15 Best Toners For Oily Skin In Malaysia

If you have oily skin, finding the right skincare products can be a constant battle.

One product that is often overlooked but can make a big difference is a good quality toner. Toners help to remove any last traces of dirt, oil and impurities from the skin, while also balancing the skin's pH levels and preparing it for the next steps in your routine.

For those with oily skin in Malaysia, finding the right toner is especially important to help control shine, minimize pores and prevent breakouts.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore some of the best toners for oily skin that are available in Malaysia.

What is a Toner and Why is it Important for Oily Skin?

A toner is a liquid skincare product that is applied to the skin after cleansing.

Toners serve several important functions, especially for those with oily or acne-prone complexions:

Removes Residue: Toners help to remove any last traces of dirt, oil, makeup or impurities that may have been left behind after cleansing. This helps to ensure the skin is thoroughly clean and prepped for the rest of your skincare routine.
Balances pH Levels: Many cleansers can disrupt the skin's natural pH balance, leaving it feeling tight or stripped. Toners help to restore the skin's optimal pH, which is slightly acidic around 4.5-5.5. This helps to maintain the skin's protective acid mantle.
Controls Oil and Shine: Certain toner ingredients like witch hazel, salicylic acid and alcohol can help to absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. This helps to control shine and prevent the buildup of oil throughout the day.
Preps Skin for Other Products: By removing the last traces of impurities and balancing the skin's pH, toners help to prepare the complexion to better absorb the active ingredients in your serums, moisturizers and other treatments.

For those with oily skin, using a toner is an essential step in any skincare routine.

It helps to keep oil production in check, minimizes the appearance of pores, and leaves the skin feeling clean, refreshed and ready for the rest of your products to work their magic.

Key Ingredients to Look for in Toners for Oily Skin

When shopping for a toner to address oily skin concerns, there are certain key ingredients you'll want to look for:

1. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is renowned for its ability to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve built-up oil, dead skin cells and other impurities.

It has potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it highly effective for treating and preventing breakouts. Salicylic acid toners can help to decongest pores, minimize their appearance, and keep excess oil production in check.

Look for concentrations around 0.5-2% for the best results.

2. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a natural astringent derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant.

It has powerful oil-absorbing and pore-tightening properties, making it a superstar ingredient for oily skin. Witch hazel toners help to remove excess sebum, mattify the complexion, and temporarily shrink the appearance of enlarged pores.

It also has mild anti-inflammatory effects that can help soothe redness and irritation.

3. Alcohol

While alcohol is often vilified in skincare, when used in moderation, it can actually be quite beneficial for oily skin types.

Alcohol-based toners help to instantly remove excess oil and shine, leaving a matte, shine-free finish. However, it's important to choose an alcohol-based toner that also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients to counteract any potential drying effects.

Ethanol, SD alcohol and denatured alcohol are the types of alcohol to look for.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is packed with powerful antioxidants like EGCG that can help to calm inflammation, fight free radicals and regulate oil production.

Green tea toners can help to mattify the complexion, tighten pores and prevent breakouts.

The soothing, anti-inflammatory properties of green tea also make it a great choice for oily skin that is prone to redness or irritation.

5. Hyaluronic Acid

While hyaluronic acid is primarily known as a hydrating ingredient, it can actually be quite beneficial for oily skin types as well.

Hyaluronic acid helps to attract and bind moisture to the skin, which can help to offset any drying effects from other oily skin-targeting ingredients.

Look for toners that contain a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, as this can penetrate deeper into the skin for more effective hydration.

Best Toners for Oily Skin in Malaysia

Now that you know what to look for, let's dive into some of the best toner options for oily skin that are available in Malaysia:

1. Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

This gentle yet effective toner from Korean brand Benton is a great choice for oily, acne-prone complexions.

It contains a blend of skin-soothing aloe vera, calming green tea, and pore-refining salicylic acid to deeply cleanse and decongest the pores. The formula is alcohol-free, making it a good option for those with sensitivity.

It helps to control excess oil, minimize the appearance of pores, and prevent future breakouts.

2. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

While not specifically marketed for oily skin, this exfoliating toner from The Ordinary can be a great option for those dealing with excess oil, enlarged pores and stubborn blemishes.

The star ingredient is 7% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to gently dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores.

It also contains witch hazel to further control shine and refine pores. This toner can be quite potent, so it's best to start by using it just 1-2 times per week and slowly increase frequency as your skin adjusts.

It's a great budget-friendly option for oily, acne-prone complexions.

3. Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Toner

While this toner from Missha doesn't contain any oil-controlling ingredients, it's still a great option for oily skin types.

That's because it helps to deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin's barrier, which can actually help to regulate oil production over time. The star ingredient is fermented yeast, which provides intense hydration and nourishment.

It also contains botanical extracts like green tea, pomegranate and lotus to soothe inflammation and improve skin texture.

It's a great prep step to use before serums and moisturizers.

4. Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner

Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this toner from Etude House is a great option for oily complexions that are also easily irritated.

The pH-balanced formula contains panthenol, madecassoside and madecassic acid to soothe redness and strengthen the skin's barrier. While it doesn't contain any hardcore oil-controlling ingredients, the gentle, hydrating formula can actually help to regulate sebum production over time.

This toner is a good choice for those who want a more gentle, soothing approach to managing oily skin.

5. Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner

Cetaphil is a beloved drugstore brand known for its gentle, non-irritating skin care products, and their Bright Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner is no exception.

