Toners

Toners are thin liquids, with or without alcohol, that are applied to the face and neck, to clear the skin of oily secretions and to remove any makeup traces left behind by a makeup remover. Not all toners are astringent, and not all of them are for oily skin. Some toners are moisturizing, and most of the time, no rinsing is needed. 

Making your own toner is very easy and fun. Since toners consist mainly of water and water-soluble ingredients, their minimum complexity makes a nice start for a natural beauty beginner. Always prepare small quantities to make sure your toner stays fresh.

Among the key ingredients are the following:

• Hydrosols, or flower waters. Some hydrosols, such as rose water, bring

softening and soothing properties to skin. Others, such as neroli water, might

help tame breakouts and provide astringency. Hydrosols are blended with

water and other ingredients to make a complete toner.

• Glycerin is a basic ingredient that blends well with most toner formulas.

Make sure it is from a vegetable source. Feel free to add it to your favorite

toner: 1 tablespoon of glycerin per cup of toner. Because it acts as a skin

emollient, glycerin will soften the skin and help preserve its moisture. It also

draws moisture to skin from the surrounding air. Its presence in a

formulation will give your toner a silkier texture.

• Vitamin E is a natural preservative and an antioxidant. Because toners have very high water content, they need preservation. Adding vitamin E to your toner will help extend its shelf life while protecting skin from aging by neutralizing free radicals. Add a few drops to the oil phase of your products. Always shake your toner bottle vigorously to disperse the droplets within the liquid before applying it.

• Almond milk can give your toner a smoother texture and add some properties

that water alone cannot provide. Almond milk is rich in vitamin E and is

easy to mix with aqueous toners. Commercial almond milk is rich in calcium

and contains thickeners such as xanthan gum.

 

Universal Basic Chamomile Toner

Made with one of the most skin-friendly ingredients, this soothing chamomile-based toner is among the easiest to prepare. Use it as is or as a base for more complex formulas. While honey is a time-tested anti-aging ingredient, glycerin will soften the texture of the toner and act as a humectant.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup distilled water

2 tablespoons loose chamomile, or 2 chamomile tea bags ½ teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon glycerin

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Boil 1 cup of distilled water and pour it over the chamomile. Cover and steep

for 10 minutes before squeezing and removing tea bags if used, or straining

loose tea. Add the honey and glycerin and stir until everything is well

blended.

2. Wait for the chamomile infusion to cool before transferring it to a bottle.

3. Apply generously, once or twice a day, to a clean face and neck (and chest, if

desired) with a cotton ball. No need to rinse.

Double C Toner

This golden recipe is a chamomile and carrot toner, a very simple and skin-friendly formula that suits all skin types. Because carrots are rich in carotene, which is a precursor of the anti-aging vitamin A, using it on your skin helps boost your skin’s vitality while keeping it moisturized in the most gentle fashion.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup chamomile infusion at room temperature

½ cup carrot juice

1 teaspoon glycerin

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Transfer the chamomile infusion to a bottle. Filter the carrot juice through a

strainer and pour it over the chamomile. Add the glycerin and shake

vigorously to mix.

2. Shake well before pouring onto a cotton ball to use. Apply to face and neck at

bedtime. Wait 5 minutes, then rinse with tepid water.

Vitamins and Minerals Blend

 This nourishing formula makes a wonderful summer drink for

your skin, especially after you’ve been sweating in the sun.

Watermelon is a known source of vitamins and antioxidants, and Himalayan salt

is among the purest salts, unprocessed, and extremely rich in minerals. That is

why this “drink” will restore a glow to dull skin. Honey will help moisturize the

skin and act as a natural anti-aging agent that will boost the watermelon’s

efficacy.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups finely diced watermelon

1 cup filtered water

1 tablespoon honey

Pinch of Himalayan sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the watermelon into pieces, then mash and strain it to get 1 cup of juice.

2. Warm the filtered water in a double boiler; then add the honey, stirring until

the honey is completely dissolved. Make sure not to overheat. Add the

watermelon juice, sprinkle with salt, stir, and set aside to cool.

3. Transfer to a bottle.

4. Pour onto a cotton ball and apply in the evening to the face and neck to

compensate for the skin’s loss of moisture after sweating on a hot summer

day. Daily use through the summer season is very beneficial for the skin.

