Best Toners For Black Skin
LIST + FULL REVIEWS

Best toners for black skin are those that contain ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C, which help to brighten and even out the complexion. Additionally, toners that are formulated with hyaluronic acid can help to hydrate and plump up the skin without causing irritation

In this post, you can find categorized toners by problems that appear most often on black skin and give you the best toner for each one of them.

Best Toners For Black Skin LIST + FULL REVIEWS

It is very important to note that if you are using hydrating toner you should apply it with your clean hands rather than with a cotton pad because cotton pads absorb your product and rubbing it on your skin can lead to over-exfoliating.

And if you are using exfoliating toner apply it with a cotton pad because applying it with your hands will exfoliate and dry skin on your hands.

Best Toners For Black Skin With Hyperpigmentation

Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore Refining Toner Serum

Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore Refining Toner Serum -

Even though there are many great toners Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore Refining is considered one of the best toners for African American skin because is suitable for all skin types. It is good for fighting dark spots and reducing shine without stripping natural oils. It is hydrating and it is not going to clog pores. Having a toner that is Alcohol-free, clean, vegan, & gluten-free, and fragrance-free is a true blessing and a very important thing when comes to toners for black skin.

It is one of the best toners for black skin because it minimizes dark spots. This toner has a unique blend of ingredients. It contains:

  •  BARBADOS CHERRY (ACEROLA) is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that is good for collagen production and the skin’s ability to heal itself.
  •  NIACINAMIDE which is great for minimizing pore appearance, protecting against sun damage, and treating hyperpigmentation.
  • Australian lemon myrtle with its antibacterial characteristics can help with skin infections, wounds, and acne. It acts as an astringent to help constrict pores and lessen irritations.
  • Japanese Raisin Tree is a cutting-edge, all-natural revitalizer that will keep your skin radiant and youthful
  • Green tea and fig is used to lessen skin pigmentation, water loss, and sebum production. Additionally, fig extract enhances skin moisture and functions as a natural treatment for wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
  • Cactus flower hydrates skin

PROOT- Niacinamide Brightening Toner with
Retinol, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid

Niacinamide Brightening Toner with Retinol, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid | Niacinamide Toner with Skin Brightening Benefits | Use with Our Discoloration Correcting Serum for The Best Results BEST TONER FOR BLACK SKIN

This toner may be the solution to your problem with hyperpigmentation. It is going to target dark spots without irritating areas that are healthy. PROOT- Niacinamide Brightening Toner made our list of the best toners for black skin because it has two characteristics. It is going to minimize dark spots and hydrate your skin, which is a great bonus.

Niacinamide Toner is a natural and cutting-edge recipe that is free of synthetic stabilizers, scents, and chemicals.
To achieve this effect of reducing hyperpigmentation they used these ingredients:

  • NIACINAMIDE makes sure that skin tone is noticeably brightened and aids in the development of the skin barrier while shielding the skin from environmental stresses
  • CENTELLA ASIATICA which helps skin cells repair and relieves irritations and reduces stretch marks, leaving the skin clean and smooth
  • HYALURONIC ACID is great for retaining moisture without causing greasy skin and reducing the skin’s current melanin.
  • WITCH HAZEL is a great source of antioxidants and helps to reduce the signs of aging and their progression and to reduce inflammation

Good Molecules- Niacinamide Brightening Toner

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner - 4 OZ. - BEST TONER FOR BLACK SKIN

This toner is one of the toners for black skin that are suitable for acne-prone skin. With this brightening toner, which is light enough for everyday use, you can develop bright, even skin and smaller, less noticeable pores.

The good thing about this toner is that it is fragrance and oil-free.
It contains niacinamide which is a brightening ingredient, glycerin which has moisturizing characteristics, arbutin with its anti-oxidant and skin-brightening properties, and other ingredients that mostly have moisturizing properties.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner for Dry and Sensitive Skin |Alcohol Free Facial Toner that Brightens and Soothes |Formulated with Glycolic Acid & Grapefruit Extract| 8 FL OZ

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner made our list of the best toners for black skin because of the interesting combination of ingredients.

