The 9 Best Toners for Combination Skin, Tested and Reviewed
Combination skin can be tricky to care for. One minute, your T-zone feels oily, and the next, your cheeks are dry and tight. Finding the right toner — one that balances hydration without clogging pores or causing excess oil production — is key. The best toners for combination skin include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid while also incorporating gentle exfoliants to keep breakouts at bay.
To help you find the perfect toner for your skincare routine, we consulted top dermatologists and estheticians to learn what ingredients work best for combination skin. Then, we put different toners to the test, evaluating their effectiveness in balancing oil, hydrating dry areas, and improving overall skin texture. Here are the nine best toners for combination skin based on expert input and real-world testing.
Our Testing Process
To determine the best toners for combination skin, we tested products over four weeks, assessing:
Oil Control: How well each toner balanced excess oil without over-drying the skin.
Hydration: Whether it kept drier areas moisturized throughout the day.
Skin Feel: The overall texture and sensation after application.
Effectiveness: Improvement in skin tone, texture, and appearance over time.
Value for Money: The price versus performance to ensure affordability and quality.
Best for: Oil control and hydration
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
This cult-favorite toner is a go-to for those with combination skin. It contains niacinamide, which helps minimize pores and control oil, while antioxidants and ceramides provide hydration without making the skin greasy.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, chamomile extract
Why We Love It: Lightweight, non-drying, and helps refine pores
Potential Downsides: Some may find the scent too strong
Best for: Soothing and refreshing skin
Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner with Rose Water
Thayers’ iconic toner is gentle enough for everyday use while still effectively balancing combination skin. Witch hazel acts as a natural astringent, helping to control oil, while rose water and aloe vera provide soothing hydration for drier areas.
Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, rose water, aloe vera
Why We Love It: Affordable, gentle, and refreshing
Potential Downsides: May not be strong enough for severe oil control
Best for: Gentle exfoliation and brightening
Pixi Glow Tonic
If your combination skin needs a glow boost, Pixi’s Glow Tonic is a must-try. This toner contains 5% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates dead skin cells, helping to clear clogged pores and improve skin tone.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe vera
Why We Love It: Provides a natural glow and smooths skin texture
Potential Downsides: Can cause slight tingling for sensitive skin
Best for: Hydration and pH balance
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner
For those whose combination skin leans toward dryness, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner is an excellent choice. It’s alcohol-free and packed with hydrating ingredients like squalane and avocado oil to help maintain moisture while keeping skin balanced.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil
Why We Love It: Super hydrating without feeling heavy
Potential Downsides: Might be too rich for very oily areas
Best for: Deep exfoliation
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
If you want a toner that actively works to smooth skin and clear out clogged pores, this one from The Ordinary is a game-changer. With 7% glycolic acid, it effectively exfoliates, brightens, and helps with uneven skin tone. Just be sure to use sunscreen during the day, as AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera
Why We Love It: Affordable and provides noticeable results
Potential Downsides: Can be too strong for sensitive skin; best used a few times a week
Best for: Gentle exfoliation and breakouts
Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
This toner is perfect if you want to keep your combination skin smooth and free of clogged pores. It contains both AHAs and BHAs, which gently exfoliate the skin while preventing acne and dullness. Despite its exfoliating properties, it’s mild enough for daily use.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid (AHA), betaine salicylate (BHA), mineral water
Why We Love It: Helps refine pores, evens out skin tone, and prevents breakouts
Potential Downsides: Can cause slight tingling if you have very sensitive skin
Best for: Deep hydration and soothing redness
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner
Infused with real rose petals, this toner is ideal for those who need intense hydration without making their skin greasy. It helps soothe irritation and redness while providing a burst of moisture to keep your skin balanced.
Key Ingredients: Rose water, rose flower oil, hyaluronic acid
Why We Love It: Hydrating, smells amazing, and feels luxurious on the skin
Potential Downsides: Higher price point
Best for: Acne-prone combination skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
This dermatologist-approved toner contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid to gently exfoliate, clear out pores, and prevent breakouts. It’s an excellent choice for those who struggle with oily T-zones and occasional blemishes.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, thermal spring water
Why We Love It: Great for keeping pores clear and preventing acne
Potential Downsides: Can be drying if used too often
Best for: Hydration with mild exfoliation
Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner
This Korean beauty favorite combines aloe vera’s soothing benefits with BHA’s gentle exfoliation, making it a great option for combination skin. It hydrates dry areas while helping to control excess oil and prevent clogged pores.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, salicylic acid (BHA), snail mucin
Why We Love It: Soothing, lightweight, and keeps breakouts at bay
Potential Downsides: May not be strong enough for those needing deep exfoliation
How to Choose the Best Toner for Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, you’ll want a toner that does more than just one thing. Look for toners with a mix of hydrating, oil-controlling, and skin-soothing ingredients. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Hydration: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera prevent dry areas from becoming flaky.
Oil Control: Witch hazel, niacinamide, and green tea extract help reduce excess shine in the T-zone.
Gentle Exfoliation: AHAs and BHAs, like glycolic or salicylic acid, keep pores clear and skin smooth.
Alcohol-Free Formulas: Avoid harsh alcohols, which can dry out some areas while triggering excess oil in others.
What is combination skin?
Combination skin is a mix of both oily and dry areas. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oily, while the cheeks may be dry or normal. If you notice that some parts of your face feel greasy while others feel tight or flaky, you likely have combination skin.
Why do I need a toner for combination skin?
Toners help to balance oil production, hydrate dry areas, and refine pores. The right toner can ensure that your skin stays refreshed without becoming overly greasy or too dry. Additionally, toners can prep your skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers.
Should I use an alcohol-free toner?
Yes! Alcohol-based toners can strip your skin of its natural oils, which may lead to excessive dryness in some areas and an overproduction of oil in others. Look for an alcohol-free formula to maintain a healthy skin balance.
How often should I use a toner if I have combination skin?
Most people with combination skin can use a toner twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—after cleansing. However, if your toner contains exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid, it’s best to start with once a day or every other day to prevent irritation.
Will a toner make my skin more sensitive to the sun?
It depends on the toner. If your toner contains exfoliating acids like AHAs or BHAs, your skin may become more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin from UV damage.