and acne-prone skin, an exfoliating toner can be beneficial. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that is lipid-soluble, making it an attractive ingredient for oily skin. It has the ability to penetrate inside pores and remove oil and debris.
Like astringent toners, exfoliating toners may also have a higher risk for irritation. The key is always to patch test beforehand!
Lactic Acid Hydrates Only the Dry Part of the Skin
This skin type is very distinct compared to other types, but many people have this kind of skin. If your skin is dry or normal in some areas and oily in other areas like the nose, chin, and forehead, then you have a combination type of skin.
What works best for this type is lactic acid. It works great with age spots, hyperpigmentation, and can effectively balance the uneven complexion. This ingredient gently hydrates the dry part of the skin so that other parts can receive a bare minimum amount of hydration that they do not need that much.
Remember that too much of anything is always bad. Overly-hydrated skin—technically known as skin maceration—is a process where the skin becomes so soft that it breaks down due to excess skin moisture.
A combination skin type is definitely tricky! And even trickier is finding a product that can shuffle effectively between both the dry and oily areas of your skin. Lactic acid is a water-soluble alpha-hydroxy acid. It's hydrophilic, aka water-loving, and thus can bind water to the skin's surface, improving hydration and skin texture.
Lactic acid also strengthens the skin barrier and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Overall, for combination skin, choose a thin or lightweight hydrating toner! Ultimately, it's important not to generalize and realize that what works for one person may not work for another. So always, listen to your skin!
Fight Skin Aging With Aloe Vera
Aloe vera works well with almost everything. From treating sunburn, hydrating and moisturizing skin, to healing wounds, and others. But this essential ingredient works well with a mature type of skin. But how will you know if you have this type of skin? From the word itself, ‘mature’ comes with aging, where flexibility and elasticity of the skin disappear as you get older.
You can fight the signs of skin aging using aloe vera because it promotes collagen production for more elastic and flexible skin. It also contains vitamins C and E, which are essential antioxidants that protect the skin from sun damage.
For mature skin, best to go with the tried and tested retinoids and hydroxy acids - which have been shown to be effective in reversing the effects of photoaging, improving wrinkles, skin elasticity, and providing that needed hydration. In addition to AHAs, certain vitamins have also been shown to provide anti-aging benefits.
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 has been shown to improve fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, blotchiness as well as elasticity. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, has been shown to protect the skin from UV-induced damage. Vitamin E, another antioxidant, has been shown to prevent UV-induced skin damage and can also improve moisture content and barrier function of the skin.
10 Best Alcohol-Free Toners to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Active Ingredients | Works Best For | Net Weight | Other Usage | pH Level | |||||
1 | COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner | | Gentle Hydration and Soothing Spray for Sensitive Skin | Jeju Mineral Water, Centella asiatica (Cica) Leaf Water | Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin | 150 mL | Facial Mist | 6.0-7.0 | |
2 | Céleteque DermoScience Hydration Alcohol-free Toner | | Hydrating Toner With Acne-Fighting Ingredients for Oily Skin | Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract | Dry, Sensitive Skin | 125 mL | unknown | unknown | |
3 | Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner | | A Lightweight Toner That Provides Deep Hydration and Calms Inflammation | Astragalus membranaceus (Milkvetch) Extract | Acne-Prone, Aging Skin | 200 mL | Essence | 4.3 | |
4 | Human Nature Balancing Face Toner | | All-Natural Toner to Control Sebum and Fight Bacteria | Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Juice, Betaine (Sugar Beet-Derived), Canarium luzonicum (Elemi) Gum Essential Oil | Oily, Combination Skin | 100 mL | unknown | unknown | |
5 | Kiehl's Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner | | Cleans and Soothes Skin Without Stripping Away Moisture | Calendula officinalis Flower Extract, Allantoin, Arctium lappa (Burdock) Root Extract | Normal, Oily, Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin | 250 mL | unknown | unknown | |
6 | SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner | | Multi-Acid Exfoliating Toner for Clearer, Calmer Skin in 30 Days | Niacinamide, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Carica papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract | All Skin Types | 150 mL | unknown | 5.5 | |
7 | Luxe Organix Whitening Repair Ultra Light Glow Toner | | Brighten Dark Spots and Minimize Pores for Even-Toned Skin | Niacinamide, Arginine, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract | Normal, Combination Skin | 150 mL | unknown | unknown | |
8 | Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner | | Glow-Boosting Toner That Minimizes Pores and Evens Skin Tone | Niacinamide, Arbutin, Ascorbic Acid, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract | Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive Skin | 120 mL | unknown | 6.2 | |
9 | Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner | | A Mild Toner That Cleanses Without Causing Irritation | Panthenol | Dry Skin | 150 mL | unknown | unknown | |
10 | Dermorepubliq Clarifying Formula Toner | | Contains Niacinamide and Plant Extracts to Minimize Breakouts | Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract | Sensitive Skin | 100 mL | unknown | unknown | |
Gentle Hydration and Soothing Spray for Sensitive Skin
- 10% centella asiatica leaf water soothes irritated skin
- 84.69% Jeju mineral water hydrates and nourishes
- Alcohol-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free to reduce irritation
- Lightweight spray mist refreshes all skin types
Many appreciate its lightweight texture and ease of use as a refreshing mist throughout the day. They find it soothing and effective for calming redness and sensitive skin without drying effects. A few mention the scent is mild and pleasant, with no irritation reported.
