9 Best Toners For Acne Prone Skin As Per Experts

Navigating the vast array of toners available in the market can be overwhelming. Fear not, as we have curated a list of exceptional toners designed specifically to combat acne and restore balance to your skin.

From potent natural remedies to Ayurveda science backed formulations, we bring you a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions and choose the perfect toner for your acne-prone skin.

In this article, we'll explore the key qualities to look for in a toner, demystify the science behind acne-prone skin, and showcase expert insights from skin care professionals who specialize in treating acne.

Whether you're seeking to control excess oil, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, or maintain a healthy skin pH balance, we've got you covered.

Which Toner Is Best For Acne Prone Skin?

Finding the right toner for acne-prone skin can significantly improve your skin's condition and overall complexion. The key is to choose toners that balance oil production, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation without causing dryness or skin irritation. Here are our top recommendations -

1. Pure Neroli Water

When it comes to toners for acne-prone skin, Kama Ayurveda's Pure Neroli Water is a true gem. Picture yourself misting your face with the delicate essence of Orange Blossoms, as this magical potion tones, hydrates, and smoothes your complexion.

What sets Pure Neroli Water apart is its incredible astringent power, minimizing pores and giving your skin a natural, radiant glow. It's an ideal choice for acne-prone individuals, soothing and calming sensitive skin. 

Neroli, also known as Nagarana, works wonders by balancing Vata and Pitta while increasing Kapha deficit, restoring skin harmony. This 100% natural, alcohol-free, and dermatologically tested toner is safe for all skin types. 

Beyond its skincare benefits, Pure Neroli Water has a refreshing, uplifting nature that relieves mental tension and promotes a sense of calmness.

2. Pure Vetiver Water

Steam distilled from the roots of perennial Vetiver grass native to the Aligarh Region in North India, Kama Ayurveda’s Pure Vetiver Water is a highly rejuvenating face and body mist.

With its natural astringent properties, Vetiver water effectively hydrates your skin while balancing its pH level. By providing essential moisture and tightening pores, it helps maintain a clear and refreshed complexion.

The delightful earthy scent of Vetiver, with its subtle hints of woodiness, not only refreshes your senses but also revitalizes a tired and restless mind.

But that's not all—Vetiver has a cooling effect that makes it a fantastic choice for both acne-prone and oily skin. It lightly hydrates without feeling heavy, promoting a balanced and nourished complexion that you'll love.

What Ayurvedic Experts Say -

“The key to choosing a toner for acne-prone skin lies in its ability to regulate sebum production and maintain skin's pH balance. Ayurvedic toners enriched with astringent herbs like Vetiver help minimize pore size and prevent bacterial growth. They offer gentle yet effective care, promoting a clearer and healthier complexion." - Dr Kanchan Kachroo
Also read - Which Is The Best Toner For Oily Skin?

3. Pure Rose Water

Discover the secret to achieving clear, glowing skin with Kama Ayurveda's Pure Rose Water—a true game-changer for those battling acne. 

Imagine being able to tighten your pores, control excess oil, and prevent clogged pores—all with the enchanting essence of Kannauj Roses from North India. That's exactly what this pure Rose water does! 

Its gentle yet powerful astringent properties work wonders in reducing acne flare-ups and promoting a smoother complexion. 

In addition, the soothing and anti-inflammatory nature of Rose water calms down redness and eases irritation caused by acne, speeding up the healing process. 

And, that’s not all! This magical toner also brings harmony to your skin by restoring its pH balance, making it difficult for acne causing bacteria to thrive.

4. Pure Lavender Water

Imagine treating your acne-prone skin with a soothing floral distillation that not only calms and cools but also hydrates and tones. That's exactly what Kama Ayurveda's Pure Lavender Water offers. With its meditative scent of pure Himalayan Lavender, this toner is a luxurious treat for your senses.

But it's not just about the aromatic experience. Lavender brings impressive anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to the table, fighting off acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Say goodbye to those pesky breakouts!

What sets this toner apart is its cooling nature. It's like a refreshing breeze for your skin, bringing relief to irritated and inflamed areas commonly associated with acne. Redness, swelling, and discomfort? Lavender is here to calm the storm and promote a clearer, calmer complexion.

And here's the icing on the cake: by maintaining a balanced pH level, this toner creates an inhospitable environment for acne-causing bacteria. 

Also read - How To Use Toner – The complete Guide To Skin Toners

5. Green Tea and Aloe Vera Toner

Green Tea and Aloe Vera Toner is a perfect blend for acne-prone skin. Green tea is a true skin superhero with its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. While Aloe Vera is a hydration powerhouse, keeping your skin moisturized without any greasy residue. It also aids in reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of acne scars.

To prepare this wonderful toner, start by brewing a cup of Green Tea and allowing it to cool completely. Next, grab 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and combine the two ingredients, shake it well and store it in a clean bottle. 

With regular use, this Green Tea and Aloe Vera toner can make a noticeable difference in your skin texture. It calms irritated skin, reduces excess oil, and leaves your complexion looking more vibrant and revitalized.

6. Chamomile and Witch Hazel Toner

Chamomile and Witch Hazel Toner works wonders on acne-prone skin. The magic lies in the combination of Chamomile's calming properties, which help soothe inflammation, and Witch Hazel's natural astringent qualities, which help control excess oil. 

It's simple to use: just brew a cup of soothing chamomile tea and let it cool. Once cooled, mix it with a quarter cup of witch hazel in a clean bottle. Apply the toner to your cleansed skin using a cotton pad and let it dry before moisturizing for optimal results.

