A bevy of skincare products strewn across your bathroom shelf may seem daunting at first glance, but we promise you, each one is formulated to perform a specialised function—much like your facial toner, whose significance is often disregarded. Chances are, you’ve skipped this skincare step one too many times, either because you’re contemplating its benefits, or because you’d like to steer clear of the stinging sensation that occasionally results upon application. But when it comes to oily, acne-prone skin, face toners go a long way in maintaining your skin’s pH balance, minimising the appearance of pores, getting rid of makeup residue, grime, and more. Scroll on to read all that there is to know about facial toners, and peruse Nykaa’s edit of the best ones for oily, acne-prone skin.
What Is A Toner, And How Often Do You Need To Use It?
Gone are the days of potent alcohol-based toners that strip the skin of its oils… Enter water and glycol-based formulations that hydrate and refresh your skin, all while removing dirt, grime, dead cells, and other impurities. Restoring the natural acidic state of your skin, toners work as a prep for your pores and are incorporated as the second step of your CTSMS regime — at least once a day, if not twice. According to a scientific literature published on NLM, subjects exhibited statistically significant improvement in acne pertinent cases by using a toner twice a day. Apply a few drops of toner on your cotton pad and swipe across your face and neck region. Alternatively, warm up the liquid in your palms and directly press on to the skin.
Ingredients to Look for A Toner for Oily Skin and Pimples
Oily skin is characterised by overzealous sebaceous glands. To address this concern, we recommend ingredients like zinc, salicylic acid, and niacinamide in toner formulations. These potent actives curb excess oil and help decongest pores – administering a balanced skin microbiome. According to a research paper published by MDPI, sebum production decreases significantly with the use of a suitable, oil-control toner between 4 to 6 weeks. Also, seek humectants in toners for oily skin and pimples, as the lack of moisture content in the skin also flags off the overproduction of sebum. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine pull water molecules from the atmosphere and melt them into the skin.
The Different Types Of Toners
While acid-based, oil-controlling face toners comprising AHAs and BHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid are apt for oily skin types, the gentle, hydrating variety, infused with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, lends a quick boost of hydration to dry skin.
Below, shop Nykaa’s best toners for oily skin
Key Ingredient: Tea Tree Oil
Rating: 4.3
Price: INR 795
Infused with potent tea tree oil, Body Shop’s mattifying toner works to get rid of makeup residue, dirt, and grime in just a few swipes. A great pick-me-up for your skin, it leaves you feeling clean and refreshed, while visibly dwindling the appearance of pores. This bestseller product is 100% vegetarian and hasn’t been tested on animals.
Key Ingredient: Natural Jeju Bija
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 1,100
Torreya seed oil from Jeju Island comes to the rescue! This fermented alcohol toner boasts 100% natural essential oils, as well as a 6-free system ensuring zero traces of synthetic colourants, parabens, mineral oil, animal-originated ingredients, and artificial fragrances. The natural salicylic acid in the formulation tends to your blemishes and lends exfoliating properties, too.
Key Ingredients: 3% Niacinamide and Rice Water Extract
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 420
Suitable for all skin types but ideal for those with acne-prone skin, this alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and 100% vegan formulation promises to unclog pores in a jiffy. While the Holy Grail ingredient niacinamide fights blemishes, rice ferment and oat extracts lend anti-inflammatory and emollient properties for hydrated, supple skin – a claim corroborated by a distinguished paper on Practical Dermatology. The study cites reduction in redness, texture, and fine lines with the use of this skincare workhorse.
Key Ingredient: Blue Hyaluronic Acid
Rating: 4.2
Price: INR 2,320
Replenish your skin’s moisture levels with Laneige’s Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Essence Toner which features 7th-generation hyaluronic acid boasting greater absorption. This toner gently exfoliates your skin, curtails excess sebum production, and also deeply moisturises and repairs. Plus, a 7-free formula promises zero irritation—a prerequisite for blemish-free skin!
Dot & Key Cica Niacinamide Anti-Acne Skin Clarifying Alcohol-Free Toner With Green Tea & Lactic Acid
Key Ingredients: Cica, Niacinamide, and Green Tea
Rating: 4.2
Price: INR 395
Say hello to clear skin with Dot & Key’s offering…power-packed with super cica technology and plant bio-actives. A harmonious blend of cica, niacinamide, green tea, and lactic acid, among other ingredients, goes far in healing damaged skin, combating inflammation, and removing excess oil and dead skin—giving way to pH-balanced, clear skin. Cruelty-free, GMO-free, and fragrance-free, FTW!
Key Ingredients: 7% Glycolic Acid, Tasmanian Pepperberry Derivative, Ginseng Root, and Aloe Vera
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 1,250
This alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free toning solution is a must-have for all skin types, barring those with super-sensitive skin. Tackling congestion, spots, and pores, this formula offers mild exfoliation and facilitates an even skin texture. Owing to the presence of a Tasmanian pepperberry derivative, expect to notice some colour variations, occasionally.
Key Ingredients: Fermented Rice Filtrate and Sugarcane, Grape, and Apple Extracts
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 1,250
This 5-in-1 hypoallergenic toner is imbued with fermented rice filtrate and fruit extracts that boost hydration and detoxify the skin. Mild exfoliation, courtesy of the fruit extracts, further ensures smoother skin texture.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Beta Glucan, and Centella Asiatica
Rating: 4.6
Price: INR 1,430
An unscented alternative to the original Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner, this formulation caters to customers who’d rather steer clear of potential allergens. Free of essential oils, it’s brewed with plant extracts, hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, and centella asiatica to nourish, hydrate, and soothe your skin.
Key Ingredient: Witch Hazel
Rating: 4.1
Price: INR 2,350
Clinique’s dermatologist-approved toner—one of four types; each catering to a different skin concern—will nip your oily skin problem in the bud. Managing the overproduction of sebum and deeply unclogging your pores, this offering promises to keep unwanted zits at bay.
Key Ingredients: Gluconolactone and Niacinamide
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 399
A Nykaa beauty bestseller, this PHA 3% alcohol-free toner balances your skin’s pH levels, all while tightening your pores and maximising hydration. The presence of prebiotics and probiotics promotes skin barrier function recovery, and gluconolactone offers up to 50% protection against UV radiation! Your skincare kit demands this lightweight formula for daily use.
Ensuring that your skin remains supple and plump during muggy monsoons can be an uphill task—and that’s when these fast-absorbing formulas come to your aid. For instantly refreshed and rejuvenated skin, invest in Nykaa’s superior selection of facial toners pronto.
