Exfoliating toners can help if you think you need to address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, dullness, and acne. Exfoliating toners are also referred to as “acid toners” because they contain AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. These chemical exfoliants are considered better and relatively more gentle than physical exfoliants as they remove the dead skin cells from within.
You will know more about them in this buying guide to help you on your quest to find the right product according to your skin’s concerns. We even included some comments ad tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz. Find out why and when to use one and check the best of the best on our list. Let’s get started!
Quick List - Top Exfoliating Toners
The Ordinary
A Mild Exfoliating Toner for Improving Skin Tone and Texture
Paula's Choice
Contains Salicylic Acid to Help You Bid Goodbye to Dull and Congested 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
The skin naturally exfoliates after 28 to 30 days, but sometimes the skin needs a bit of help to keep the pores from being clogged. A great and gentle way to exfoliate is by using exfoliating toners. They consist of acids that are non-abrasive, resulting in a healthy, beautiful glow.
With the right concentration and combination of acids, they can even penetrate even the multiple layers of your skin. These exfoliating toners are also well-formulated with other ingredients to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, unclog pores, brighten dark spots, to name a few.
There are other ways to exfoliate your skin, such as chemical peels, scrubs, and sponges. However, some of these alternatives can be too harsh on your skin. For instance, scrubs can be rough or have a coarse texture, so if you have sensitive skin, it may harm the surface of the face's skin.
Remember, when it comes to exfoliating toners, choose one that is gentle regardless of your skin type. At the end of the day, the skin cells still form a part of the skin barrier. If done too aggressively, you'd be left with broken skin.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
If you plan to include an exfoliating toner in your skincare routine, here are the important things to consider based on your skin type. Exfoliating toners aren’t formulated the same, so make sure you also know the active ingredients in the bottle.
Exfoliating toners are formulated with acids, such as glycolic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and lactic acid, which are both AHAs or (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). These two superstar ingredients are beneficial for combination to dry skin. They reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the skin, and eliminate dark spots from sun damage. AHAs are less likely to irritate the skin with the right dose.
When applied to the skin, AHAs such as glycolic acid enable exfoliation of skin cells in the stratum corneum leading to the sloughing off of dull skin and promoting cellular renewal. The benefits of AHAs include exfoliation, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, collagen synthesis, skin lightening, and moisturization.
As for the ever-tricky combination skin type, lactic acid is a good option as it 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.
Salicylic acid is the most common BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid ingredient used in exfoliating toners. This is the gold standard in treating acne and other skin problems like whiteheads and blackheads. It can penetrate your skin's surface and pores, which can prevent breakouts and blackheads.
Moreover, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which effectively treat rosacea and regulate sebum production. BHAs also target sun discoloration and improve overall skin texture. Look for concentrations of about 0.5% to 2% BHA solutions if you want to treat acne, blemishes, and clogged pores.
Although not a BHA, another ingredient to consider is witch hazel, recommended by dermatologists ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. It's a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory powers that can relieve dry and irritated skin. Go for alcohol-free exfoliating toners, especially if you plan to use them regularly.
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.
PHAs or Polyhydroxy Acids are exfoliators that repair the skin, remove dead skin cells, and have anti-aging benefits. Some examples are gluconolactone, galactose, and lactoionic acid. They are recommended for all skin types, but sensitive skin will benefit significantly from these because they are more gentle than AHAs and BHAs.
PHAs are gentle on the skin because they have large molecules, which penetrate slowly into the skin. On top of that, they are also humectants, which means they also retain moisture on your skin. They can also combat glycation, a process that weakens your skin’s elasticity and collagen.
For those with a sensitive skin type, a good alternative is PHAs or polyhydroxy acids. The thing about polyhydroxy acids is that there are larger molecules and, thus, by virtue of their size, are unable to penetrate deep into the skin. With that, they have fewer chances of causing irritation. Look for ingredients such as gluconolactone or lactobionic acid! And remember, patch test, patch test, patch test!
Exfoliating toners do not only contain exfoliants! Some contain good-for-the-skin nourishing ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and more! Read the section below to find out more!
If you have dull skin, look for exfoliating toners that have active ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin A, antioxidant skin superstars that brighten your skin, and are beneficial for those who have uneven skin tone. Kojic acid, Panax ginseng, and glutathione also have skin brightening benefits and target dark spots, sun damage, and scars.
You may also want to look for ingredients to address hyperpigmentation—AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, and also niacinamide, a well-known humectant that can reduce dark spots. Azelaic acid, a not-so-distant acid to AHAs and BHAs, also has a "magical" skin-lightening effect.
Is your skin concern "skin that is dull and lackluster"? Or perhaps, hyperpigmentation? Toners that contain ingredients such as niacinamide have been shown to have brightening effects on the skin. And the great thing about it, it's backed by clinical trials! Another option would be choosing toners with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, which has been shown to protect the skin from UV-induced damage.
