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These exfoliating BHA toners will leave you with silky-smooth skin

Salicylic acid is a member of the BHA (beta hydroxy acid) family and is best known for its spot-fighting capabilities. Its other benefits include reducing excess shine and oil build up and removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.

Interested? Well, if you’re new to the world of BHAs and don’t know where to start, our GHI beauty panel tested the best salicylic acid toners over a four-week period. Here are their winners:

You'll often find salicylic acid in any product - be that a cleanser, serum or toner - that claims to combat blemishes or clarify skin. It's well known for its exfoliating powers to help unclog pores and remove excess oil, too.

As Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Ophelia Veraitch, explains: "Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores to break down skin cells and sebum and clear the blockages that can often result in acne and breakouts. Salicylic also does have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is typically used for skin exfoliation and treating acne and blemishes."

Essentially, if you have oilier skin, this skincare ingredient is a must-have.

This depends on your skin type and the percentage of salicylic acid in the product you're using.

If you're trying BHAs for the first time, it's always better to start at a lower percentage and work your way up. A low percentage in a salicylic acid toner will usually be around 2% – it will still provide you with the skin-buffing powers you're after, but without as much irritation.

Use a higher percentage (8% and above) if you've tried acids before or are more prone to oiliness than sensitivity. But the general rule is to always start lower to give your skin time to adjust.

Each individual product will come with its own set of instructions on how often you should use it, but in general, toners should be used roughly three times a week. And no matter what BHA toner you're introducing into your morning regime, always follow up with SPF, especially as BHAs can make skin more sensitive to sun damage.

Dr Veraitch says: "You should be careful when using salicylic acid if you have sensitive or overly dry skin because its exfoliating properties can make this worse. However, if you do have sensitive or dry skin types, it doesn't mean you can't have clearer skin, in such cases then salicylic acid can be formulated in a lower concentration in a more gentle formulation, so that patients with sensitive or dry skin can get results without exacerbating their skin concerns."

Still hesitant? Try an exfoliating acid cleanser first, as these will usually contain a lower percentage of acid and are only on the skin for a limited amount of time, meaning they're less likely to cause sensitivity.

We asked our panel of 343 testers to trial 26 BHA toners over a four-week period, to see which ones helped improve the look of their skin. They judged each toner on how well they improved smoothness, oiliness, dullness and their overall complexion.

In the GHI lab, we used a VISIA image analysis machine to assess testers' spots, texture and pores before and after a month of use.

Our joint winner proved to be effective in the lab at reducing the look of pores, blemishes and improving skin texture, with an impressive score of 8/10.

Our whole panel also said their skin appeared brighter and more radiant after the trial, with 82% saying it also helped tackle excess oil brilliantly. There were no sensitivity issues either.

Key specifications Size: 190ml Designed for: Congested, oily skin

Our second winner is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin that's also prone to both breakouts and oiliness. Our lab test showed that it helped minimise the look of pores, reduce blemishes and improve overall skin texture.

Our testers said their skin appeared less oily, with 75% reporting a mattifying effect that also seemed to unblock pores. All said hyperpigmentation and age spots appeared less visible too, with just over half noticing less breakouts over the trial.

Key specifications Size: 200ml Designed for: Congested, oily, sensitive skin

Ren is known in the skincare industry for producing sustainable, waste-free skincare products that work, and this toner is no exception.

Getting rid of hyperpigmentation is no easy feat, but all of our testers saw an improvement, as well as a reduction in the appearance of post-acne scarring. An impressive 73% noticed fewer breakouts during the trial too, and 90% reported a more glowy complexion.

Key specifications Size: 250ml Designed for: Congested, oily, dull, mature skin

Texture irregularities are a bugbear for many, but here's a toner that will make skin feel smoother, with 80% of our testers reporting an improvement in texture.

It didn’t skimp on glow either, with all saying it boosted radiance and improved the appearance of any scarring and age spots. It addressed wrinkles too, with 67% saying their fine lines and wrinkles were less visible after the month trial.

Key specifications Size: 190ml Designed for: Congested, oily skin

After that clean, revitalised feeling? Look no further. This tonic helped minimise congestion to leave skin feeling healthier. Testers loved the light, refreshing scent, too.

