This alcohol-free, pH-balanced toner from Minimalist contains 3% PHA (polyhydroxy acid) which provides mild exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. The lightweight, non-drying formula also contains panthenol and allantoin to soothe and hydrate the skin.
With its pore-refining PHA content and hydrating ingredients, this Minimalist toner is an excellent option for keeping acne-prone skin clear while maintaining softness and glow. The gentle exfoliation helps prevent future breakouts by keeping pores clear. We find this to be one of the best and most affordable toners for acne-prone Indian skin.
Plum’s green tea toner is an alcohol-free, vegan formula containing glycolic acid to exfoliate, control oiliness, and fight acne. Green tea provides antioxidants to soothe inflammation while also tightening pores.
With potent ingredients like glycolic acid and green tea, this toner from Plum targets all the common issues faced by acne-prone skin – clogged pores, inflammation, and excess oil. The formula is free of alcohol which can be overly drying. We find this to be one of the best toners available in India for oily, acne-prone skin types.
Biotique’s tea tree toner is enriched with tea tree oil, a natural antibacterial ingredient that clears acne and blemishes. The formula also contains bark extracts to cleanse pores deeply, mint to soothe inflammation, and Himalayan water to refresh the skin.
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, tea tree oil can work wonders to dry out pimples and control shine. We like Biotique’s blend of tea tree with other natural extracts like mint and bark which provide a synergistic effect to combat multiple issues like clogged pores, irritation, and excess oil production. This is an affordable, natural toner well-suited for Indian skin types.
This toner from Plum combines two hero ingredients – niacinamide and rice water extract. Enriched with 3% niacinamide, it tackles blemishes, dullness, enlarged pores, and uneven texture. Rice water extract deeply nourishes and brightens the complexion. The formula is free of alcohol and fragrances.
With its triple threats of niacinamide, rice water extract and zero alcohol, this Plum toner is a winning formulation for acne-prone Indian skin. It addresses both active acne and resultant scarring in one product. The lightweight texture won’t clog pores further or cause any irritation. For marks-prone, sensitive skin, this is an excellent alcohol-free option.
This purifying toner from Kaya Clinic combines niacinamide and glycolic acid to clear acne while exfoliating dead skin cells. Witch hazel tightens pores and regulates oil production. The formula is free of alcohol which can dry out the skin.
Kaya Clinic’s offering stands out for addressing both active pimples and clogged pores – two main causes behind acne in oily skin types. The niacinamide and glycolic acid work synergistically to clear and prevent further breakouts. Witch hazel makes it suitable for very oily skin without stripping away natural oils completely. This is one of the best clinic-based toners in India for acne-prone, oily skin.
This toner from Dot & Key combines Centella Asiatica (cica) extract, niacinamide, green tea, and witch hazel to calm irritation, clear acne, and fade scars – issues commonly faced by sensitive, acne-prone skin types. The formula is free of alcohol, silicone, sulfates etc.
Acne-prone skin needs special care and gentle ingredients that won’t cause further irritation. This Dot & Key toner fits the bill with its botanical extracts that target acne, scars and redness simultaneously. It’s one of the best natural, vegan toners in the Indian market for sensitive and marks-prone skin types struggling with acne. The formula combats multiple issues without harsh chemicals like alcohol.
Dermafique’s All Important toner is formulated with AHAs to exfoliate dead skin cells and keep pores clear, vitamin E to nourish skin, and hyaluronic acid for intense hydration. The formula is free of alcohol and parabens, making it suitable for all skin types including sensitive, acne-prone skin.
This Dermafique toner impresses us with its gentle yet effective formula that provides both exfoliation to prevent acne as well as hydration to heal it. The blend of AHAs, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid caters to all the requirements of sensitive, blemish-prone skin without irritants like alcohol and parabens. It’s one of the best dermatologist-backed toners in India for acne-prone skin types.
This unique toner-cum-oil from RE’EQUIL combines witch hazel water, healing botanical oils, and brightening extracts like daisy flower to refine pores, soothe irritation, and enhance glow in acne-prone skin. The lightweight oil absorbs quickly without clogging pores.
