two toners standing on a table for oily skin

Best Face Toners for Oily Skin: What to Look for + What to Avoid

by with 2 Comments Product Recommendation

If your pores often look enlarged, or your makeup seems to slide off after a few hours—you’re not alone. Oily skin is incredibly common, but without the right care, it can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and uneven texture. One simple step that can help? A good face toner.

Toners are often misunderstood, with many thinking they’re just an extra, unnecessary step. But the right toner can actually balance oil production, remove leftover impurities after cleansing, and prep your skin for better absorption of the next products in your routine.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • What a toner really does (and doesn’t do)

  • Which ingredients are ideal for oily skin

  • What to avoid

  • And of course, the 10 best toners for oily skin in 2025

If you’re still unsure about what your skin needs, start with The Ultimate Skincare Guide: How to Identify Your Skin Type — knowing your skin is step one to finding products that truly work.

Best Ingredients in Toners for Oily Skin

When it comes to oily skin, ingredients matter more than fancy packaging or claims. Here’s what to look for in a toner:

1. Salicylic Acid (BHA)

  • Deeply unclogs pores

  • Controls excess sebum

  • Helps prevent breakouts

  • Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin

Want to know more about acids and how they work? Head to AHAs, BHAs, PHAs: Which One Is for You? for the full breakdown.

2. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

  • Regulates oil production

  • Minimizes the appearance of pores

  • Strengthens the skin barrier

3. Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free)

  • Natural astringent

  • Calms inflammation and tightens pores

  • Must be alcohol-free to avoid irritation

4. Zinc PCA

  • Controls shine

  • Has antibacterial properties

  • Great for acne-prone oily skin

5. Green Tea or Aloe Vera

  • Soothing and antioxidant-rich

  • Help calm redness and irritation

Ingredients to Avoid in Toners (Especially for Oily Skin)

  • High alcohol content: Can strip the skin and trigger more oil production

  • Heavy oils or butters: Clog pores and worsen breakouts

  • Synthetic fragrance: Can cause irritation, especially if your skin is reactive

How to Choose the Right Toner for Your Oily Skin Type

Not all oily skin is the same — and that’s where many people go wrong when choosing a toner. To see real results, you need to match your toner to your specific oily skin subtype and concerns. Here’s how to do it:

1. Oily + Acne-Prone Skin

If you’re constantly dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, or cystic breakouts, go for a toner with salicylic acid (BHA). It helps exfoliate inside the pores, reduces oil buildup, and prevents new breakouts. Niacinamide and zinc PCA are also great for calming inflammation and keeping skin clear.

2. Oily + Sensitive Skin

If your skin gets red or stings easily, avoid harsh exfoliants or high alcohol content. Instead, look for gentle, alcohol-free toners with ingredients like green tea extract, panthenol, or aloe vera. These soothe the skin while still helping to balance oil.

3. Oily + Dehydrated Skin

Yes — oily skin can also be dehydrated! If your skin feels tight or flaky but still produces oil, you need a toner that hydrates without clogging pores. Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or beta-glucan to restore moisture while keeping shine in check.

Formulation Tips

Always check the pH level of your toner — ideally around 4.5 to 5.5 to maintain skin barrier health. Toners with this pH level support a healthy microbiome and reduce irritation risk.

Still unsure what your skin needs? Start with The Ultimate Skincare Guide: How to Identify Your Skin Type to get clarity before investing in products.

Top 10 Best Face Toners for Oily Skin (2025 Edition)

Choosing the right toner can make a huge difference in how your oily skin behaves throughout the day. Here are 10 expert-approved toners that help reduce shine, unclog pores, and support a healthy skin barrier — without stripping or irritating.

1. Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

  • Lightweight, alcohol-free formula with niacinamide, chamomile, and antioxidants

  • Reduces excess oil, refines pores, and calms redness

  • Best for oily and combination skin types

  • Gentle enough for daily use without irritation

  • Price: $$

  • Where to buy: Paula’s Choice

2. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

  • Contains willow bark water (BHA) and apple fruit water (AHA)

  • Exfoliates dead skin, helps prevent clogged pores

  • Best for oily and acne-prone skin

  • Spray format for easy application; great for breakouts on chest/back too

  • Price: $

  • Where to buy: Amazon, YesStyle, iHerb

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Toner

  • Formulated with salicylic acid and LHA (Lipo-Hydroxy Acid)

  • Targets clogged pores and post-acne marks

  • Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin with texture issues

  • Dermatologist-recommended and non-comedogenic

  • Price: $$

  • Where to buy: Ulta, Target, CVS

4. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

  • Powered by glycolic acid (AHA) and aloe vera

  • Gently exfoliates surface buildup, improves tone and texture

  • Best for oily, dull, or rough skin (not for sensitive types)

  • Use in PM routine only; follow with SPF

  • Price: $

  • Where to buy: Sephora, Ulta, Deciem

5. Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner (Unscented) (My Personal Favorite)

  • Made with witch hazel, aloe vera, and glycerin

  • Refreshes skin and controls oil naturally, without drying

  • Perfect for oily + sensitive skin types

  • Alcohol-free and fragrance-free option

  • Price: $

  • Where to buy: Amazon, Target, Walgreens

6. Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA

  • Contains 5.25% glycolic acid, aloe, and green tea

  • Gently resurfaces while calming irritation

  • Great for oily, dehydrated, or breakout-prone skin

  • Formulated with barrier-supporting ingredients

  • Price: $$

  • Where to buy: KraveBeauty.com

7. Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

  • Features salicylic acid, snail mucin, and aloe

  • Combats breakouts while deeply hydrating the skin

  • Best for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin

  • K-beauty cult favorite with minimal irritation

  • Price: $$

  • Where to buy: YesStyle, Stylevana, Amazon

8. Pixi Glow Tonic

  • Contains 5% glycolic acid, ginseng, and aloe vera

  • Brightens, smooths texture, and regulates oil

  • Ideal for oily skin with dullness or uneven tone

  • Should be used 2–4 times/week depending on skin tolerance

  • Price: $$

  • Where to buy: Target, Ulta, Cult Beauty

9. Naturium Niacinamide Acid Toner 7%

  • Combines niacinamide, PHA, and zinc PCA

  • Controls shine while gently exfoliating and strengthening the skin

  • Best for oily, blemish-prone skin types

  • Fragrance-free and pH-balanced formula

  • Price: $$

  • Where to buy: Naturium.com, Target

10. Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner

  • Key ingredients: green tea extract, Centella Asiatica, and EGCG

  • Balances sebum, soothes inflammation, and hydrates lightly

  • Excellent for oily + sensitive or irritated skin

  • Lightweight and non-sticky — perfect for layering

  • Price: $

  • Where to buy: YesStyle, StyleKorean, Amazon

How to Use Toner Correctly in Your Routine

Using toner the right way is just as important as choosing the right one. Here’s how to get the most out of it in your skincare routine for oily skin.

When to Apply

Toner should be applied right after cleansing and before any serums or moisturizers. This step helps remove leftover impurities and preps your skin to absorb active ingredients better.

Application Tips

You can use:

  • A cotton pad to gently swipe the toner across your face — great for removing residue and mild exfoliation.

  • Clean hands to press the toner into your skin — ideal for hydrating or soothing formulas.

Both methods work; it depends on your skin’s needs and the toner’s texture.

How Often Should You Use Toner?

For most oily skin types, twice daily (morning and night) works well. If your toner contains exfoliating acids, limit it to once a day or every other day to avoid irritation.

Best Products to Combine with Toner

Pair your toner with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer, and if you’re acne-prone, a serum with niacinamide or salicylic acid helps keep oil and breakouts in check.

Read here my guide on How To Create The Perfect Routine For You.

Mistakes To Avoid When Using Toners for Oily Skin

Even the best toner won’t help if it’s used incorrectly. Here are the most common mistakes people make — and how to avoid them.

