Shine Control: The Best Toners to Keep Your Oily Skin in Check

Shine Control: The Best Toners to Keep Your Oily Skin in Check

Looking for the perfect toner for oily skin? This article will help you find the right one and keep your face shine-free. Learn why different toners work, how they can help manage oil production, and which ones best suit your specific needs!

Jessica Sullivan

Oily skin is a common concern for many people. Excessive oil production can lead to clogged pores, acne-prone skin, and a greasy appearance. The best toner for oily skin can help manage oily skin by removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin's surface.

However, not all toners are created equal, and finding the right one for your oily skin can be challenging. This article will explore the best toners for oily and combination skin.

Why Toners are Essential for Oily Skin

Managing oily skin can be difficult, and finding the right products to balance excess sebum production can be challenging. Among the many beauty products available, toners are a must-have for oily skin. Toners remove any remaining dirt, oil, and impurities left on the skin after cleansing. They also help to restore the skin's pH balance and prepare it for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Controls Excess Oil Production

Toners can help control excess oil production by removing residual oil and impurities accumulated on the skin throughout the day. By keeping the skin's surface clean, toners regulate sebum production, reducing the appearance of shiny skin. Toners formulated with tea tree oil, witch hazel, and salicylic acid are especially effective in controlling oiliness and preventing breakouts.

Minimizes the Appearance of Pores

Oily skin is often accompanied by large pores, which can become clogged with excess sebum and debris, leading to acne-prone skin. Toners containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) work to exfoliate the skin's surface, helping to unclog pores and minimize their appearance.

Soothes Inflammation

Oily skin can be prone to inflammation and irritation, further exacerbating oil production and leading to acne breakouts. Toners containing calming ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, and green tea extract can help soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation.

Boosts Hydration

Although oily skin produces excess oil, it needs hydration to maintain health and elasticity. Toners formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help boost hydration levels in the skin, leaving it feeling plump and supple.

Breaking Down Different Types of Toners

Tea Tree Toner - Provides Nourishment to Skin

Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antifungal ingredient that can help control oil production and prevent breakouts—toners containing tea tree oil nourish the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Witch Hazel Toner - Provides Clarification to Skin

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help tighten pores and reduce the appearance of oiliness. Toners containing witch hazel work on clarifying the skin, removing any remaining impurities and excess oil.

Salicylic Acid Toner - Provides Deep Cleansing to Skin

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that can penetrate deep into the pores, helping to unclog and exfoliate them—toners containing salicylic acid work to provide deep cleansing to the skin, preventing breakouts and reducing oiliness.

Aloe Vera Toner - Provides Calming Effect on Skin

Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that can soothe and calm irritated skin. Toners containing aloe vera are calming, reducing redness and inflammation in oily skin.

Glycolic Acid Toner - Provides Exfoliation for Dead Skin Cells.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that can help exfoliate the skin's surface, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Toners containing glycolic acid work to provide gentle exfoliation, promoting cell turnover and minimizing the appearance of pores.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Toner

Zinc | Mattifying Face Spray and Acne Toner | Reduces Shine for Oil Control | Alcohol-Free Face Mist for Acne Prone Skin

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Toner

Best for Control Excess Oil

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Why We Love It

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Face Toner is a calming and refreshing face mist designed to target key signs of oily skin. Formulated with zinc sulfate, this lightweight mist gently tones the skin while promoting clarity and regulating oil production.

Its clear, water-like texture provides an immediate sensation of freshness and comfort – perfect for sensitive or oily skin types. Regular use helps minimize shine, reduce breakouts, and refine skin's overall appearance for a more balanced complexion. Plus, it's easy to use – just spritz on the skin after cleansing for a hydrating finish.

What You Need to Know

It helps reduce shine, mattify the skin, and cleanse impurities. Combining zinc sulfate and sodium chloride balances oil production while soothing redness and irritation. After use, your skin will feel less shiny and greasy.

Additionally, it can help control excess sebum that contributes to breakouts without stripping natural moisture from the skin.

