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 |
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Face Toner |
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Alba Botanica Natural Acnedote Deep Clean Astringent |
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Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner, with 2% Salicylic Acid |
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RAYA Camphor Astringent |
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Dickinson's Witch Hazel Astringent |
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Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion |
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Glycolic Acid Toner 10% by LAVO |
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The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Balancing Toner |
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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.
Best Astringents for Oily Skin in 2024
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
Cons:
- Not alcohol-free or fragrance-free (although it’s not strongly scented)
Alba Botanica Natural Acnedote Deep Clean Astringent
Pros:
- Best astringent for oily, acne-prone skin
- Uses salicylic acid to unclog pores and clear the complexion
- Shrinks pimples overnight
Cons:
- Not alcohol-free
Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner, with 2% Salicylic Acid
A closer look at the formula shows that it’s not alcohol-free, and unfortunately is both artificially colored and fragranced. This could be a problem if you have sensitive skin. Otherwise, the cooling sensation and clean aroma make it pleasant to use.
Pros:
- Best drugstore astringent for oily skin
- Clears up and prevents acne
Cons:
- Not alcohol-free, contains an artificial fragrance and dyes
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
Cons:
- Do a patch test on a small spot and wait a day to see how you react if you have sensitive skin
Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Astringent
- Classic and pure, 100% witch hazel formula
- Cleanses the skin, calms redness
- Non-drying
Cons:
- Not for rosacea-prone complexions
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
Cons:
- Not alcohol-free
Glycolic Acid Toner 10% by LAVO
The formula is acidic for a reason. We talk a lot about balancing the pH, or acid level, of the skin. That’s because keeping the pH low, or acidic, does two important things. First, it prevents dehydration, and second, it defeats acne-causing bacteria.
Soaps and some cleansers raise the pH, but toners like this one put things back in balance. What’s more, it calms inflammation and redness with aloe and calendula.
Lastly, it has an invigorating fragrance and makes the skin tingle pleasantly. If all of these features don’t win you over, the brand offers a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
By the way, it’s not alcohol-free, but at least alcohol is one of the last ingredients.
Pros:
- Exfoliates and tones, allowing a moisturizer to penetrate better
- Battles acne-causing bacteria and balances pH
- Calms inflammation and prevents dryness
Cons:
- Not alcohol-free
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Balancing Toner
Moreover, it removes those pesky traces of waterproof makeup that didn’t come off when you washed. It does all this and conditions without the typical stinging caused by astringent formulas.
Nevertheless, there’s a disappointing downside. The formula is flush with parabens, an unfortunate choice of preservative for a product that remains on the skin.
Pros:
- Suitable for combination and oily complexions
- Removes makeup
- Conditions the skin without stinging
Cons:
- Not paraben-free
Conclusion
If you have oily skin, add an astringent to your routine and reap the benefits. The right toner removes excess oil and keeps pores clear for a shine-free complexion. It can also help prevent and clear up acne.
We hope our reviews helped you discover your new favorite astringent toner today. Feel free to leave us a comment below about your experience with it.
Source:
1. https://www.rxlist.com/how_do_astringents_work/drug-class.htm HOW DO ASTRINGENTS WORK? Medical Author: Nazneen Memon, BHMS, PGDCR, Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Sarfaroj Khan, BHMS, Reviewed on May 11, 2021, accessed December 17, 2021