1. Overusing Harsh Toners

Many still reach for strong, alcohol-based toners thinking they’ll “dry out” the oil. But in reality, this strips your skin barrier, triggering even more oil production. Instead, choose gentle, pH-balanced formulas that support your skin without irritation. Learn more in The Ultimate Guide to Skin Barrier Repair.

2. Layering Too Many Actives

If you’re already using a serum with acids or retinol, go easy on exfoliating toners. Overdoing it can cause redness, sensitivity, or breakouts. Always check for overlap in ingredients. Not sure how to build a balanced routine? Start with The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Personalized Skincare Routine.

3. Skipping Moisturizer

Even oily skin needs hydration. A toner is not a replacement for moisturizer. Without proper hydration, your skin may overcompensate with more oil. If you’re unsure which products to choose, check out The 10 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin — many are lightweight enough for oily types too.

4. Using Toner as a Quick Fix

Toner supports your routine, but it won’t solve everything on its own. Long-term balance comes from consistency and understanding your skin. If breakouts are your main concern, read Acne 101: Causes, Treatments, and How to Get Clear Skin for a deeper look.

FAQ: Toners for Oily Skin

1. Should I use toner every day if I have oily skin?

Yes — most toners for oily skin are gentle enough for daily use, ideally morning and evening after cleansing. However, if your toner contains exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid, start with 3–4 times a week to avoid over-exfoliating. For more on how often to exfoliate, check out AHAs, BHAs, PHAs: Which One Is for You?.

2. Can toner replace my moisturizer?

No — a toner can balance and prep, but it doesn’t lock in moisture the way a moisturizer does. Even oily skin needs hydration to stay healthy. Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to finish your routine. 

3. Are natural or DIY toners better for oily skin?

Not always. While natural ingredients like green tea and aloe can be soothing, DIY toners often have unstable pH levels or irritating ingredients (like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar). Stick with formulated products that are tested and skin-safe.

4. Can toner help with acne?

Definitely — especially if it contains salicylic acid, niacinamide, or zinc PCA. These ingredients help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and control sebum. If acne is your main concern, read My Guide About Acne.

Works With Your Oily Skin — Not Against It

The right toner can truly change the way your skin looks and feels. Whether you’re dealing with constant shine, clogged pores, or breakouts, there’s a toner out there that fits your oily skin type and your routine.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Go for ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, witch hazel (alcohol-free), and zinc PCA

  • Match your toner to your oily skin subtype — acne-prone, sensitive, or dehydrated

  • Use it consistently, but not excessively

  • Always follow with a proper moisturizer and SPF

Try one product, give it a few weeks, and track how your skin reacts. 

Let’s Stay Connected

If you found this guide helpful, share it on Pinterest or save it for later — skincare is a journey, and the right information makes all the difference.

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You can also follow us on Pinterest for daily skincare tips, infographics, and routines tailored to your skin type.

Let’s build your glow — one simple, smart step at a time.

Your Skincare. Simply Done

 

a skincare cream in a white tube

The Truth About Skin Care Products at Ulta: What to Buy, What to Skip + Top 5 Insider Shopping Tips

by with No Comment BlogProduct Recommendation

Let’s be honest: walking into an Ulta store—or scrolling through their massive online catalog—can feel like skincare heaven and chaos at the same time. Rows of serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and masks from every brand imaginable, from The Ordinary to Peach & Lily, promise glowing skin in just a few drops. But how do you know what’s actually worth your money—and what’s just hype?

Unlike Sephora, which leans more luxury, Ulta offers a unique mix of drugstore staples, mid-range powerhouses, and trending influencer brands. That variety makes it one of the best places to build a routine—if you know what to look for.

In this guide, we’re diving into:

• What makes a product worth it in the first place

• How to shop Ulta like a pro

• What categories are smart investments (and which ones to skip)

• A  few product recommendations that are actually worth it

Whether you’re building your very first skincare routine or leveling up your actives, this post will give you clear, science-backed advice. And if you’re not sure where to start, check out this guide to personalized skincare routines to figure out what your skin actually needs.

