This homemade toner recipe can help leave your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and balanced without drying it out. All you need are a few simple, clean ingredients and a few minutes of your day.
Not going to lie, I have been a little toner obsessed lately. I just spray it onto my face throughout the day (as long as I’m not wearing makeup), and then follow with a serum.
It makes my skin feel amazing and is seriously one of the easiest natural body care products to make.
My typical skincare routine begins by washing with a cleanser or oil cleansing (I love using coconut oil for this).
Sometimes I double cleanse: use a little oil to help remove makeup, and then follow up with a cleanser. It helps deep clean, while also leaving my skin moisturized.
Next, I use this DIY toner to remove excess dirt, oil and makeup. It also helps to restore the pH balance of your skin.
Lastly, I follow up with a serum and moisturizer.
Benefits of facial toners:
Toners can help tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and reduce environmental impurities on the skin. It can help to cleanse the skin while moisturizing, as well.
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What can I use as a natural toner?
The three natural toners listed below should not be used undiluted on the skin due to their higher ph, which could cause irritation.
Witch Hazel – an astringent that helps reduce inflammation, tighten pores, reduce redness, and clean skin.
Apple cider vinegar – ACV has been shown to help reduce bacteria growth, balance the ph of the skin, and reduce acne.
Lemon juice – helps balance the skin’s pH, naturally contains vitamin C which may help reduce damage, reduce inflammation, and lighten skin.
Toner Ingredients:
Essential oils (I like to do four drops of three different oils) – see list below for the best oils to use for your skin type and which ones I chose.
Vitamin E oil – helps regenerate skin and reduce the appearance of scars.
Rose water – I like to add in a bit of rose water, because it is amazing for hydrating the skin, balances the oils naturally found in the skin, tightens pores, and reduces inflammation. This is an optional ingredient and can be swapped out for distilled water.
Witch hazel – a natural astringent that helps reduce inflammation, tighten pores, reduce redness, and cleanse skin.
Tips:
- Store in the refrigerator for a refreshing and cool spritz to help wake up the skin.
- This recipe can be completely customized for your skin type. Check out the essential oils combinations recommended below.
- I highly recommend rose water in this DIY toner. If you don’t want to use it, you can swap it out for distilled water.
Tools you may need:
Measuring spoons
Print the label
Best Essential Oils For Toner:
- Lavender – not only does lavender help you relax, but it is an amazing way to calm your skin. It may even help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Frankincense – boasts anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve skin elasticity.
- Cypress – offers anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and may help against acne.
- Geranium – contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and can help reduce skin irritation, acne breakouts, and may reduce the signs of aging.
- Tea tree – presents anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Perfect for more acne-prone skin.
These first 5 are my top choice for skin oils, but these other essential oils would also make great additions:
- Myrrh
- Cypress
- Yarrow pom
- Copaiba
- Helichrysum
- Cedarwood
- Clary sage
- Roman chamomile
- Rose
Best Essential Oils Per Skin Type
DRY SKIN– frankincense, lavender, geranium
OILY SKIN– frankincense, lavender, tea tree
NORMAL SKIN– lavender, cypress, tea tree
My Personal Homemade Facial Toner Recipe For Dry Skin
I have dry skin, so this is what I made:
4 drops each of frankincense, lavender, and geranium
10 drops vitamin e oil
2 teaspoons rose water
Witch hazel
How To Make Homemade Toner
In a 2-oz fine mist spray bottle, add essential oils, vitamin e, and rose water.
Top it off with witch hazel, approximately three tablespoons.
How to use DIY Toner
Clean skin with your favorite cleanser.
Spritz toner onto face with a fine mist spray bottle, or place a small amount onto a cotton pad and rub onto face in a circular motion.
Allow to dry, then apply your favorite serum and/or moisturizer.
Find More Natural Products
- Whipped Body Butter
- DIY Deodorant
- Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
- DIY Natural Sunscreen
- Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back and give it 5 stars!
DIY Toner With Essential Oils
Equipment
- 2oz fine mist spray bottle
- Measuring spoon
- Liquid measuring cups
Ingredients
- 12 drops essential oil, I like to do 4 drops of three different oils
- 10 drops vitamin e oil
- 2 teaspoons rose water, optional I also like to add in a bit of rose water.
- Top off with witch hazel – about 3 tablespoons
Instructions
- In a 4-oz fine mist spray bottle, add essential oils, vitamin e, and rose water.
Top it off with witch hazel, approximately three tablespoons.
HOW TO USE DIY TONER
- Clean skin with your favorite cleanser.
- Spritz toner onto face with a fine mist spray bottle or place a small amount onto a cotton pad and rub onto face in a circular motion.
- Allow to dry, then apply your favorite serum and/or moisturizer.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for a refreshing and cool spritz to help wake up the skin.
- Completely customize this recipe for your skin type by switching out the essential oils.
- I highly recommend rose water in this DIY toner. If you don’t want to use it, you can swap it out for distilled water.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Choosing the best toner for your face depends on your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, look for a toner with salicylic acid or witch hazel to control oil and reduce breakouts. Dry or sensitive skin benefits from hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. For combination skin, a balancing toner with rose water or green tea extract is ideal. Always opt for alcohol-free formulas to prevent irritation and maintain healthy, glowing skin.