Published Apr 17, 2021

‘I’m a Dermatologist, and These Are The 10 Best Toners for Oily Skin’

Oily skin can mean everything from clogged pores to acne. Here's what to look for in a best toner for oily skin.

‘I’m a Dermatologist, and These Are The 10 Best Toners for Oily Skin’

Oily skin can mean everything from clogged pores to acne. Here's what to look for in a best toner for oily skin.

Published Apr 17, 2021

Written by

Saanya Ali

Photo: Getty Images/Jamie Grill

Published Apr 17, 2021

Written by

Saanya Ali

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

As a member of the OSC (Oily Skin Club), there is little I dread more than doing my skincare routine at 7 a.m. and looking like a glazed donut by 10 a.m. on the dot. Krispy Kreme is quaking in their boots. When it comes to preventing the shine, the equation looks a lot like eighth grade algebra. Add a retinol, subtract a thick moisturizer, add an acid, finish with a magnifying powder, and solve for X. That was, until I turned to toners. For any skin type, toners can be one of the most underrated members of your daily routine. They can minimize the appearance of pores, fight acne, remove excess oil, and even help soothe inflammation. According to dermatologist Hadley King, MD, not all toners are created equally, so if you have naturally oily or acne-prone skin, it’s important to look for a toner with salicylic acid or another exfoliating acid and apply it after cleansing and before a serum or moisturizer.

Experts in This Article

Hadley King

board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University

“Salicylic acid is an excellent comedolytic, or pore-clearing, ingredient because it exfoliates the stratum corneum (the surface of the skin) and penetrates into pores to remove sebum. This helps to prevent pores from becoming clogged and can help remove clogs that have already formed,” says Dr. King. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Unlike an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), BHAs are oil soluble rather than water soluble, so they can work on the surface of the skin as well as penetrate into the pores and help reduce blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and milia. BHAs also have anti-inflammatory, skin-calming properties so they are gentle enough even for sensitive skin prone to redness and rosacea.

Looking for the best toner for oily skin? Scroll down for 10 grat picks, according to top dermatologist, Dr. King

1. Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Glycolic Acid, $48

According to Dr. King, this formulation, which combines 5 percent glycolic acid, along with licorice extract to decrease hyperpigmentation and silk proteins, is great for reducing oiliness and shine while also to hydrating and plumping the skin.

Shop now: Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Glycolic Acid, $48

2. Isla Beauty Tone Balance Elixir, $50

With rosehip oil, witch hazel, and vitamin E, this balancing toner smells refreshing and is powerful in its hydration and skin texture and firming benefits. It is great to apply under the brand’s serum ($48) and priming moisturizer ($46) for a light, and breathable routine.

Shop now: Isla Beauty Tone Balance Elixir, $50

3. Innbeauty Project Down to Tone Life Changing Toner, $26

This alcohol-free blend of 6 acids (phytic acid, malic acid, gluconolactone, lactic acid, salicylic acid and citric acid) exfoliates, clarifies, and brightens the skin. It also contains niacinamide to improve tone and texture and support the skin barrier to keep moisture locked in.

Shop now: Innbeauty Project Down to Tone Life Changing Toner, $26

4. Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid Toner, $40

This refreshing toner is powered by witch hazel, allantoin and 8 percent glycolic acid, for ultimate exfoliation and excess oil elimination without feeling drying. It will leave your skin feeling soothed and revitalized after just a few uses.

Shop now: Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid Toner, $40

5. AcneFree Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner, $11

This toner includes a great combination of witch hazel, a natural anti-inflammatory and astringent that can help temporarily shrink your pores, glycolic acid and lactic acid to gently exfoliate and remove excess oil, and aloe vera and glycerin, both humectants, which will hydrate and soothe your skin. Talk about a multitasker!

Shop now: AcneFree Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner, $11

6. Mele Even Tone Post Cleanse Tonic, $20

This product is a great choice for melanin-rich skin concerned about dark spots. It contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate and hydrate and vitamin C. It is also free of alcohol, parabens, sulfates, phthalates and mineral oil.

