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Toners have earned a bad rap over the years for being astringent formulas that sting, strip, and dry out your skin. But while the best toners for oily skin still go deep to clean out clogged pores, sweep away sebum, and fade stubborn post-breakout discoloration, today’s versions are a little easier on skin, according to Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California. In fact, as with face essences (a close cousin), they can even help prep your skin barrier for the rest of your routine, she adds. And over time, the right toner can also smooth uneven texture and minimize the appearance of pores, delivering long-term perks.
Toner works best as a regular in your routine: Apply it twice a day, after you wash your face but before serums and moisturizer. But if you have sensitive skin or are new to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), introduce a toner into your routine slowly. Use the “sandwich” method: Apply your regular moisturizer, then a toner, then a second layer of moisturizer to help your skin build up some tolerance and prevent potential irritation, says Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Laura Lam-Phaure. Below, we’re diving into our favorite toners for oily skin, recommended by dermatologists and tested by Allure editors.
Our Top Toners for Oily Skin
- Best Overall: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $37
- Best Toner Pads: Medicube Zero Pore Pads, $21
- Best for Redness-Prone Skin: Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner, $38
- Best for Acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner, $19
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- How do toners help oily skin?
- Which ingredients should I look for and avoid in a toner for oily skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
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Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Amazon
Dermstore
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Deanna Pai
Why it’s worth it: Even before it went viral, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant had legions of fans—there’s a reason it’s a repeat Readers’ Choice Award winner. That’s because “it’s well tolerated by nearly all skin types, easily incorporated into a routine, and quite effective,” Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada, told Allure. The broad appeal stems from the pairing of salicylic acid, a BHA that pulls oil, dead skin cells, and sebum out of pores, and anti-inflammatory green tea, which calms redness and irritation. It’s also rounded out by methylpropanediol, a humectant that pulls moisture in to leave oily skin with a fresh, dewy glow.
Pai before applying the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"I haven't used toner in ages, but when faced with pretty rough hormonal acne on my chin and jaw, I reached for this. I alternated it at night with Shani Darden’s Rescue Serum With 10% Azelaic Complex right after cleansing, and just smoothed it into my skin; it absorbed quickly without any need for a cotton pad. I've found that this seems to be my magic combo for controlling breakouts. And when the occasional cystic zit did pop up, it didn't get as red or as big as it typically might have. I'm happy to report that it lives up to the hype." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
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- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, green tea, methylpropanediol (a humectant)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Toner Pads: Medicube Zero Pore Pads
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Medicube
Zero Pore Pads
Ulta Beauty
Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman applying the Medicube Zero Pore Pads
Katie Gunderman
Why it's worth it: Whether you quickly swipe them over skin or lay them on your face for a mini sheet-mask moment, Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads are all about balancing oily skin. They’re soaked in a formula that combines salicylic and lactic acids for gentle (but thorough) exfoliation, sweeping away the sweat, sunscreen, and makeup that your cleanser can sometimes miss. But while toner pads have a reputation for being harsh on the skin, these are made with K-beauty staple ingredients Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) and allantoin, as well as panthenol—all three super-soothers that stop irritation in its tracks. Meanwhile, a dose of hyaluronic acid juices skin up, for a hydrating finish that even oily T-zones will drink in.
Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman
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“The Medicube Zero Pore Toner Pads are always the first step. They refresh my face and prep it for the rest of my skincare or makeup routine. They always leave my skin feeling clean and hydrated and I love how easy they are to pop on.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager
More to know
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- Key ingredients: lactic acid, salicylic acid, Centella asiatica (cica), panthenol, allantoin, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Redness-Prone Skin: Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner
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Indie Lee
CoQ-10 Toner
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Revolve
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner
Alessandra Foresto
Why it's worth it: For those with oily skin that’s sensitive or easily irritated by exfoliants (hi, eczema and rosacea), Indie Lee’s CoQ-10 Toner is our top hydrating pick. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the formula contains aloe vera to soothe red, hot, or itchy skin, plus chamomile and cucumber extract that add a light, refreshingly herbal scent. And the CoQ-10 in the name? A powerful antioxidant that protects skin from damaging free radicals in the environment. Spritz this toner on after washing your face (or spending a long day at the pool or beach) to plump and boost oily skin’s elasticity, sans dryness or flakes.
Foresto before applying the Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying the Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“This toner is gentle enough for everyday use on my sensitive, eczema-prone combination skin. I’ve been using it for a few weeks both in the morning all over my face and at night only on my T-zone, where I tend to get the oiliest and the occasional breakout. A few spritzes on a cotton ball and a few swipes on my skin before moisturizer leaves my skin feeling fresh, but long-term I’ve also seen hyperpigmentation left behind by eczema flares slowly fade. I normally don’t like the smell of cucumber, but I enjoy the refreshing mix with aloe vera and chamomile.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
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- Key ingredients: aloe, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, cucumber extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner
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La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: While no single toner can erase breakouts (or completely stop them from popping up in the future), La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner works in tandem with the other acne-fighting steps in your skin-care routine to help treat bumps at the source. Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, notes that it’s “best for truly oily or acne-prone skin” as opposed to combination skin, since it can be slightly drying. Dr. Shokeen agrees, noting that the formula was made for “addressing surface buildup, pore congestion, and excess oil.”