Skin-Brightening Toner

Sometimes a toner can do more than just make sure your makeup is gone. A little twist on a basic formula, and—voilà—a bonus benefit unwrapped. Lemons contain high levels of vitamin C, which acts as a skin brightener. Rubbing alcohol (from cologne) is a great solvent for extracting that vitamin C from lemon rind, while helping extend the toner’s shelf life and tame skin bacteria. Since sun damage is mostly visible after summer, fall and winter are the best times of the year to reverse that damage and rejuvenate the skin.

Adding water will bring down the final alcohol level of this toner, and a touch of

glycerin will help counteract its drying effect.

INGREDIENTS

1 lemon rind

½ cup mild cologne (such as baby cologne)

1 cup water

1 teaspoon glycerin

Note: You can substitute grapefruit or orange peel for the lemon rind.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Put the lemon rind in a glass jar, pour the cologne over it, close the jar, and

leave for 3–5 days in a cool place and away from sunlight, shaking

occasionally.

2. Filter the cologne through a strainer, add 1 cup of water, then the glycerin,

shake well, and transfer to a bottle.

3. Apply to clean skin at bedtime. Wait for 5 minutes before rinsing with water.

4. Daily use of sunscreen is essential to prevent skin photosensitivity.

Herbal Toner

Dandelion is a highly praised herb that offers uncountable benefits. It is among the top-ranked herbs in Chinese herbal medicine. It is extremely rich in vitamin A, as well as vitamins B and C and many minerals, such as iron, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and copper. As a topical ingredient, it will improve skin vitality and tonus for a more youthful

appearance. The addition of rose water, an uplifting, skin-friendly ingredient,

makes this a gently soothing toner that you can enjoy year round.

INGREDIENTS

2 heaping tablespoons chopped dandelion greens

1 cup hot water

1 ounce (30 ml) rose water

1 teaspoon glycerin

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare an infusion of the chopped dandelion and hot water. Strain out the

leaves, making sure to squeeze out excess liquid, and set aside to cool.

2. Add the rose water and glycerin. Stir well and transfer to a bottle.

3. Use a cotton ball to apply twice a day to a clean face and neck.

Flowery Toner

This wonderfully scented toner will add a pleasing component to your morning routine. Simple, skin friendly, with an uplifting fragrance, it clarifies, cleans, and moisturizes the skin. The addition of the antioxidant, antiaging vitamin E increases the benefits conferred by this toner.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons roughly chopped rose petals

2 tablespoons geranium petals (or lavender, according to availability) 1 cup

water

1 teaspoon glycerin

1 teaspoon baby cologne

20 drops (1 ml) vitamin E

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a glass bowl, blend the flower petals. Boil the water and pour it over the

petals. Cover the bowl, wrap it with a towel to keep the heat in, and set it

aside.

2. Try to rotate the bowl clockwise, then counterclockwise, every 30 minutes to

shake things a bit and encourage fragrance transfer.

3. After about 3 hours of contact time, strain the petals out of the liquid, making

sure to squeeze out excess liquid trapped within the petals. Then add

remaining ingredients.

4. Shake to mix and transfer to a bottle.

5. Shake again prior to using, and apply with a cotton ball. Use in the morning

for softer and delicately scented skin.

Creamy Toner

Dry skin usually lacks moisture, and since an oily film on the skin surface locks moisture underneath it, thick, oil-rich ingredients are suitable for drier skin. Heavy cream provides a “shot” of lipids for dry skin. With other moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, cucumber juice, and honey, this toner is a perfect balance for weather-beaten skin. Buying organic, when it’s available, helps you avoid pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones in your ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

1 English cucumber

½ cup heavy cream

1 ounce (30 ml) rose water

1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

1 teaspoon honey

Note: Aloe vera juice or gel can be substituted for the cucumber juice, 1

tablespoon cologne for the 2 tablespoons rose water, and almond milk for

the cream (for a nongreasy formulation).

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make cucumber juice by putting 1 English cucumber through a juicer. Filter

the cucumber juice, and then mix with the heavy cream. Warm the rose water

in a double boiler; then add the honey and stir to dissolve. Add the glycerin to

the rose water and honey and mix again. Pour over the cucumber juice and

cream mixture. Then transfer to a bottle.

2. Shake vigorously to combine all ingredients. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or to the cream’s expiration date, whichever is shorter.

3. Shake again before applying to the face and neck with a cotton ball before

bedtime.