Acne-prone skin needs extra nourishment despite being oily, and that’s what this toner oil provides through ingredients like sea buckthorn, jojoba, and olive fruit oil. Witch hazel makes sure pores stay clear and daisy flower extract provides a subtle glow. This is undoubtedly one of most unique, skin-friendly toner formulations available in the Indian market for irritated, blemish-prone skin.
Plum’s rose water toner hydrates and nourishes skin while balancing pH levels, thanks to a base of pure Bulgarian rose water and hyaluronic acid. The gentle mist tightens pores without any drying alcohols. It’s suitable for all skin types including sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Rose water has incredible soothing and healing effects on irritated skin, which makes this Plum toner perfect for acne-prone complexions. The hydrating hyaluronic acid and pore-tightening effects further complement its ability to calm breakouts and rebalance sensitive skin without stripping it off natural oils like harsh alcohols. This is undoubtedly one of the best rose water facial toners available in India.
Enriched with glycolic acid and botanical extracts like red clover, this Be Soulfull toner exfoliates dead skin cells, minimizes the look of pores, balances pH levels and regulates oil production without drying out the skin. It leaves skin feeling refreshed and prepped for better absorption of skincare products applied afterwards.
Glycolic acid is a powerful yet gentle exfoliator for acne-prone skin when formulated well, like in this toner from Be Soulfull. In addition to keeping pores clear and skin pH balanced, the red clover extract provides antioxidant support to facilitate healing of active or pigmented acne spots. It preps skin nicely for serums and moisturizers without stripping or irritating the skin further.
This oil-balancing toner from Lacto Calamine contains kaolin clay and cucumber extract to absorb excess sebum, cleanse pores deeply, and soothe inflammation. It also includes 2% niacinamide to control oil and acne while green tea provides antioxidant protection from free radical damage.
Lacto Calamine is a trusted pharmacy brand for acne-prone skin, and this cucumber toner offering lives up to expectations. Its mattifying clay-based formula deeply cleanses pores and calms irritation without harsh alcohols or sulfates that can worsen matters. For oily, sensitive skin struggling with enlarged pores and recurrent acne, this can be an affordable, effective solution for daily use.
Biotique’s cucumber toner is enriched with skin-friendly botanical ingredients like wild turmeric, seaweed, and madder root extracts that work together to minimize pores, control excess oil secretion, soothe irritation, and maintain pH balance of acne-prone skin types without any harsh chemicals like alcohol or sulfates.
This Biotique toner banks on the natural astringent and soothing properties of cucumber along with acne-healing Ayurvedic herbs. Its botanical formula makes it gentle enough for daily use on sensitive, blemish-prone skin without worrying about dryness, irritation or pore-clogging. The pore tightening and oil controlling effects also make it suitable for oily skin types struggling with acne. For an all-natural toner made of botanical ingredients, this Biotique offering is easily among the best ones in the Indian market.
This rose water facial mist from Sotrue contains pure Bulgarian rose extracts, hydrating hyaluronic acid and pore-refining herbs to instantly soothe, balance and nourish acne-prone skin. It can be used as a pH balancing toner or a hydrating face mist depending on your needs. The formula is free of alcohol and other irritants.
Rose water has incredible anti-inflammatory properties to calm acne, whether its hormonal, cystic or resulting from product sensitivity. When combined with hyaluronic acid as in this toner, it not only heals active breakouts but also strengthens the moisture barrier of acne-prone skin against recurrent attacks. This Sotrue formula is easily one of the best rose water toners available in the Indian market for irritated, blemish-prone skin types.
This cult favorite toner from COSRX exfoliates dead skin cells and dissolves blackheads with a blend of AHA and BHA to reveal clearer, brighter skin. Centella asiatica extract soothes inflammation to prevent irritation. The formula is free of alcohol and essential oils.
