Many people think of a core skin care routine as involving the trifecta of a facial cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. But there’s a fourth product that could be considered an important step as well: toner. It’s usually applied after face wash and before moisturizer, and many people use it to help with excess oiliness or acne, though some may use toner to boost hydration. Plus, it’s the perfect product for a busy professional who prioritizes skin clarity. Toner is quick and easy to apply and can have a big impact—with one tester seeing a noticeable improvement in her acne in just two weeks.
But not all toners are the same, as we learned while testing some of the most popular products on the market today. Some toners felt better on the skin than others, some layered better under makeup, and some product formulations were better for oily skin while others were better for dry skin. Read on to find which toners we liked best.
Best Toners for Acne of 2026
- Best Overall: DRMTLGY BHA Toner
- Best with Beta-Hydroxy Acid: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Best with Glycolic Acid: COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
- Best for Oily Skin: Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner
- Best for Dry Skin: The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner
Best Toners for Acne Comparison Table
Best Overall: DRMTLGY BHA Toner
DRMTLGY BHA Toner
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at DRMTLGY
- Our thoughts: We loved how easy it was to use this product and how it made a difference in acne and skin tone in just a couple of weeks
- Who it’s for: Professionals with acne-prone skin who want an easy, refreshing way to help combat breakouts without irritating sensitive skin
- What makes it different: Formula includes both salicylic acid and botanical extracts
Pros
- Noticeably improved skin tone and acne
- Very quick to use
- Layered well under other products
Cons
- Didn’t completely eliminate acne, so some people may prefer a more aggressive approach
Our Thoughts on DRMTLGY BHA Toner
This toner is formulated with beta-hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid, and is designed to unclog and tighten pores and help improve clarity in acne-prone skin. The ingredient list also includes botanical extracts like papaya, olive, and rosemary that are intended to help soothe skin and reverse signs of acne scarring. This toner is free of parabens and sulfates, and to use it, you simply apply the toner to your face and neck using a cotton pad. You can use this toner twice per day according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Kylee, a member of our testing team, tried DRMTLGY BHA Toner. She said she has acne-prone, sensitive skin that’s uneven in tone, and that she’s tried many acne treatments—most of which dried out her skin, causing irritation without helping prevent future breakouts. “This one, however, left my face feeling hydrated and looking glowy,” said Kylee.
When she used this toner, she reported, “The spray comes out as a fine mist, which feels refreshing and dries in under 30 seconds. It doesn’t leave behind any residue, stickiness, or greasiness. It also smells minty and feels refreshing.” Kylee rated the application a 5 out of 5, adding, “This makes my skin feel hydrated and look glowy after applying, and it works really well with other products.”
Kylee also rated her skin comfort after using this product a 5 out of 5, explaining, “My skin has really liked it so far, and I have sensitive skin.”
She rated it a 4 out of 5 for its overall effectiveness, explaining that while it didn’t completely clear her acne after three weeks of use, it noticeably evened her skin tone.
Our tester said, “My blemishes have been healing faster, and I am not seeing as many breakouts as I normally do—and they are milder. The blackheads on my nose are improving as well, and I’m seeing a lot fewer clogged pores on my skin, which is my typical problem area.” Kylee added that she’ll keep using this product because she saw noticeable improvements in her skin tone and acne after just a couple of weeks.
Overall, Kylee said the product fit seamlessly into her routine. “It’s super easy to use this product. It absorbs in less than 30 seconds and layers extremely well under my moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup. It also doesn’t cause any pilling, redness, flakiness, or irritation.” We recommend it for professionals who want to address acne without adding a time-consuming step to their routine, and who want something that feels refreshing and non-irritating.
