Discover the best toners specifically formulated to target acne-prone skin! Incorporating a toner in your skincare routine can effectively eliminate residual dirt and impurities left behind after cleansing. It can promote a healthier complexion that's free of breakouts.
With numerous toners available from various brands, choosing the best one for acne-prone skin can be overwhelming. Don't worry, as we have you covered! Explore our recommended product list and read our buying guide featuring insights from dermatologist Dr. Meg Sison to ensure you make an informed toner purchase.
Quick List - Top Toners for Acne-Prone Skin
Oxecure
Gentle Yet Effective Product That Targets the Root Cause of Your Acne
Face Republic
Gently Sloughs Off Dead Skin Cells to Reveal a Clearer and Healthier Complexion
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
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
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.
Gentle Yet Effective Product That Targets the Root Cause of Your Acne
Gently Sloughs Off Dead Skin Cells to Reveal a Clearer and Healthier Complexion
Unclogs Pores and Prevents Blackheads for a Clear and Healthy Skin
Contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid That Makes It Gentle yet Effective at Exfoliation
Say Goodbye to Pimples With This All-Natural and Affordable Toner
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Meg Sison, toners alone are not designed to eliminate acne. They are optional but make a great add-on to a skincare routine. Individuals with acne-prone skin can incorporate exfoliating toners 2 to 3 times a week because these can help minimize and unclog pores. They can also help remove excess sebum from the face.
Acne is a medical condition; thus, prescription medications are required to control them. Your board-certified dermatologist will be more than willing to guide you on what you should do to address your acne.
Having the right skincare routine is crucial for managing breakouts and minimizing blemishes. While toners alone can't eliminate acne, they can be quite helpful, given that they contain the right ingredients. Learn more about what ingredients to look for and avoid below.
Your toner’s active ingredients are the main components responsible for fighting acne and ensuring that you get soft and smooth skin.
If you want to incorporate a toner into your skincare routine, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Meg Sison suggests using an exfoliating toner with AHA, BHA, or PHA ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or mandelic acid.
These ingredients can manage breakouts by unclogging the pores, and getting rid of excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Make sure that these ingredients are at low concentrations (2% or less), and only use them once or twice a week to prevent skin dryness or irritations.
Toners with AHAs and BHAs can complement a skincare routine of a patient with acne-prone skin but these are not the only solutions to address acne. Avoid using exfoliating toners with topical acne treatments like retinoids in the same skincare routine because these can increase the chances of skin dryness and irritation.
Acne can leave behind marks and blemishes, and while toners alone can't eliminate them immediately, they can help improve the appearance. According to Dr. Meg Sison, the best ingredients that can address redness and hyperpigmentation include retinoids, azelaic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and AHAs.
For those with acne scars, especially depressed scars, a toner can only do so much. I recommend getting procedures like dermaroller, fractional laser, and chemical peels so that the skin's collagen production can be stimulated.
Simple alcohols like SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol must be avoided since these may cause dryness or irritation to the skin. Additionally, Dr. Meg Sison also suggests avoiding witch hazel because its astringent properties can dry the skin.
Instead, look for fatty alcohols such as cetyl and stearyl alcohol, which are good for the skin since they have a moisturizing effect. If you're experiencing skin dryness from acne topical treatments, you may also opt to use hydrating toners in alternate use with your exfoliating toners. Examples of ingredients to look for include propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Additionally, you can look for ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like panthenol and allantoin.
Individuals with acne-prone skin can use hydrating toners, but these are completely optional. Hydrating toners are very lightweight, so they are unlikely to cause clogging of pores. Note that even if you use hydrating toners, you still need moisturizers to restore the skin barrier of those with acne-prone skin.
Witch hazel can cause irritation for those with dry and sensitive skin, so it is best to patch test first before using toners with this ingredient.
Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Meg Sison, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Alcohol-Free | Fragrance-Free | Net Weight | |||||
1 | COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner | ![]() | AHA and BHA Toner to Get Rid of Excess Oil and Blackheads | Willow Bark Extract, Glycolic Acid, Apple Fruit Water | 150ml | |||
2 | Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner | ![]() | Offers Gentle Exfoliation & Sun Damage Repair | AHA,BHA,PHA, Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Witch Hazel Extract | 150ml | |||
3 | Oxecure Blackhead Clearing BHA PHA Toner | ![]() | Gentle Yet Effective Product That Targets the Root Cause of Your Acne | Betaine Salicylate, PHA, Tea Tree Extract | 150ml | |||
4 | Face Republic AHA/BHA Toner | ![]() | Gently Sloughs Off Dead Skin Cells to Reveal a Clearer and Healthier Complexion | Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E | 160ml | |||
5 | Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Cooling Toner | ![]() | Unclogs Pores and Prevents Blackheads for a Clear and Healthy Skin | BHA, Cedarwood Extract, Witch Hazel, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid | 200ml | |||
6 | AXIS-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner | ![]() | Contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid That Makes It Gentle yet Effective at Exfoliation | Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Water, Tea Tree Extract | 200ml | |||
7 | Human Nature Acne Defense Face Toner | ![]() | Say Goodbye to Pimples With This All-Natural and Affordable Toner | Tea Tree Oil | 100ml | |||
8 | Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner | ![]() | Soothe Acne-Prone Skin Without Harmful Ingredients | Houttuynia Cordata Extract,Grape Fruit Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract | 250ml | |||
9 | Celeteque Dermoscience Acne Solution Oil Control Toner | ![]() | Treat Your Acne With This Toner | Aloe Vera, Chamomile extract | 125ml | |||
10 | Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner | ![]() | A Lightweight Toner That Provides Deep Hydration and Calms Inflammation | Astragalus Root Water | 200ml |
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.
