10 Best Toners For Oily Skin (Esthetician Reviews)

Struggling with oily skin and wondering about the best toners to help manage it?

This guide is for you.

Below, I will share my list of the 10 best toners for oily skin, and various accompanying skin concerns that I have tried and tested and explain a little more about the role toners play in your skincare regimen and why using them daily can benefit your skin.

Paula’s Choice – Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

Best toner for large pores and oily skin.

The Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner is the best toner for large pores and oily skin due to containing niacinamide, a skin-brightening antioxidant that balances oil production and refines the appearance of large pores.

Additionally, the toner also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, barrier-repairing ceramides, and skin-soothing components such as chamomile extract to help reduce the appearance of redness.

With an ultra-lightweight consistency that sinks into the skin instantly, the Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner leaves a hydrated, refined, and slightly mattified complexion once absorbed.

The formula is also free of fragrance and alcohol, which makes it suitable for sensitive and reactive skin.

Paula’s Choice – Calm Nourishing Milky Toner

Best toner for cystic acne and oily skin.

The Paula’s Choice Calm Nourishing Milky Toner is fantastic for cystic acne and oily skin due to containing a mix of potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that wipe away signs of redness and relieve inflammation while helping to normalize oily skin.

The milky, essence-like consistency provides the skin with a burst of hydration while soothing allantoin, panthenol, and marshmallow root extract strengthen the skin barrier and help moisture retention while leaving a glowy, hydrated layer behind once fully absorbed.

Finally, the Calm Nourishing Milky Toner is free of known irritants such as fragrance and alcohol, which makes it perfect for sensitive and reactive skin currently dealing with inflamed cysts.

Bioderma – Hydrabio Tonic Lotion

Best for dehydrated, oily skin.

Oily skin often tends to have signs of dehydration that usually manifest on the surface of your skin in the form of dullness, flakiness, and excess shine.

This happens because when our skin becomes dehydrated due to harsh environmental factors or using excessively drying cosmetic products, the sebaceous glands start producing more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration.

Therefore, this Hydrabio Tonic Lotion by Bioderma is carefully formulated to re-train your skin to activate its natural moisture-holding capacities by strengthening the skin barrier with components such as allantoin, mannitol, and niacinamide.

Lightweight and fast-absorbing, the Hydrabio Tonic is exceptionally good for oily skin that has been dehydrated due to harsh environmental factors and repeated treatment with harsh cosmetic products.

COSRX – BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Best toner for blackheads and oily skin.

The COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a gentle exfoliating gel infused with 4% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) to help dissolve cellular debris inside the pores and reduce the formation of blackheads.

The gentle formula also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate, brighten, clarify, and soothe the skin while gently eliminating impurities and the accumulation of dead skin cells and oil inside the pores.

Non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin, the gel leaves a natural, slightly mattified finish once it fully dries, and can be used 2-3 times a week for best results.

Quintessence – Green Tea Toner

Best toner for sensitive oily skin.

The Quintessence Green Tea Toner is a gentle, alcohol-free toner specifically formulated for sensitive, oily skin.

Enriched with skin-firming cucumber extract, this toner helps control excess sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores and refine uneven skin texture.

Additionally, the lightweight solution is further boosted with the healing properties of aloe vera, green tea extract, and adaptogen, a component known for improving skin vitality and enhancing its resistance to environmental stresses.

Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula and leaving hydrated, soft, and plump skin behind, this toner is perfect for those with sensitive skin who are looking to control oil production without causing any irritation or further aggravating existing skin conditions.

Vivant Skin Care – 3% Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Toner

Best toner for whiteheads and oily skin.

The Vivant 3% Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Toner is a potent exfoliating toner that helps eliminate whiteheads, blackheads, and congestion while unclogging pores and reducing excess oil production.

The gentle yet powerful formula combines 3% mandelic acid with lactic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells and purify the pores without causing any irritation or dryness.

Moreover, the added antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stresses, while niacinamide and witch hazel work together to brighten the complexion and tighten enlarged pores.

This toner is excellent for oily skin types that are prone to congestion, whiteheads, and blackheads and can be used a few times a week for best results.

Good Molecules – Niacinamide Brightening Toner

Best for oily skin and hyperpigmentation.

The Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner is a multi-tasking toner that is perfect for oily skin types dealing with hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

Formulated with 5% niacinamide, this toner helps control sebum production while also brightening the complexion and reducing the appearance of dark spots and discoloration due to containing pigment-inhibiting antioxidants such as arbutin, a natural skin lightener.

Additionally, the formula is also enriched with soothing licorice extract to calm and protect irritated skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types as well.

Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this toner is the perfect addition to any skincare routine for those looking to reduce hyperpigmentation and control excess oil production.

Replenix – Soothing Antioxidant Mist

Best toner for textured oily skin.