Specs:
- Best for: Combination and oily skin, including skin prone to blackheads, breakouts, oiliness, enlarged pores, and acne
- Active ingredients: Salicylic acid 2%
- Cost per ounce: $4.17
Best with Beta-Hydroxy Acid: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Paula’s Choice
- Our thoughts: Our tester found that this toner led to clearer, smoother skin even when using only once or twice a week
- Who it’s for: Professionals looking for a skin-care solution that involves gentle exfoliation to help reduce acne and promote skin clarity
- What makes it different: Formulated to be fast-absorbing and gentle
Pros
- Resulted in noticeably clearer, smoother skin
- Absorbed quickly
- Just a small amount of product required per use
Cons
- Highest cost per ounce, which may not suit some people’s budgets
- Felt overly drying with daily use
Our Thoughts on Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This toner’s key ingredient is salicylic acid, which is meant to help unclog pores and control oil in order to improve skin clarity. The formula is designed to be lightweight and fast-absorbing, while also gentle and soothing. Unlike harsher scrubs, the company says this “gentle exfoliating toner mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores.”
To use this product, apply it to your clean face, neck, décolleté, and any breakout-prone areas using either your hands or cotton rounds. You can use it either once or twice a day, and it can be followed with additional skin care products like moisturizer and sunscreen.
A member of our testing team, Sarah, said she has combination skin that’s also sometimes dehydrated. She tried this toner and said, “I feel like it worked pretty well compared to other acne treatments.”
Sarah said the product is easy to dispense, noting that it was a straightforward and spill-free experience. “Because the formula is so thin and watery, a couple of shakes were plenty, so it doesn’t take much product per use.” She added that it was easy to spread evenly across her entire face, rating the overall application process a 5 out of 5.
“This is a thin, watery liquid, and it feels light,” said Sarah, explaining, “It absorbed quickly, and my skin felt dry to the touch within a couple of minutes. It left no residue, stickiness, or greasiness behind, and my skin felt clean and smooth, not tight or stripped.” She rated her overall skin comfort after using this product a 3.5 out of 5.
One thing Sarah noticed with repeated use of this toner: “It can lead to dryness, especially if I use too much or use it too often. To avoid that, I only use it once or twice a week before bed as part of my nighttime routine.”
Sarah reported that using this product once or twice a week still yielded positive results, explaining, “My skin does look clearer and feels smoother after using it. I’ve noticed fewer new breakouts. It helps keep my pores looking cleaner, and I’ve noticed less congestion and fewer blackheads around my nose and chin.” She rated the overall effectiveness of this product a 4 out of 5.
We recommend it for professionals looking for a quick skincare tweak that may result in clearer, smoother skin.
Specs:
- Best for: Normal to oily or combination skin prone to bumps and blemishes
- Active ingredients: Salicylic acid
- Cost per ounce: $9.25
Best with Glycolic Acid: COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: We like the gentle, beginner-friendly formula with glycolic acid and betaine salicylate that was easy to apply and didn’t dry out skin
- Who it’s for: Professionals new to using clarifying toners
- What makes it different: The beginner-friendly formulation
Pros
- Felt very hydrating
- Convenient spray application
- Paired well with other skincare products
Cons
- Felt slightly sticky while drying
Our Thoughts on COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
This clarifying toner includes glycolic acid, betaine salicylate, willow bark water, and apple fruit water to help improve skin texture while exfoliating and hydrating. The product is specifically formulated for those who are new to chemical exfoliation, according to the company’s website, as this product offers gentle exfoliation and can be used daily—even by people with sensitive skin. To use, the company says to spray the toner onto a cotton pad, rub it around your face, avoiding the eye and mouth area, and follow with sunscreen if you’re using it during the day. The instructions also say to avoid using this toner with other acids like retinols and vitamin C.
A member of our testing team, Meredith, used this product. Prior to testing, she described her skin as combination skin prone to dryness and dehydration, with some breakouts and uneven texture.
Right away, Meredith commented on how much she liked the packaging because she prefers toners that you can spray. “It’s my favorite application method for toners because you can easily spray it over your face and then dab it with a cotton pad. It makes application very easy.” She rated the application process a 5 out of 5.
“While it does ultimately feel nice and absorb into the skin, I’ve noticed that there’s a period of time when it feels a bit sticky while it’s drying, and I don’t love that,” noted Meredith, adding, “But I do love how my skin feels after it dries completely.” She rated her skin comfort after using this product a 3.5 out of 5.