| Active Ingredients | Jeju Mineral Water, Centella asiatica (Cica) Leaf Water |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
| Other Usage | Facial Mist |
| pH Level | 6.0-7.0 |
Céleteque DermoScienceHydration Alcohol-free Toner
Hydrating Toner With Acne-Fighting Ingredients for Oily Skin
- Aloe vera + chamomile for oil control and redness calming.
- Light, non-sticky finish.
- Locally made and budget-friendly.
Reviews mention:
Many users with oily skin swear by its mattifying effect, especially in the humid Philippine climate. Some note that it helps keep breakouts at bay without over-drying, particularly when paired with a moisturizer. However, a few with dry or sensitive skin find the alcohol content too harsh. Reviewers also appreciate its accessible price and availability in local stores.
| Active Ingredients | Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | Dry, Sensitive Skin |
| Net Weight | 125 mL |
| Other Usage | unknown |
| pH Level | unknown |
A Lightweight Toner That Provides Deep Hydration and Calms Inflammation
Ideal for those seeking to revitalize tired and overstressed skin, this toner is enriched with 91% milkvetch root extract. The extract works wonders in fortifying the skin's protective barrier, acting as a formidable shield against external stressors. Additionally, it has antibiotic and antioxidant properties, promoting a radiant and healthy complexion.
Since this toner does not contain alcohol, it’s less likely to dry out or irritate the skin, preventing breakouts. Despite its concentrated and thick texture, it is still easily absorbed by the skin, leaving it moist and soft. As such, buyers love this product for its mildness and soothing effects on the skin!
| Active Ingredients | Astragalus membranaceus (Milkvetch) Extract |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | Acne-Prone, Aging Skin |
| Net Weight | 200 mL |
| Other Usage | Essence |
| pH Level | 4.3 |
All-Natural Toner to Control Sebum and Fight Bacteria
This toner is especially popular among those with oily skin, thanks to its natural ingredients that help reduce sebum production. It’s lightweight and gentle, making it ideal for daily use. Many buyers have noticed less facial oiliness and smoother skin texture. For an effective, all-natural toner loved locally, this is a great choice!
| Active Ingredients | Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Juice, Betaine (Sugar Beet-Derived), Canarium luzonicum (Elemi) Gum Essential Oil |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | Oily, Combination Skin |
| Net Weight | 100 mL |
| Other Usage | unknown |
| pH Level | unknown |
Cleans and Soothes Skin Without Stripping Away Moisture
Furthermore, it contains allantoin, which has soothing properties that help reduce inflammation and redness. Customers rave about how this toner improves skin texture and makes the skin look more hydrated after just a few weeks of use.
| Active Ingredients | Calendula officinalis Flower Extract, Allantoin, Arctium lappa (Burdock) Root Extract |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | Normal, Oily, Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin |
| Net Weight | 250 mL |
| Other Usage | unknown |
| pH Level | unknown |
Multi-Acid Exfoliating Toner for Clearer, Calmer Skin in 30 Days
- Combines AHA, BHA, and PHA to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and smooth skin texture
- Contains 10,000 ppm tea tree extract to soothe inflammation and reduce breakouts
- Niacinamide helps brighten and refine uneven skin tone
- Mildly acidic formula that balances skin pH and strengthens the moisture barrier
Reviews mention:
Many users report visible improvements in skin clarity and texture within a few weeks. It's widely praised for calming acne-prone skin while gently exfoliating without causing irritation. People also love the refreshing feel and how it helps control oil and minimize pores.
