Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use a BHA toner every day?
BHA usage depends on your skin type. “Yes, it is okay to use a BHA daily for people with normal to oily skin,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “People with dry skin may need to decrease the frequency of use.” Because BHAs like salicylic acid help unclog pores and reduce excess oil, they’re often well tolerated by acne-prone skin types. That said, if you’re new to chemical exfoliants or have sensitive skin, it’s smart to start slow and build up to daily use. And don’t forget sunscreen, as BHAs can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
Which ingredients shouldn’t be combined with BHA?
While BHA can be paired with many ingredients, certain combinations may be too harsh. “People with dehydrated or sensitive skin may experience excessive dryness if they combine a salicylic acid toner with other drying or exfoliating ingredients, such as other acids, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. That said, “for people with normal to oily skin, these combinations of ingredients are very common.” Another combo to be cautious with is vitamin C and acids like BHA, since “vitamin C stability is pH-dependent,” she adds. To minimize irritation, consider alternating active ingredients or using them at different times of day.
Is there an ideal percentage of BHA?
There’s no one-size-fits-all ideal percentage of BHA—it depends on your skin type and what you’re using it for. “The concentration that is typically used for acne is 2%,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “For general use, concentrations range from 0.5 to 2%.” If you have sensitive skin, she notes that “lower concentrations may be better,” since tolerability can vary based on strength. “It really depends on the formula, but theoretically, the higher the percentage, the greater the exfoliating effects,” she adds.
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans
- Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology based in Toronto, Canada
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 the best toners for sensitive skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from 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.