Meredith said her skin didn’t feel overly dry after using this toner, and that it “actually feels more moisturized than some other toners I’ve tried in the past.” She also said it layers well with her other skin care products. She rated the product’s effectiveness a 4 out of 5, saying after she used this toner, “Almost immediately my skin felt more moisturized and hydrated, and throughout the day my skin isn’t getting as oily as it usually does.”
We recommend this for busy professionals who want a toner that’s available as a spray for super-efficient application, and for those new to clarifying toners who want to start with a gentle formula.
Specs:
- Best for: All skin types including sensitive skin
- Active ingredients: Glycolic acid, betaine salicylate
- Cost per ounce: $3.94
Best for Oily Skin: Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: Our tester found this very well-suited to her oily skin, better than other brands she previously used
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want a quick, efficient product to help improve oily skin.
- What makes it different: Includes grape water and rose water, plus an essential oil blend, in addition to salicylic acid
Pros
- Helped clear and heal breakouts
- Product was easy to dispense with minimal waste
- Very easy to apply
Cons
- Slightly drying, which may not be ideal for some skin types
Our Thoughts on Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner
This purifying toner includes salicylic acid to help “exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce excess oil, visibly tighten pores, and minimize blackheads,” according to the company’s website. The formula also includes grape water, rose water, and an essential oil blend, ingredients meant to soothe, hydrate, and improve skin texture. The instructions for this toner say to apply it in the morning and evening on clean skin, using a cotton pad or clean fingers, and avoiding the eye area.
Emily, a member of our testing team (distinct from the staff writer of the same name), said she has acne-prone, oily skin. She said that while she’s used other toners, this one was well-suited for her oily skin.
The application process was relatively easy. As Emily explained, “You kind of have to squeeze the bottle a bit to get the toner to come out onto a cotton pad. I do like that it doesn’t come out too quickly, as I find with a micellar water I use, which can waste product. With this Caudalie toner, I only need to use a little on a cotton pad, and it spreads evenly across my whole face and neck.” Emily rated the application process a 4.5 out of 5.
According to Emily, the toner absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any residue. She did note, “You’ll just want to make sure to moisturize after using it,” as the product has a drying effect. She rated her skin comfort after using this product a 4.5 out of 5.
In terms of how well this product worked, Emily said, “I feel like it has done a great job drying out breakouts and making them heal faster.” She rated this toner’s effectiveness a 4.5 out of 5.
Because our tester said this toner could be slightly drying, we’d recommend it for professionals with oily skin who want to address excess oil.
Specs:
- Best for: All skin types, including skin prone to breakouts, acne, oiliness, and clogged pores
- Active ingredients: Salicylic acid
- Cost per ounce: $4.48
Best for Dry Skin: The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner
The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: Our tester said this toner improved the size and redness of her acne, all without drying out her skin
- Who it’s for: Professionals with dry skin who want a toner that feels moisturizing while also supporting skin clarity
- What makes it different: Its yeast ferment technology and moisturizing effect
Pros
- Felt moisturizing
- Packaging design helped control amount of product used
- Helped clear acne
Cons
- Felt slightly sticky
- Didn’t improve older acne scars
Our Thoughts on The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner
This toner, which the company website says is especially beneficial for dry skin, is formulated to offer gentle exfoliation, which can help promote smooth skin and boost hydration. The key ingredient is described as “a 30 percent concentration of Saccharomyces ferment,” a “yeast ferment technology” that purportedly exfoliates skin to promote a more even skin texture and boost radiance. The company says this product also gives all-day hydration and promotes a stronger skin barrier.
A member of our testing team, Olivia, said she has acne-prone, combination, and sensitive skin. She tried this toner and said it takes a little more effort to get the product out of the container, but noted that the consistency is quite thin, so she ultimately appreciated the dispensing mechanism. Olivia rated the application a 4.5 out of 5.
Once the toner is applied, “It’s not unpleasant, but it feels filmy and sticky on the skin,” said Olivia, adding that she thought this toner would work best at night, rather than being layered under makeup and sunscreen. Overall, she said, “This feels good on my skin. The toner feels gentle but also helps dry up my acne.” Olivia also said the product was very moisturizing, giving it a 5 out of 5 for skin comfort.