This toner is suitable for combination and dry skin. It acts as a gentle exfoliator and reduces dullness. It contains glycolic acid that can hydrate skin and “train” skin to keep its natural moisture, which will satisfy those who use it for dry skin.
Glycolic acid can minimize certain symptoms of sun damage and increase firmness and elasticity when taken in formulations of 5 percent and higher.

When you see a product that has glycolic acid in it make sure to look for hydrating ingredients in it and also use moisturizer after. Another ingredient that this toner contains is grapefruit extract which is going to rejuvenate and refresh dull skin.
And finally, it contains aloe vera which is known for its moisturizing and soothing effects.

This formula is VEGAN, ALCOHOL-FREE and GLUTEN-FREE.

OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner

OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner

This is a very effective black skin toner that will minimize dark spots, unevenness, fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. Since it contains AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids) we would recommend you to make it part of your nighttime routine and make sure to apply sunscreen the next day because AHAs can increase sensitivity to UV damage.

OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner is suitable for all skin types but since it contains AHAs make sure to gradually include it in your routine if you have extremely dry and sensitive skin. (AHAs can be irritating for dry and sensitive skin types).

AHAs are organic acids that exfoliate the top layer of skin and they are primarily used to treat surface skin concerns because they cannot get deep into pores. They are great for scars, mild hyperpigmentation, age spots, melasma, enlarged pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

Best Toners For African American Skin With Acne

If you have acne-prone skin or oily skin you should be very careful because people with that kind of skin type tend to over-cleanse and over-exfoliate to remove that oil.

If you are doing that you should stop because you are going to damage the skin’s natural barrier and force your skin to produce more oil. To battle acne, you need the right active ingredients in your skincare products. Also, you have to hydrate your skin because even though your face is oily it can still be dehydrated and it needs hydration to avoid problems with texture.

Paula's Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle

This black skin toner can be categorized as exfoliating liquid because its main ingredient is BHA. It is a very gentle and non-abrasive leave-on exfoliating liquid that can unclog pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, and even out your skin tone.
Skin perfecting BHA liquid exfoliant is so gentle that they recommend it for daily use and for that reason many people use it as a toner after cleansing and before serum and moisturizer.

Also, they say that is gentle enough for all skin types. But since this is an exfoliating liquid we would not recommend you to use it more than three or four times a week.
This toner can be your starting point if you want to test out salicylic acid on your skin. It is clinically proven non-irritating but we all have different skin and some products can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin.

The main ingredient of this toner (BHA), has benefits for all skin types, including hydration, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and an improvement in firmness, tone, and texture.
However, they are especially beneficial for those with normal to oily skin, clogged or enlarged pores, acne-prone skin, and skin that is beginning to show signs of aging, so we included them on our list of toners for acne-prone skin.
BHAs are very specific because they can get deeper into the pores and unclog them which makes them great for fighting acne.

Paula’s choice is a brand that is known for its formula without harmful ingredients, so we highly recommend this brand.

No BS Salicylic Acid Facial Toner

No BS Salicylic Acid Facial Toner with Witch Hazel, Lavender, and Tea Tree Oil - Pore Minimizer. Clarifying Acne Treatment - BEST TONER FOR BLACK SKIN

NO BS Facial toner is great for acne and redness soothing, which means that this is alcohol-free formula (to do its job it should be alcohol-free). It also delivers a gentle exfoliating treatment to unclog pores.
It is also paraben, sulfate, phthalates, toxic petrochemicals, and artificial fragrances – FREE. The absence of those ingredients makes this toner one of the best toners for African American skin. Its gentle ingredients make it suitable for all skin types, but if you have sensitive skin you should be careful since it has witch hazel. It contains:

 

  • Salicylic acid which has many benefits. Some of them are:
    penetrates deep into pores, loosens dead skin cells, clears clogged pores, reduces sebum secretion…

     

  • Witch hazel In addition to reducing inflammation, tightening pores, and assisting with razor bumps, witch hazel has numerous positive effects on the skin. Since it may remove extra oil from your skin, it may also aid in the reduction of acne.

