10 Best Toners for Oily Skin That Won’t Strip or Sting
Oily skin has its perks (hello, slower aging), but it also needs a little extra strategy—and the right toner can make all the difference. Whether you’re after smoother texture, smaller-looking pores, or just want to stop mid-day shine from hijacking your glow, there’s something here that’ll fit your routine and your budget.
After testing countless formulas, stalking ingredient lists, and comparing results side by side (because that’s what beauty obsessives do), we’ve rounded up the 10 best toners for oily skin. These aren’t just trending—they’re actually worth the hype, whether you’re breakout-prone, constantly shiny, or dealing with textured skin.
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Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Best for Sensitive Oily Skin: EADEM Cashmere Peel Gentle AHA + PHA Exfoliating Toner
- Best Budget Pick: Celeteque Acne Solutions Oil Control Tone
Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Best Overall
This best-selling liquid exfoliant uses 2% salicylic acid (BHA) to clear clogged pores, reduce blackheads, and visibly smooth skin texture. It mimics the skin’s natural exfoliation process, shedding dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing.
The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and includes green tea extract for soothing antioxidant benefits, and methylpropanediol to enhance absorption and leave a soft, hydrated finish. With a gentle pH of 3.2–3.8, it’s ideal for daily use on oily or acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Clears and minimizes pores
- Controls oil without drying
- Enhances skin clarity and texture
Cons
- May cause purging initially
EADEM Cashmere Peel Gentle AHA + PHA Exfoliating Toner – Best for Sensitive Oily Skin
This milky exfoliant is specifically designed for oily skin, using Eadem’s FastFade™ Complex and powerful hydrating ingredients to exfoliate without stripping or drying out the skin. The combination of gentle AHA (Lactic Acid) and PHA (Gluconolactone) helps unclog pores, reduce excess oil, and improve skin texture, leaving the skin balanced and radiant.
Ideal for oily skin with hyperpigmentation or uneven tone, it brightens and smooths, while also addressing acne scars and blackheads.
Pros
- Gently exfoliates and unclogs pores
- Evens skin tone and fades hyperpigmentation
Cons
- May take time to see noticeable fading of dark spots
Celeteque Acne Solutions Oil Control Toner – Best Budget Pick
Formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, this toner helps remove excess oil and leftover dirt without over-drying. It’s infused with Aloe Vera and Chamomile Extracts to soothe and calm the skin while gently clarifying the pores, making it a great everyday option to keep breakouts at bay and skin feeling fresh.
Pros
- Removes excess oil and dirt
- Soothes skin with Aloe Vera and Chamomile
Cons
- May feel too mild for deep pore cleansing
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner – Best Multitasker
Designed for daily, gentle exfoliation, this toner combines AHA, BHA, and botanical waters to smooth skin texture, unclog pores, and maintain balanced oil levels.
Ideal for beginners, it uses willow bark water and apple fruit water to naturally exfoliate, while betaine salicylate and glycolic acid work to clear congestion and soften rough patches. Lightweight and non-irritating, it’s suitable even for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Refines texture and clears pores
- Balances oil without over-drying
Cons
- May be too mild for severe breakouts
- Slight chemical scent
Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner – Best for Deep Pore Cleaning
This alcohol-free toner uses 2% BHA (salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and remove excess oil—perfect for oily and combination skin types. Its water-light formula purifies and refreshes without drying, while targeting dullness, uneven tone, and pollution-related impurities. Suitable for all ages, it leaves skin balanced, clear, and smooth.
Pros
- Deep cleans without stripping
- Minimizes shine and excess oil
- Lightweight, clean formula
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- May not show fast results for stubborn acne
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner – Best Natural Option
Formulated with 96% natural-origin ingredients, this refreshing toner uses Community Fair Trade tea tree oil and salicylic acid to purify blemish-prone skin. It gently removes leftover grime after cleansing, reduces shine, and helps visibly minimize blemishes without drying or tightness. Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin, it’s also vegan and dermatologically tested.