Salicylic acid dives deep into clogged pores that can turn into blackheads and whiteheads, while glycolic acid, an AHA, breaks up dead skin cells on the surface to reveal a smoother, clearer complexion. Then, there’s the brand’s signature ingredient: La Roche-Posay’s antioxidant- and mineral-packed thermal spring water, which soothes skin at the first sign of irritation.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, spring water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Brightening: Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
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Anua
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Olive Young
Why it's worth it: Rice has long been an Asian skin-care staple—it “brightens skin, hydrates, strengthens the barrier, and provides antioxidant protection,” Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, told Allure. In Anua’s Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner, rice water is combined with a host of other ingredients that are ideal for skin that’s not only prone to acne, but the resulting dark spots as well. First up, there’s oil-regulating, discoloration-fading niacinamide. It also delivers hydrating hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramides, and allantoin to nix irritation, as well as phytosphingosine, a lipid that sweeps away acne-causing bacteria while reducing inflammation.
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- Key ingredients: phytosphingosine (a lipid), rice bran water, niacinamide, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Combination Skin: Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk
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Violette_FR
Boum-Boum Milk
Sephora
Why it's worth it: Half toner, half lightweight moisturizer, milky toners are having a moment—and Violette_FR’s Boum-Boum Milk is our favorite for oily skin. ”It’s a hydrator, toner, and serum in one that delivers intense hydration and antioxidant protection,” Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California, told Allure. The key ingredient, fermented birch sap, is a hero hydrator that works with your natural microbiome to calm your skin. Plus, squalane in the formula helps restore the skin barrier while balancing oil production for a glowy (not greasy) complexion. And mineral-packed glacial water softens and smooths skin, as antioxidant-packed olive leaf extract reduces inflammation. It all adds up to a toner that’s so gentle, it’s been accepted by the National Eczema Association.
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- Key ingredients: fermented birch sap, glacial water, squalane, olive leaf extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Alcohol-Free
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Kiehl's Since 1851
Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Alcohol-Free
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Oily skin with a sensitive streak calls for a soothing toner that won’t upset the skin barrier, and Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner delivers just that. Aside from calming calendula, the formula also contains comforting, deeply hydrating, and anti-inflammatory allantoin. Burdock root not only moisturizes skin (which is still key, even if you’re oily), but also controls oil production. Another bonus: The short ingredient list—with just seven components—doesn’t include extras (like added fragrance) that can potentially stress sensitive skin out.
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- Key ingredients: Arctium Lappa root extract (burdock root), calendula extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
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The Ordinary
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it's worth it: While you might associate mature skin with dryness, oil can be just as much of an issue—after all, acne isn’t just for teenagers. The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner gently encourages cell turnover to keep your complexion clear. “Glycolic acid works like a molecular key,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD. It dissolves the bonds that bind dead skin cells, so they can be removed quickly and easily for smoother skin. Glycolic acid also has a small molecular weight that allows it to go deep into the skin, she says, where it can stimulate fibroblasts—cells that produce collagen to keep skin firm and elastic—to combat the sagging and fine lines you may start to notice as you age. But it’s not the only key ingredient: Soothing aloe and hydrating urea also ensure skin stays soft and comfortable.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, aloe, urea
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do toners help oily skin?
In general, a toner “removes any residue your cleanser left behind, delivers actives to freshly cleansed skin, and preps your barrier to absorb what comes next,” says Dr. Shokeen. Toners formulated for oily skin can also clean out congested pores (making them look smaller over time), break up excess sebum, and lighten discoloration left behind from breakouts, she adds.
Which ingredients should I look for and avoid in a toner for oily skin?
According to the experts we spoke with, you’ll want to check for these ingredients on a toner’s label:
- Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble BHA that “helps unclog pores and reduce breakouts,” Dr. McDonald says.
- Willow bark extract is another exfoliator that works similarly to salicylic acid, according to Lam-Phaure.
- LHA (lipohydroxy acid) is a good alternative for people who find that BHAs cause irritation, Dr. Shokeen adds.
- Glycolic acid, an AHA, provides “gentle surface exfoliation that smooths texture, brightens dull skin, and helps prevent buildup that can clog pores,” Dr. McDonald says.
- Mandelic acid is a gentler AHA that removes dead skin cells and supports cell turnover.
- Niacinamide is “clinically validated for sebum reduction, pore refinement, and inflammation control,” says Dr. Shokeen.
- Glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid moisturize skin to keep it from drying out and support your skin barrier, Dr. McDonald says.
- Panthenol and allantoin soothe skin to reduce irritation, she adds.
As far as what to avoid? High concentrations of alcohol can strip your skin (causing it to overproduce oil in response) and compromise your skin barrier, according to our experts. Also, steer clear of strong fragrances—these can cause irritation—and be on the lookout for heavy oils and emollients (like coconut oil and cocoa butter) that may clog your pores.
Meet the experts
- Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute, based in California
- Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Central Texas Dermatology, based in Austin
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology based in Toronto, Canada
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California
- Laura Lam-Phaure, a cosmetic chemist based in Los Angeles
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of best toners for oily skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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