Oily skin, constant shine, and unexpected breakouts can make skincare frustrating—especially in India’s hot and humid climate. Moreover, excess sebum often clogs pores, which leads to acne and enlarged pores. This is why choosing the best toner for oily skin in India is important
The best toners for oily skin helps control oil, tighten pores, and refresh your skin without over-drying it. If you’re dealing with acne, sensitivity, or excessive shine, the right toner can restore balance and improve your skin’s overall texture.
In this guide, we’ve created the list of 7 best toners for oily skin, including alcohol-free, natural, and dermatologist-approved options from trusted Indian and global brands—so you can pick one that truly works for your skin type.
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Why You Need a Toner for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin?
People with oily skin should consider using a toner, as it can bring visible improvements to their daily skincare routine. A good toner helps balance the skin’s natural oil production, minimizes the appearance of pores, and keeps the skin hydrated.
Your oily skin will benefit from using a toner in the following ways:
- Oil Control: Keep your face looking fresh and matte all day, as the best toners for oily skin help regulate excess oil production.
- Acne Prevention: The right toner for oily, acne-prone skin helps tighten pores and combat acne-causing bacteria.
- Pore Tightening: Regular use of toner helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, leaving your skin looking smoother and more refined.
- Removes Residue: Even after cleansing, traces of makeup and dirt can remain on your skin. A toner helps remove these impurities, leaving your face perfectly clean and refreshed.
Using a toner for oily skin in summer is essential, as it helps control sweat and prevents the uncomfortable stickiness that often comes with hot weather. Regular use of toner in your skincare routine can gradually improve your complexion and support your skin’s natural repair.
Must Read – 9 Best Moisturizers With SPF For Oily Skin In India: Recommended By Experts
How to Choose the Best Toners for Oily Skin (Ingredients to Look For)?
| Ingredient | Why It’s Good for Oily Skin | Best For | Skin Type Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Witch Hazel | Acts as a natural astringent that controls excess oil and tightens enlarged pores | Oil control & pore tightening | Oily, Acne-Prone |
| Tea Tree Oil | Targets acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce active breakouts | Acne prevention | Oily, Acne-Prone |
| Aloe Vera | Soothes irritation while hydrating the skin without making it greasy | Sensitive & inflamed skin | Oily, Sensitive |
| Green Tea | Rich in antioxidants that calm inflammation and regulate sebum production | Reducing redness & oil | Oily, Combination |
| Rose Water | Maintains skin’s pH balance and refreshes without clogging pores | Daily hydration | Oily, Sensitive |
When buying the best toner for oily skin, choose products that help control oil production without causing any irritation. If you have sensitive skin, opt for the best toners for oily skin with natural, soothing ingredients.
Look for these key ingredients:
- Witch Hazel: With natural astringent properties, witch hazel helps reduce facial oil and tightens pores effectively.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil helps prevent acne and control existing breakouts by targeting acne-causing bacteria.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera provides soothing benefits while hydrating the skin, all without causing excess oil buildup.
- Green Tea: Green tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that help control sebum production and calm the skin.
- Rose Water: This can naturally maintain your pH balance and hydrates and refresh your skin.
For oily skin, it’s best to choose an alcohol-free toner to prevent dehydration. Natural toners provide the most long-term benefits for oily skin. If you have sensitive, oily skin, opt for a toner with plant-based ingredients, as these are gentler and less likely to cause irritation.
7 Best Toners for Oily Skin in India – Top Recommendations
If you struggle with oily skin, picking the right toner can make a huge difference. Below, we’ve curated 7 of the best toners for oily skin in India, each formulated to control excess oil, minimize breakouts, and refine pores for a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.
1. Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner
Best for: Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone
Key Ingredients: Green Tea, Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel
Free From: Alcohol, Parabens, Sulfates
Benefits: Controls excess oil, unclogs pores, prevents breakouts
The Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner provides the perfect solution for people with oiliness and acne issues in their skin. Green tea extract combined with glycolic acid helps this toner gently dissolve extra oil and stop acne formation. The toner works to reduce pores as it acts on your skin, resulting in smooth and refreshed skin.
The product fulfills three vital conditions through its combination of cruelty-free and vegan features together with dermatological testing approval.
You can purchase the 200ml bottle, and its subtle scent makes it ideal for daily use. Being fragrance-free, this toner is also suitable for people with sensitivities to strong scents.
Consider Before Buying: The packaging is prone to leaking, so it’s best to store it upright.
Check out our detailed review of Plum Green Tea Toner here.
2. Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner
Best for: Pore Tightening & Oil Control
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive
Key Ingredients: Cucumber Extract, Mint, Himalayan Waters
Free From: Alcohol, Synthetic Chemicals
Benefits: Minimizes enlarged pores and refreshes oily skin naturally
The Biotique Bio Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner is an organic refreshment solution designed for oily skin. It combines neem and cucumber extracts to minimize pores and control excess oil. This toner soothes the skin, maintains its natural oil balance, and prevents surface dryness.
As a 100% organic, cruelty-free product, it offers an excellent eco-friendly skincare option. This fragrance-free 120ml toner is suitable for sensitive skin, making it perfect for daily use.
Consider Before Buying: The strong herbal scent may not appeal to everyone.
3. Mamaearth Niacin Toner with Witch Hazel & Rose Water
Best for: Acne Marks & Uneven Skin Tone
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Witch Hazel, Rose Water
Free From: Parabens, Sulfates, Artificial Fragrance
Benefits: Reduces acne scars, controls oil, and brightens skin
The Mamaearth Niacin Toner with Witch Hazel & Rose Water is designed for oily skin and acne-prone skin, offering multiple benefits. Niacinamide helps reduce discoloration and brighten the complexion, while witch hazel controls oil production and minimizes pore size.
This toner is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin, as rose water provides both hydration and soothing effects.
This natural toner for oily skin meets both criteria of being dermatologically tested and cruelty-free. The 200ml bottle is safe for daily use, as it contains no parabens, sulfates, or artificial fragrances.
Consider Before Buying: May not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin due to its active ingredients.
Read our detailed review of Mamaearth Vitamin C Facewash.
4. Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist – Pure Rosewater
Best for: Hydration Without Oiliness
Skin Type: Oily, Sensitive, Combination
Key Ingredients: Pure Rosewater, Aloe Vera
Free From: Alcohol, Synthetic Fragrance
Benefits: Hydrates and soothes skin while maintaining oil balance
The Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist is a luxurious natural toner made primarily with pure rosewater. It provides instant hydration while soothing the skin.
Aloe vera and cucumber help reduce irritation while keeping the skin refreshed throughout the day. This facial mist is ideal for oily skin, as it controls excess oil while maintaining proper hydration.
This organic toner is free from synthetic fragrances and cruelty-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. The 200ml bottle is perfect for daily use, and its mist applicator ensures smooth and even application.
Consider Before Buying: The price point is higher compared to other toners in the market.
5. Good Vibes Tea Tree Toner
Best for: Preventing Acne
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-prone
Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera
Free From: Parabens, Sulfates
Benefits: Fights acne-causing bacteria and tightens pores
Good Vibes Tea Tree Toner will work wonders for oily, acne-prone skin. Its key ingredient is tea tree oil that will help fight bacteria and keep acne in check.
Witch hazel tightens pores, while aloe vera tones down and moisturizes the skin. This toner is great for regulating oil production, hence making it a good choice for oily skin.
It’s cruelty-free, yet super affordable; thus, budget-friendly. The 120ml bottle is portable and just perfect for everyday use. Without parabens and sulfates, it’s just fine to use over time.
Consideration Before Buying: The smell of tea tree might be perceived as a bit strong by some.
6. The Face Shop Chia Seed Toner (Korean)
Best for: Balancing Hydration & Oil Control
Skincare Type: Oily, Combination
Key Ingredients: Chia seed extract, Vitamin E, Panthenol
Free From: Parabens, Sulfates
Benefits: Non-comedogenic, providing long-lasting hydration without blocking pores
The Face Shop Chia Seed Toner is said to be Best Overall because it balances hydration and oil control, especially on oily skin.