In the lab, we found it helped improve skin texture after four weeks and made pigmentation marks appear less visible, which our testers with scarring greatly appreciated. Some found it left a sticky residue behind but eventually left skin feeling smooth.

Key specifications Size: 100ml Designed for: Congested, dull, oily skin

If you're constantly having to powder your t-zone to rid it of oil, try this £13 lotion. Out of our testers with oily skin, 71% found it helped mattify slick areas, with 79% saying their spots were less visible after the trial.

Despite its impressive mattifying powers, 93% were also pleased that their skin didn’t feel tight or dry after use. But it wasn’t the most effective at addressing hyperpigmentation.

Key specifications Size: 200ml Designed for: Congested, oily skin

Containing a powerful combination of salicylic acid and niacinamide, this toner reduced the look of pores and blemishes and improved skin texture, scoring 8/10 in our lab.

62% of testers appreciated that it reduced oil without leaving skin feeling dry, and 71% said it added more moisture. Although only 43% saw a decrease in breakouts and an improvement in the appearance of blemishes, 67% said it left them with a brighter complexion.

Key specifications Size: 100ml Designed for: Combination, normal, oily skin

This organic, vegan formula boosted glow for 78% of our panel, while 79% reported smoother skin. Half noticed an improvement in their skins’ oiliness too, and 71% felt they had a better overall complexion after the trial.

Although only 11% found it addressed wrinkles, it didn’t leave anyone with any tightness or sensitivity issues.

Key specifications Size: 200ml Designed for: Congested oily skin

Fine lines and wrinkles don’t disappear overnight, but they did improve after a month of using this toner for 82% of our panel. It also reduced the appearance of age spots for 80% of testers and left 85% with smoother-looking skin.

It wasn’t as effective at dealing with active breakouts and excess oil, but for those looking for anti-ageing benefits, look no further.

Key specifications Size: 200ml Designed for: Sensitive, dry, congested, normal skin

Although small in size (30ml, to be precise), this hard-working toner performed excellently in our lab for improving skin texture, making it ideal for those struggling with any pesky bumps caused by blemishes.

From our testing panel, 72% reported less frequent breakouts and 64% said their pores appeared reduced. It left 83% with a more radiant appearance too, but it was quite drying, with only 47% finding it left their skin feeling hydrated. It's not one for dry skin, but oily skin types will rate it. Key specifications Size: 30ml Designed for: Congested skin

This quick-drying toner reduced the appearance of spots for 62% of our panel and didn’t cause any discomfort or irritation. It wasn't as effective at boosting radiance but 85% wanted to continue to use it after the trial.

Key specifications Size: 150ml Designed for: Oily skin

At just 2% salicylic acid (and only £8), here's a great entry-level exfoliant to start your BHA journey with. When it came to results, 71% of our testers noticed a reduction in breakouts and 64% said their pores appeared less prominent.

All testers said their hyperpigmentation improved too, with no one experiencing any irritation. Those with scarring didn’t notice a huge impact – with only 33% seeing a difference – but just over half said their fine lines became less visible.

Key specifications Size: 200ml Designed for: Congested skin

If you struggle with age spots, it may be worth trying Farmacy's cleansing toner, which reduced the appearance of age spots for all of our testers after one month of use.

It didn’t increase sensitivity either, and 75% were happy with the radiance it left behind. Although only 36% found it helped with wrinkles, it didn’t deter all of our testers from saying they would continue to use it after the trial

Key specifications Size: 120ml Designed for: Congested, combination, oily skin

Effective skincare doesn’t need to be expensive. Garnier's toner is less than £5 and helped improve brightness for 67% of our panel.

Designed for skin that's both sensitive and prone to breakouts, 92% said it didn’t set off any sensitivity or leave skin feeling dry or tight. It wasn't as impressive at clearing breakouts and age spots, but 85% of our panel said they would use it again.

Key specifications Size: 200ml Designed for: Congested, sensitive skin

Blemishes can plague you at any age, which is where Aveda's exfoliant can help. We found that 80% of our panel had less breakouts after using this toner, while 78% reported a brighter complexion, and 80% reported a reduction in oiliness. A reliable option for anyone prone to breakouts.

Key specifications Size: 150ml Designed for: Congested, dull skin