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Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

Texture/PoresToner

Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner — Reddit Reviews

by Paula's Choice

90nextscore6 verdicts

Updated October 21, 2026

Niacinamide toner visibly refines pores with a lightweight, non-oily finish.

What the community says

Backed by 53 studies

A lightweight niacinamide toner for combination skin, especially oily T-zones and visible pores. Reddit users report a positive effect and comfortable daily use, yet people with different goals may question whether it earns a place in their routine.

From Reddit

Backed by 7 threads from r/SkincareAddiction and r/30PlusSkinCare.

Read the threads ↓

What people love

  • Niacinamide-led pore focus
  • Lightweight, non-oily, non-clogging texture
  • Works in AM and PM routines

Product details

Product Traits

Key Ingredients

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
    • It often cleared acne about as well as clindamycin when put on the skin
    • Some studies found it helped reduce red, sore spots and pimples
    • Some evidence is still uncertain because some studies found no clear difference
  • Hyperpigmentation

    Some evidence

    Niacinamide: 4 studies tested it on its own. See all 17 studies

    What the studies found
    • All 4 studies that tested it on its own found it helped fade dark spots
    • It reduced facial dark spots better than a moisturizer without niacinamide
    • Some studies found skin looked lighter as dark spots faded
    • When used with salicylic acid, it improved dark patches more than salicylic acid alone
  • Anti-Aging

    Some evidence

    Niacinamide: 2 studies tested it on its own. See all 8 studies

    What the studies found
    • Both studies that tested it on its own found it helped with signs of aging
    • It improved how firm and elastic the skin looked
    • It reduced wrinkles and uneven tone, including spots, redness, and yellowing
    • It helped the skin hold more water and reduced water loss through the skin
  • Skin Barrier

    Not proven yet

    Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.

    Niacinamide: 1 study tested it on its own. See all 17 studies

    What the studies found
    • The one study that tested it on its own found it helped the skin barrier
    • It lowered water loss through the skin
    • It increased the thickness of the outer skin layer

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

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