Best toners for acne-prone skin: 6 top choices to prevent breakouts

Have you ever felt like you have tried everything to combat acne issues, but those stubborn breakouts just won’t budge? If you have acne-prone skin, toners can be one of the most effective ways to minimise breakouts, reduce oiliness and make your skin feel refreshed and balanced. Packed with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, niacinamide, tea tree oil, aloe vera, lactic acid and more, toners can help fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. They work by exfoliating the dead skin cells, reducing sebum production, minimising the development of pore-clogging debris and promoting cell turnover. Selecting the right toner for your skin can help improve hydration and skin texture, and reduce redness and swelling associated with acne. Here is a list of the best toners for acne-prone skin that may help you keep acne at bay.

6 best toners for acne-prone skin

Acne-prone skin requires extra attention and care. Check out this list of the best toners for acne prone skin in India:

1. Jovees Herbal Cucumber Skin Toner

Tighten the pores by using the best toner for oily, acne-prone skin. This one from Jovees might be a good choice for you as it claims to cleanse and freshen your skin. It is formulated using cucumber, chamomile and aloe vera, which may help make your skin feel refreshed without stripping the natural oils. Regular use of this toner may also help encourage cell regeneration, soothe any irritation, enhance the ability of your skin to retain moisture and remove excess oil. This toner for acne may also help minimise enlarged pores to make your skin clean and clear. The brand also states that this 200-millilitre bottle of toner is free from paraben and alcohol.

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2. Biocule Oil Clear Clarifying Toner

Biocule Oil Clear Clarifying Toner contains salicylic acid and lactic acid, which is derived from willow bark & bilberry. This toner is also enriched with the goodness of aloe vera, neem, green tea and chamomile, which may help cleanse, minimise and tighten pores, remove excess sebum and provide a gentle peeling effect to help promote cell regeneration. The brand claims that its alcohol-free toner for acne-prone skin can restrict acne breakouts and blackheads by cleaning bacteria and dirt from clogged pores.

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3. Vedic Line Green Apple Toner

Include the goodness of green apples in your skincare routine by adding this toner from Vedic Line. Enriched with green apple extract and glycerin, this face toner may help improve your skin texture, nourish your skin, increase skin hydration, relieve redness and leave your skin feeling fresh. It may even help remove dirt, and excess oil, maintain pH level, tighten pores and reduce breakouts. The brand claims that this product is made with the finest actives, and is free from paraben and cruelty.

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4. Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight and Fade Toner

Specially crafted for acne-prone skin, this face toner from Neutrogena may help fight breakouts and fade the appearance of post-acne marks. This bottle of acne toner contains glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which can help exfoliate dead skin cells. The brand claims that its product is clinically proven to reduce pimple size, swelling and redness in under 8 hours.

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5. Thayer’s Toner

Elevate your skincare routine by including the goodness of witch hazel, coconut water and aloe vera. This face toner from Thayer’s is specially formulated for acne-prone skin. Regular use of this toner may help minimise the size of pores, remove impurities, improve your skin texture, and tone and make it look hydrated for 8 hours. The brand also claims that this product is free from alcohol, which makes it safe to use.

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6. SKIN&CO Roma Truffle Therapy Face Toner

SKIN&CO Roma Truffle Therapy Face Toner is specially developed for acne-prone skin. This alcohol-free product is packed with sage lemon, calendula, niacinamide, lactic acid, organic lavender, cucumber, black truffle, proline and glycerin. It may help remove impurities, clarify your skin, control oiliness and boost hydration. The brand also mentioned that this product is vegan, free from gluten, GMO, parabens, silicons and phthalates.

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What are the benefits of toners for acne-prone skin?

• Toners can help restore the skin’s natural pH balance, creating an inhospitable environment for acne-causing bacteria.
• Using toners can help remove impurities, excess oil and residual makeup. They deeply cleanse your skin to prevent clogged pores, which can lead to acne.
• Toners that contain witch hazel or niacinamide can help tighten and minimise the appearance of pores. Regular use of these toners may help improve your skin texture, reduce the likelihood of pore blockage and help you get clean skin. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology mentioned that witch hazel can treat chronic inflamed skin, improve skin barrier function, and improve your overall skin health.
• Most of the toners are packed with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which can help provide a hydration and moisture boost without clogging pores.
• The presence of ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile and green tea extract in toners for acne-prone skin can help soothe irritation, redness and swelling. They can also calm current breakouts and prevent further irritation, which can lead to more acne.
• Toners which contain AHAs and BHAs may help remove dead skin cells, and prevent them from clogging pores and leading to breakouts.

Also Read: 5 best toners for every skin type to boost skin hydration

Things to remember when buying the best toner for acne-prone skin?

Here is a guide to help you choose the right toner for acne-prone skin:

• For oily and acne-prone skin, look for toners that come with astringent properties to help control excess oil without stripping your skin of moisture.
• Pay attention to the ingredients list of the product and make sure that it contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, aloe vera, tea tree oil, niacinamide and chamomile.
• Avoid buying products that contain harsh ingredients like alcohol, essential oils, fragrances, parabens and sulphates.
• Look for toners that are labelled as pH-balanced or have a pH level close to that of your skin.
• Consider the additional benefits of the product. Check if it can boost hydration, provide anti-ageing benefits and support skin barrier function.
• Consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about the product. They will recommend the product based on your skin’s specific needs and medical history.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Which toner is best for acne-prone skin?
  A study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology mentioned that using toners that contain witch hazel, aloe leaf juice, glycolic acid, sodium hydroxide and more can help improve acne and the overall appearance of your skin.
• Is rose water toner good for acne?
  A study published in Food Science & Nutrition mentioned that rose peel extract provides anti-inflammatory benefits. A toner infused with the goodness of rose water can help suppress sUV-induced MAPK activation.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)