10 Alcohol-Free, Mattifying Toners That Won't Strip Your Skin

If you have combination or oily skin, you're probably familiar with the struggle of achieving a matte complexion that lasts. Toners are a great way to quickly eliminate excess gloss, but the problem with this particular skin-care product is that the mattifying types are often loaded with alcohol. And simple alcohol is not usually good for skin. Sure, alcohol-based toners give the appearance of matte skin and tightened pores, but the drying nature of alcohol means those of us with oily skin tend to just become oilier after a short amount of time to compensate. What's a greasy gal to do?

As it happens, there are actually some toner options formulated without alcohol that can still give you a matte or balanced complexion without that cringe-worthy stripping feeling. After all, the goal is to control shine, not dehydrate your skin. And who knows, products that are made for a skin type other than oily just might be what you need to help control the oil. (Counterintuitive, I know.) So you can have that matte finish with just a swipe of a cotton round (and without the drying side effects), here are 10 alcohol-free toners to try adding to your skin-care routine:

1. With AHAs

Try: Ole Henriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner, $26, Sephora

Control oil and minimize the appearance of pores with this clarifying, exfoliating, and refreshing toner that is made without alcohol.

2. With Green Tea

Try: Odacite Mint + Green Tea Hydra-Purifying Treatment Mist, $29, Nordstrom

This organic toner helps heal acne, reduce excess oil, and neutralize free radicals without alcohol, so you know it isn't drying.

3. With Tea Tree Water

Try: Lush Tea Tree Toner Water, $23, Lush

Tea tree, juniper berry, and grapefruit waters will keep any complexion fresh while making sure oil stays in check without the use of alcohol.

4. With White Willow Bark

Try: belif Problem Solution Toner, $28, Sephora

Skin will stay balanced and pores will stay pure with this willow bark extract and tea tree oil toner that is made without all of those ingredients you don't want.

5. With Chamomile

Try: White & Elm Balancing Facial Toner, $18, Target

Tighten your pores without your skin feeling tight with this natural and organic toner that soothes and balances pH.

6. With Lavender Water

Try: boscia Balancing Facial Tonic, $26, Sephora

Balance, calm, and nourish the skin while eliminating impurities with this lavender-infused and alcohol-free toner.

7. With African Black Soap

Try: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Toner, $11, Amazon

Purify and refine pores with this natural toner that leaves skin with a shine-free finish.

8. With Witch Hazel

Try: Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner, $26, Sephora

Achieve a clear and matte complexion without alcohol, oil, fragrance, or stripping your skin.

9. With Apple Cider Vinegar

Try: S.W. Basics Toner, $22, Dermstore

Just five ingredients is all it takes to naturally balance the skin and treat oiliness and blemishes.

10. With Cylindrica Root Extract

Try: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner, $16, Nordstrom

PH-balanced and made with cylindrica root extract, this alcohol-free toner visibly reduces excess shine while still keeping skin calm and moisturized.

Because it is possible to mattify your skin without drying it out.