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Carica papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | All Skin Types |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
| Other Usage | unknown |
| pH Level | 5.5 |
Luxe OrganixWhitening Repair Ultra Light Glow Toner
Brighten Dark Spots and Minimize Pores for Even-Toned Skin
Formulated with licorice extract, it helps fade dark spots and melasma, while arginine provides an extra hydration boost. Plus, it's dermatologically tested, alcohol-free, and paraben-free! Users love how it brightens their skin, fades dark spots, and feels gentle with no irritation.
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide, Arginine, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | Normal, Combination Skin |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
| Other Usage | unknown |
| pH Level | unknown |
Glow-Boosting Toner That Minimizes Pores and Evens Skin Tone
Struggling with dark spots, enlarged pores, or uneven skin tone? This toner from Good Molecules is your go-to for a brighter, more balanced complexion. It contains niacinamide to reduce redness, minimize pores, and fade dark spots, while arbutin evens out skin tone for a radiant glow.
For added brightening power, vitamin C and licorice root extract help enhance clarity and nourish the skin without irritation. Plus, its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula feels refreshing on the skin. Customers love how it delivers visible results while keeping skin calm, hydrated, and naturally glowing.
| Active Ingredients | Niacinamide, Arbutin, Ascorbic Acid, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive Skin |
| Net Weight | 120 mL |
| Other Usage | unknown |
| pH Level | 6.2 |
A Mild Toner That Cleanses Without Causing Irritation
Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner gently cleanses and refreshes your skin without stripping away its natural moisture. Specially formulated to remove impurities while maintaining hydration, it leaves your skin soft, fresh and reconditioned. Unlike harsh toners, it won’t cause dryness or irritation, making it perfect for daily use on all skin types.
Infused with mild purifiers, it helps minimize pores and restore skin balance, giving your complexion a smooth, healthy glow. Many users love how it refreshes without the tight, dry feeling, making it an excellent choice for normal to dry skin in need of a gentle, non-drying toner.
| Active Ingredients | Panthenol |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | Dry Skin |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
| Other Usage | unknown |
| pH Level | unknown |
Contains Niacinamide and Plant Extracts to Minimize Breakouts
Users rave about how this toner helps reduce breakouts without causing irritation. Its lightweight formula leaves skin feeling refreshed and prepped for the next steps in your skincare routine, making it a must-have for glowing, healthy skin. Proudly made in the Philippines, it's ideal for those who love supporting local brands.
| Active Ingredients | Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Niacinamide, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract |
|---|---|
| Works Best For | Sensitive Skin |
| Net Weight | 100 mL |
| Other Usage | unknown |
| pH Level | unknown |
Few Ways to Know if the Product Is Actually Alcohol-Free
When it comes to buying a product, we all want something authenticーsomething that will actually work for our skin. In the first place, we invest our time and money in skincare regimen to look and feel better about ourselves. It is then a must to use a product that will not do any more harm, particularly if you are trying to recover a once damaged skin.
Buy From Shops or Brands With Established Credentials
When you buy your product from a store with good credentials, you have a higher chance of purchasing authentic products. More often than not, these businesses are protecting their reputation more than anything else by providing quality goods and services to their customers.
If you buy an alcohol-free toner from a trusted brand or an accredited shop the higher the chance that it is truly alcohol-free. This does not, however, mean that unaccredited shops are selling counterfeit items. But remember, you can never always be sure so here are other ways to verify.
Remember, these skincare products are considered cosmeceuticals meaning they are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, it always pays to get trusted brands to ensure not only the effectiveness but also the safety of the products.