Shop now: Mele Even Tone Post Cleanse Tonic, $20

7. Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner, $28

Great for normal, oily, and combination skin, this alcohol-free toner helps control oils with its 2 percent BHA formula without stripping the skin. The moringa seed extract and moringa water are great for purifying and refreshing the skin by removing impurities caused by pollution while the papaya enzyme gently exfoliates the skin.

Shop now: Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner, $28

8. Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner, $8

Thayers toners use high quality ingredients sourced from nature and are always free of all artificial fragrances, colors, and dyes. The main ingredient is their home-grown witch hazel, which is a flowering plant known for its astringent properties.

Shop now: Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner, $8

9. Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, $20

Formulated in 1964, this toning lotion is great for oiliness and irritation. The camphor is both cooling on the skin and helpful for treating oily and acne-prone skin while the sodium PCA is a high-performance humectant that promotes softness.

Shop now: Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, $20

10. Herla Damask Rose Softening & Calming Toner, $36

This gentle toner smells like roses while it helps restore your skin’s natural pH. It is a great restorative and anti-inflammatory option that calms redness while removing excess oil from the skin.

Shop now: Herla Damask Rose Softening & Calming Toner, $36

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Beauty Skin

Published Feb 12, 2025

This Parisian Skincare Brand Is Launching in the United States for the First Time—Here’s What a Derm Wants You to Know

Published Feb 12, 2025

Written by

Maeve McCormick

Photo: Stocksy/ohlamour studio & W+G Creative

Published Feb 12, 2025

Written by

Maeve McCormick

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

Little known fact: Only 11 ingredients are banned from cosmetics in the United States. The European Union, on the other hand, has restricted or prohibited more than 1,600—which makes for products that are generally gentler and more skin-friendly.

For months, my TikTok feed has been flooded with content about French pharmacy skincare—and as someone with sensitive skin, it's gotten my attention. Hopping on a flight to Paris isn’t exactly in my budget, so I've settled for testing out classic French brands like Caudalie and La Roche-Posay at home. Skip to the good part: My skin has thrived under their minimal yet effective formulas. So, when I attended QVC’s Master Beauty Class and learned that Parisian skincare brand Gatineau is making its U.S. debut exclusively at QVC, I took note (literally).

Founded in 1932, Gatineau has built a legacy on science-backed, botanical-infused formulations, particularly in the anti-aging space. My skincare routine isn’t quite focused on fine lines yet, but CEO Andrew Bagley assured me that Gatineau’s deeply nourishing ingredients benefit all skin types and ages. Plus, Bagley hinted that products tailored to younger skin—that are more preventative in nature—may be on the horizon (shh).

My own love affair with French skincare aside, why does the arrival of Gatineau matter—and what makes French products so effective? I spoke with board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, for all the details.

What sets French skincare apart?

Like many French beauty brands, Gatineau blends natural botanicals with advanced dermatological science. “There seems to be a trend right now in skincare of combining science-backed results with ‘natural’ ingredients, in the U.S. as well as in other countries,” Dr. King says. “But historically, I’d say that French brands are more known for this.”

She also says that French beauty often takes a less-is-more approach—one that aligns with many dermatologists' philosophies. “Dermatologists tend to recommend a more streamlined approach to skincare regimens, with an emphasis on cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, with a few focused actives like retinoids, antioxidants, and periodic exfoliation."

How Gatineau’s skincare ingredients work

Gatineau’s products contain a mix of natural extracts, antioxidants, and smoothing ingredients, all of which work to support the skin barrier and improve texture. “Their formulations tend to be rich in emollients,” Dr. King says, “which help with skin barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling leading to overall improvement in skin texture and appearance.”

Since learning about Gatineau's ingredients, I've been using the Defi Lift 3D Firming Cream as my nighttime moisturizer. It's formulated with Filmexel, which Dr. King describes as a biopolymer that can help create a lifting effect while temporarily softening fine lines and wrinkles. Not only does it feel luxurious on the skin, but I’ve genuinely noticed a firmer, more hydrated complexion by morning.

My ideal skincare routine these days is one that's low-effort, gentle, and focused on strengthening my skin barrier. Gatineau delivers in spades. If yours is more about finding simple (and science-backed) anti-aging solutions—or just about maintaining your glow? The brand has you covered, too.

