If you are struggling with oily, acne-prone skin, then you are not alone. Many people can relate to problems with excess sebum production, clogged pores, blackheads, and ongoing breakouts. Fortunately, a good toner may be exactly what your skin needs to return it to a calmer state.

The right toner can help reduce future breakouts, restore balance to oily skin, and generally prepare your skin for your other skincare products to penetrate as best as possible. Dermatologists agree that using a toner that is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin will only improve your skincare routine.

So, in this 2025 guide, we have provided a list of the 10 best dermatologist-approved toners that help combat excess oil, acne, and inflammation, all while being backed by science and real-time results.

Why You Need Toner for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Oily, acne-prone skin needs extra care. Toner can:

Eliminate unreduced oil and impurities after cleansing

• Reduce the appearance of pores

• Rebalance the skin’s pH levels

• Control sebum production

• Reduce inflammation redness

• Prepare skin for serums or moisturizers

What To Look For In A Toner For Oily Acne-Prone Skin

Dermatologist-recommended characteristics:

• Non-comedogenic (make sure it doesn’t clog any pores)
•  Not a ton of alcohol (or just low alcohol if you need an astringent effect)
• Salicylic acid or BHA (exfoliation and clearing out the pores with dead skin)
•  Witch hazel (a natural astringent that tightens the skin)
•  Niacinamide (oil control and soothing)
•  Tea tree oil (natural antibacterial)
•  Zinc (reduces oil and inflammation)
•  Lightweight and absorbs quickly

1. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Best for: Blackheads, clogged pores, excess oil

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Dermatologist’s Take: “Great for daily exfoliation, especially for acne-prone skin.”

Why It’s Great:

This cult-favorite toner is more of a liquid exfoliant. It has 2% salicylic acid to dissolve the oil that is clogging your pores and improve skin texture. Easy to use, no scent, and not irritating.

Pros:

• Clears breakouts
• Exfoliates without over-drying
• Even skin tone

Cons:

• A bit of tingling for sensitive skin
• 2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
• Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin
• Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid
• Dermatologist’s Take: “Powerful formula that uses both AHA and BHA for breakouts.”

Why It’s Great:

2. Deep exfoliation while clearing skin. Good for hormonal acne and larger pores.

Pros:

• Dermatologist recommended
• Quick-acting
• Good

 Cons:

Can be drying without applying any moisturizer

3. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Best for: Texture issues, acne scarring

Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Tasmanian Pepperberry

Dermatologists’ Take: “Inexpensive and helpful for a light exfoliation while adding brightness.”

Why it’s great:

It is effective for lightly exfoliating dead skin and fading acne scars. While it is more AHA-heavy, it is versatile to use with oily skin as long as it is not being used on a daily basis. 

 Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Brightens dull skin
• Minimizes post-acne marks

 Cons:

It can be a bit strong for sensitive skin

4. Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner (Aloe Vera and Rose Petal)

Best for: Skin soothing and calming

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, Aloe vera

Dermatologists’ Take: “Classic alcohol-free choice for balancing oily skin.”

Why it’s great:

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that balances oily skin without drying it out, and aloe vera isn’t hydrating it enough while keeping it gentle for your skin. 

 Pros:

Gentle and calming

Hydrating

Natural formulation

 Cons:

Some people might dislike the scent of the rose petals

5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner

• Best for: Acne during stressful times
• Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Cucumber Extract 
• Dermatologists’ Take: “Targets stress-related breakouts with a soothing formula.”

Why It’s Awesome:

This drugstore find has salicylic acid for acne-clearing benefits, plus some soothing ingredients like green tea and cucumber.

 Pros: 

Inexpensive 

Soothes and refreshes 

Targeted for acne 

 Cons: 

A little drying for sensitive skin

6. Bioderma Sébium Lotion  

Best for: Long-Term Control of Sebum

Key Ingredients: Zinc Gluconate, Salicylic Acid

Dermatologist’s Take: “Innovative formula that regulates oil production for about 8 hours.”

Why It’s Awesome:

This lotion-toner hybrid hydrates while balancing oil levels and reducing pore size.  

 Pros:

1. Mattifies skin 
2. Improves skin barrier 
3. Can be used daily 

 Cons: 

Pricey for a toner 

7. Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion 

Best for: Spot Treatment for Oily Areas 

Key Ingredients: Menthol, Camphor

Dermatologist’s Take: “Best for patchy, excessively oily areas, specifically the T-Zone.” 