Formulated specifically for normal to oily skin types, this toner helps remove any remaining impurities and excess oil after cleansing without stripping the skin. The formula is alcohol-free and contains soothing ingredients like chamomile and green tea extract to calm redness and inflammation.

It also includes glycerin to help hydrate the skin and prevent it from overproducing oil as a compensation mechanism.

6. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

Thayers is a beloved natural skin care brand that's renowned for its alcohol-free witch hazel toners.

Their Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner is a fan-favorite, particularly for those with oily skin.

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps to tighten pores and control excess oil production, while the rose petal extract provides soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits.

The formula is also infused with aloe vera to hydrate and calm the skin.

7. COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad

COSRX is a beloved Korean skin care brand that's known for its effective, gentle formulas.

Their One Step Original Clear Pad is a unique toner-meets-exfoliator that's perfect for those with oily, acne-prone skin. The pads are infused with 70% willow bark water, a natural source of salicylic acid, to deeply cleanse pores and help prevent breakouts.

They also contain tea tree oil and centella asiatica to soothe inflammation and redness.

8. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Garnier's SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is a drugstore favorite that can be used as a toner for oily skin types.

Micellar water is a gentle, no-rinse cleansing solution that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping the skin.

The formula is infused with vitamin C and mineral salts to help mattify the complexion and tighten the appearance of pores.

9. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner

Isntree is a Korean skin care brand that's known for its high-quality, innovative formulas.

Their Hyaluronic Acid Toner is a standout product for oily skin types, as it helps to deeply hydrate and plump the skin without causing excess shine. The formula contains a blend of five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to penetrate multiple layers of the skin and provide long-lasting hydration.

It also includes botanical extracts like green tea and centella asiatica to soothe and nourish the complexion.

10. Pixi Glow Tonic

Pixi's Glow Tonic is a cult-favorite exfoliating toner that's beloved by beauty enthusiasts around the world.

Formulated with 5% glycolic acid, this product helps to deeply cleanse pores, smooth texture, and improve the overall radiance of the skin.

While glycolic acid can be drying for some skin types, the formula also contains soothing aloe vera and ginseng to help balance and nourish the complexion.

11. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Paula's Choice is a trusted skin care brand that's known for its high-performance, science-backed formulas.

Their Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a standout toner for oily skin types.

Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, this product deeply cleanses pores, helps to control excess oil production, and improves the overall clarity and smoothness of the skin.

It also contains green tea extract to soothe inflammation and reduce redness.

12. Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner

Kiehl's is a beloved high-end skin care brand that's known for its effective, natural-based formulas.

Their Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner is a top pick for oily skin types.

Infused with soothing calendula flower extract, this toner helps to gently cleanse and mattify the skin without causing dryness or irritation.

It also contains glycerin to help hydrate and plump the complexion.

13. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

Hada Labo is a popular Japanese skin care brand that's renowned for its high-quality, innovative formulas.

Their Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion is a unique toner that's perfect for oily skin types. The formula contains four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin without causing excess shine.

It also includes hydrating and soothing ingredients like amino acids and mineral-rich Pitera.

14. CosRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Another standout toner from CosRX, their AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is a powerful yet gentle formula that's perfect for oily, acne-prone skin types.

The formula contains a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to deeply cleanse pores, smooth texture, and help prevent breakouts.

It also includes botanical extracts like willow bark and centella asiatica to soothe inflammation and redness.

15. Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner

Pyungkang Yul is a premium Korean skin care brand that's renowned for its effective, luxurious formulas.

Their Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner is a standout option for oily skin types. Formulated with a high concentration of Paeonia Albiflora root extract, this toner helps to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin without causing excess shine.

It also contains calming ingredients like madecassoside and centella asiatica to soothe redness and inflammation.

How to Use a Toner for Oily Skin?

Using a toner properly is key to getting the most benefits for oily skin.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Cleanse First: Always apply toner to freshly cleansed skin. This ensures that the toner can effectively remove any last traces of dirt, oil and impurities.
Apply with a Cotton Pad: Soak a cotton pad with the toner and gently sweep it across your face, focusing on the T-zone and other oily areas. This helps to maximize the toner's pore-refining and oil-controlling effects.
Don't Rub or Tug: Gently pat or press the toner into the skin rather than rubbing or tugging. This helps to avoid irritation.
Use 1-2 Times Daily: For most oily skin types, using a toner once or twice a day (after cleansing in the morning and evening) is ideal. Adjust as needed based on your skin's needs.
Follow with Other Products: Apply any serums, essences or moisturizers immediately after using the toner while your skin is still damp. This helps to lock in hydration.
Avoid Overuse: While toners are important for oily skin, using them too frequently or vigorously can actually cause the skin to overproduce oil as a compensatory response. Stick to the recommended usage and monitor your skin.

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Conclusion

Finding the right toner is a game-changer for oily skin types.

By incorporating a targeted, oil-controlling toner into your routine, you can effectively remove excess sebum, decongest pores, and prep your skin for the rest of your skincare products to work their magic.

When shopping for the best toner for oily skin, look for key ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, alcohol, green tea and hyaluronic acid. Start slowly and pay attention to how your skin responds, adjusting usage as needed.

With the right toner in your arsenal, you can say goodbye to persistent shine, enlarged pores and breakouts, and hello to a balanced, matte and healthy-looking complexion.

Happy toning!