Natural Outcome Oily Skin Face Toner

Purifying Astringent Facial Toner | Naturally Keeps Skin Matte & Shine Free | Minimizes Appearance of Pores While Keeping Skin Hydrated with Aloe Vera

Natural Outcome Oily Skin Face Toner

Best Price

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Why We Love It

Natural Outcome Oily Skin Face Toner is a great way to achieve a balanced matte complexion with smaller pores and reduce blackheads and redness.

This face toner features natural ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel, and jojoba oil, effectively extracting excess oils from your skin while deeply hydrating it. The lightweight toner feels refreshing, leaving a smooth and supple texture without an oily residue.

What You Need to Know

It is formulated with natural ingredients to remove excess oil while providing hydration and nourishment effectively. With regular use, it will help control oil production, leaving your face looking refreshed and revitalized. To apply, soak a cotton pad in toner and gently wipe onto your face in a circular motion. This easy-to-use toner is suitable for all skin types - even those with oily and sensitive skin!


Minimalist PHA 3% Alcohol-Free Face Toner

Pore Tightening & Mild Exfoliation for Oily, Acne Prone, Sensitive & Normal Skin | Hydrating Face Toner for Glowing Skin

Minimalist PHA 3% Alcohol-Free Face Toner

Best for Sensitive Skin

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Why We Love It

The Minimalist PHA 3% Alcohol-Free Face Toner is a lightweight and luxurious toner that will leave your skin feeling smooth, hydrate skin, and makes the appearance fresh. It absorbs quickly and completely into the skin to reduce pore size while removing congested dirt and oil. With consistent use, this toner works to unclog pores and help keep the skin looking clear and healthy – all without alcohol or harsh chemicals!

What You Need to Know

It contains Polyhydroxy Acids (PHA), which are larger molecules than Glycolic acid, so they penetrate the skin slowly to deliver a more even and gradual exfoliation.

This feature makes it ideal for those who want to gently remove dead skin cells, refine pores, and achieve smoother, softer-looking skin. Adding alcohol-free ingredients helps keep your complexion hydrated and healthy-looking all day.

ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Hydrating Face Toner

Hyaluronic Acid for Sensitive, Oily, Dry, Skin | Deep Moisturizing Facial Moisturizer Hypoallergenic

ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Hydrating Face Toner

Best for Hydration

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Why We Love It

The ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Hydrating Face Toner is a gentle, non-irritating formula enriched with natural ingredients. It helps replenish and restore the moisture levels on your skin while balancing out the oil levels.

With its hydrating properties, this toner will be absorbed quickly and deeply into your skin without clogging pores or causing any heaviness. The powerful blend of green tea extract, aloe vera leaf extract, and hyaluronic acid help to nourish and revive dull skin for a healthy-looking complexion throughout the day.

What You Need to Know

The main ingredient, Green Tea Extract 80%, is derived from Jeju Island in South Korea and contains Amino Acids, Minerals, Polyphenols, and Protein that work together to relieve skin stress and inflammation while reviving the skin. Additionally, Allantoin, Natural Extracts, Hyaluronic Acid, and Centella Asiatica Extract help protect the skin from further damage. The SeboCut Complex controls excess sebum production, while the MoistMax ensures proper moisture levels for all skin types.

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

Combination and Oily Skin | Minimizes Large Pores

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

Best for Reducing Large Pores

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Why We Love It

Paula's Choice Skin Tone Balancing Toner is the perfect product for those looking to reduce blackheads, shrink pores, and enhance their skin's youthful appearance. The formula works to fight the effects of aging while providing a smooth and unblemished complexion. Use it as part of your daily or nightly skincare routine to see maximum results - and don't forget that packaging may vary!

What You Need to Know

It helps to balance out the skin, refine the pores, and protect it from further damage. The toner contains powerful antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of oily areas, making them less noticeable so your skin looks more even. Additionally, hydrating ceramides in the formula ensure that your skin stays hydrated and healthy even when dealing with excessive oil production.