Double Check the Label of the Product You Wish to Purchase
Always read and double check the label and ingredients of the product you wish to purchase. Checking the label will give you a chance to compare one product from another. Moreover, you will know how healthy or unhealthy the ingredients are for your skin depending on its content.
There are instances that you will not understand what the ingredients are but you can always check the internet for additional information or personally ask your dermatologist if possible. In addition, looking into the label of the product will help you know if there are ingredients that you are allergic to.
Considerations when reading the label are:
- Ingredient list - Have you tried these ingredients before? Did you develop a reaction? Do these ingredients address your specific skin concern?
- Order of ingredients - Is the ingredient you're buying the product for listed among the first or among the last? Remember: ingredients are listed from highest to lowest concentrations
Conduct a pH Level Test Using Litmus Paper
Litmus paper, a tool often used to know how acidic or alkaline a substance is, conduct a pH level test; most often available in school and office supply stores. To know if the toner is truly alcohol-free, simply put a reasonable amount of toner in the litmus paper and wait for a few seconds until the paper changes its color.
The pH range is 1 to 14, and pH of 7 is considered to be neutral; pH lower than that is acidic, while anything more is alkaline. The ideal pH level of the skin is mildly acidic that falls around 4.7 and 5.5. If the litmus test result matches the ideal pH level of the skin, then it is alcohol-free.
The pH level of the skin varies depending on body parts. It may also change in different life stages. But why is it important? The skin's acid mantle creates mild acidic pH that protects the external layers of the skin. It prevents bacterial growth, neutralizes harsh chemicals, and revamps the natural environment of the skin where beneficial flora can grow and thrive to improve skin condition.
The pH level of the skin is important in the function of your skin barrier. The skin has a thin protective layer on its surface referred to as the acid mantle - composed of sebum from sebaceous glands and lactic and amino acids from sweat. This combo makes our skin pH acidic, optimally at pH 4.7 - 5.5.
Now, when we apply products onto our skin, it can affect our skin barrier. The majority of skincare products are what we call 'pH-balanced,' meaning it's within the range that our skin can tolerate. If you are interested, you can try out pH kits at home. Not a requirement but something interesting to do!
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Katrina Luz
If you still have some unanswered questions on your mind, let Dr. Katrina help you in this matter. We asked her some of the most asked questions on the web, and here are her answers!
Is It True That Alcohols in Toners Help Clean the Face More Thoroughly?
Gone are the days where we relied on alcohol-based products to clean our faces! Now, alcohols definitely can be more drying as they reduce oil or sebum on the skin. However, it's a faulty generalization to say all alcohols are bad as alcohols do serve a purpose when incorporated into skincare.
Alcohols help lighten the texture of a product and help the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It's definitely not a one-size-fits-all, and it boils down to the concentration of the alcohol, skin type, and overall formulation of the product.
Does Alcohol-Free Toner Cause Acne or Help Acne?
The answer is it depends. On one spectrum, alcohol in itself may reduce oil or sebum in the skin, and for those who may tolerate it, it may have beneficial effects. However, for patients with acne, it may be too irritating and/or drying.
At the end of the day, what would aid more in acne and/or acne-prone skin would be ingredients targeted to the causes of acne, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids.
Is it Better to Apply Toner With a Cotton Pad or Just With the Fingers?
This would actually depend on a number of factors - what's your skin type? What type of toner are you using? Cotton pads act as a physical exfoliant - meaning rubbing with a cotton pad can physically remove rough bumps or debris on the skin. This may work if that's your goal.
However, it can also inadvertently cause irritation for someone with a more sensitive skin type. Not to mention, if you're using an exfoliating toner, then using a cotton pad will add to the overall exfoliation. Best to ask your dermatologist for advice on this to suit your skin type and skin concerns!
Go All Out With Your Skin Regimen Using These Skincare Products and Tools
Washing and toning alone will never be enough for better-looking skin. Here are the links you can check for a total skincare routine that will surely make you glow inside out.
Author: E. Hubilla
Re-Editor: Valerie Lagura
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Alcohol-Free Toners
No. 1: COSRX｜Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
No. 2: Céleteque DermoScience｜Hydration Alcohol-free Toner
No. 3: Pyunkang Yul｜Essence Toner
No. 4: Human Nature｜Balancing Face Toner
No. 5: Kiehl's｜Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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