The Best Astringent for Oily Skin – 2023 Reviews and Top Picks

In line with our commitment to present you with products that can actually deliver results, we’re presenting our roundup of the best astringents for oily skin. We’ve spent more than 15 grueling hours ranking the top performing products in the market today that can help control excessive oil production, prevent breakouts and improve your skin’s texture– all without burning holes in your wallet.
Doctor's Choice

CLINIQUE Clarifying Lotion 3
Other Products

Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
Other Products

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
Containing 100% natural formula, T.N. Dickinson's Astringent relies on witch hazel extracts to cleanse your skin without the dryness or tightness you can get from other products. It contains 16 fluid ounce of natural astringent which you can use in a number of ways.
Biore Blemish Treating Astringent has a handful of ingredients that can control excess oil. It can also decrease hyperpigmentations but only to a certain extent.
If you are planning on using this astringent, make sure to do a patch test first since it contains ingredients that can potentially cause irritation.
A lot of people struggling with oily skin may have encountered Sea Breeze Actives Original Formula Astringent already. If you haven't, you might want to give the product a try.
It has ingredients that can prevent acne, excess oil and even oily scalp.
Lavo Glycolic Acid Face Toner leaves a matte finish so you can find it easier to apply your makeup. It does a good job in removing cosmetics, too.
You shouldn't miss Thayers Original Witch Hazel Astringent Pads if you like refreshing by mid-day while you're out. Since it's already pre-moistened, you won't need to worry about carrying an extra pack of cotton balls in your purse.
#1 - T.N. Dickinson's Astringent
T.N. Dickinson's Astringent contains 100% natural ingredients along with witch hazel extracts to thoroughly cleanse your skin while keeping its proper balance.
Witch hazel makes a great astringent because of its ability to address large pores as well as decrease your skin’s production of sweat and oil. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, too.
The product picks up dirt and makeup residue well. It’s a great help in healing existing acne and in preventing new breakouts.
Another nice thing about this product is that it doesn’t dry the skin out as it cleanses. You’re also safe from the harsh synthetics ingredients you can find in other product because this one has 100% natural witch hazel.
And for the exact same reason, you may find this astringent’s scent a bit offensive. It needs getting used to, especially if you have a very sensitive sense of smell.
For its size and price, I can say that this product can give you more than what you pay for. Each bottle contains 16 fluid ounce which can last you for several months already.
It’s also a multi-purpose product, Aside from controlling oil, minimizing pores and keeping your skin toned, this one can also be used for cuts and insect bites.
What We Like:
- Has many uses
- Contains great amount of product
- Doesn’t dry skin out
- Has witch hazel
- Effectively picks up dirt
What We Didn’t Like:
- Scent is a major issue
#2 - Biore Blemish Treating Astringent
Biore Blemish Treating Astringent contains salicylic acid to clear out your pores and prevent skin breakouts. It’s good in getting rid of excess oil so that you’re shine-free for the rest of the day.
This one isn’t for those with sensitive skin since it has two types of alcohol that can potentially trigger irritation. There’s alcohol denat and isopropyl alcohol.
The good news, however, is that although it’s a bit potent, it doesn’t sting and won’t dry out your skin with proper use.
Aside from its effect on your pores, it can also help minimize the appearance of dark spots and blemishes but only to a certain extent. It won’t give you dramatic improvements so don’t set your expectations too high about this product when it comes to addressing hyperpigmentations.
What We Like:
- Doesn’t sting
- Good in preventing blackheads and breakouts
- Minimizes pores
- Soothing
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains irritating ingredients
- Can’t thoroughly pick up makeup residue
#3 - Sea Breeze Actives Original Formula Astringent
Sea Breeze Actives Original Formula Astringent has been a staple product for a lot of people struggling with oily skin.
If you are thinking of adding this product to your skincare routine, I’d have to warn you that it comes with a tingling feeling. The product also comes with a strong smell that can easily turn you off.
Despite these properties, you’ll love this product’s effects on the skin. It can deeply cleanse the skin so it stays safe from breakouts and other skin issues.
It also works great against dandruff and itchy scalp.
It’s a good investment if you frequently wear heavy makeup since it can pick up residues well. Just remember to use a good moisturizer for your skin type to make sure you don’t dry out your skin too much.
What We Like:
- Deeply cleanses
- Thoroughly removes residues
- Can be used for scalp
What We Didn’t Like:
- May be too strong for some people
- Scent is a major issue
#4 - Lavo Glycolic Acid Face Toner
Lavo Glycolic Acid Face Toner is an exfoliating toner and astringent. It contains 10% glycolic acid to fight oily skin and tighten up your pores.
The product promises a lot of benefits for your skin, like prepping it for your creams and serums as well as to pick up dirt and makeup residues that can clog its pores.
I’m impressed at how it leaves the skin matte so you can apply your foundation better. You won’t have to worry about looking and feeling greasy after a few hours of wearing your makeup.
On top of those benefits, the product can also keep your skin hydrated with its aloe vera content.
As for the scent, the astringent has a refreshing fragrance which people have mixed feelings about. It’s refreshing for some people while others consider it too strong for their liking.
What We Like:
- Leaves a matte finish
- Tightens pores
- Has glycolic acid
- Provides light exfoliation
What We Didn’t Like:
- Scent can be an issue
- Can cause irritation on sensitive skin
#5 - Thayers Original Witch Hazel Astringent Pads
If you think all astringents come in liquid form, then you may not have seen Thayers Original Witch Hazel Astringent Pads yet. It’s unique because, well, it’s in the form of pads.
It’s the perfect product to invest in if you are frequently on-the-go or if you just want a quick way to refresh. It’s handy, convenient and easy to use.
You only need to wipe the pre-moistened pad on your skin until it’s clean. Yes, there’s no need to buy cotton balls.
The pads are a bit rough so don’t be surprised if they don’t go smoothly against your skin. Their texture, however, enables them to gently buff away dead skin cells.
What We Like:
- Convenient to use
- No need for extra cotton balls
- Provides light exfoliation
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can dry out quickly
- Has strong alcohol smell
Reviews and Comparisons of The Best Astringents for Oily Skin