Beauty

9 Toners That Won't Further Irritate Acne-Prone Skin


Editor · Updated 29 Nov 2019

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9 Toners That Won't Further Irritate Acne-Prone Skin

If the bottle of facial toner sitting on your beauty counter is filled with alcohol, toss it away immediately. Not only is it drying out your skin, it can also irritate and damage your moisture barrier. Facial toners today are formulated to prep the skin and improve the absorption of serums, essences and creams that come after. 

With clarifying, soothing and hydrating properties, toners can improve and work wonders on the skin, especially acne prone skin. Before you pull the trigger on that fancy bottle of liquid, check out this article to discover the best toners for acne prone skin.

Contents
Best overall toner for acne skin 1 of 9
Klairs Supple Preparation Toner
Partnership with Klairs
From RM72.87
See price at Lazada Malaysia
Absorbs well into the skin
Gentle formula
Dry skin users may need to use more product for a hydrating effect
6 more points
A blend of natural plant extracts with soothing, wound-healing properties
Unscented version is fragrance-free and more sensitive-skin friendly
pH level of 5, good for the skin
alcohol-free, good for sensitive skin
Original version contains a lot of fragrant essential oils
Original version feels a tad bit sticky for some people, causing an uncomfortable sensation

Worried about breaking out even more? This gentle toner promises to do away with your spots while balancing the skin's pH levels which is crucial to maintaining a stable skin condition.

Not needing too much of it, the lotion-like consistency absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves your skin feeling moisturised after. Also, the toner promises 20% better absorption and control of oil secretion too!

Cleanser toner for combination skin
Best Korean toner - suitable for cystic acne and acne-prone skin 2 of 9
Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Partnership with
From RM49
See price at Hermo Malaysia

If you’re dealing with acne and clogged pores, exfoliation is the key to clear skin. The Cosrx’s AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is the perfect daily gentle exfoliator that’s suitable even for dry skin types. It contains willow bark water and apple water to gently lift up dead skin cells and sebum to promote clear and smooth skin.

Best witch hazel toner 3 of 9
Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Astringent
Partnership with Thayers
From RM52
See price at Hermo Malaysia
Value for money
Pleasant on most skin types
Might not suit sensitive and acne-prone skin types
2 more points
Non-drying
Uses organic ingredients

Although Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera is labelled as an astringent, but trust me, it will not irritate your skin! Formulated with organic, non-distilled witch hazel extract and aloe vera, this toner will soothe and clarify your skin, and it’s all thanks to the antioxidants and antibacterial properties.

Best drugstore toner - suitable for dry skin 4 of 9
Swissvita Acne Solution Skin Balancing Toner
Partnership with
From RM92
See price at Hermo Malaysia

Swissvita’s Acne Solution Skin Balancing Toner is formulated with organic willow herb extract, zinc lactate, penitential and other plant extracts to help combat acne while retaining your skin’s moisture levels. The alcohol-free toner can soothe and improve redness, blemishes and clogged pores.

Best for hormonal acne 5 of 9
Hada Labo Blemish & Oil Control Hydrating Lotion
Partnership with
From RM59.40
See price at Lazada Malaysia

It’s that time of the month and paired with stress and external pollution, your skin isn’t happy. Maintain and improve your skin’s clarity with Hada Labo’s Blemish & Oil Control Hydrating Lotion. It’s made with Hatomugi extract and hyaluronic acid to impart moisture and tackle acne.

Best for aging skin 6 of 9
Benton Snail Bee High Content Lotion
Partnership with
From RM39.50
See price at Hermo Malaysia
Also at Lazada Malaysia

Beauty junkies already know the healing and anti-aging benefits of snail mucin. If you haven’t incorporated snail mucin into your beauty routine, what are you waiting for? The Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin is made with snail mucin, bee venom and niacinamide to repair damaged skin, heal acne and combat aging all at the same time.

Best for acne and oily skin 7 of 9
Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner
Partnership with Sunday Riley
From RM103
See price at Shopee Malaysia

Do you go through sheets and sheets of blotting paper on a daily basis? It’s time to give Sunday Riley’s Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner a try. 

Formulated with bentonite clay, marshmallow extract, green tea and Manuka honey, this potent toner can control and mattify the skin’s excess oil while tightening enlarged pores. This unique toner has a cooling gel texture which will slowly melt into a lightweight treatment solution as you apply it on your skin.

Best for sensitive skin 8 of 9
Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
Partnership with Etude House
From RM96
See price at Shopee Malaysia

Redness? Irritation? Broken skin? Have no fear, the Soon Jung Relief Toner is here! With an ideal pH of 5.5, this gentle and soothing toner uses Panthenol and Madecassoside to repair and protect your moisture barrier. The formula is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and suitable for skin that is prone to sensitivity and irritation.

Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Lotion
Best for acne scars 9 of 9
Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Lotion
Partnership with
From RM44.30
See price at Hermo Malaysia
Lightens dark spots and evens out skin tone
Great for all skin types
Takes time to fully absorb into the skin

No matter how tempting it is, remember to never pick, squeeze or pop your acne as it will damage your skin’s elasticity and cause scarring. But don’t worry, your scars will fade very soon with Melano CC’s Vitamin C Brightening Lotion. This toner uses pure vitamin C to lighten acne scars, dark spots and fight free radicals.

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