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8 Best BHA Toners That Smooth and Clear Skin
The best BHA toners have officially redeemed toner’s reputation. Once known for being stingy and skippable, today’s formulas are hardworking must-haves that exfoliate, decongest pores, and smooth skin, without stripping it dry. BHA (a.k.a. beta hydroxy acid—most commonly in the form of salicylic acid) is oil-soluble, meaning it can dive deep into pores to clear out gunk and excess oil. That makes it especially helpful for breakout-prone or oily skin types, but even dry or sensitive skin can benefit with the right formula.
Our Top BHA Toners
Over time, these toners can help reduce blackheads, minimize the look of pores, and improve overall tone and texture. Some even go the extra mile with soothing or hydrating ingredients, proving that toners aren’t just a throwaway step anymore—they’re an essential part of your skin-care routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment
Why it’s worth it: If you’re chasing that glass skin glow (and who isn’t?), COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid Treatment is the one to beat. This K-beauty classic is our best overall pick because it does everything you can ask for in a toner: It exfoliates, clears pores, smooths texture, and calms skin. It uses a gentle duo of BHAS with niacinamide (without a harsh sting) to keep breakouts under control and skin looking radiant and healthy. Even if you’re not following a whole 10-step routine, this toner works hard to brighten dullness, balance oil, and prep your skin to soak in whatever comes next.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“This COSRX toner, much like their snail mucin essence, is what I like to call an oldie-but-a-goodie. It’s been around since I got into K-beauty over nine years ago, and whenever my blackheads are looking extra prominent, I reach for this trusty toner and spend some extra time post-double-cleanse to work it into my T-zone and on/around my nose (the biggest culprit!). I switch up the a.m. vs. p.m. application on the days I use a retinol serum at night, so COSRX goes on in the morning after splashing my face with water. I’ve noticed that my nose blackheads are less prominent and, well, dark, and some discoloration from self-inflicted picking (I know, I know!) has faded, which is an unexpected but welcome win!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Sarah has combination skin and her biggest concerns are blackheads and excess oil in her T-zone. She’s been using the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid every day (either morning or night, but not both) for three weeks.
- Key ingredients: willow bark extract, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Combination Skin: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Why it’s worth it: Paula’s Choice built its reputation on no-BS, research-backed formulas, and the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is arguably the brand’s most-loved product. The viral toner uses salicylic acid to dive deep into pores, dissolving excess oil and dead skin buildup that can lead to breakouts. “It’s well tolerated by nearly all skin types, easily incorporated into a routine, and quite effective,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology based in Toronto, Canada; it’s one of the few viral products that she actually recommends in her practice. It also contains green tea, a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps calm the redness and irritation often seen in hormonal or inflammatory acne. For those with sensitive or reactive skin, this lightweight mist keeps things simple with just nine ingredients.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I haven’t used toner in ages, but when faced with pretty rough hormonal acne on my chin and jaw, I reached for this. I alternated it at night with Shani Darden Rescue Serum With 10% Azelaic Complex right after cleansing, and just smoothed it into my skin; it absorbed quickly without any need for a cotton pad. I’ve found that this seems to be my magic combo for controlling breakouts. And when the occasional cystic zit did pop up, it didn’t get as red or as big as it typically might have. I’m happy to report that it lives up to the hype.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
Pai has combination skin and her biggest concerns are hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation. She’s been using the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant once a day for three weeks.
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, green tea, methylpropanediol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Toner Pads: Innisfree Gentle Retinol Salicylic Daily Toner Pads
Why it’s worth it: You probably already know we love a good swipe-and-go situation, and Innisfree’s Gentle Retinol Salicylic Daily Toner Pads are ideal for those who want to specifically reduce redness. As with many K-beauty products that prioritize calming care, these pre-soaked pads are all about getting results without irritation. You have salicylic acid to unclog pores, a gentle dose of retinol to smooth texture, and soothing ingredients like cica and green tea ceramide from Korea’s Jeju Island, known for its mineral-rich soils. “These toner pads are not only convenient, but they’re always popular because they say it gives people such a clean-skin feel,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. It’s our favorite, one-step shortcut to calmer, more balanced skin.
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“I’ve been a fan of Innisfree’s Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Toner Pads for a while—they’re gentle yet brightening, and pair perfectly with my morning SPF routine. The K-beauty brand is well known for their sensitive skin-friendly formulas, so I knew the Gentle Retinol Salicylic Daily Toner Pads wouldn’t freak out my skin. These retinol pads were (believe it or not) my first foray into retinol, and after two weeks of nightly use, I noticed my skin texture start to smooth out. Even though I don’t deal with breakouts, the combo of gentle retinol and salicylic acid made a visible difference in softer, more even skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
- Key ingredients: retinol, salicylic acid, green tea, cica, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: SkinCeuticals LHA Toner
Why it’s worth it: SkinCeuticals LHA Toner is an exfoliating toner that means business. “This formula combines two forms of salicylic acid—standard and capryloyl salicylic acid, a gentler version—with glycolic acid at a low pH for potent exfoliation both at the skin’s surface and within the pore,” says Yadav. “That makes it effective at addressing all forms of congestion, including whiteheads, blackheads, and deeper blemishes.” The glycolic acid also helps fade post-acne discoloration over time. Because of its low pH and formulation, it’s best suited for those who aren’t dry or sensitive.