PCA SKIN Smoothing Facial Toner

Alcohol-Free Face Treatment with Aloe Vera | Lactic & Citric Acids | Reduces Appearance of Pores & Acne

PCA SKIN Smoothing Facial Toner

Best for Acne Prone Skin

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Why We Love It

PCA SKIN Smoothing Facial Toner is a powerful botanical blend that helps reduce excess oil and tightens pores, making your skin smoother and clearer. This toner contains ingredients like witch hazel, allantoin, aloe vera, lavender, and chamomile extract, which help soothe the skin while reducing the appearance of signs of aging.

It also contains lactic acid to help exfoliate the skin gently and improve clarity. This toner is ideal for those with oily or combination skin types looking to balance their complexion while improving overall tone.

What You Need to Know

PCA SKIN Smoothing Facial Toner is the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine. Wash your face, dampen a cotton pad with a small toner, and apply it over your face and neck for an added layer of protection and hydration.

Use daily or as needed for best results. Don't forget to complete your regimen with SPF during the day and moisturizer at night for optimal skin health!

THAYERS Alcohol-Free

Hydrating Cucumber Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula

THAYERS Alcohol-Free

Best Gentle and Calming Formula

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Why We Love It

THAYERS Alcohol-Free Toner is an alcohol-free face toner that helps soothe, tone, hydrate, and balance your skin's pH. It reduces the look of pores, even out oily skin, and maintains your skin's moisture barrier for a healthy complexion. This gentle formula contains no fragrances or harsh chemicals, making it safe for all skin types.

What You Need to Know

It contains natural witch hazel extract - known for its healing properties - and other plant extracts to help balance skin tone, reduce pores, and enhance skin texture. Use daily for best results – within just one week of use; you'll notice clearer, smoother, and more balanced skin. Non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores or cause breakouts.

Tips for Choosing the Best Toner For Oily Skin

Choosing the best toner for oily skin is crucial. Toners can help balance your skin's pH, remove excess oil and impurities, and prevent breakouts. However, choosing the best toner for oily skin can be daunting with so many available options.

Look for toners containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble acids that help exfoliate the skin's surface and remove dead skin cells. They can also help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the appearance of pores. When looking for a toner for oily skin, look for one containing AHAs, such as glycolic or lactic acid.

Choose a toner that contains salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation. It is especially useful for those with acne-prone skin. Look for toners that contain salicylic acid to help control excess oil production and prevent breakouts.

Avoid toners containing alcohol.

Some toners contain alcohol, which can be harsh and dry on the skin. This can cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness. Look for alcohol-free toners to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Consider witch hazel toners.

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help tighten the skin, reduce inflammation, and control oil production. Look for toners that contain witch hazel to help balance your skin's pH and prevent breakouts.

Opt for toners with antioxidants.

Antioxidants such as vitamin C and green tea can help protect your skin from free radical damage and reduce inflammation. Look for toners with antioxidants to help keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can toner dry out your skin?

Some toners can be drying, particularly those that contain alcohol. However, many toners are formulated specifically for oily skin that is hydrating and non-drying.

Do you need to use toner if you have oily skin?

While toner is not necessary in every skincare routine, it can benefit those with oily skin as it helps control oil production and prevent breakouts.

How often should you use toner for oily skin?

You can use toner twice daily – once in the morning and once at night – or as needed to refresh and mattify your skin.

Can toner be used on other skin types besides oily skin?

Yes, toner can be used on all skin types, but choosing a toner formulated for your specific skin type is important.

Should you apply toner with a cotton pad or your hands?

It is typically recommended to apply toner with a cotton pad to ensure that all areas of the face are covered evenly. However, some people prefer to apply toner with their hands to avoid wastage of the product.


What You Should Know About Toners for Oily Skin

Generally, the best toner for oily skin will contain ingredients that help control excess oil production and balance the skin's pH levels.

Look for toners with salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid, which can help gently exfoliate and unclog pores. Witch hazel is another beneficial ingredient for oily skin as it has astringent properties that can reduce the look of pores and provide a mattifying effect.

However, it's important to avoid harsh alcohol-based toners that can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation.