“These toner pads are not only convenient, but they’re always popular because they say it gives people such a clean-skin feel,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. It’s our favourite, one-step shortcut to calmer, more balanced skin.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
“I’ve been a fan of Innisfree’s Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Toner Pads for a while — they’re gentle yet brightening, and pair perfectly with my morning SPF routine. The K-beauty brand is well known for their sensitive skin-friendly formulas, so I knew the Gentle Retinol Salicylic Daily Toner Pads wouldn’t freak out my skin. These retinol pads were (believe it or not) my first foray into retinol, and after two weeks of nightly use, I noticed my skin texture start to smooth out. Even though I don’t deal with breakouts, the combo of gentle retinol and salicylic acid made a visible difference in softer, more even skin.” — Christa Joanna Lee, Contributing Commerce Writer
More to know
- Key ingredients: retinol, salicylic acid, green tea, cica, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
7. Best for Dry Skin: Alpyn 2% BHA Pore Perfecting Liquid Exfoliator
2% BHA Pore Perfecting Liquid Exfoliator
Why it’s worth it: Finding a liquid exfoliant that unclogs pores and doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or flaky is no small feat, but this Best of Beauty winner pulls it off. “Alpyn Beauty’s 2% BHA Pore Perfecting Liquid Exfoliator is an excellent choice for dry skin due to the inclusion of ingredients like glycerin, aloe, squalane, and jojoba, all of which hydrate and nourish without congesting pores,” says Dr. Yadav. Tremella mushroom (a humectant even more powerful than hyaluronic acid) keeps moisture levels up, while vitamin C helps brighten and fade post-acne discoloration. Dr. Yadav also points to calming ingredients like borage and tea tree oil, plus gentle astringents like tea tree and witch hazel, making it ideal for anyone dealing with dryness, dullness, large pores, or stubborn breakouts.
Editor’s tip
Just when you thought this formula couldn’t be more stacked, it’s also got phytic acid, which is a gentle exfoliant that helps boost cell turnover.
More to know
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, vitamin C, tremella mushroom, tea tree oil, borage, witch hazel extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Your BHA toner questions, answered:
Is it okay to use a BHA toner every day?
BHA usage depends on your skin type. “Yes, it is okay to use a BHA daily for people with normal to oily skin,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “People with dry skin may need to decrease the frequency of use.” Because BHAs like salicylic acid help unclog pores and reduce excess oil, they’re often well tolerated by acne-prone skin types. That said, if you’re new to chemical exfoliants or have sensitive skin, it’s smart to start slow and build up to daily use. And don’t forget sunscreen, as BHAs can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
Which ingredients shouldn’t be combined with BHA?
While BHA can be paired with many ingredients, certain combinations may be too harsh. “People with dehydrated or sensitive skin may experience excessive dryness if they combine a salicylic acid toner with other drying or exfoliating ingredients, such as other acids, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. That said, “for people with normal to oily skin, these combinations of ingredients are very common.” Another combo to be cautious with is vitamin C and acids like BHA, since “vitamin C stability is pH-dependent,” she adds. To minimise irritation, consider alternating active ingredients or using them at different times of day.
Is there an ideal percentage of BHA?
There’s no one-size-fits-all ideal percentage of BHA—it depends on your skin type and what you’re using it for. “The concentration that is typically used for acne is 2%,” says Dr Woolery-Lloyd. “For general use, concentrations range from 0.5–2%.” If you have sensitive skin, she notes that “lower concentrations may be better,” since tolerability can vary based on strength. “It really depends on the formula, but theoretically, the higher the percentage, the greater the exfoliating effects,” she adds.
How I test and review products
When we test a skincare product at GLAMOUR, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinise brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best BHA toners, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. Learn more about how we test.
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