Let’s get into it.

What Makes a Skincare Product “Worth It”?

At first glance, it’s tempting to assume the $90 serum in gold packaging is better than the $12 one in a dropper bottle—but good skincare is about formulation, not price. A product is worth it if it does what it claims to do, has solid ingredients in the right concentrations, and respects your skin barrier.

So before you toss another “#musthave” into your Ulta cart, here’s what to look for:

1. Proven Actives (in effective concentrations)

Ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, peptides, azelaic acid, and ceramides have real scientific backing. These are the MVPs for improving texture, tone, acne, and signs of aging. But it’s not enough for a product to contain them—it matters where they appear on the ingredient list and how they’re formulated.

New to actives? Start here with The Ultimate Guide to Retinol or AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs Explained.

2. Skin Barrier-Friendly Formulas

Products that irritate, sting, or leave your skin feeling tight usually contain high levels of drying alcohols, harsh surfactants, or strong essential oils. A good formulation strengthens your skin over time, not weakens it.

For a full breakdown of barrier repair and ingredients to look for, read The Ultimate Guide to Skin Barrier Repair.

3. Thoughtful Packaging

Vitamin C in a jar? Retinol in clear glass? Nope. The best products come in airless pumps or opaque packaging that protect sensitive actives from breaking down. Always check how the product is packaged—it impacts stability more than you’d think.

4. Fragrance: A Maybe

Fragrance isn’t evil, but it can be irritating—especially if you have acne, rosacea, or sensitive skin. If your skin barrier is damaged, opt for fragrance-free. If not, it’s a personal choice (but don’t let “clean” branding fool you).

⸻

Bottom line? A “worth it” product works with your skin, not against it. In the next part, you’ll learn how to shop Ulta like someone who actually reads ingredients—not just marketing.

Want to build a routine tailored to your skin concerns? Start with How to Identify Your Skin Type.

Smart Skincare Shopping at Ulta: 5 Actually Useful Tips

You walk into Ulta (or scroll through their site) and you’re hit with it: rows of shiny packaging, influencer collabs, and bold claims. But with hundreds of products available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or fall for hype. These tips will help you shop like a skincare insider—not a victim of marketing.

1. Take Advantage of Ulta’s Sales and Rewards Program

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty, Love Your Skin, and Holiday Steals events often include 50% off high-performance products (like The Ordinary, Peach & Lily, or La Roche-Posay). Pair that with their Ultamate Rewards system, and you can save serious money on your routine.

Pro move: Save up points and use them on pricier products like EltaMD or Dermalogica during a sale.

2. Use the Website to Check Full Ingredient Lists

Don’t trust just the front label—flip (or scroll) to the INCI list and read what’s really inside. Ulta’s site lists full ingredients for nearly every product, which is essential when checking for:

• Actives (niacinamide, azelaic acid, retinol)

• Irritants (alcohol denat., essential oils, high fragrance)

• Key ingredients for your concern

Need help analyzing labels? My post on Skin Barrier Repair shows exactly what to avoid if your skin is damaged.

3. Don’t Skip the “Derm-Backed” Brands

Ulta isn’t just about influencer brands. You’ll find clinically respected lines like:

• La Roche-Posay

• EltaMD

• Naturium

• Vanicream

These often beat the flashier options in both safety and performance.

Try: La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF – lightweight, no white cast, dermatologist-loved.

4. Beware the “Clean” and “Natural” Labels

Just because something says clean, non-toxic, or natural doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin. In fact, many of these are loaded with essential oils and fragrance, which can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Curious? I break this down more in [Myth-Busting Skincare Trends (Coming Soon)] or revisit AHAs, BHAs & PHAs: Which One Is for You? to see how science beats marketing.

5. Have a Routine Plan Before You Shop

Don’t build your skincare routine in the middle of the Ulta aisle. Before buying, know what your skin needs (hydration? exfoliation? barrier repair?) and which products you already have at home.

Need help designing your own? Use my Ultimate Guide to Building Your Personalized Routine.