Why It’s Awesome:

An iconic product since the 1960s, Kiehl’s Blue Astringent is still one of the best for targeting those oily patches. Whether used as a toner or spot treatment for blemishes, this is a great acne solution worth trying. 

 Pros: 

• Strong oil control 
• Freshens skin 
• Herbal extract formula 

 Cons: 

Contains alcohol and menthol; therefore may be drying

8. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 

Best for: K-beauty Lovers 

Key Ingredients: Salix Alba (Willow Bark), Glycolic Acid 

Dermatologist’s Take: “Balances gentle exfoliating properties with hydration.”

Why it’s great: 

This K-beauty cult favorite keeps your skin clear while being noticeably gentle. It can be used every day!

 Pros:

Good balance of exfoliation 

Moisturizing without irritation 

Affordable 

 Cons: 

Takes time to work

9. Murad Clarifying Toner 

Best for: Acne and shine control 

Key ingredients: Witch Hazel, Algae Extract 

Dermatologist takes: “Made to reduce the appearance of oil and fight acne all day.” 

Why it’s great: 

Murad’s toner shrinks pores and cuts down on shine, making it great for a mid-day refresh! 

 Pros:

• Oil-absorbing 
• Great for oily, acne skin 
• Skin soothing ingredients 

 Cons:

Pricier price point 

10. Innisfree Bija Trouble Skin Toner 

Best for: a gentle, but effective, Korean option 

Key ingredients: Torreya Seed Oil; Salicylic Acid 

Dermatologist takes: “Great for someone who needs gentle anti-inflammatory and some mild exfoliation.” 

Why it’s great: 

Great for someone just starting with exfoliating toners! It controls oil, in addition to treating breakouts, while reducing redness. 

 Pros: 

• Soothes inflamed skin 
• Gently controls acne 
• No harsh chemicals 

 Cons: 

Not strong enough for aggressive acne

How to Properly Use Toner For Best Results

• 1. Cleanse first using a gentle, non-stripping face wash.
• 2. Apply toner using a cotton pad or pat your toner into your face with your hands.
• 3. Follow with serum and moisturizer (i.e., acne serum and lightweight moisturizer).
• 4. Use in the am and pm or as directed. If you are using an exfoliating formula, start with once a day. 

Tips from Dermatologists:

 Patch Test: Always make sure you patch test a new toner to make sure you don’t irritate your skin. 

 Don’t Mix Too Many Actives: Avoid pairing strong acids with retinoids.

 Be Consistent: Give your skin 2-4 weeks to adjust.

 Don’t Over-Tone: Dryness and peeling may occur if you tone too frequently.

Which Toner is Right for You?

Every skin is different, but these dermatologist-approved products for oily, acne-prone skin have provided amazing results for many! If you’re looking for a fail-proof classic, choose Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant. If you’re budget-conscious, try The Ordinary or Neutrogena. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to try COSRX or Thayers. 

Whoever you choose, remember consistency and the right mix of skincare products will help you achieve clear, oil-free skin in 2025!

FAQs

1. Can a toner treat acne completely?

Toners truly can help treat and manage acne, but they are not a cure for severe acne alone. Ongoing and consistent skincare and medical treatments are needed for that.

2. Should I use a toner every day?

Absolutely! Unless you’re using a highly exfoliating toner, I recommend starting with using it once daily and then increasing as tolerated.

3. Can a toner tighten my pores?

Toners can minimize your enlarged pores temporarily. If you use a toner with astringents like witch hazel or salicylic acid, you should temporarily achieve a tighter pore appearance.

3. What ingredients should I look for in a toner for oily skin? 

Look for:

Salicylic acid (BHA): unclogs pores.

Niacinamide: reduces oiliness and redness.

Witch hazel: naturally occurring astringent.

Zinc PCA: regulates oil.

Tea tree oil: antibacterial.

Avoid heavy fragrances, denatured alcohol (unless balanced with hydrators), and comedogenic oils.

4. Can toner remove oil throughout the day?

Yes, toners can remove residual oil after cleansing, can temporarily reduce shine, and help minimize the pores. Some formulas can help control oil for up to 8 – 10 hours and can include ingredients such as zinc, witch hazel, and clay extracts.

5. Do toners tighten pores?

Toners can’t permanently shrink our pores.  However, toners can tighten and minimize the appearance of our pores temporarily by reducing excess oil and debris. You want to look for witch hazel, niacinamide, and salicylic acid.