Shop Gatineau Skincare at QVC

Defi Lift 3D Firming Cream — $129

Gatineau Collagene Expert Cleanser & Hydra Essence

Collagene Expert Cleanser & Hydra Essence — $75

Gatineau Age Benefit Night Renewal Elixir

Age Benefit Night Renewal Elixir — $109

Gatineau Collagene Expert Plumping Revival Mask

Collagene Expert Plumping Revival Mask — $55

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Beauty Skin

Published Feb 6, 2025

This Is the One Product That Scarlett Johansson Always Keeps in Her Purse and on Her Bedside Table

Published Feb 6, 2025

In Partnership With

QVC

Written by

Maeve McCormick

Published Feb 6, 2025

In Partnership With

QVC

Written by

Maeve McCormick

When you think of Scarlett Johansson, the epitome of a picture-perfect movie star probably comes to mind. Everything from her red-carpet confidence to her glowy complexion seems flawless, effortless, and yes, a *bit* unattainable.

Well, about that glowy complexion... Just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to interview Johansson at QVC's Master Beauty Class event, where she got candid about her skin. Turns out, she’s not as unrelatable as you’d think—she’s struggled with her complexion for much of her life. (Stars, they’re just like us.)

At just 12 years old, Johansson began dealing with acne—a journey that would last well into her 20s despite seeing countless dermatologists and trying every pimple-fighting product she could get her hands on. "At the time, the message was very much like, ‘If you have acne, you have dirty skin that needs to be cleaned,’" she says. "Back then, we didn't know anything about the skin barrier and the pH balance of your skin, and how important that was."

This lack of education created a vicious cycle for her: Harsh products dried out her skin, which only triggered more breakouts and irritation. It wasn’t until she decided to simplify her routine and switch to sensitive-skin products that she started to see a real difference. After spending a few months committed to this gentler approach, she watched her breakouts and irritation decrease for the first time in years—and she finally felt confident enough to skip foundation.

The experience completely shifted her outlook on skincare and inspired the creation of The Outset, the skincare brand she founded as a reflection of her own story and hard-earned philosophy. Each gentle, hydrating product in the collection is designed to support the skin barrier and keep things simple—exactly the kind of products she wished she'd had as a young adult.

I’m no stranger to the struggles of sensitive, acne-prone skin, so Johansson’s story hit close to home. Before we wrapped up our conversation, I had to ask one final question: Which product from The Outset do you find yourself reaching for the most? I assumed her answer would be one of the brand’s buzzy bestsellers, like the Collagen Prep Serum (which I swear by) or the viral Blue Clay Mask that hydrates while exfoliating.

To my surprise, her answer was neither: Johansson revealed that her most-loved product is the Barrier Rescue Balm, which has earned a permanent spot on her bedside table and in her purse.

Barrier Rescue Balm - $38

Shop Now

The Barrier Rescue Balm was originally formulated as a lip balm, but it’s much more versatile than that. Johansson coats it on her cuticles, the ends of her hair, dry patches on her knees and elbows—and even swipes it on her cheeks as a subtle, hydrating highlighter.

It’s also become a family favorite. "The other day, my daughter—she's 10—asked, 'Can I have the balm from your bag? My lips are so chapped,'' Johansson says. "So I gave it to her, and then my brother used it, and then I used it. My brother was like, ‘I should be videotaping this, it's great content.’"

Packed with nourishing ingredients like rose hip oil, jojoba oil, marula oil, and The Outset’s signature botanical hyaluronic acid, the Barrier Rescue Balm is formulated to hydrate and protect the skin’s barrier, making it the ultimate multitasker for dryness and irritation. Whether it’s protecting against harsh weather (these days, Johansson uses it to shield her children’s cheeks from the bitter New York temps), soothing cracked lips, softening rough patches, or adding a natural glow, this balm does it all.

So yes, when it comes to daily struggles like irritated skin, even stars like Scarlett Johansson are just like you. And you can be just like her by putting The Outset’s Barrier Rescue Balm (plus other favorites like the Night Cream or Travel Set) on permanent rotation. Your skin will feel deeply moisturized, soothed, and ready for anything—red carpet or otherwise.

Shop More Skincare From The Outset

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