Pros
- Mattifies and reduces blemishes
- Contains ethically sourced tea tree oil
- Refreshing, non-drying formula
Cons
- Strong tea tree scent
- May tingle on sensitive skin
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – Best for Brightening
This water-based exfoliating toner features 7% glycolic acid (AHA) to remove dead skin cells, smooth texture, and reveal a more radiant, even-toned complexion. Ideal for dull or rough skin, it also includes a Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to reduce irritation from exfoliation. With a pH of 3.6, it strikes the right balance for effective yet gentle use.
Pros
- Brightens and smooths skin
- Reduces fine lines and uneven tone
- Includes soothing plant extract
Cons
- Not ideal for very sensitive skin
- Slight tingling may occur after application
Top 10 Skincare & Bodycare products
Below you can find the most popular skincare products right now on Beautinow.com.
Sol de Janeiro’s Delícia Drench™ Body Butter
Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector
Hermes Terre D´Hermes Deodorant Stick
Eve Lom Multipurpose Cleanser Balm
La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL Tone-Up Cream SPF50+
Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner
Glow Recipe PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner -Best for Hydration & Pore Care
Inspired by the Korean Aqua Peel Facial, this alcohol-free toner hydrates while tightening and refining pores. It combines 3% PHA and 2% BHA to gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and smooth skin texture. Infused with 62% watermelon extract and cactus water, it deeply hydrates, calms inflammation, and delivers essential vitamins and amino acids, leaving skin balanced and refreshed.
Pros
- Gently exfoliates and decongests pores
- Hydrates and calms with watermelon and cactus water
Cons
- Results may take time
The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner – Best for Textured Skin
Formulated with a potent 30% concentration of saccharomyces ferment, this milky toner uses yeast ferment technology to exfoliate and smooth uneven skin texture. Infused with 3% fermented N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), it helps boost skin radiance and refine the complexion.
Offering long-lasting hydration, this toner also strengthens the skin barrier, with results lasting up to 8 hours after one application. Supported by squalane, it’s an excellent choice for dry skin in need of deep hydration and nourishment.
Pros
- Exfoliates and smooths skin texture
- Provides all-day hydration
Cons
- May be too rich and thick
Celeteque Hydration Alcohol-Free Toner – Best Gentle Formula
This alcohol-free toner is designed for sensitive to dry skin, gently removing residual dirt and impurities without stripping moisture. Infused with Witch Hazel Extract, it helps soothe and calm the skin while maintaining hydration. Dermatologist-tested and free from common irritants, it’s a safe and gentle choice for daily use.
Pros
- Soothes and hydrates sensitive skin
- Alcohol-free and non-comedogenic
Cons
- May not control oil for very oily skin types
What to Look for in a Toner for Oily Skin
Ingredients That Actually Help Oily Skin
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): Penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil and prevent breakouts.
- PHA (Polyhydroxy Acids): A gentler alternative to AHAs/BHAs—great for exfoliating oily, sensitive skin.
- Niacinamide: A multi-tasker that helps regulate oil production and minimizes the appearance of pores.
- Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free): Offers natural astringent benefits without drying your skin out.
- Gluconolactone & Lactic Acid: Hydrating exfoliants that gently resurface skin.
- Green Tea, Tea Tree, or Chamomile Extracts: Help calm inflammation and support clearer skin.
- Glycerin & Hyaluronic Acid: Even oily skin needs hydration—these humectants lock in moisture without clogging pores.
Ingredients That Could Make Oily Skin Worse
- Denatured Alcohol / SD Alcohol: Often listed as “alcohol” on labels—these can dry out your skin, triggering even more oil production.
- Fragrance / Parfum: Can be irritating, especially for breakout-prone skin.
- Harsh Astringents: Ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus may cause stinging or inflammation.
- Heavy Oils or Occlusives: Coconut oil or lanolin can clog pores and trap bacteria when used in toners.
Toners are no longer the astringent, burn-your-face-off step they used to be. These picks hydrate, exfoliate, and balance—all without stripping your skin barrier. Trust your skin with one of these, and oily won’t feel like a curse anymore—it’ll just be another thing you’ve got totally under control.