Ulta’s Most Popular Skincare Categories – What to Know

Ulta’s skincare shelves are packed with products that fall into five core categories: cleansers, moisturizers, serums, SPF, and treatments like exfoliants or masks. But not every category is worth splurging on—and some are way more effective than others if you know what to look for.

Let’s break it down.

1. Cleansers

You don’t need an expensive cleanser. What matters is that it cleans without stripping your skin. Look for creamy or gel-based formulas with mild surfactants, and avoid anything that leaves your skin feeling tight.

Already overwhelmed by options? I broke down the best cleansers for sensitive skin here.

Avoid: Anything with high fragrance or “foaming” claims (often contains harsh sulfates).

Worth it at Ulta:

  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane,
  • Vanicream Gentle Cleanser,
  • Naturium Fermented Rice Cleanser

Moisturizers

Your moisturizer should do more than just “feel nice.” A good one should:

• Replenish your lipid barrier with ceramides or cholesterol

• Add humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid

• Possibly include gentle actives like niacinamide or peptides

Check out my Top 10 Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin for ingredient-based recommendations.

Avoid: Thin moisturizers packed with dimethicone and no actives.

Worth it at Ulta:

  • Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer
  • Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream
  • KraveBeauty Oat So Simple

3. Serums

Serums are where your money should go. These are the most concentrated products in your routine and target real concerns—acne, pigmentation, aging, etc.

Look for:

• Niacinamide (5–8%) for redness and oil control

• Peptides for fine lines

• Azelaic acid or retinol for acne/texture

• Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid or derivatives) for brightening

Avoid: Serums that promise everything but deliver nothing—especially those with fragrance or no active concentrations.

Worth it at Ulta:

• Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum

• Naturium Azelaic Acid 10% Emulsion

• Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol

4. Sunscreen

This is the one category you can’t skip. Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30+, and ideally something lightweight enough for daily wear.

Not sure what’s right for your skin? Read Top 10 Sunscreens for 2025.

Avoid: Sunscreens with overwhelming white cast or sticky finishes.

Worth it at Ulta:

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 60

5. Masks & Treatments

These are the trickiest. Most masks feel great—but do very little long-term. Exceptions: exfoliating masks with gentle acids, or calming masks with colloidal oatmeal, panthenol, or centella asiatica.

Avoid: Anything labeled “detox,” “tightening,” or “pore shrinking”—often marketing fluff.

Final Thoughts

Ulta offers one of the most diverse and accessible skincare selections out there. But knowing what to buy—and more importantly, why—is the difference between an overflowing shelf and a glowing face.

Smart skincare isn’t about having 12 steps. It’s about knowing what works, what fits your skin type, and what your skin actually needs right now.

If you found this guide helpful…

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Let’s Connect

• Follow me on Pinterest for aesthetic skincare tips, ingredient breakdowns, and weekly routines

• Comment below: Which Ulta product have you tried and loved—or hated? I’d love to hear your experience.

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Your Skincare. Simply Done.

A serum used for a personalized skincare routine.

Personalized Skincare Routines: Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work (and What to Do Instead)

by with No Comment Skincare Basics

If you’ve read my Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Own Skincare Routine, you already know the basics—cleansing, moisturizing, SPF, and choosing the right products for your skin type. That’s a great start. But if you’ve ever followed a routine perfectly and still felt like something was off—you’re not alone.

The truth is, skincare is not one-size-fits-all. What works wonders for someone else might leave your skin irritated, dry, or breaking out. That’s because your skin is unique—and your routine should be too. In this post, we’re diving deeper into what it really means to personalize your skincare, and why it can make all the difference in how your skin looks and feels.

The Problem with Generic Routines

You’ve probably seen skincare routines labeled “for oily skin” or “for dry skin.” These can be helpful—but only to a point. Most generic routines are based on broad categories that don’t capture everything that’s going on with your skin.

Think about it like this: two people might both have oily skin, but one could be acne-prone and the other might struggle with sensitivity or redness. Using the same products just because they’re both “for oily skin” doesn’t make sense—and might even make things worse.