Almond Milk and Olive Oil Toner

Heavier oils, such as olive or avocado, are a great choice for dry skin. Olive oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and its consistency provides durable protection against aggressive weather and moisture loss. Even though it is optional, the addition of evening primrose oil is a big bonus, because it confers anti-aging properties to this formula.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup almond milk

½ cup distilled water

1 ounce (30 ml) olive oil

1 ounce (30 ml) rose water

20 drops (1 ml) evening primrose oil (optional)

10 drops (0.5 ml) vitamin E

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in a bottle. Shake vigorously to mix, and store in the

refrigerator for up to a week.

2. Separation is to be expected. Always shake the bottle vigorously before

applying this toner, in the evening, to the face and neck with a cotton ball or

disk.

Almond Rose Toner

This toner is very easy to make and produces wonderful results. It

moisturizes and softens skin without leaving an oily residue. That is mainly

because of the composition of jojoba oil, which is very close to that of skin oils.

That is why jojoba is a big-time favorite in skin care products.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup almond milk

½ cup rose water

1 tablespoon jojoba oil

1 teaspoon glycerin

10 drops (0.5 ml) vitamin E

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bottle. Shake vigorously to blend well.

2. You can store this toner in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Always shake prior to application to disperse the oil droplets. Soak a cotton

ball with this toner and wipe the face and neck daily. 

Kaolin Astringent Toner

Many of the ingredients in this formula, such as tea tree oil and witch hazel, contribute to its astringent effect. Kaolin, also called china clay, will give body to your toner while drawing oils and toxins away from the skin surface. Tea tree oil is also an antiseptic, which helps limit bacterial proliferation. Wheat germ is extremely nourishing and provides anti-aging benefits; it is added as a powder to keep the formula oil free. This wholesome

formula is excellent for oily skin that needs cleaning, astringency, and

nourishment.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon white kaolin

1 teaspoon wheat germ powder

½ cup witch hazel water

10 drops (0.5 ml) tea tree essential oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by mixing the dry ingredients, kaolin and wheat germ, then gradually

add that mixture to the witch hazel, stirring thoroughly to make sure your

preparation is well blended. Finally, add the tea tree oil; then mix and transfer

to a bottle.

2. Remember to always shake the bottle prior to using. Apply a quarter-size

amount to a wet face and neck, and wait 3–5 minutes before rinsing it off with

tepid water. Do not rub, because excessive rubbing might stimulate the

sebaceous glands and lead to more oily secretions.

3. This formula can be used every morning during breakouts.

Cucumber Toner

Cucumber is a very lightweight moisturizer, suitable and refreshing for sensitive skin. Rely on its juice to clean skin without clogging pores. The slight amount of rubbing alcohol from cologne helps clear skin and tame bacteria. Tea tree oil is also antiseptic and offers a complementary astringent effect.

INGREDIENTS

½ English cucumber

1 tablespoon cologne

½ cup water

1 teaspoon glycerin

10 drops (0.5 ml) tea tree oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Peel and chop fresh cucumber, then puree with a stick blender. Add cologne

to the cucumber puree, then dilute with ½ cup water and let stand for 2 hours.

2. Filter through a strainer; then add the glycerin and tea tree oil and transfer to a

bottle.

3. Shake well before using. Soak a cotton ball and apply to the face and

décolletage in the morning, for a noticeably clearer skin.

Evening Tea Toner

This formula is concocted with very basic ingredients that provide remarkable benefits. Black tea contains tannins and acts as an astringent, which makes it a wonderful choice for oily skin, reducing sebum production and tightening pores. Lemon juice helps improve the appearance of blemishes, and the little amount of rubbing alcohol from cologne reduces bacterial proliferation and helps clear skin.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup hot water

1 tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose black tea

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon baby cologne

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour the hot water over the tea. Cover and leave for 30 minutes.

2. Squeeze excess liquid from the tea bag before removing it, or strain loose tea;

add lemon juice and allow further cooling.

3. Add cologne when mixture is completely cooled, right before transferring it to a bottle, to avoid alcohol evaporation.

4. Soak a cotton ball and roll it over the face and neck every evening.

5. Daily use of sunscreen is strongly advised, as this recipe can increase

photosensitivity.

Astringent Toner

This formula combines the astringent properties of both black tea and witch hazel for maximum efficacy in reducing sebum production in acne-prone skin. It also calls for the antiseptic powers of

rubbing alcohol. This is an acidic formulation that will help clear skin and improve the appearance of blemishes.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup black tea

½ cup witch hazel water

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon baby cologne

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare a regular cup of black tea. Enjoy half and save ½ cup to prepare this toner. Allow it to cool to room temperature. When it has reached room temperature, add all remaining ingredients, stir, and transfer to a bottle.