Look for exfoliating toners that are alcohol-free because alcohol can dry your skin. If you already have dry skin, look for moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to strengthen the skin's barrier and soothing effects. Aloe vera extract is beneficial for the skin as a natural ingredient - ideal for improving skin hydration.
Avoid toners that have sulfates and dyes, which can also exacerbate dryness. While glycolic acid is recommended for oily skin, it’s also a humectant, which can help retain moisture on your skin.
If you have dry skin, definitely choose an alcohol-free toner. More than exfoliating toners, you can even opt for a hydrating toner to provide that extra boost of hydration. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These can give you the extra hydration you need.
Mature skin tends to be dry, dull and may have a rough texture and dark spots. Since AHAs have anti-aging properties aside from their ability to remove dead skin cells, look for exfoliants formulated with these acids and other active ingredients like green tea extract. It also has moisturizing powers and can reduce skin roughness.
Humectants are also beneficial for this type of skin, so toners with niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid are the best bet. Overall, since this type of skin can also be sensitive, go for gentle exfoliants and formulations with the right amount of concentration of acids.
Those with mature skin types can benefit from an exfoliating toner that contains alpha-hydroxy acids. Studies have shown that alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid are effective in reversing the effects of aging.
How? AHAs stimulate the exfoliation of epidermal cells in the stratum corneum leading to the sloughing off of dull skin and promoting cellular renewal. The benefits of AHAs include exfoliation, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, collagen synthesis, skin lightening, and moisturization.
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.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exfoliant | Skin Type | Key Ingredients | |||||
1 | The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution|240 ml | ![]() | A Mild Exfoliating Toner for Improving Skin Tone and Texture | AHA (Glycolic Acid) | All Skin Types | Amino Acids, Aloe vera, Ginseng, Tasmanian Pepperberry | |
2 | Pixi Glow Tonic | ![]() | Get a Radiant Glow With This Non-Drying Exfoliating Toner | AHA (Glycolic Acid) | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily | Aloe Vera, Ginseng | |
3 | Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant|118 ml | ![]() | Contains Salicylic Acid to Help You Bid Goodbye to Dull and Congested Skin | BHA (Salicylic Acid) | All Skin Types | Green Tea | |
4 | Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner | ![]() | Offers Gentle Exfoliation & Sun Damage Repair | AHA, BHA, PHA | All Skin Types | Witch Hazel Extract, Niacinamide | |
5 | Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner|120 ml | ![]() | Encourages Skin Resurfacing for Smoother, Brighter, and Glowing Complexion | AHA (Glycolic Acid) | All Skin Types | Galactomyces Ferment, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe | |
6 | The Inkey List PHA Toner |100 ml | ![]() | Diminishes Uneven Skin Texture Through Gentle PHA Exfoliation | PHA | All Skin Types | Niacinamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | |
7 | Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner|236 ml | ![]() | Reveal Youthful-Looking Skin With This Anti-aging Toner | AHA (Glycolic Acid) | Combination, Dry Skin | Aloe Vera, Grapefruit Extract | |
8 | COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner | ![]() | AHA and BHA Toner to Get Rid of Excess Oil and Blackheads | AHA (Glycolic Acid), BHA (Betaine Salicylate) | All Skin Types | Apple Fruit Water, Willow Bark Water | |
9 | SNAILWHITE Glow Potion AHA·BHA Toner|150 ml | ![]() | A Multi-Tasking Toner That Reveals Glowing Skin | AHA , BHA | All Skin Types | Witch Hazel Extract, Swiss Alpine Willowherb Extract, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Ginseng | |
10 | Luxe Organix Miracle Solutions AHA-BHA Pore Toner|150 ml | ![]() | Affordable All-in-One Toner for Acne-Prone Skin | AHA (Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid), BHA (Salicylic Acid) | Acne-Prone Skin | Tea Tree Oil, Niacinamide |
Achieve visibly radiant and clear skin with this holy grail chemical exfoliant by The Ordinary that contains 7% glycolic acid. It effectively exfoliates the skin due to its tiny molecules that penetrate the skin cells deeply. It also has ginseng root and aloe vera that further aid in soothing your skin to make it more glowing.
Aside from that, it is infused with a Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative that aims to reduce possible irritation that's usually linked with using products with acid ingredients. Since it just provides mild exfoliation, it's suitable for all skin types. Just be sure not to use it on sensitive, peeling, or broken skin!
Exfoliant | AHA (Glycolic Acid) |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Amino Acids, Aloe vera, Ginseng, Tasmanian Pepperberry |
Looking for a healthy and radiant glow? Check out this toner from Pixi! It contains glycolic acid and ginseng that provide gentle exfoliation to help reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. As a result, reviewers have noticed a brighter and more even skin tone with consistent use.
Moreover, this watery toner refreshes and soothes the face. Thanks to its aloe vera ingredient's soothing and hydrating qualities, it's an excellent choice for those with dry or sensitive skin. It also has an alcohol-free formula, which helps reduce skin dryness.