    However, because it might irritate those with dry or highly sensitive skin, witch hazel shouldn’t be used on them.

  • Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help in the relief of itchy, sore skin. Redness and swelling may also be lessened with its help. According to research, tree oil soothes skin that has been irritated because it is sensitive to nickel.

Proactiv Hydrating Facial Toner

Roll over image to zoom in Proactiv Hydrating Facial Toner for Sensitive Skin - Alochol Free Toner for Face Care - Pore Tightening Glycolic Acid and Witch Hazel Formula - Acne Toner to Balance Skin and Remove Impurities, 6 oz.

Proactiv Hydrating Facial Tone is suitable for acne-prone sensitive skin. This toner made our list of best toners for black skin because it is going to prevent breakouts from appearing and it is going to shrink pores. This formula is also alcohol-free.
Ingredients that are different than in other mentioned toners above are:

  • Chamomile is a strong antioxidant, including polyphenols and phytochemicals are present in chamomile.
    Defending the skin against free radical damage when applied to the skin, may help lessen the appearance of aging.
    It speeds up cell and tissue renewal, minimizing the look of fine lines and restoring the young shine to the skin. 
  • Allantoin which calms and protects the skin.
  • Panthenol is a humectant, so it is a moisturizing ingredient.

Hydrating Toners For Black Skin

ELT Marine Relax Rescure Toner

ELT Marine Relax Rescure Toner 165ml(5.57Fl.oz.)|Moisturizing Hydrating Facial Lotion Strengthen Skin Barrier | Quick Rough Dry Skin Care |Calming Rose Water, Green Tea Extract Daily Toner |K-Beauty BEST TONER FOR BLACK SKIN

This toner is going to balance and protect your skin barrier. Also, this combination of ingredients is going to strengthen the damaged skin’s barrier. So if your skin needs hydration, this is the product for you. Like every toner, you have to prepare your skin for application and after applying it you have to moisturize.

ELT Marine Relax Rescure Toner contains:

  • Crithmum Maritimum Extract which is used for its moisturizing properties,
  • Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract is going to deeply hydrate your skin and keep a healthy microbiome.
  • Fish Extract contains collagen that is similar to human’s to keep your skin elastic and wrinkle-free.

If you want to learn more about all of these individual ingredients visit this link. 

Since hyaluronic acid is the most hydrating ingredient make sure to read our post about the best toners that contain hyaluronic acid. 

Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free

Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Normal To Oily Skin Type Toner for Unisex, 8.4 Ounce

Kiehl’s hydrating toner is suitable for oily and normal skin types. It can help to hydrate dehydrated oily skin.
The main ingredient of these tones is Calendula extract which has antiseptic properties (great for treating wounds and preventing acne) and stimulates collagen production. Also, calendula can lighten skin and lessen age spots by lowering the amount of the skin pigment melanin.

This is a moisturizing ingredient that can reduce the occurrence of dry skin.
It can be used as a great base before AHAs or BHAs exfoliators. It is very important to apply toner before exfoliator because it will help to soothe skin irritation.
Have you seen that trend where people use this toner as a sheet mask?

Since this is pricy toner soaking multiple cotton pads in it and even applying it with a cotton pad is very irresponsible. You have to make sure to use your products to the maximum, so apply it with your hands because a cotton pad can absorb 50%-60% of your product.
It made our list of best toners for black skin because it is made with whole flowers, pure extracts, and without fragrance.

Pixi Beauty Rose Tonic

Pixi Beauty Rose Tonic 100ml | Rose Hydrosol Toner Hydrates Skin | Minimize Redness | Rehydrates and Replenishes | 3.4 Fl Oz

This toner will soothe, hydrate, calm, and refresh your skin without drying it out. You should apply it after cleanser and before serum and moisturizer.
They recommend applying it with a cotton pad but since this is hydrating toner it would be best to apply it with your hands to save your product and make it last longer. It made our list of the best toners for black skin because of its hydrating abilities. 

To deeply hydrate your skin Pixi toner contains:

  • Rose Flower Extract is a gentle antiseptic and astringent which means that it can help to cleanse your skin and prevent breakouts. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties that allow it to minimize redness and soothe your skin. This extract can prevent cell damage since it contains antioxidants which are also known for their anti-aging benefits. Rose flower extract is great for all skin types, especially for dry skin.
  • Elderflower is rich in antioxidants which are great for protection against the damaging effects of the sun and other free radicals. They are high in vitamins A, B, C, and E and have been proven to improve blood circulation. These work wonders for tightening the skin, enhancing the complexion, and balancing the skin tone. This ingredient is known for softening, toning, and brightening abilities.
  • Chamomile is a great ingredient with regenerating and anti-aging benefits. It is also a mild astringent which means that it can dry out your acne and reduce redness and inflammation. Chamomile can fight hyperpigmentation, red spots, and free radical damage.

How to choose the best toner for black skin?

how to choose a toner

You should choose a toner based on ingredients. The best toners for black are characterized by the presence of active ingredients and a lack of harmful ingredients like alcohol, essential oils, and fragrance.

Yes, we know that now you are wondering who has the time to read the list of ingredients. You don’t have to because many toners have highlighted active ingredients so based on those ingredients and their benefits for different skin conditions you should know which one your skin needs.

We are going to list active ingredients for different skin conditions, so the next time when you see that ingredient in the name of toner you can immediately know if you need it for your skin problem. For example, if you see a toner that contains AHAs and niacinamide you can conclude that it is the best toner for hyperpigmentation in black skin. 

Active ingredients for acne on black skin

Acnes are very problematic for skin of color because they lead to hyperpigmentation which can take years to get rid of, so to avoid that you have to treat acne on time and properly.
Here at HerGlance, we believe in beauty from the inside so it is very important to change your diet and lifestyle for healthy skin. Since sugar and stress are among the factors for triggering acne you should eat less sugar and try to stress out less.

If you are looking for toners that take care of acne problems you should check out our post about the best Korean toners. Korean toners are usually extremely lightweight and perform pretty well on acne-prone skin since they don’t have many ingredients in their formulas.

Active ingredients that are great for treating acne are:

  •  2 % or less salicylic acid which is anti-inflammatory at this percentage. Salicylic acid is fat-soluble which means that it can get into pores, clear and unclog them.
  • Benzoyl peroxide has anti-bacterial benefits and you should look for 2.5 % max as a face wash. We would recommend you to use it in form of face wash rather than the leave-on product because benzoyl peroxide can be irritating and using it this way you are washing it off your face. If you feel any irritation, sensitivity, or flakiness ease off.
    Also, it is very important to be aggressive in treating acne. Dr. Vanita Rattan recommends starting treating acne at 9-10 years old because that is when the skin becomes a little bit oily and congested. So, it is up to parents to plant good habits at an early age for their children for healthy skin later.

Active ingredients for brown marks on black skin

The best ingredient to minimize brown marks are:

  • Vitamin A promotes natural moisturizing, which means it helps to efficiently hydrate the skin and give it a beautiful glow. It also supports the skin’s immune system, speeds up healing, prevents breakouts, and supports the skin’s healing process. Vitamin A is 20 times more effective than retinol and it is less irritating.
  •  Vitamin C is powerful fat and water-soluble anti-oxidant which can improve skin tone and texture and hydrate the skin. It will mop up free radicals and prevent more damage
  •  Vitamin E is also a fat-soluble antioxidant that softens the skin, protects cells from damage, and stops the skin from losing moisture.
  •  Alpha Arbutin is a powerful ingredient because it decreases tyrosinase activity, which means that the production of melanin in your skin is lessened. Tyrosine and melanin levels that are lower offer a more even look by reducing pigmentation and dark areas. Age spots, acne scars, and post-blemish redness are all reduced by alpha arbutin.
    Other ingredients are dioic acid and kojic acid.

Skin Conditions Of Dark Skin

Melanocytes are the type of cells that give the skin its color. They create melanosomes, which are tiny spheres containing the pigment melanin. According to studies, regardless of skin color, everyone has about the same amount of melanocytes in their skin. The melanosomes’ size and distribution are different. Skin color depends on their size, if they are larger, that means that skin will be darker.

People with dark complexion have a reduced risk of sun damage, therefore they tend to age slower and have a lower risk of skin cancer. But there is a theory that is going around that people with dark complexion don’t need sunscreen. That is not true. Yes, they have a lower risk of developing skin cancer, but if they do it is harder to notice and diagnose.

Hyperpigmentation and dark complexion
The main problem that people with dark complexion have is developing pigmentation (hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation).
Hyperpigmentation is producing too much pigment which develops into dark spots. Even small injuries tend to develop into hyperpigmentation. Hypopigmentation means that color is lost, which means there are light-colored patches on the skin.

The most common problem that people with dark complexion have is hyperpigmentation after some kind of injuries like cuts and burns. It also can develop simultaneously with eczema and acne. Dark spots can also occur because of sun exposure, so it is very important to apply sunscreen all year round.

It is very important to include products that will help to fight hyperpigmentation and our list of best toners for black skin you can find those.  If you have sensitive skin you should avoid products with these ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, and glycolic acid because, to prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring because they tend to dry out and irritate the skin.

These products are not “bad guys” for all people with a dark complexion, just for those with sensitive and dry skin. They are perfectly safe to use if that is done correctly.

Example of Hyperpigmentation and dark complexion

Eczema and dark complexion
Eczema Is a problem for people with a dark complexion in two ways:
– it tends to be misdiagnosed
– It represents the risk of forming hyperpigmentation if not treated on time

This skin disorder, also known as dermatitis, is characterized by an itchy, red rash that develops gradually and lasts for a very long time. Stress, extreme temperature changes, dry skin, allergies to plants or animals, or irritants found in skin care or cosmetic products are just a few of the factors that might cause it.
So the best advice to prevent this condition from happening is to avoid products that irritate the skin.

Example of ECZEMA

• Acne and dark complexion
In some cases skincare products including toners can be a reason behind the acne on your skin, to prevent that situation we have created a post that lists out all cases when toner causes acne and solutions for them.

Any skin type is sensitive to acne. But persons with dark complexion should be especially concerned because of its connection to hyperpigmentation. When the skin produces too much oil, acne begins to form. The pore openings are blocked by the oil’s mixing with microorganisms inside the pores.

Lesions, ranging in size from small, undetectable lumps to huge cysts, are the consequence of the inflammation that occurs just beneath the skin.
To prevent this condition you should have a skincare routine and follow it daily. You should cleanse, tone, and moisturize regularly.

To help you find suitable toner we have made a list that contains the best toner for black skin with this problem.
If you develop this skin condition it is best to see a specialist that is skilled in treating ethnic complexions as soon as possible.

Example of ACNE ON DARK SKIN

• Keloids and Dark complexion
Keloids, a scar that expands beyond the limit of the initial injury and develops into a growth, are more likely to form whenever dark skin is wounded in specific regions. Cuts or burns are the two most frequent causes of keloids. The earlobes, chest, back, and arms are the most often affected areas.

They can appear right away after an injury, but they can also take weeks, months, or even years to form. They can also keep expanding over time.
If you want more information you can visit this link.

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