2. Soak a cotton ball with this toner and apply to oily facial zones by dabbing

once a day—without excessive rubbing to prevent overstimulation of sebaceous glands and a rebound effect. Rinse thoroughly and remember daily

application of sunscreen.

Double C Toner for Acne-Prone Skin

This toner is named for its two key ingredients: vitamin C and cider. The acidic nature of apple cider allows skin to get rid of surface dead cells, while the vitamin C in lemon juice is a skin brightener that also acts as a

powerful antioxidant; it can reverse sun damage and reduce wrinkles, for a more

youthful look. Combined with the astringency of neroli and witch hazel in this formula, they will reduce oily secretions and help achieve a glowing and clearer skin.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon honey

½ cup water

2 ounces (60 ml) neroli hydrosol

2 ounces (60 ml) witch hazel water

1 tablespoon apple cider

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon glycerin

5 drops grapefruit essential oil (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by dissolving the honey in ½ cup water. Add the remaining ingredients

one at a time, mixing continuously. Then transfer to a bottle.

2. Shake well before each use. Using a cotton ball, apply to the face and neck in

the evening. Rinse in the morning and wear sunscreen daily.

Tea Tree Oil Toner

This complete formula is specifically suitable for acne-prone skin.

It incorporates multiple ingredients that work together for maximum sebum

control (tea tree oil, neroli water, and hazelnut oil) while providing moisture

(glycerin and aloe vera) and wholesome nutrients (royal jelly). This is a

wonderfully scented toner whose uplifting bright fragrance you can enjoy while

taming breakouts.

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces (60 ml) aloe vera juice

1 teaspoon royal jelly

2 ounces (60 ml) orange blossom water

1 teaspoon apple cider

1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

10 drops (0.5 ml) tea tree essential oil

1 teaspoon hazelnut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by pouring the aloe vera juice over the royal jelly, whisking to dissolve

the jelly. Add the orange blossom water, making sure all the jelly is dissolved.

Add the apple cider and glycerin, and whisk again.

2. In a separate bowl, add the tea tree oil to the hazelnut oil, mix, and then add to

the first mixture, whisking continuously until well blended. Transfer to a

bottle and shake very well to disperse the essential oil.

3. Always shake the bottle vigorously prior to application to disperse the oils.

Apply with a cotton ball to reduce blemishes on the face, chest, and upper

back, preferably at bedtime. Allow at least 5 minutes contact time before

rinsing.

4. Daily use of sunscreen is always recommended.

 Sage Infusion Toner

Since sage has anti-inflammatory properties very similar to those

of aspirin, or salicylates, a sage infusion can be extremely helpful in soothing skin redness. Make sure, however, that you seek a medical opinion for your skin condition prior to applying this toner.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup hot distilled water

1 tablespoon fresh or dried sage

1 teaspoon glycerin

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour the water over the sage. Cover for 30 minutes. Then strain out the leaves

and set the liquid aside to cool.

2. Add the glycerin, whisk to blend, and transfer to a spray bottle.

3. Apply gently using a cotton ball, or spray directly on irritated skin. Do not

rub.

4. The cool temperature will help reduce dilation of blood vessels and decrease

redness. Repeat 2–3 times daily to soothe skin.

5. Store the bottle in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Calming Toner for Irritated Skin

This formula relies on the anti-inflammatory properties of sage

and rosemary, which will help soothe inflamed skin. While fresh herbs are always best, dried will also work. Carrot juice is added to provide carotenoids, which will give a healthier look to tired skin. Rose water is also a universal soother, very gentle on all skin types. Together those ingredients will

work in harmony to help you achieve a soothed and revived skin.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon sage

1 teaspoon rosemary

3 ounces (100 ml) distilled water

1 tablespoon carrot juice

2 ounces (60 ml) rose water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix sage and rosemary in a mug or glass beaker. Pour 3 ounces freshly boiled

water over them and cover. After 10 minutes, strain out the herbs and set the

liquid aside to cool.

2. Meanwhile, pour the carrot juice into a spray bottle. Pour the herbal tea over

the carrot juice and finish by adding the rose water. Shake the bottle

vigorously to mix well.

3. Spray lightly onto the face and neck 2–3 times daily.

4. No need for rinsing or drying with a towel; rubbing is also not recommended,

because it might cause further irritation.