Exfoliating Toners | BHA Toners to Prevent SPF Congestion

Dr. Laura's Edit | June 26

The Exfoliating Toners We Reach For in Summer (And Why SPF Makes Them Non-Negotiable)

I'm heading to Thailand for five weeks, and my skin prep has been very intentional. Five weeks of heat, humidity, sun exposure, and the kind of SPF application that needs to happen multiple times a day. I'm genuinely excited about it, but I also know exactly what's coming for my skin if I'm not careful: congestion.

This is something that doesn't get talked about enough in the summer SPF conversation. Everyone focuses on finding a formula that doesn't feel heavy or leave a white cast, which matters, but there's a second problem. SPF, applied generously and regularly the way it should be, builds up in the pores over the course of a day and over the course of a season. Add in sunscreen on top of existing sunscreen, plus heat, plus sweat, and you're creating the perfect conditions for clogged pores and breakouts even on skin that doesn't typically struggle with those things.

The answer is an exfoliating toner, and specifically a BHA toner. BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble, which means it can actually get into the pore rather than just working on the surface. That's what makes it so useful in this context. It dissolves the sebum and residue that's built up inside, keeps things clear, and prevents that sluggish, congested feeling that a lot of people notice by mid-summer without being entirely sure what's causing it.

Here's what we stock at different price points, and what we'd reach for depending on where you are with your skin.

Obagi CLENZIderm Pore Therapy

This is the one I'm packing for Thailand. It's a 2% salicylic acid toner and it's straightforward, effective, and no-fuss to use. Swipe it over cleansed skin with a cotton pad morning and evening, let it dry, and carry on. The formula is alcohol-based with menthol and witch hazel, so it has a cooling, refreshing feel on skin that's been in the heat. It keeps pores clean without being drying if you're using a decent moisturiser alongside it, and I find it particularly good for anyone whose skin gets that thick, textured feeling in summer. This is the one I consistently recommend in clinic for maintaining clarity when SPF use is high.

Shop Obagi Pore Therapy →

COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid

If you're looking for something more affordable, or if you're a teenager or someone newer to acid toners, this is where we'd point you. It uses betaine salicylate rather than straight salicylic acid, which is a naturally-derived BHA that works in a similar way but tends to be gentler on skin that's not used to exfoliating actives. It also contains niacinamide, which helps with oil control and reduces the appearance of pores over time. At the price point, it's genuinely hard to beat, and it's consistently one of our best sellers for good reason. Start with two to three times a week and build from there.

Shop COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid →

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

This is the one to reach for if you want a bit more from your toner. It combines BHA with glycolic acid (an AHA), which means you're getting pore-clearing action from the salicylic alongside surface-level exfoliation and a brightening effect from the glycolic. It's a multitasker, which makes it a good option for anyone who wants to keep their routine simple but still address texture and uneven tone alongside congestion. Slightly more active than the BHA on its own, so if your skin is sensitive, start slowly.

Shop COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner →

AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads by Skinbetter Science

For those who want the most comprehensive option, the AlphaRet peel pads are in a different category. These are pre-soaked pads that combine lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid with Skinbetter's patented AlphaRet retinoid molecule. The result is exfoliation and retinoid activity in one step, which addresses congestion, texture, pigmentation, and fine lines simultaneously. They're designed for PM use up to three times a week, and because of the AlphaRet technology, they deliver visible results with less irritation than you'd expect from that combination of ingredients. Not a beginner product, but if your skin is ready for it, it's exceptional. Use with SPF the following morning without fail.

Shop AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads →

A note on using these in summer

All exfoliating acids increase sun sensitivity to some degree. BHA less so than AHA, but the principle applies across the board. Evening use is the safest approach during summer months, and SPF the next morning is non-negotiable. The irony of using these toners to manage SPF congestion is that they make consistent SPF use even more important, not less. That's not a reason to avoid them. It's just worth understanding the logic so you're using them correctly.

Shop Now