Frequently Asked Questions
How do toners help oily skin?
In general, a toner “removes any residue your cleanser left behind, delivers actives to freshly cleansed skin, and preps your barrier to absorb what comes next,” says Dr. Shokeen. Toners formulated for oily skin can also clean out congested pores (making them look smaller over time), break up excess sebum, and lighten discoloration left behind from breakouts, she adds.
Which ingredients should I look for and avoid in a toner for oily skin?
According to the experts we spoke with, you’ll want to check for these ingredients on a toner’s label:
- Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble BHA that “helps unclog pores and reduce breakouts,” Dr. McDonald says.
- Willow bark extract is another exfoliator that works similarly to salicylic acid, according to Lam-Phaure.
- LHA (lipohydroxy acid) is a good alternative for people who find that BHAs cause irritation, Dr. Shokeen adds.
- Glycolic acid, an AHA, provides “gentle surface exfoliation that smooths texture, brightens dull skin, and helps prevent buildup that can clog pores,” Dr. McDonald says.
- Mandelic acid is a gentler AHA that removes dead skin cells and supports cell turnover.
- Niacinamide is “clinically validated for sebum reduction, pore refinement, and inflammation control,” says Dr. Shokeen.
- Glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid moisturize skin to keep it from drying out and support your skin barrier, Dr. McDonald says.
- Panthenol and allantoin soothe skin to reduce irritation, she adds.
As far as what to avoid? High concentrations of alcohol can strip your skin (causing it to overproduce oil in response) and compromise your skin barrier, according to our experts. Also, steer clear of strong fragrances—these can cause irritation—and be on the lookout for heavy oils and emollients (like coconut oil and cocoa butter) that may clog your pores.
Meet the experts
- Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute, based in California
- Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Central Texas Dermatology, based in Austin
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology based in Toronto, Canada
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California
- Laura Lam-Phaure, a cosmetic chemist based in Los Angeles
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of best toners for oily skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
