Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner — Reddit Reviews
Updated September 25, 2026
Niacinamide toner that keeps skin lightweight and less greasy; pore-focused.
What the community says
A lightweight niacinamide toner layered before moisturizer, usually used AM or PM for combo and oily-leaning skin. Redditors keep it in rotation for pore talk and a non-oily finish. Dry cheeks may want extra hydration.
What this means for you
What people love
- Lightweight, non-oily finish
- Niacinamide plus ceramides and panthenol
- Plays nicely in AM or PM routines
Watch out for
Product details
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
What the science says
Acne
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 6 studies tested it on its own. See all 17 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found niacinamide helped acne
- Some studies found 4% niacinamide cleared acne about as well as clindamycin
- One study found 4% niacinamide improved red, sore spots, but IPL worked better
- Some research found no clear difference, and a large review said the effects were uncertain
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 24 studies
What the studies found
- All of these studies found niacinamide helped fade dark spots or patches
- In clinical trials, 5% niacinamide faded dark spots more than a placebo
- It also helped when used with salicylic acid peels, more than peels alone
- Used on its own, it helped, but one study found a niacinamide mix worked better
- One study found the fading effect reversed after stopping niacinamide
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 13 mentions across 7 threads
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner on Reddit, in one place — 7 threads from r/SkincareAddiction and r/30PlusSkinCare, summarized.
“Paula’s choice pore reducing toner (I’ve been stealing this one from my fiancé lol)”
Mentioned
“switching from adapalene to a physical scrub + toner is a pretty big shift in acne-prevention mode”
Mentioned
“if you continue expanding your routine, I’d do it one product at a time”
Mentioned
“Paula's Choice pore reducing toner has a visible positive effect.”
Positive
“Walgreens brand has a dupe for Paula's Choice toner that is less $$.”
Positive
“I am allergic to SA so I speak from experience.”
Positive
“Paula’s Choice Pore Reducing toner (AM + PM)”
Mentioned
“My current routine is:”
Mentioned
“The skincare issues I like to tackle are usually: semi enlarged pores”
Mentioned
“Paula’s Choice pore reducing toner & moisturizer - Love the lightweightness of the texture, non oily or clogging.”
Positive
“I put my toner on damp skin, then moisturizer.”
Positive
“these so far works well for me.”
Positive
“I have just noticed that I tolerate Paula Choice pore reducing toner well”
Positive
“but idk if that’s what i should be using for my goals.”
Positive
“the toner isn’t drying? I feel like my skin tends to be dry”
Positive
“I go between Paula's Choice milky toner and Paula's Choice pore reducing toner.”
Positive