COSRX needs no separate introduction when it comes to effective formulas for acne-prone skin. This global bestseller clarifying toner offers chemical exfoliation with AHAs/BHAs to not just clear acne but also fade marks and scars by accelerating cell turnover. Centella extract further facilitates healing with its anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the powerful actives, the formula itself is gentle enough for daily use morning and night. Easily one of the best chemical exfoliating toners in India for stubborn, inflamed acne.
Part of Acne Squad’s specialized acne care range, this alcohol-free toner combines 4% PHA with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to gently exfoliate, fight breakouts, hydrate and strengthen the moisture barrier of acne-prone skin. The formula helps prep skin for better absorption
Acne Squad offers one of the most specialized skincare solutions for breakout-prone Indian skin types. This toner stands out for including both exfoliating PHA and acne-fighting niacinamide along with skin-strengthening glycerin and hyaluronic acid. The alcohol-free formula provides daily renewal and rebalancing effects on oily, blemish-prone skin without causing dryness or irritation like many anti-acne toners. It preps skin perfectly for application of serums or spot treatments. Undoubtedly among the best PHAs toners in India for stubborn acne issues.
Product | Key Features | Skin Type |
---|---|---|
Minimalist 3% PHA Toner | 3% PHA exfoliates dead cells; Soothes & hydrates skin; | Oily, acne-prone, <br> normal, sensitive |
Plum Green Tea Toner | Glycolic acid exfoliant; Green tea controls oil; | Oily, acne-prone |
Biotique Tea Tree Toner | Tea tree clears acne; Mattifying effect; | Oily, acne-prone |
Plum Niacinamide Rice Toner | 3% niacinamide; Rice water brightens; | Acne-prone, <br> sensitive |
Kaya Purifying Toner | 4% niacinamide; Witch hazel controls oil; | Oily, acne-prone |
Dot & Key Cica Toner | Cica soothes irritation; Niacinamide fades marks; | Acne-prone, <br> sensitive |
Dermafique All Important Toner | AHAs exfoliate gently; Hyaluronic acid hydrates; | All including <br> acne-prone |
RE’EQUIL Pore Toner | Witch hazel tightens pores; Quick absorbing | Oily, acne-prone, <br> sensitive |
Plum Rose Water Toner | Rose water soothes; Hyaluronic acid hydrates; | All including <br> acne-prone |
Be Soulfull Pore Minimizer | 5% glycolic acid exfoliates; Non-drying | Oily, acne-prone, <br> normal, sensitive |
Lacto Calamine Cucumber Toner | Kaolin clay mattifies; 2% niacinamide fights acne; | Oily, acne-prone |
Biotique Cucumber Toner | Cucumber tones & hydrates; Madder root extract heals; | Normal, oily |
Sotrue Rose Water Toner | Bulgarian rose water; Witch hazel tightens pores; | Oily, acne-prone, <br> normal, dry |
COSRX AHA/BHA Toner | AHA/BHA exfoliates; Centella extract soothes; | Acne-prone |
Acne Squad 4% PHA Toner | 4% PHA gently exfoliates; Niacinamide controls acne; | Acne-prone |
When choosing a toner for acne-prone skin, look for formulas containing acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, sulfur or tea tree oil. Avoid anything with pore-clogging or comedogenic components. See if the toner contains soothing antioxidants like green tea and skin-repairing extracts like Centella asiatica to prevent dryness and irritation. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid are also recommended. Stay away from toners with alcohol or harsh sulfates as they can worsen breakouts by stripping the skin excessively. Fragrance is another irritant better avoided by sensitive skin types. Also consider your skin type – oily, dry or combination. Clay-based mattifying toners suit excessively oily skin while dry-to-normal ones benefit from rose water or aloe vera based hydrating formulas.
Astringent Toners: Contain ingredients like alcohol, witch hazel or sulfur which help absorb excess oil and tighten pores. Better suited for very oily skin. PH Balancing Toners: Contain AHAs (lactic, glycolic, mandelic acid) and BHAs like salicylic acid which gently exfoliate dead skin cells, remove debris from pores, and balance out skin pH levels. Hydrating Toners: Formulas without acids or alcohols. Rely on hydrators like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, glycerin and antioxidant-rich botanical extracts to soothe inflammation and strengthen skin’s moisture barrier against acne-causing bacteria. Recommended for normal to dry, sensitive skin types. Acne Clearing Toners: Contain acne fighters like benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, tea tree oil and sulfur to dry out blemishes and pimples. Often include gentle exfoliants like PHAs as well. Skin Brightening Toners: Formulas without acids. Mainly rely on niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives or botanical extracts like licorice, mulberry to fade post-acne marks and improve uneven skin tone.