Exfoliant | AHA (Glycolic Acid) |
---|---|
Skin Type | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily |
Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera, Ginseng |
If you're looking for something that can help you combat dull and congested skin, Paula's Choice has something for you. This exfoliant contains salicylic acid that does an excellent job of removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, leaving you with a more even complexion and smoother skin.
It also comes with green tea extract that helps soothe irritations. Plus, its sodium hydroxide inclusion balances your skin's pH levels. To use it, apply it using your hands or a cotton pad. It is a leave-on exfoliant, so it does not need rinsing. It is also gentle enough for daily use, regardless of skin type.
Exfoliant | BHA (Salicylic Acid) |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Green Tea |
This toner from Some By Mi is enriched not only with AHA and BHA but also with PHA (polyhydroxy acid). PHA is known for its gentle exfoliation due to its larger molecule size, which makes it milder than other acids. In addition to its gentle nature, PHA is highly effective at repairing sun-damaged skin, making it particularly suited for our tropical climate.
Additionally, this product features Centella Asiatica to soothe the skin, Tea Tree Oil for effective acne control, and Niacinamide to enhance hydration, brightness, and radiance. Ideal for sensitive skin, it has garnered praise from countless satisfied customers who attest to its years of effectiveness in keeping pimples at bay.
Exfoliant | AHA, BHA, PHA |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Witch Hazel Extract, Niacinamide |
Exfoliant | AHA (Glycolic Acid) |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Galactomyces Ferment, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe |
Exfoliant | PHA |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice |
Exfoliant | AHA (Glycolic Acid) |
---|---|
Skin Type | Combination, Dry Skin |
Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera, Grapefruit Extract |
For those who have oily and acne-prone skin, this COSRX toner is the one for you! It won't exacerbate oiliness or cause breakouts. The formula is a mix of two acids—BHA to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and treat acne. It also has AHA to gently hydrate your skin, ensuring your skin stays perfectly balanced.
What's great about this toner is that it can be used by all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. Moreover, it is a good pick if it's your first time using an exfoliating toner and you are looking for a good starter product to slowly introduce AHA and BHA to your skin since this one only has minimal AHA and BHA content.
Exfoliant | AHA (Glycolic Acid), BHA (Betaine Salicylate) |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Apple Fruit Water, Willow Bark Water |
Check out this toner from SNAILWHITE if you want to reveal a radiant and blemish-free complexion. It features a dynamic blend of AHA and BHA, which work synergistically to exfoliate the skin, increase cell turnover, and unclog pores, effectively preventing the formation of whiteheads and blackheads.
Perfect for all skin types, it also contains witch hazel and Swiss Alpine willowherb to soothe and balance the skin, addressing concerns such as oil build-up, dullness, rough skin, and large pores. Additionally, the toner is enriched with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ginseng to brighten and hydrate the skin, making it an essential step in your skincare routine for achieving a fresh, plump, and luminous complexion.
Exfoliant | AHA , BHA |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Witch Hazel Extract, Swiss Alpine Willowherb Extract, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Ginseng |
If you want to refine your skin, check out this toner from Luxe Organix. It is formulated with AHAs and BHAs, like glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid, that work together to help get rid of excess sebum and dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and reduce dark spots.
It also has tea tree oil, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce existing acne scars and prevent future acne from growing. Aside from this, it has niacinamide, known for brightening, pore care, and anti-aging benefits. And according to some customers, consistent use of this product helps improve the complexion.
Exfoliant | AHA (Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid), BHA (Salicylic Acid) |
---|---|
Skin Type | Acne-Prone Skin |
Key Ingredients | Tea Tree Oil, Niacinamide |
Before you slather on that exfoliating toner on your face, read Dr. Katrina's answers to some of the internet's most asked questions!
Different skin types can benefit from an exfoliating toner. The key lies in identifying the right one. Another equally important consideration is what your skin concern is and choosing the toner that addresses it!
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to skincare. We cannot predict the reaction of everyone to a particular product. While there are some people with sensitive skin who will both benefit from and tolerate exfoliating toners, there are some who might not too! At the end of the day, listen to your skin! Also, Ask Your Derma for guidance too!
Remember, toners aren't a must in any skincare routine. They are great add-ons, especially if you have a particular skin concern that can be addressed by such. Based on that premise having more than one exfoliating toner may not be beneficial. In fact, it may even increase the chances of your skin developing irritation. Sometimes, less is more!
Are toners a must? The answer is actually no. But exploring the world of toners can be an interesting endeavor, not to mention it does have its benefits. Always listen to your skin!
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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.
No. 1: The Ordinary|Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution|240 ml
No. 2: Pixi|Glow Tonic
No. 3: Paula's Choice|Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant|118 ml
No. 4: Some By Mi|AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
No. 5: Good Molecules|Glycolic Exfoliating Toner|120 ml
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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