I love trying new skincare products, but when I find one I really like that works well with my skin, I tend to keep it in my daily routine. While I’ve tried several serums and moisturizers, I’m not as adventurous when it comes to toners. As a result, I have been using the same two for a loooong time.
In the morning, I like using a toner that makes my skin look radiant and glass-like. For years, this has been Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner (it’s been in my routine since 2024). At night, I prefer using something that balances my skin. In a perfect world, it would also help with redness, texture, and blemishes when they pop up. Unfortunately, the nighttime toner I have been using was recently discontinued, so the hunt for a new product was officially on.
Thayers toners have a cult following, and they’re always included in skincare routine videos I see on social media. So, I looked through my options and decided on one that I believed would work best with what my skin had going on, landing confidently on the Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner with Witch Hazel.
What drew me to this specific toner is that it works wonders for acne, but also helps unclog and minimize the appearance of pores, which is a skincare insecurity of mine. I don’t regularly deal with a lot of pimples, but they pop up when I’m stressed, not getting great sleep, or right before I get my period. I usually combat those with my trusty COSRX pimple patches, but I’d love it if I could nip them in the bud before they get too big.
I gave it a try this past summer, and I love it so much I’ve already repurchased it.
Let’s get into the details.
My experience using the Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner with Witch Hazel
After washing my face with my favourite CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and letting my skin dry for a few minutes, I gave the toner a gentle shake, popped the cap, and squeezed it on a cotton round. While applying it to my face, I could feel a slight tightening sensation.
Because the toner also has a slightly cooling effect, it wasn’t uncomfortable at all. In fact, it felt more soothing than anything. However, I have noticed that on days when I do have a blemish, it does sting a little when I go over it, but it only lasts a second before going away (this is pretty par for the course with toners).
Within a week of using the toner consistently, I noticed that the redness on my face had gone down a bit, as well as the texture I had between my eyebrows and across my cheeks. After a couple of months, breakouts became more infrequent, and when they appeared, my pimples didn’t get as big or completely disappeared after a day or two. I suspect that witch hazel, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid are the ingredients my skin is responding to best.
I’m still using it and loving it today, and it’s also inspired me to try a few of Thayer’s other products. I currently have my eye on their viral Milky Hydrating Face Cleanser.
The drawbacks of the Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner with Witch Hazel
For me, the Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner with Witch Hazel is as close as you can get to a perfect skincare product, but there is a bit of room for improvement.
Firstly, the packaging is slightly inconvenient. You have to pour the toner out of a teeny spout in the cap by gently squeezing the bottle. While it does the job, I find that it results in small spills and dribbles. It’s not a make-or-break factor in me repurchasing, but a pump lid would not only make it a little more accessible and ensure that the product isn’t wasted.
The second potential issue, that might be a dealbreaker for some, is that it’s scented. Though it does rely on natural ingredients, this might not be a winner for those who are sensitive to fragrances or just prefer a fragrance-free routine.
My Final Thoughts On The Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner With Witch Hazel
My experience using the Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner with Witch Hazel has been overwhelmingly positive. It contains high-quality ingredients, is fairly priced, and works wonders on enlarged pores, skin texture, and acne, so I will definitely be repurchasing it. I would recommend it to anyone else who shares these skincare concerns and is looking for a budget-friendly solution.
Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner with Witch Hazel Pros
- Affordable
- Made with natural ingredients
- Helps banish breakouts fast and effectively
- Smooths out texture
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Easy to integrate into any existing skincare routine
Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner with Witch Hazel Cons
- The packaging can be prone to leaks and spills
- The formula can sting when applied over blemishes
- Lightly scented (not a great option for those who prefer fragrance-free skincare)
What reviewers are saying about Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner With Witch Hazel
Reviewers are enjoying using the Thayers Alcohol-Free 2% Salicylic Acid Toner with Witch Hazel, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars. Many reviewers report that it’s helped clear breakouts and restored their skin to its former, blemish-free state within weeks. Others say it’s stopped them from breaking out as much due to sweat and hormones entirely. The consensus is that people are seeing great results and love the affordable price and the quality of the ingredients.