Don’t be thrown off by the alcohol-like scent: SkinCeuticals LHA Toner contains denatured alcohol to help its exfoliating acids (salicylic and glycolic) penetrate more effectively. While the scent is a little astringent, the formula dries down quickly and doesn’t leave behind any greasy or sticky residue.
- Key ingredients: caproloyl salicylic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner
Why it’s worth it: Next time you’re at the drugstore, do yourself a favor and grab La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Clarifying Solution, particularly if excess oil and breakouts are your main skin concerns. “This product is great for acne-prone skin, and I often recommend it with the Effaclar Purifying Foam Gel Cleanser, which also contains purifying properties,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. Along with exfoliating acids, it’s made with La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water. “Thermal spring water contains minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of selenium. These are prebiotics that are helpful for the skin’s microbiome,” she says. (Prebiotics, for the uninitiated, are materials that nourish the beneficial bacteria on your skin.) Each swipe gets you closer to more balanced skin.
Oily skin often goes into overdrive when it’s dehydrated. The glycerin in this toner acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin to help keep it hydrated and balanced.
- Key ingredients: lip-hydroxy acid, glycerin, thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dry Skin: Alpyn 2% BHA Pore Perfecting Liquid Exfoliator
Alpyn Beauty
2% BHA Pore Perfecting Liquid Exfoliator
Why it’s worth it: Finding a liquid exfoliant that unclogs pores and doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or flaky is no small feat, but this Best of Beauty winner pulls it off. “Alpyn Beauty’s 2% BHA Pore Perfecting Liquid Exfoliator is an excellent choice for dry skin due to the inclusion of ingredients like glycerin, aloe, squalane, and jojoba, all of which hydrate and nourish without congesting pores,” says Dr. Yadav. Tremella mushroom (a humectant even more powerful than hyaluronic acid) keeps moisture levels up, while vitamin C helps brighten and fade post-acne discoloration. Dr. Yadav also points to calming ingredients like borage and tea tree oil, plus gentle astringents like tea tree and witch hazel, making it ideal for anyone dealing with dryness, dullness, large pores, or stubborn breakouts.
Just when you thought this formula couldn’t be more stacked, it’s also got phytic acid, which is a gentle exfoliant that helps boost cell turnover.
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, vitamin C, tremella mushroom, tea tree oil, borage, witch hazel extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Farmacy 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner
Farmacy
2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner
Why it’s worth it: If your skin panics at the mere thought of exfoliation, Farmacy’s Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner is gentler than you’d expect. The alcohol- and fragrance-free formula uses 2% salicylic acid (the standard amount found in over-the-counter products) to clear out pores and papaya enzymes to brighten, while moringa seed extract and antioxidant-rich chlorella help hydrate and calm. It even includes peony root extract, known for its anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing properties, making it a rare exfoliant that plays well with sensitive, breakout-prone skin. In short, it keeps oil and blackheads in check without leaving your face feeling tight, stripped, or angry.
For extra-sensitive skin, start using this toner every other night to let your skin adjust, then work up to daily use.
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, moringa seed extract, papaya enzymes, chlorella
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner
Neutrogena
Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner
Why it’s worth it: If you’re stressed about breakouts (or breaking out because you’re stressed), Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner keeps excess oil at bay. “This product uses MicroClear Technology proven to dissolve oil and also improve the penetration of salicylic acid,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “It’s great for patients who are very concerned about excessively oily skin.” The formula combines 2% salicylic acid with calming green tea and cucumber extracts, plus glycerin to lightly hydrate so your skin feels refreshed, not tight. As the name suggests, this toner does triple duty: It treats acne, cuts down on oil, and soothes stressed-out skin all in one refreshing swipe.
This toner is great for keeping skin balanced, even when you’re not breaking out. It helps maintain clear pores and prevent future flare-ups.
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, cucumber extract
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use a BHA toner every day?
BHA usage depends on your skin type. “Yes, it is okay to use a BHA daily for people with normal to oily skin,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “People with dry skin may need to decrease the frequency of use.” Because BHAs like salicylic acid help unclog pores and reduce excess oil, they’re often well tolerated by acne-prone skin types. That said, if you’re new to chemical exfoliants or have sensitive skin, it’s smart to start slow and build up to daily use. And don’t forget sunscreen, as BHAs can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
Which ingredients shouldn’t be combined with BHA?
While BHA can be paired with many ingredients, certain combinations may be too harsh. “People with dehydrated or sensitive skin may experience excessive dryness if they combine a salicylic acid toner with other drying or exfoliating ingredients, such as other acids, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. That said, “for people with normal to oily skin, these combinations of ingredients are very common.” Another combo to be cautious with is vitamin C and acids like BHA, since “vitamin C stability is pH-dependent,” she adds. To minimize irritation, consider alternating active ingredients or using them at different times of day.
Is there an ideal percentage of BHA?
There’s no one-size-fits-all ideal percentage of BHA—it depends on your skin type and what you’re using it for. “The concentration that is typically used for acne is 2%,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “For general use, concentrations range from 0.5–2%.” If you have sensitive skin, she notes that “lower concentrations may be better,” since tolerability can vary based on strength. “It really depends on the formula, but theoretically, the higher the percentage, the greater the exfoliating effects,” she adds.
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When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best toners for sensitive skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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