The 7 Best Toners for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin 

Having acne-prone skin can often feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending skin crisis. One day it’s hormonal breakouts thanks to PMS, the next it’s clogged pores from your sunscreen or a dodgy pillowcase.

From bacteria, oil, or just plain stress, acne tends to have more triggers than we can keep up with. But if there’s one skincare step unsung skincare hero that deserves a bit more credit for helping oily, acne-prone skin, it’s the toner. 

In skincare, a toner is a water-based product that is applied after cleansing, and before serums or moisturisers. It cleanses off any lingering dirt, balances your pH, and preps your skin for the next steps in your routine.

For anyone with oily or acne-prone skin, the right toner can significantly improve your skincare routine by reducing excess oil, unclogging pores, and calming inflammation without drying out the skin. Below, I’ve rounded up some of the most effective toners that tackle oily, breakout-prone skin while still keeping things hydrated and balanced.

1. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Best for: Stubborn breakouts and clogged pores.

If you’ve ever dabbled in skincare TikTok, you’ve probably seen this cult-favourite bottle. With over 100,000 positive Amazon reviews, Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant is beloved by the masses. Compared to most harsh acne-fighting toners that can leave your face feeling like sandpaper, this formula uses salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid) to gently exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and fade acne over time.

It also contains green tea extract to soothe inflammation, and it’s the perfect toner for acne treatment and hydration. It feels like a treatment, but doesn’t sting or dry out your skin. Your pores will genuinely look smaller after a few weeks of using it and you’ll notice a more even skin complexion. Price: $35. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

2. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

Best for: Oily skin that still needs hydration.

Another excellent product from Paula’s Choice, this balancing toner is the quiet achiever in your skincare routine. It’s formulated with niacinamide to reduce pore size and regulate oil production, and it uses ceramides and panthenol to provide hydration and help with skin barrier repair.

It also contains chamomile which is known to calm down skin inflammation. If your skin feels red or tight after cleansing, this toner will help with oil control, acne relief, and hydration. Price: $26. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

3. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Best for: Gentle daily exfoliation.

Use this classic Korean toner if you’re looking to softly exfoliate every day without overdoing it. It combines AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) from apple fruit water and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) from willow bark water to clear off dead skin and clear pores.

Aside from these acne clearing ingredients, it also contains allantoin and panthenol to soothe and support the healing of the skin. Plus, it’s in a convenient spray bottle which makes it easy to use, travel-friendly and hygienic. It’s gentle enough to use AM and PM, especially if your skin can’t tolerate stronger acids. Price: ₦11,000. Where To Buy: Shop Nectar Beauty Hub.

READ ALSO: The Best Sunscreens With No White Cast for Sensitive Skin

4. TirTir Milk Skin Toner

Best for: Oily skin that’s also dehydrated.

Yes, oily skin can be dehydrated and this milky toner is just what that skin type needs. While it looks and feels like an essence, TirTir’s toner is packed with niacinamide, ceramides, and a long list of calming plant extracts. It plumps up tired, over-exfoliated skin and helps to restore balance, all without clogging pores. 

It uses rice bran extract and centella asiatica to nourish and repair the skin. It also contains licorice root and niacinamide to brighten the skin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate it. It’s honestly a treat to use because it has a milky texture, and it’s great for when your skin is reacting to too many actives. Price: ₦23,200. Where to Buy: Shop Hermosamart.

7. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

Best for: Active breakouts and uneven texture.

This toner really lives up to the hype. Formulated with AHA, BHA, and PHA for multi-layer exfoliation, plus tea tree leaf water to fight acne-causing bacteria, it’s perfect for those with congested skin and active breakouts.

It contains niacinamide and papaya extract which gently brighten and smoothen out your skin texture. It’s potent but balanced, and it’s perfect for skin that needs consistent acne care without overdoing it. Price: $15.80. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

6. MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Toner Pads

Best for: On-the-go acne treatment.

Convenience meets clarity with these pre-soaked toner pads. Each pad is soaked in a soothing tea tree formula that helps to control oil and reduce inflammation, while mango and licorice extracts brighten and hydrate.

Tea Tree is a popular ingredient for its antibacterial and calming effects. Toner pads are also great for travelling or days when you just want a quick cleanse and tone in one swipe. This pack contains 100 toner pads, which are more than enough to last you for a good period of time. Price: $23.99. Where to Buy: Shop Amazon.

Customer review: “This is seriously awesome! It makes your skin so smooth and soft. My skin looks brighter right away. There is a light scent which smells fresh. Comes with little tongs to pick up the toner pads. The package is huge but I read that it’s reusable and you can get refills which is great! You definitely won’t regret buying these! No issues with irritation and I have sensitive skin. They are so moist that I use it all over my face, neck, chest and on top of my hands!”

READ ALSO: 8 Skincare Products to Restore and Repair Your Skin Barrier

7. Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner

Best for: Treating and fading active breakouts. 

If you want a no-nonsense toner that does exactly what it says, this is it. The Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Toner contains 2% salicylic acid to fight existing breakouts, while glycolic acid works to fade post-acne marks.

It does contain alcohol so it’s better for those who don’t have reactive skin, but it’s incredibly effective for targeting those angry, under-the-skin spots.

It’s a great toner for hormonal breakouts or sudden flare-ups. Just don’t overuse it and make sure to generously apply sunscreen afterwards. Price: $44.99. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon

Toners have come a long way from being the alcohol-laden, skin-drying solutions of the past. For oily, acne-prone skin, they can be the secret step that refines texture, balances oil, and calms inflammation, all while prepping your skin to drink in the rest of your routine.

If you want a powerhouse exfoliant like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA, a milky hydrator like TirTir, or a multitasker like Some By Mi, a toner on this list suits your skin’s needs. 

Always patch test new toners. Start slow (especially with exfoliants), and remember to wear sunscreen every day.