The all-important second step in the cleanser-toner-moisturiser winning skincare trio is often left by the wayside.
Designed for a deeper cleanse, we may skip this often drying part in a bid to minimise our daily skincare practices and in favour of more moisture-packed formulations. But no longer. When it comes to oily skin types in particular, these tonics are considered a staple by those in the biz to control sebum production, bust blemishes, unclog pores and smooth out uneven complexions.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
First things first, what are the causes of oily skin?
Emma Wedgwood, registered nurse and founder of Emma Wedgwood Aesthetics explains, “Sebaceous glands develop in the dermis layer of your skin; you have thousands all over your body, around your hair follicles, particularly on your face and scalp.
“When the sebaceous glands make too much sebum (the oil that protects and hydrates the skin), this can lead to oily skin. Too much sebum can clog pores and result in acne. Several things can cause excess sebum and oily skin, including changes in the weather, hormonal changes, stress, and even skincare products”.
Are toners important for oily skin tones?
In short, yes. “People with oily skin tend to see more acne breakouts than those who have combination skin,” says Sam Cinkir, founder of Este Medical Group. “Non-alcohol toners penetrate deep enough inside the pores to exfoliate dead skin cells and help fight blackheads and whiteheads, as well as rough or dark spots.” Yet he stresses the importance of non-stripping formulas as this can lead to irritation. “When you overly dry out the skin, it can disrupt your skin barrier and cause inflammation”.
What ingredients should you look for in a toner?
Cinkir recommends the likes of “honey, aloe vera and rose as they are organic and can deeply nourish the skin”. He adds, “I would recommend looking out for niacinamides, which can help reduce sebum production and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin”.
How do you combat the drying nature of toners?
“Don’t use harsh or high-percentage exfoliant toners, or if you do, limit your use of them to 2-3 times a week”, recommends Wedgwood. “Follow up using your toner with a hydrating serum and/or moisturiser too. If you have oily skin, you’re best to try a lightweight, water-based moisturiser and/or serum, including hyaluronic acid or glycerin”.
Shop the best toners for oily skin below
Thayers Original Facial Toner 335ml
This is one of the most popular toners across the Atlantic and is now available on UK soil, filling the bathroom cabinets of oily skin types everywhere. There are many different fragrances (coconut, rose or unscented) but this is the original and uses aloe vera to soothe and refresh the complexion.
Almost the entire ingredient line-up is naturally derived - 98 per cent, to be precise - where witch hazel is placed at the heart. The latter is known for its antibacterial properties and is particularly effective at removing excess sebum. Forgoing harsh alcohol makes this a solution for sensitive skin types.
Buy now £11.99, lookfantastic
Clarins Purifying Toning Lotion
There’s a Clarins toner for almost all skin types. This particular one is tailored for combination and oily skin types. This is due to its floral-fruity formula where the ingredients have been carefully chosen to control the overproduction of sebum. Meadowsweet and witch hazel are combined to counteract greasiness, minimise the appearance of pores and brighten the skin. The duo also provides a subtle scent. Skin will feel hydrated yet squeaky clean.
Buy now £27.00, John Lewis
Liz Earle Smooth & Glow™ Exfoliating Tonic 200ml
Harnessing the power of botanicals is the Liz Earle M.O. and the antioxidant-rich cocktail of brightening prickly pear, acerola cherry (that is brimming with vitamin C) and sea buckthorn make for a hydrating toner that will smooth skin and feel gentle on the complexion. You’ll be hooked from the first use.
Buy now £20.00, Boots
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 250ml
This tonic from REN Clean Skincare is perhaps the brand’s best-known and most lauded product in its offering. It uses chemical exfoliant favourites; AHAs and BHAs that are gentle but pack a real punch to unclog pores and leave skin feeling smoother than before. Use daily to maximise the likes of lactic acid and willow bark-derived salicin and cue the glow.
Buy now £24.00, Amazon
OSKIA Floral Water Toner
The first thing you will notice about this toner is its beautiful floral scent. The infusion of rose petals sets the vibe to brighten your daily cleansing practices. Yet these are not ordinary rose petals - in fact, far from it. They have been meticulously selected by hand in order to prevent damage and ensure that the fragrance remains intact. They are also organic.
The formula is gentle and free from any harsh ingredients, hydrating without stripping. There’s also the addition of black carrot juice for protection against external aggressors and hibiscus extract that contains AHAs for a gentle exfoliation that evens out and smooths skin tone.
Buy now £59.00, lookfantastic
Dr Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom Treatment Lotion
With Origins’ cult Mega Mushroom Treatment Lotion, one is sold every eight seconds - and if that’s not a testament to its nourishing superpowers, we don’t know what is.
The product has been upgraded with the help of Integrative Medicine expert Dr Andrew Weil to create an even more advanced formulation that includes Adaptogenic Licorice Root with Glycyrrhetinic Acid. This ups the ante for your skin, strengthening its own defences against environmental aggressors.
It is also packed with more reishi mushrooms than ever before - 10 times in fact - as well as sea buckthorn and fermented Chaga that calm irritation, reduce redness and leave skin hydrated, healthy and happy.
Buy now £33.15, Boots
Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum
This thicker toner texture is both the second step and a serum in one handy package. For those looking to minimise their skincare routine, it works double duty to remove excess oil with niacinamide as the shine-fighting hero ingredient. There’s also lemon myrtle which enhances this effect and refines the appearance of pores as well as Barbados cherry to balance dark spots.
Buy now £29.00, Boots
Aesop Bitter Orange Astringent Toner
If aesthetics guide your bathroom cabinet investments, you’re likely very familiar with Aesop and its infinitely photographed apothecary-style products. The toner, as the name spells out, is astringent to clarify the complexion, removing shine without leaving greasiness behind. Bitter orange powers the formula with witch hazel and rosemary leaf so those with blemish-prone skin will welcome the addition to their routine too as well as oily types.
Buy now £39.00, Cult Beauty