What Ayurvedic Experts Say -

"When choosing a toner for acne-prone skin, it's important to avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol or fragrances that can irritate the skin further. Look for gentle and non-comedogenic options with ingredients like chamomile or green tea, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits while soothing the skin." - Dr Gopan G

7. Cucumber and Mint Toner

The Cucumber's soothing and hydrating properties, combined with the refreshing coolness of mint leaves, work wonders in balancing oil production and revitalizing your skin.

Here's how to create this invigorating elixir: Start by peeling and chopping a small cucumber into pieces. Combine the cucumber with 10-12 fresh mint leaves in a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

To extract the juice, strain the cucumber-mint mixture using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Next, add half a cup of distilled water to the cucumber-mint juice and give it a good stir. Transfer the revitalizing toner to a clean bottle or container.

Embrace the clarifying benefits of this homemade toner and enjoy its cooling sensation as it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

Apple Cider Vinegar is known for its numerous benefits, including its ability to balance the skin's pH, fight acne-causing bacteria, and reduce excess oil production.

To make this toner, simply combine 1 part ACV with 4 parts distilled water in a clean bottle. Feel free to adjust the ratio based on your skin's sensitivity, starting with a more diluted solution if necessary. Give the bottle a good shake to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. And voila! Your ACV toner is now ready for action.

Now, a word of caution: Undiluted apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can be harsh on the skin, so it's crucial to dilute it with water before using it as a toner. 

Additionally, ACV may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive or reactive skin. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, it's best to discontinue use or further dilute the toner.

What Ayurvedic Experts Say -

“An often overlooked aspect of toners for acne-prone skin is pH balancing. Opt for toners with gentle acidic properties, like those containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or lactic acid, as they help maintain the skin's natural pH level and promote a healthy skin barrier.” - Dr Aruna Purohit

9. Tea Tree Oil Toner

Tea tree oil has gained a reputation for its incredible antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a go-to choice for tackling acne and blemishes. And, you can create your very own tea tree oil toner right at home!

First, find a clean bottle or container and combine ½ cup of distilled water and ½ cup of witch hazel. Then, add in 10 drops of tea tree essential oil. Once everything is in place, tightly seal the bottle and give it a good shake. This will ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and ready to work their magic on your skin tone.

With your freshly made tea tree oil toner in hand, it's time to incorporate it into your skincare routine.

Keep in mind that tea tree oil is potent, so it's crucial to be mindful of your skin's reaction. Before applying the toner to your entire face, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure there's no adverse reaction.

Now that we’ve talked about the best toners for acne prone skin, let’s address some of the most common questions - 

Why Does Acne Prone Skin Need Toner?

Acne-prone skin often experiences excessive oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation. Incorporating a toner into the skincare routine can offer several benefits specifically tailored to address these concerns. Here's why acne-prone skin can benefit from using a toner:

1. Balancing Excess Oil: Toners help regulate sebum production, which is essential for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Toners formulated with ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree oil, or salicylic acid can effectively control oil production, preventing the combination skin from becoming overly greasy and reducing the occurrence of acne breakouts.
   
2. Unclogging Pores: Acne-prone skin is often characterized by clogged pores, leading to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne lesions. Toners containing exfoliating ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can gently remove dead skin cells, debris, and excess sebum from the pores, helping to prevent clogging and promoting clearer skin.
   
3. Reducing Inflammation: Inflammation is a common characteristic of acne-prone skin. Toners formulated with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or green tea can help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and alleviate the discomfort associated with acne breakouts.
   
4. Restoring pH Balance: The skin's pH balance plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Harsh cleansers and environmental factors can disrupt the skin's pH balance. Toners with pH-balancing properties can restore the skin's natural acidity, creating an environment less favorable for bacterial growth and acne development.
   

Enhancing Product Penetration: Toners can also act as a preparatory step in skincare by creating a clean canvas for the subsequent application of serums, moisturizers, or treatments. By removing impurities and excess oil, toners allow other products to penetrate more effectively and deliver their active ingredients to target specific acne-related concerns.

What To Look For In Toner For Acne Prone Skin?

When searching for a toner for acne-prone skin, it's essential to look for specific qualities and ingredients that can effectively address acne-related concerns. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a toner for acne-prone skin:

1. Non-Comedogenic: Opt for toners that are labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog the pores. This helps prevent the formation of new acne lesions and allows the skin to breathe.

2. Oil-Free or Lightweight Formulation: Choose toners that are oil-free or have a lightweight consistency. This prevents adding excess oil to the skin, which can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.

3. Acne-Fighting Ingredients: Look for toners that contain acne-fighting ingredients such as:
   1. Salicylic Acid: This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) helps exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce acne breakouts.
   2. Tea Tree Oil: With its natural antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can help combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
   3. Witch Hazel: A natural astringent, witch hazel helps control oil production and tighten pores, minimizing the chances of clogging and breakouts.

Hyaluronic acid and Glycolic acid are other helpful ingredients.

4. Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Acne-prone skin often experiences redness and inflammation. Look for toners that contain soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like Rose, Vetiver, Aloe Vera, Lavender, Chamomile, or Green Tea. These ingredients help calm and soothe the skin, reducing redness and irritation.

5. pH-Balancing Formulation: Choose toners that are pH-balanced to maintain the skin's natural acidic pH. Balancing the pH helps support a healthy skin barrier and discourage the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

6. Alcohol-Free or Low Alcohol Content: Avoid toners with high alcohol content, as they can cause dry skin and irritation. Opt for alcohol-free toners or those with low alcohol content to prevent excessive dryness.

7. Patch Test: Before incorporating a new toner into your skincare routine, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions or allergies.

Remember that everyone's skin is unique, so it's essential to consider your individual skin type, sensitivities, and consult with a dermatologist or skin care professional for personalized recommendations.