Another issue? Your skin doesn’t stay the same. It changes with the seasons, your hormones, your stress levels, even your sleep. A routine that worked perfectly last winter might feel heavy and clogging in the summer.

And let’s not forget lifestyle: Do you live in a city with pollution? Do you work out regularly? Travel often? These things matter too—and they’re rarely mentioned in standard skincare advice.

That’s why generic routines often fall short. They give you a starting point, but they can’t take into account all the factors that make your skin yours. The good news? Once you understand what those factors are, you can build a routine that actually fits your life—and your skin.

What Actually Affects Your Skin

If skincare was just about picking the right cleanser or moisturizer, things would be a lot easier. But your skin is influenced by much more than the products you put on it. Here are the key factors that play a role in how your skin behaves:

1. Genetics

Your genes decide a lot—how much oil your skin produces, how sensitive it is, how easily you get pigmentation, how your skin ages. Some people are more prone to acne, while others are more likely to develop fine lines early. You can’t change your DNA, but understanding it helps you work with your skin instead of against it.

2. Environment

Where you live matters. City air with pollution can clog your pores and stress your skin. If you live in a dry climate, your skin may need extra hydration. High humidity? You might need lighter products. Even heating and air conditioning at home can affect your skin barrier.

3. Hormones and Stress

Hormones fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or due to health conditions—and your skin often reflects that. Breakouts around your period? That’s hormonal. Stress also plays a big role, increasing oil production and inflammation, which can lead to acne and sensitivity.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

Your skin is part of your body, so what you eat and how you live shows up there too. Not drinking enough water, eating too much sugar, or lacking key nutrients (like omega-3s or zinc) can affect skin texture and tone. Sleep and exercise also play a role—your skin regenerates overnight and benefits from good circulation.

5. Skincare History

If you’ve used harsh products in the past (over-exfoliating, stripping cleansers, strong actives without barrier support), your skin may be more reactive now. Or maybe you’ve had allergic reactions or tried too many new products at once. Your past skincare experiences matter—your skin has a memory.

6. Seasonal Changes

Even if your skin is “normally” oily or dry, seasons can shift that. Many people get oilier in summer and drier in winter. That’s why your routine might need to adjust every few months, even if your skin type stays the same overall.

How to Build a Truly Personalized Skincare Routine (Step by Step)

So now that you know your skin is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, environment, and more—how do you actually applythat knowledge to your skincare routine?

Identify Your Skin’s Core Type – but Go Deeper

Yes, it helps to know if your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. But don’t stop there. Ask:

• Does your skin get red easily?

• Do you break out around your period?

• Do you get flaky patches or feel tight in winter?

I can help you though on the first part, read My Guide on the Different Skin Types and you’ll get to know yours.

Why it matters: A basic routine for “dry skin” won’t help if your dryness is caused by dehydration, a damaged barrier, or a harsh product.

Tip: Focus on skin conditions, not just type. Think: dehydrated, acne-prone, reactive, dull, textured.

Choose Your Core Routine – The 3 Non-Negotiables

Start with a minimal routine before adding targeted treatments. These are your essentials:

1. Gentle Cleanser

• For dry or sensitive skin: look for hydrating or milky cleansers.

• For oily/acne-prone: go for gel-based, pH-balanced cleansers.

2. Moisturizer

• Lightweight gel for oily skin, rich cream for dry skin.

• If you’re acne-prone, look for non-comedogenic options.

Read Here My Guide For The Best Sensitive Moisturizers.

3. Sunscreen (AM only)

• Daily, even when it’s cloudy. This protects your skin from UV damage and supports your other products. For product recommendations, Read My Guide on the Best Sunscreens in 2025.

Add One Targeted Treatment at a Time

Once your skin is stable with a simple routine, add one product based on your skin goals. Go slow.

