The 8 Best Astringents for Oily Skin Reviews & Guide 2024

Oily skin creates a dilemma. It’s essential to cleanse it without drying it out because dehydrated skin will try to compensate by producing too much oil. Then, it’s crucial to moisturize it, but it’s necessary to use something lightly hydrating to prevent an oil slick by lunchtime.

It’s not easy to find the balance unless you use one simple trick. Toning your skin between washing and moisturizing helps keep excess oil in check. It also provides a more thorough cleansing to keep pores clear.

What can you use to tone your skin? We prefer the best astringents for oily skin, especially alcohol-free ones. Check out our top picks here, then scroll down to learn more about astringents for oily complexions.

The best astringents for oily skin	Why we love them
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Face Toner	Best toner for oily skin and large pores Has lipo-hydroxy acid to unclog pores, remove excess oil, exfoliate, and tighten the skin Oil-free, allergy-tested, paraben-free
Alba Botanica Natural Acnedote Deep Clean Astringent	Best astringent for oily, acne-prone skin Uses salicylic acid to unclog pores and clear the complexion Shrinks pimples overnight
Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner, with 2% Salicylic Acid	Best drugstore astringent for oily skin Clears up and prevents acne
RAYA Camphor Astringent	Developed by a well-known Los Angeles spa Features camphor, eucalyptus, aloe vera gel, and lemon juice with other natural ingredients Balances and brightens the complexion, controls oil production Fights acne
Dickinson's Witch Hazel Astringent	Classic and pure, 100% witch hazel formula Cleanses the skin, calms redness Non-drying
Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion	Unique blue-colored astringent lotion that doubles as aftershave to prevent razor bumps Has camphor, menthol, and witch hazel for maximum soothing power Conditions with sodium PCA and aloe
Glycolic Acid Toner 10% by LAVO	Exfoliates and tones, allowing a moisturizer to penetrate better Battles acne-causing bacteria and balances pH Calms inflammation and prevents dryness
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Balancing Toner	Suitable for combination and oily complexions Removes makeup Conditions the skin without stinging

What can astringents do for you?

We found that people who search for toners for oily skin are actually looking for the best astringent for acne. These include ingredients like:

Witch hazel
Salicylic acid (or willow bark, the natural alternative)
Citric acid (like lemon juice)
Alpha-hydroxy acids (including glycolic and lactic)

All of these astringents remove excess oil and exfoliate which is excellent for preventing acne breakouts. They also improve blood circulation, balance the pH, and stimulate healing to clear up pimples. Finally, they tighten the skin to make pores look smaller (1).

Board-certified dermatologists like Dr. Heidi Goodarzi and Dr. Corey L. Hartman recommend adding an astringent toner to your skincare routine. They say that it will not only help with blemishes, but it also leaves the skin more radiant and prepared for other active ingredients in a moisturizer, for example.

How to use an astringent

It literally takes less than a minute to use astringent. After washing your face, pat dry and put a little astringent on a cotton pad. Gently sweep the pad upward along your T-zone (chin, nose, and forehead). Swipe your cheeks next if they tend to get oily. (You can also treat your neck if you struggle with breakouts there). Wait a few seconds until the toner dries and apply moisturizer.

Are there side effects to using an astringent?

It’s normal for the skin to feel cool or tingly for a little bit after using an astringent. However, if the skin burns or becomes red, rashy, extra-dry, or itchy, stop using the astringent. Also, persons with eczema and rosacea are more likely to suffer side effects and should probably consult with a dermatologist and avoid astringents.