Chia seed extract provides long-lasting hydration, helping to slow down excess oil and balance the skin all day. Vitamin E and panthenol further help nourish, moisturize, and soften the skin.
This is a Korean toner for oily skin that is free of parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, which means it is perfectly safe to use every day. Light and non-greasy, this product prevents clogged pores while you’re enjoying a soothing vibe. The 200ml bottle has a gentle scent and is perfect for everyday use.
Consideration Before Buying: It can take a bit longer to soak in for those who have oily skin and are used to lighter toners.
If you want to know more about Korean Skincare Tips, read our comprehensive article.
7. Juicy Chemistry Aloe Vera Water (Certified Organic)
Best for: Sensitive & Irritated Oily Skin
Skin Type: Oily, sensitive, and blemish-prone
Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Extract
Free From: Synthetic Fragrance, Harsh Chemicals
Benefits: Soothes redness and moisturizes the skin gently
Juicy Chemistry Aloe Vera Water has been certified as an organic toner for sensitive skin with an oily finish. Aloe vera contains natural elements that have anti-inflammatory properties to calm redness and provide necessary hydration.
Rosemary extract, combined with lavender oil, helps to minimize redness and imparts a refreshing sensation. This makes it perfect for sensitive or blemished skin.
This natural oily skin toner contains no harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or parabens. The 100ml volume allows for a gentle, soothing experience and is suitable for daily use.
Consideration Before Buying: A few people mentioned it may be a bit too gentle for more serious acne.
How to Use Toner the Right Way?
Proper application of your toner will produce its maximum benefits. Here is how you can do the correct application of toner:
- When to Apply: Right after cleansing, morning and night, to sweep away left-over dirt and keep pH in balance.
- Directions: Pat on with a cotton pad or spray on as a refreshing mist.
- Follow Up with Moisturizer: Apply a lightweight moisturizer after toning; this will prevent dryness without clogging the pores.
- Summer Tips: Use a toner that contains an oil-control ingredient with a cooling effect to keep your skin shine-free but hydrated.
Must Read – 9 Best Anti Aging Night Creams for Wrinkle-Free & Youthful Skin: Tested and Reviewed
Conclusion
If you’ve got oily skin, toners will help give you a clear look. The right one will refine pores, keep oil in check, and prevent acne while keeping you fresh all day.
This helps your skin and aids in sustainability by choosing natural or local Indian brands. Most Indian brands have natural toners without harsh chemicals that gently yet effectively care for oily skin.
Also, look for ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and tea tree oil, which tend to work best on oily skin. The best toners for oily skin with organic ingredients will additionally boost your daily routine with hydration and oil control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) : Best Toners for Oily Skin
Which toner is most effective for oily, acne-prone skin in India?
Alcohol-free toners, prepared with soothing ingredients like witch hazel, green tea, and niacinamide, are unbeatable. The best options in this category include Plum Green Tea Toner and Mamaearth Niacin Toner, which help regulate oil secretion, reduce acne, and shrink pores without irritating the skin.
Should people with oily skin use toner daily?
Yes, oily-skinned people can use it safely twice a day after cleansing. It helps to remove residual dirt, balances oil, and prepares skin for moisturizer—just keep your formula alcohol-free
Which is the No.1 toner in India?
Plum Green Tea Toner is among the most popular and considered amongst the best toners for oily skin in India.
Is rice water a good toner for oily skin?
Rice water acts like a mild natural toner, soothing oily skin and regulating excess oil secretion. However, results may vary. In cases of acne that is persistent or enlarged pores, dermatologist-tested toners would work much better.
Is vitamin C toner suitable for oily skin?
Yes, vitamin C toners can be suitable for oily skin if it’s light and noncomedogenic. The best toners for oily skin help brighten the skin, and enhance the texture without clogging the pores.