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Why It's Worth Adding An Acid Toner Into Your Routine
If you’re wondering whether your skin could benefit from an acid toner, the answer is probably yes. Despite the slightly intimidating name, these formulas are simply clever exfoliating toners, but they do a lot more than smooth uneven texture. They can help soften fine lines, fade pigmentation, boost radiance, support your skin barrier and keep breakouts at bay.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, mature or even sensitive, believe us: there’s an acid toner that’s been designed with your concerns in mind. The key to finding the best acid toner for you is simply understanding which type of acid suits your skin.
Know Your Acids
There are three main types of hydroxy acids used in exfoliating toners. Here’s how to tell them apart and choose the right one for your routine:
AHAs are water-soluble and work on the surface to improve radiance, texture and fine lines, making them ideal for dry, dull or mature skin.
BHAs are oil-soluble and penetrate deep into pores to clear congestion, making them best for oily, acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
PHAs also work on the surface but in a much gentler way, making them suitable for all skin types - especially sensitive or reactive skin.
The Best Acid Toners To Enhance Your Routine
Now that you’re armed with the information you need to choose an acid toner, here are our top picks to explore.
Skin Rocks
The Strong Acid, N/A
Best For Experienced Users
Acids: AHAs, BHAs & PHAs
Exclusive to Space NK, Skin Rocks has just added The Strong Acid to its acid toner line-up and it’s the most powerful yet. The formula blends three AHAs with salicylic acid (BHA) and gluconolactone (PHA) to come at dullness, uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles from all angles. We wouldn’t recommend this for sensitive skin, and even experienced users should introduce it slowly to see how their skin responds.
Chantecaille
Purifying and Exfoliating Phytoactive Solution, N/A
Best For Rebalancing Oiliness
Acids: AHAs, BHAs & PHAs
Chantecaille’s acid toner is a must-have for anyone who’s looking for help when it comes to oily T-zones. The balance of AHAs, BHAs and PHAs alongside botanical microbiota extracts ensures that your skin is gently exfoliated and sebum production is regulated without causing dryness or sensitivity.
Medik8
Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic with Enzyme Activator, N/A
Best For Dry Skin
Acids: PHA
If you'd describe your skin as dry and flaky, this gentle exfoliating treatment will smooth out roughness in what feels like seconds. The clever balance of gluconolactone (a gentle polyhydroxy acid) ensures your skin is exfoliated and hydrated, so you don’t have to fret about exacerbating the dryness.
Kiehl's
Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner, N/A
Best For Sensitive Skin
Acids: AHAs & BHAs
While this acid toner contains salicylic acid to tackle pores and lactic acid (one of the gentlest AHAs) to slough away dead skin, there’s also almond milk and glycerine to soothe and calm. Introduce it into your routine twice a week in the evening and follow up with a nourishing moisturiser .
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, N/A
Best For Minimising Breakouts
Acids: BHA
From hormonal breakouts to stubborn blackheads, this salicylic acid-infused treatment gives pores a deep clean and rebalances oiliness. While it won’t eradicate a blemish instantly, it will set you off on a path to clearer, smoother skin moving forwards.
The Ordinary
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, N/A
Best Affordable Acid Toner
Acids: AHA
This affordable acid toner harnesses 7% glycolic acid to help even out skin tone, smooth uneven texture, clear congestion and reduce future breakouts, while soothing botanical extracts like Tasmanian pepperberry, aloe vera and ginseng root work to help minimise potential irritation.