The Replenix Soothing Antioxidant Mist is a refreshing mist toner that is perfect for textured and congested oily skin.

Infused with powerful antioxidants such as green and white tea extracts, this toner helps protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stresses while also purifying and unclogging pores.

Additionally, a concentrated addition of witch hazel gives the skin a smooth appearance, while chamomile extract soothes existing irritation and redness and prevents future occurrences.

Alcohol-free and suitable for sensitive skin types, this mist toner can be used throughout the day to refresh the skin or as a toner after cleansing for those with oily, textured skin looking for an extra boost of hydration and refinement. 

SkinCeuticals – Phyto Corrective Essence Mist

Best for oily skin, redness, acne, and irritation.

The SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist is a multi-purpose, ultra-soothing mist that provides immediate relief to oily skin types dealing with redness, irritation, and acne.

Infused with botanical extracts such as cucumber, thyme, olive leaf, and calendula, this mist helps calm inflamed skin while also providing deep hydration without leaving any greasy residue.

Moreover, the blend of hyaluronic acid and glycerin helps attract and retain moisture, keeping the skin plump and supple throughout the day and controlling excess oil production.

This mist can be used as a toner in your skincare routine or as a refreshing touch-up during the day to revitalize oily skin while soothing any redness or irritation. 

Augustinus Bader – The Essence

Best toner for mature and oily skin.

The Augustinus Bader Essence is a luxurious and rejuvenating toner specifically formulated for mature, oily skin.

Infused with the brand’s signature TFC8® technology, this essence has a gel-like consistency and helps promote cell renewal and collagen production while reducing the signs of skin aging.

The addition of salicylic acid helps control excess oil production and gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it smooth and refined.

Perfect for mature skin types looking to balance excess oil production and reverse the signs of skin aging, the Augustinus Bader Essence is a luxurious addition to any skincare routine and well worth the splurge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oily Skin?

Oily skin is a skin type that is determined by the overactive sebaceous glands in the area that produce large amounts of sebum.

Oily skin is often present in young adults due to hormonal changes we experience during puberty because the sebaceous glands are influenced by the male hormones testosterone and androgen that spike during this time, leading to an increase in oil production.

If you have excessively oily skin, chances are you are not a stranger to enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples, and an overall shiny and greasy complexion.

However, having oily skin has its benefits, and it is not a secret that people with an oily skin type tend to develop fine lines in wrinkles much later compared to those with dry skin.

Therefore, no matter how inconvenient oily skin can get at times, the natural lubrication the sebum provides the skin with is a major reason your face will look younger for longer.

What Does a Toner Do?

A toner is a liquid that, depending on the ingredients it contains, can perform many functions on the skin, including hydration, pore-refinement, balancing pH levels, and removal of residual makeup or dirt.

Primarily, a toner’s role is to thoroughly cleanse the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

By removing any lingering traces of makeup or grime, it allows subsequent skincare products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.

Another crucial function of a toner is to balance the skin’s pH levels. Our skin typically leans towards acidity, with a pH level around 5.5.

However, certain factors like soap-based cleansers can disrupt this balance, leading to skin issues such as dryness or excess oil production.

A well-formulated toner aids in restoring this balance, helping maintain healthy skin and acting as a preparation for the following skincare products, like serums and moisturizers.

Toner can also play a significant role in hydrating the skin.

Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, often found in toners, attract moisture to the skin, thereby improving its hydration levels.

In addition, some toners are designed with specific skin concerns in mind, such as acne-prone or sensitive skin.

These toners may contain ingredients like salicylic acid to combat breakouts or soothing botanicals to calm inflammation.

So, in essence, a toner is a versatile skincare product that can cleanse, balance, hydrate, and treat various skin concerns, making it an essential step in your skincare routine.

Do You Need a Toner For Oily Skin?

A toner is not a necessary step in a skincare routine; however, based on the ingredients it contains, it can provide oily skin with plenty of benefits, including managing excess oil, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, and preventing the accumulation of cellular debris that may lead to acne down the line.

What is The Best Toner for Oily Skin? 

The best toner for oily skin include products containing:

• Niacinamide: This vitamin B3 derivative helps regulate sebum production and reduces inflammation, which can be beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin.
• Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into the pores to remove excess oil and dead skin cells. It’s great for preventing and treating breakouts.
• Mandelic Acid: A gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin without causing irritation. It’s less likely to cause redness or peeling, making it ideal for sensitive, oily skin.
• Witch Hazel: A natural astringent that can help control oil production and reduce the appearance of pores.
• Green Tea: An antioxidant-rich ingredient that can soothe inflammation, reduce oil production, and fight acne-causing bacteria.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Although not an oil-fighting ingredient, hyaluronic acid is excellent for hydration. It attracts moisture to the skin without adding oil, keeping the skin balanced and healthy.