Best Toner for Oily Skin
Toners for oily skin should use BHA or niacinamide. Here are the 5 best picks.
Our #1 pick
Heads up: this post has affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy something, at no extra cost to you. We only link to stuff we'd actually tell a friend about. Prices shown are approximate and change often; check the retailer for current pricing.
Quick answer: toner for oily skin
- Best overall: Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid
- Lowest price tier: CeraVe AHA Toner (Under $25)
- Splurge: Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster (Under $50)
Oily skin benefits from BHA toners that unclog pores and glycolic toners that refine texture. Skip old-school alcohol astringents, they strip skin and trigger more oil. Use 2-3x weekly, not daily if also using retinoid.
| # | Product | Price tier | Why it made the list |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paula's Choice2% BHA Liquid | Under $50 | The BHA standard |
| 2 | The OrdinaryGlycolic Acid 7% Toner | Under $25 | Budget glycolic toner at under $25 |
| 3 | NaturiumBHA Liquid 2% | Under $25 | Paula's Choice dupe at under $25 |
| 4 | CeraVe AHA Toner | Under $25 | Gentle drugstore AHA toner |
| 5 | Paula's Choice10% Niacinamide Booster | Under $50 | Sebum control serum |
Our top 5 picks
CeraVe
AHA Toner
Gentle drugstore AHA toner
More on toner for oily skin
Frequently asked
Do I need a toner? +
No, modern cleansers don't leave residue. Toner is optional for targeted treatment (BHA for pores, AHA for texture).
What is the best toner for oily skin? +
Our top pick for toner for oily skin is Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid. The BHA standard. The runner-up is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner.
How much should I spend on toner for oily skin? +
The 5 picks here run from the Under $25 tier (CeraVe AHA Toner) up to the Under $50 tier (Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster). CeraVe AHA Toner is the lowest-cost way in, and Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster is the splurge.
Premium Beauty
More Premium Beauty picks
If money isn't the object, these are our Premium Beauty favorites site-wide.
CurrentBody
Under $500Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2
236 LEDs. Red 633nm + NIR 830nm. Flexible fit.
Buy on Amazon →Dr. Dennis Gross
Under $500DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
Rigid shell. 100 red + 62 blue LEDs. Sephora's bestseller.
Buy on Amazon →Omnilux
Under $500Men LED Face Mask
Omnilux's in-stock flexible LED face mask (the Contour Face is out of stock on Amazon).
Buy on Amazon →Therabody
Under $500TheraFace PRO
Microcurrent, red light and percussive therapy in one handheld. Replaces three single-purpose gadgets.
Buy on Amazon →Therabody
Under $500TheraFace PRO
Red light + microcurrent + percussive + cleansing. Sci-fi gadget.
Buy on Amazon →Augustinus Bader
Under $500The Cream
TFC8 tech. The one celebrities keep talking about.
Buy on Amazon →