Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner for combination skin
Niacinamide
Glycerin
Ceramides
Panthenol
Sodium HyaluronateSuperior
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best toners for combination skin.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Excellent suitability for your combination skin, as niacinamide and glycerin work synergistically to regulate oil production and provide optimal hydration, directly addressing your oily shine and pore concerns.
- The inclusion of ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and panthenol further enhances moisturization and skin barrier support, benefiting your skin's overall balance.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no harsh ingredients and a formulation that includes soothing components like chamomile extract and niacinamide.
How to apply
- Use this hydrating toner in your AM and PM routines. Start 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply this hydrating toner after your cleanser and before your moisturizer or SPF. This keeps your skin balanced and ready.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the hydrating toner into your skin with your hands. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute before the next step.
- Apply the hydrating toner on slightly damp skin to help it absorb better. Clean skin gives the best results for your oily shine goal.
- Avoid the eye area when using your hydrating toner. Always do a quick patch test before your first use.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 10.9k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this toner is highly recommended for oily and combination skin types, effectively controlling sebum and providing lightweight hydration without a sticky feel. Users frequently report smoother skin texture and a noticeable reduction in pore appearance. Some users find pore size reduction to be highly effective, while others report minimal changes. A small number of users experienced breakouts or irritation, and some felt the product was too expensive for the results achieved.
Highlights
Lightweight hydration Mostly Mentioned
- “Provides an internal level of hydration without leaving any heavy finish.”
- “Absorbed into the skin almost immediately.”
- “It is so watery... does not leave any finish whatsoever.”
- “Lightweight liquid formula feels weightless on skin.”
Balances oily skin Often Mentioned
- “It works great to balance oil and is very refreshing, especially in the summer.”
- “Helps control excess oil and shine temporarily.”
- “My skin is less oily and drier areas smooth out.”
- “Decent oil control, I blot my face less.”
Smoothes skin texture Often Mentioned
- “Makes my skin softer.”
- “Skin is more even, smooth, moisturized.”
- “My skin just feels fresh... smoother and brighter.”
- “Helps to remove skin flaking.”
Minimizes pore appearance Sometimes Noted
- “In 2 weeks I saw major improvement in pore size.”
- “My pores have gotten smaller.”
- “The impact on reducing my pores is amazing!”
- “My fave looks airbrushed when I use this regularly.”
Ineffective on pores Sometimes Noted
- “Did not notice any difference in my pores.”
- “Promise of pore minimization feels more like a marketing tactic.”
- “Limited impact on pores.”
- “Blackheads are almost the same.”
Causes breakouts/irritation Rarely Noted
- “My cystic acne in the jaw line has come back.”
- “Irritated skin, stung on application.”
- “Experienced little bumps coming up in my skin.”
Packaging leaks Rarely Noted
- “Spilled all inside the packaging.”
- “Pump had slightly come off.”
- “It was messy.”
Pricey for value Rarely Noted
- “I don't see the price tag as justifiable.”
- “Over-priced... just a good toner.”
- “Expensive for the amount that you get.”
- “Results aren't remarkable enough to justify the higher price.”
Sources: lovi.care, amazon.com, paulaschoice.com, paulaschoice-eu.com, dermstore.com, sephora.sg, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Toner one of the best fits for combination skin?
This toner is an excellent fit for combination skin because niacinamide and glycerin work together to control oily shine and keep your skin properly hydrated. Ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and panthenol also help strengthen your skin barrier while keeping your face feeling soft and balanced.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for combination skin?
Niacinamide and glycerin are the key ingredients that make this toner a great fit for your combination skin by balancing oily shine and keeping dry areas hydrated. Ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and panthenol also help lock in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier for an even finish.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.
What does Glycerin do for combination skin?
Glycerin helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by pulling moisture in and keeping it there. It improves hydration and supports your skin barrier, which is unlikely to cause irritation.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
Use this hydrating toner in the morning after cleansing and before your moisturizer, and in your weekly routine after a cleansing mask. It helps balance combination skin by controlling oily shine while keeping your face feeling smooth and properly hydrated.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this hydrating toner with retinol by applying the toner first to damp skin and following with your retinol treatment. Using a barrier-supporting product like this helps keep combination skin comfortable and may reduce the dryness or irritation often caused by retinol.
How often should I use this toner?
You can use this hydrating toner daily in your morning routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Its ingredients help regulate oil and keep your skin balanced without irritation.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
This toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for combination skin, as it has a very low complaint rate for irritation and features soothing, balancing ingredients. Niacinamide and glycerin work together to help control oily shine while keeping dry areas hydrated.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2005The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.
Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.
Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.
Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.
BMC Oral Health, 2019
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract Chamomile Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Sodium Pca, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Oleth-10, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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