Toners and acne-prone skin have long been considered a match made in heaven.
Meanwhile, salicylic acid is the glue that ties them together as it treats existing acne and prevents future breakouts (source: Healthline).
In this post, we will present the best salicylic acid toners, and hopefully, you can find the one that is perfect for you.
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What Is The Best Salicylic Acid Toner?
Here are my top recommendations:
- Editor's Choice: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
- Cult Favorite: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- 100% Natural Salicylic Acid: Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
- Dermatologist Approved: Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Pore Therapy
- Best for Blackheads & Breakouts: CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
- Best for Blemishes & Clogged Pores: Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Toner + Serum
- Best for Oily Skin and Excess Shine: Jack Black Oil-Control Toner
However, you may want to note that alcohol denatured is also on its ingredient list.
Some dermatologists warn that it can cause breakouts and redness, while others say it’s good at removing oils from skin (Source: Byrdie).
So it boils down to whether this is something that your skin can tolerate or not.
For the most part, with positive reviews attesting to how well the formulation keeps the skin clear without causing dryness, it looks like there is little to be concerned about.
Our Verdict: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution is the solution to your skincare woes, with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, Japanese lily, and golden herb.
But if you’re keen on giving this a try, know that some users had to build up their tolerance to the product. They started with using it twice a week, to every other day, to daily.
Personally, I stuck with using it every other day, as I found that going beyond that can lead to over-exfoliation.
Our Verdict: With a minimal ingredient list but maximum efficacy, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant proves that salicylic acid, butylene glycol, and green tea extract can be all that you need for clearer skin.
With these in mind, I would only recommend it for those with oily and combination skin.
But you have to keep an eye out if you want one because it frequently goes out of stock.
Our Verdict: If you’re looking for an acne toner that is natural and effective, Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner with its 100% natural salicylic acid, organic grape water, and organic rose water would be perfect for you.
But while the simple ingredient list is reminiscent of Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant, you may want to note that Obagi’s toner contains fragrance and menthol.
Our Verdict: Get derm-approved acne care from the comfort of your home with Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Pore Therapy, featuring salicylic acid, glycerin, and Chamomilla Recutita flower extract.
It even has niacinamide, great for treating hyperpigmentation and providing moisture; arginine, an amino acid with antioxidant properties; panthenol, which improves the moisture barrier; and sodium hyaluronate, also known as hyaluronic acid.
This mix of ingredients makes it great for sensitive skin and those starting out with chemical exfoliation.
Our Verdict: Skin clearing and non-irritating, CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid offers gentle exfoliation for all skin types. But if you want something even milder, you can consider the CosRX One Step Original Clear Pad, which also has White Willow Bark Water but with just 1% Betaine Salicylate.
Unsurprisingly, it has over a thousand reviews praising its formulation. However, there is less enthusiasm about its packaging, with several complaints about the pump malfunctioning or breaking. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it may be something you want to keep in mind.
Our Verdict: Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Toner + Serum is the multi-tasking product of your dreams, with Clarity 5 Complex plus hyaluronic acid, willow bark extract, and tea tree oil.
But the most notable botanical ingredient is the Red Macroalgae Extract, which replenishes the skin barrier, reduces redness and blemishes, and brightens skin tone (source: NCBI).
With such a variety of ingredients, including some essential oils, one or more may cause your skin to react negatively. This is what happened to several reviewers, so I suggest you patch-test before applying it all over your face.
Our Verdict: A great mix of acids and botanicals, Jack Black Oil-Control Toner gives powerful pore cleansing at a reasonable price.