• Want brighter skin? Try Vitamin C (AM, under SPF)

• Dealing with acne? Start with Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide

• Need anti-aging? Introduce Retinol slowly (PM, 2x a week to start)

• Skin barrier damaged? Try Ceramides, Panthenol, or Centella Asiatica, Read my Guide on how to effectively fix your damaged skin barrier.

Important: Only introduce one active at a time and patch test. Wait at least 2 weeks before adding another.

And before you run to your next drugstore to buy these products, please make sure that this actually fits to your skin and you know what it does.

For more information on the different ingredients, please refer to my guides linked above.

Adapt Your Routine to Your Daily and Monthly Cycle

Your skin isn’t the same every day. Here’s how to stay flexible:

• Feeling dry or sensitive? Skip exfoliants, add a barrier cream or face oil

• Breaking out before your period? Use calming ingredients like niacinamide or a clay mask

• Hot, humid day? Swap your cream for a gel moisturizer

• Long travel day or bad sleep? Focus on soothing, hydrating steps

Listen to your skin, not the label. It’s okay to skip actives or simplify your routine when your skin feels overwhelmed.

Track and Tweak Regularly

Use a simple system to track your skin (a journal, an app, or even your phone notes). Track:

• Product changes

• Skin reactions (good or bad)

• Weather changes

• Diet, stress, sleep

• Hormonal cycle

This helps you see patterns, know what works, and when to adjust. A truly personalized skincare routine is one that grows with you.

Simple Products That Will Always Recommend

but there are a few trusted, gentle products that work well for most skin types. If you’re just starting out or want a solid base routine to personalize from, these are safe, effective choices to begin with.

These picks are:

• Fragrance-free

• Non-comedogenic

• Gentle and well-tolerated

1. Cleanser:

Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion

• Texture: Lightweight, milky lotion

• Why it’s great: No surfactants, no fragrance, no rinse needed (but can be rinsed off). Ideal for sensitive, reactive, or over-exfoliated skin.

• Key Ingredients: Avène Thermal Spring Water, minimal formula (only 7 ingredients)

• How to use: Massage onto dry skin, remove with cotton pad or rinse gently with lukewarm water.

Alternative: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser – similar concept, slightly richer texture.

2. Toner:

Klavuu Pure Pearlsation Revitalizing Facial Toner (for hydration + balance)

• Texture: Watery but softening

• Why it’s great: Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, very hydrating. Designed to soothe, not strip.

• Key Ingredients: Marine extracts, niacinamide (low %, gentle), panthenol

• How to use: Apply with hands or cotton pad after cleansing, AM and PM

Alternative for ultra-sensitive skin: Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner – minimal, calming, with panthenol and madecassoside.

3. Sunscreen:

Ultrasun Face SPF 50+ (Anti-Age or Sensitive variants)

• Texture: Lightweight cream or gel (depending on version)

• Why it’s great: Broad-spectrum, fragrance-free, no alcohol, no white cast, high UVA protection (PPD 42+). Non-comedogenic, works well under makeup.

• Key Ingredients: Antioxidants, lamellar technology for skin barrier support

• How to use: Apply every morning, reapply if exposed to sun

Alternative: Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect SPF 50+ – great for very reactive or post-treatment skin.

Conclusion: Your Skin, Your Routine

There’s no magic formula that works for everyone—and that’s the beauty of skincare. The most effective routine is one that’s tailored to you, your skin’s needs, your environment, and your lifestyle. Start simple, stay consistent, and let your skin guide you.

If you want more help figuring out which ingredients you can mix, which you shouldn’t, and what each ingredient actually does, I’ve created a free Ingredient Mixing Guide just for you. It breaks down the most common actives, explains whether they’re best for beginners, intermediate, or advanced users—and helps you avoid irritation while building smarter routines. You just have to subscribe to my newsletter to get instant access—it’s totally free, and you’ll also get my latest tips, myth-busting posts, and skincare guides straight to your inbox. (I don’t spam).

And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more clean, science-based skincare tips—and check out my latest blog posts for deeper dives into skincare ingredients, myths, and product recommendations.

Your skin is unique. Your routine should be too.