“There was noticeable improvement in the size and redness of my acne,” noted Olivia, explaining that while the toner didn’t improve older acne scarring, it did help with oil control and skin hydration. She rated it a 4 out of 5 for effectiveness. We recommend this toner for professionals with dry skin who want a toner that not only helps clear acne but also moisturizes.
Specs:
- Best for: Suitable for all skin types, including those with textural irregularities, dryness, and uneven skin tone
- Active ingredients: 30% concentration of Saccharomyces ferment, with 3% fermented N-acetylglucosamine
- Cost per ounce: $4.12
Why the Right Toners for Acne Matter to Professionals
Clarifying toners are generally meant to help reduce acne and improve skin tone, but they can sometimes be too drying—which can mean showing up at work with irritated skin. And when your skin feels tight and dry, it’s not only physically uncomfortable, but it can also impact your self-esteem. The right toner promotes clear skin while also keeping moisture in, allowing you to focus on your to-do list instead of your appearance.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Toners for Acne
This is what we considered when choosing our lineup.
Texture and Feel
Our testing team reported on each toner’s consistency and how it felt after application—whether it fully absorbed or left a sticky residue.
Skin Comfort
We also paid attention to how each toner made the skin feel after application, and whether it was comfortable and hydrating, tight, or something in between.
Effectiveness
One of the most important things we looked at was how well each toner actually worked. Testers disclosed their skin types prior to testing, then looked at how well each toner addressed their specific issues, including things like acne, sensitivity, redness, uneven skin tone, dry skin, and more.
Value
We know everyone has different priorities when shopping for skin care, but for many people price is an important variable. Here’s the price of each product we tested, plus the cost-per-ounce breakdown.
How to Find the Best Toners for Acne for You
Here’s how to choose the best toner if you have acne-prone skin.
Your Skin Type
Consider your skin type and what you’re looking for in a toner. For example, some toners are designed for oily skin, whereas others are formulated to help with dry skin. Be sure to take your unique skin type into account when selecting a toner.
Key Ingredients
Pay attention to both the active ingredients and the other ingredients in a product’s formula, and avoid any product with ingredients that you know cause issues for your skin type. You also want to make sure the active ingredients are a suitable strength for your skin type. For example, one of the toners we tested was designed for beginners who haven’t really used products like this before, which can be helpful for gently easing a new product into your routine.
Cost
If price is one of the things you consider when shopping for skin care (and we realize it is for most people), be sure to land on your preferred budget before beginning your search. Keep in mind that price isn’t synonymous with effectiveness, so you should be able to find an excellent toner regardless of your preferred price point.
What to Avoid in Toners for Acne
According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a toner for acne:
- Look for these key ingredients: Jaliman advised looking for a toner with niacinamide to improve redness, glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration, or aloe, which is anti-inflammatory.
- Avoid these ingredients: “I would avoid coconut oil and wheat germ oil, which are comedogenic and can make acne worse,” said Jaliman, adding, “I would also avoid fragrance, as it can be irritating.”
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
DRMTLGY BHA Toner was our favorite overall toner, as our tester found it refreshing, easy to use, and effective—with our tester reporting noticeable improvements in her acne-prone skin in just two weeks. We’d recommend it for professionals who want something quick and easy to help reduce breakouts and redness, and something that works for even sensitive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Do toners help with acne?
Toners can help with acne, depending on their active ingredients, said Jaliman. “If, for example, they have salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, or mandelic acid, they can improve mild to moderate acne,” she said.
When should you apply toner in an acne skin care routine?
“You should apply toner as the second step after you wash your face with a mild cleanser,” said Jaliman.
What is the difference between a toner and an astringent?
According to Jaliman, a toner is the general category, and an astringent is a subset of that category. She explained, “An astringent usually contains a higher alcohol content, so it is more drying to the skin. It gets rid of the surface oils on the skin and can affect the skin barrier. It’s not the best choice for sensitive skin.”