How to use: Cleanse face and neck thoroughly before application. Soak a cotton pad and sweep it all over face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Allow it to dry completely before following up with other skincare products like serums, essences or moisturizers. Can be used upto twice daily. How much to use: Pour sufficient quantity of toner onto a cotton pad so that it feels damp but not dripping wet. Using too little may not feel sufficiently refreshing while using too much liquid may not allow proper absorption and ingredient penetration. When to use: The ideal step to incorporate a toner is right after cleansing both morning and night before proceeding with other skincare steps. For a midday skin refresh, it can be misted directly instead of using cotton pads. Storage: Store toner in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle tightly closed to preserve formula integrity. Shelf life is usually 1-2 years from manufacturing date if unopened. How to make it last: Soak only one side of reusable cotton pad before swiping all over face instead of soaking entire pad. This reduces wastage allowing longer use of the product. Avoid contact with dirty hands to prevent bacterial contamination.
Yes, you can and should use a tonermade specifically for acne-prone skin. Avoid ingredients like alcohol and fragrance. Opt for gentler formulas with soothing antioxidants like green tea, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid etc. Do a patch test first.
It should be applied on clean, dry face – not wet. Damp face may dilute the toner, reduce penetration of beneficial ingredients and leave residues which can block pores further.
Not directly but certain toners containing chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs help fade acne marks and spots by increasing cell turnover to reveal brighter, scar-free skin. Others with niacinamide also help lighten dark acne scars over time.
Yes, toner can be used upto twice daily. Follow with suitable serums, treatments during your morning routine and lighter moisture-based products at night for optimal results.
While no topical product can alter hormone levels causing acne, the right toner can help manage issues like excess oil, blocked pores, dead skin buildup which trigger breakouts. Formulas with tea tree oil, niacinamide, glycolic acid, willow bark extract may be beneficial. Maintain a proper lifestyle and diet as well. Consult your dermatologist for individualized inputs.
All the above toners are formulated using skin-friendly ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, plant extracts etc to tackle issues like excess oil, clogged pores, dead skin buildup, irritation and pigmentation in acne-prone skin types.
Toners containing oil-controlling and mattifying ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree oil, kaolin clay etc along with acne fighters like niacinamide and exfoliants such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid are most suitable for oily, acne-prone skin type. Some good options are:
There is no single “best” toner for acne-prone skin. The ideal toner depends on your specific skin type and severity of acne concerns. However some of the best include:
The best toners for simultaneously tackling excess oil and acne in oily, blemish-prone skin type include:
These contain mattifying agents like clay, mint, tea tree, witch hazel along with exfoliating AHAs and acne-fighting ingredients like niacinamide to reduce oil and clear breakouts.
The best toners for acne prone skin are alcohol-free, non-comedogenic formulas containing ingredients like:
Some top options meeting the above criteria include Plum Green Tea toner, Minimalist PHA toner, Kaya Purifying toner etc.
Whether your acne is hormonal, stress-related, seasonal or purely rooted in product sensitivities, skincare for this troublesome skin concern is complex and confusing, even for experts! No one formula or regimen works universally across the population of acne sufferers. Finding the right toner is only one piece of this puzzle – incorporating a proper diet and lifestyle changes alongside a structured routine involving suitable cleansers, spot treatments, sunscreens etc matters as much if not more to win those daily battles with breakouts! More importantly, results require patience, perseverance and self-compassion. With the right guidance and products tailored to your individual needs and triggers, you too can eventually experience extended periods of clearer skin. A healthy approach towards skincare focusing on skin health rather than aesthetic improvements provides lasting benefits on skin and mind.
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