I prefer an astringent made by Neutrogena called "Pore Refining Toner" to the stuff that comes in the Proactiv kit, which I think I might be allergic to. They have that Neutrogena toner in drug stores and sometimes in large groceries. The astringents that contain salicylic acid or aqua-glycolic acid (which is the ingredient in Proactiv that I think I'm allergic to) help keep the pores clean. Regular alcohol toners don't do much. That's what my dermatologist told me. The Neutrogena toner has salicylic acid in it.