Key Ingredients | Willow Bark Extract, Glycolic Acid, Apple Fruit Water |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 150ml |
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.
Key Ingredients | AHA,BHA,PHA, Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Witch Hazel Extract |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 150ml |
Best for those with oily and acne-prone skin types, this toner from Oxecure will surely be a mainstay in your skincare routine as it boasts its gentleness and effectiveness! It contains BHA, PHA, and other nourishing ingredients that will clear up your skin and improve skin texture in no time. It's alcohol-free, too!
Its BHA content deep cleans and unclogs the pores, targeting those pesky whiteheads and blackheads, while PHA is one of the best gentle ingredients that exfoliate the skinーits gentle enough to be used even by those with sensitive skin! Additionally, it contains tea tree and witch hazel extracts that keep oiliness and acne at bay.
Key Ingredients | Betaine Salicylate, PHA, Tea Tree Extract |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 150ml |
Show your skin some love with Face Republic's AHA/BHA Toner! It regulates sebum production, prevents breakouts, and gently exfoliates with salicylic and glycolic acids. It also hydrates and protects skin from UV rays and pollution, thanks to sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E.
Additionally, calming ingredients like chlorella, Irish moss, tea tree, allantoin, and panthenol help soothe and reduce irritation. Plus, it's free from alcohol, parabens, and fragrance. Users notice improvements in skin tone, texture, and balance within weeks of regular use.
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 160ml |
Key Ingredients | BHA, Cedarwood Extract, Witch Hazel, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 200ml |
Salicylic acid is a highly effective BHA known for its exfoliating properties and ability to remove impurities and excess sebum. This toner harnesses its benefits at a gentle 0.5% concentration, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It effectively eliminates bacteria, oil, and pollution without causing irritation.
For best results, it's also formulated with tea tree and Centella asiatica to speed up the skin's healing process and soothe it. Plus, it doesn't contain artificial colors, oils, fragrances, and parabens, so you won't likely have any allergic reaction to the product. Reviews mention that they noticed that their blackheads and acne reduced even if the toner has minimal BHA content.
Key Ingredients | Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Water, Tea Tree Extract |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 200ml |
If you are looking for a budget-friendly yet effective alcohol-free toner for your oily and acne-prone complexion, choose Human Nature’s 100% Natural Acne Defense Toner. As the name implies, this product is made with all-natural ingredients that combat sebum and acne-causing bacteria.
This alcohol-free toner is packed with tea tree extracts that mattify your skin and keep it free of pimples. It also has organic soothing properties which protect your skin from irritation. If you are dreaming of clear and shine-free skin, Human Nature 100% Natural Acne Defense Toner is the one for you!
Key Ingredients | Tea Tree Oil |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 100ml |
Key Ingredients | Houttuynia Cordata Extract,Grape Fruit Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 250ml |
If you're looking for a solution for clogged pores, check out this toner from Céleteque! It is formulated with aloe vera and chamomile extract that helps remove oil and dirt, preventing the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
Additionally, aloe vera and chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties. These can help treat acne as well as prevent the appearance of blemishes. While this product is fragrance-free, it contains ethyl alcohol, so you may want to conduct a patch test first before using it if you have sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera, Chamomile extract |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 125ml |
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!
Key Ingredients | Astragalus Root Water |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | |
Fragrance-Free | |
Net Weight | 200ml |
Having acne-prone skin surely is worrisome. Let us help you address your acne problems more as Dr. Meg Sison answers some of the most asked questions about toners for acne-prone skin!
A very simple skincare should include a cleanser, prescription medication, moisturizer, and sunscreen. You don't need an extensive skincare routineーsimple is best!
Toners can be used either during the day or at night. But if they contain retinoids, it's best to use these at night.
If your toner has AHAs or BHAs, it's recommended to start with the lowest concentration first and use it 2x a week before increasing the frequency of usage.
Here are some skincare hacks that dermatologists do not recommend for those with acne-prone skin:
Consult a board-certified dermatologist for individualized treatment for your acne because toners alone are not enough to treat them.
In order to address acne, it's important for you to build a good skincare routine. A toner isn't enough to control it, so check out our other articles below for some more products that can help you get clearer and healthier skin.
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: COSRX|AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
No. 2: Some By Mi|AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
No. 3: Oxecure|Blackhead Clearing BHA PHA Toner
No. 4: Face Republic|AHA/BHA Toner
No. 5: Neutrogena|Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Cooling Toner
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others