Best Toners for Acne

Ranked by community + evidence score across 130 mentions on Reddit

Top picks· 17

Reddit’s top pick

The Ordinary27 mentionsSome evidence

The why

This is a leave-on 7% glycolic acid toner for rough texture, clogged pores, and lingering marks. Redditors report smoother skin, and studies found glycolic acid can improve acne. Sensitive skin often finds it burning, drying, or barrier-wrecking.

One minus

Burning and redness can linger for days

Good forOily Skin

Swimming Pool Toner
Protease enzyme toner smooths texture and loosens clogged pores; gentle, slow results.
Eqqualberry16 mentions
1025 Dokdo Toner
Protease-powered watery hydration and gentle exfoliation; underwhelming for some, irritating for others.
Round Lab10 mentions
Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA
Glycolic and salicylic acids smooth texture, clear pores; stings compromised skin.
Beauty of Joseon6 mentions
Acne Exfoliating Toner
Reddit favorite 2% salicylic acid toner; studies find comparable acne results.
Peach Slices3 mentionsSome evidence

Community take

For acne, Redditors most often recommend exfoliating toners, especially The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%, for blackheads, whiteheads, and body acne. Other popular picks include pore and AHA/BHA toners, though discussion centers heavily on glycolic acid.

What works

Glycolic acid is praised for making blackheads and whiteheads less visible.
Users say it can help with back and body acne.
The Ordinary option is described as inexpensive and effective.

Watch out for

Some users say their skin tolerates only brief or limited use.
One commenter advises waiting until a compromised skin barrier recovers.

What the research says about acne ingredients

Strong evidence

1 ingredient

Multiple studies found these worked for acne.

Azelaic Acid
Most studies found it helped clear acne
31 studies

Some evidence

7 ingredients

Some studies found a benefit for acne, but the evidence isn't settled.

Adapalene
Most studies found adapalene helped clear acne
24 studies
Benzoyl Peroxide
Most studies found it helped clear acne better than a placebo or no treatment
23 studies
Glycolic Acid
Most of these studies found it helped clear acne
22 studies
Niacinamide
Most studies found niacinamide helped acne
17 studies
Retinol
Both studies that tested it on its own found it helped acne
5 studies
Salicylic Acid
Most studies found salicylic acid helped clear acne
34 studies
Tea Tree Oil
All 6 studies that tested it on its own found it helped acne
11 studies

Not proven yet

3 ingredients

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

Mandelic Acid
The one study that tested it on its own found it helped acne
6 studies
Sulfur
The one study that tested it on its own found it helped acne
5 studies
Zinc
The results were split, so there is no clear answer yet on whether zinc helps acne
16 studies