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Toner pads can treat an array of skin conditions but for those of us with acne-prone skin which are the ones we should buy? After testing many different toner pads we found that the Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 is the best acne-prone friendly toner pad for most people.
However, with acne comes a variety of skin issues that we could address so we’ve rounded up all the best toner pads to help acne from excess oil and dirt, to unclogging pores, to balancing skin’s pH to fading acne scars.
Best toner pads for acne prone skin
- Best Overall Pick – Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0
- Best For Treating Acne – Mediheal Teatree Trouble Pad
- Best For Calming The Skin – Anua Heartless 77 Toner Pad
- Best For Fading Scars – Numbuzin No.5+ Niacinamide Toner Pads
- Best For Exfoliating – Needly Exfoliating Facial Pads With BHA & PHA
- Best Biggest Toner Pads – SKINFOOD Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad
We understand the importance of having good skincare products to help us achieve our desired skin benefits. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various Rice Water Toners to bring you the best options available. Whether you’re dealing with dehydrated skin or dull and uneven skin tone, our list of the best toner pads for acne prone skin has you covered. These toners have been carefully selected based on their ingredients, effectiveness, and overall customer satisfaction. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive acne prone skin, check out our top picks below.
6 Best Toner Pads for Acne-Prone Skin
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0 are our best overall pick and are great for acne-prone skin because it specifically targets sebum production. With 4.5% AHA Lactic Acid from Citric Acid helps to naturally exfoliate the skin and reduce roughness, while the 0.45% BHA salicylic acid from white willow bark helps to minimize the appearance of pores.
Pros
- Patented botanical formula reduces sebum and pore appearance.
- Dual-Textured Toner Pads
- 100% of subjects saw a significant improvement in pore sizes and blackheads (clinical study)
- Suitable for combination to oily skin.
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
MEDIHEAL Teatree Trouble Pad
If you want refreshing toner pad that treats your acne at the same time, the Mediheal Teatree Trouble pad is a great choice for you. This toner pad has Teatree from Jeju Island in Korea helps to give antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits to your toner pad. It also has lactobacillus which could help relieve skin lesions caused by acne.
Pros
- After 4 weeks of use active sebaceous glands are reduced by 24%
- Instantly helps soothe irritated skin and improves the appearance of redness by 66%
- Proven to help troubled skin and instantly improve redness
Cons
- Strong scent
- Some people with sensitive skin dislike it
Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner Pad
The Anua Heartleaf Toner Pad has specifically helped so many acne prone girls and guys with their inflamed skincare issues. Many times we over exfoliate and over treat our acne and all we need is to help our skin calm down and this is the perfect toner pad for that.
Pros
- Good for those with sensitive skin
- Gentle exfoliating toner pad for irritated inflamed skin
- Minimizes pore size
- Helps to calm irritated skin
Cons
- Some people find it too gentle and not strong enough for exfoliating their skin
numbuzin No.5+ Niacinamide Concentrated Toner Pad
The Numbuzin No.5+ Toner Pad is essential for anyone dealing with acne because, with acne-prone skin comes acne scars. It’s inevitable as much as we try to prevent scarring, if you’ve dealt with acne your whole life just like us we know it’s hard to fade those dark spots, but this toner pad greatly helps with that!
Pros
- Improves hyperpigmentation by 8% in 2 weeks.
- Helps with dull skin tone.
- Has 2 sides: Glutathione smooth jelly side for brightening skin complexion, 100% cotton gauze side for resurfacing skin texture
- Triple brightening care with Glutathione + Niacinamide
- PHA & LHA for removing dead skin cell
Cons
- Toner essence is a little sticky
- Concentrated so sensitive skin might find it too strong
Needly | Exfoliating Facial Pads with BHA & PHA
The Needly Daily Toner Pad is also great for targeting the root cause of acne because it has both tea tree oil and salicylic acid, both of which are amazing at reducing acne. In addition it has anti-oxidant ingredients that help to slow skin ageing and helps to reduce wrinkles and Iines.
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to control sebum production
- Effectively exfoliate, improve skin texture and enhance natural glow to make younger-looking skin
- Reduces wrinkles and lines
Cons
- The essence has been reported to spill out if jar is tilted.
SKINFOOD Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad
This SKINFOOD Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad is known for being massive, in fact it went viral when a Kpop celebrity used it because of how big it is. Apart from it’s size, it has amazing benefits as well, the beta carotene from carrots helps dull tired skin look rejuvenated and it also helps to cool redness in the skin. So it’s a great option for those of you who have sensitive skin and want more for your money as it comes at an affordable price as well.
Pros
- Thick Waffle Cotton Pad
- Able to split the cotton pad in half to use as a face mask
- Suitable especially for those with sensitive skin
Cons
- No acne targeting ingredients
Buying Guide, what to consider
When it comes to choosing the best toner pad for acne prone skin, there are a few key features to consider:
1. Ingredients
Especially for acne prone skin, pay attention to the ingredients list. Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol in high concentrations, which can be drying. Instead, seek out natural ingredients and skin-loving acids like salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation.
2. Packaging
If you’re looking to travel with the toner pads make sure that they are sealed well. Pre-soaked pads in a jar are convenient only until they spill. We’ve learnt that the hard way and some toner pad jars are just better for travelling compared to others.
3. Dual sided? Size of the toner pad?
The cotton pad that comes with the toner pad products varies greatly. You might prefer one that is large, or prefer a gentler exfoliation side in comparison to a rougher exfoliation side. Most toner pads nowadays either come with dual textured cotton pads or cotton pads that can be split into two to increase the lifespan of your product.
4. Sustainability
If you’re environmentally conscious, look for brands that use sustainable, biodegradable materials for their pads because 60 pads every time you buy a toner pad adds up over time.
By considering these factors when choosing a toner pad, you can find a product that is effective, safe, and suitable for your skin type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can toner pads be used daily, and at what step in my skincare routine should I use them?
Yes, toner pads can be used daily, but it’s essential to choose a formulation suited to your skin type and concerns. They are typically used after cleansing and before applying serums or moisturizers. The pads help in balancing the skin’s pH, hydrating, and preparing the skin to absorb subsequent products more effectively.
Are toner pads suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin?
Toner pads are available for various skin types, including sensitive skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, look for alcohol-free options with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or hyaluronic acid. It’s always advisable to do a patch test before incorporating a new product into your skincare routine to ensure compatibility.
