Let’s understand the basics of skin toner. The purpose of skin toner is to balance the pH levels, which gets disturbed due to makeup and dust that accumulates on your face throughout the day. We know that daily usage of cosmetics cannot be skipped, but then cleaning, toning and moisturizing cannot be neglected either. Toner also tightens the skin, lessens pore size, eliminates excess oil, reduces acne, dissolves dead skin cells, and even the skin tones (like lighten age spots & sun tan). In addition, they make your face free of residue and debris. But, definitely not the ones that are readily available in the market. They are loaded with chemicals and fragrances! Soap based cleansers contain more alkaline than required; hence, it disrupts the acid mantle of skin and results into growth of bad bacteria. Consequently, our skin catches manifold diseases, infections or wrinkles start appearing. So, to make your skin-toning hassle-free, below are some recipes for different skin types.
1. Mint Toner
Things Needed
- Boiler or pan – 1
- Water – 1 liter
- Mint leaves – a handful
How to Make
- Boil water and add mint leaves. Simmer it for 10 minutes.
- Now, strain the liquid and allow it to cool. Place it in the refrigerator. To use it, get a cotton swab and wipe your face with it.
2. Camphor Rosewater Toner
Things Needed
- Rosewater – 1 bottle
- Camphor – a pinch
How to Make
- Mix rosewater and camphor properly.
- Utilize this toner multiple times a day to treat acne.
3. Tomato-Lime Toner
Things Needed
- Lime juice – a few drops
- Tomato juice – a teaspoon
How to Make
- Mix lime juice with tomato juice.
- Employ this toner to shrink large facial pores.
4. Green Tea Toner
Things Needed
- Green tea leaves
- Water – 1 cup
How to Make
- Brew green tea by boiling leaves in water.
- When it cools down, use it as a toner for cleaner and softer skin.
5. Lemon Juice Toner
Things Needed
- Lemon juice – one spoon
- Water – two spoons
How to Make
- Mix lemon juice and water. And it’s ready to be used as a toner. It can control excess oil secretion and improve your complexion in a natural manner.
6. Chamomile Toner
Things Needed
- Chamomile tea bag – 1
- Water – 1 cup
How to Make
- Steep chamomile tea bag in water for 5-10 minutes.
- It will make a fantastic toner after it cools down.
7. Glycerin-Alum Toner
Things Needed
- Glycerin – 100 gm
- Alum – a dash
- Rosewater – four spoons
How to Make
- Combine alum and glycerin. Then pour rosewater in it.
- Shake well and place it in the refrigerator. Use this toner on a regular basis, if you have dry skin.
8. Vinegar-Rosewater Toner
Things Needed
- Vinegar – one spoon
- Rosewater – one spoon
How to Make
- Combine vinegar and rosewater properly.
- Apply it on your face. If you have oily skin, then it’s meant for you.
9. Basil Leaves Toner
Things Needed
- Basil leaves – 2 spoons
- Water – 1 cup
How to Make
- Brew a cup tea by boiling basil leaves in water.
- Allow it to cool down. Then use your basil toner twice a day.
10. Coconut Water Toner
Things Needed
- Pure coconut water
How to Make
- This is the simplest recipe. All you have to do is wipe your face with pure coconut water. It’s a great skin toner. Although this is good for all skin types, however, mainly recommended for normal and dry skin. It also treats dark spots and nourishes skin deeply.
11. Witch Hazel Toner
Things Needed
- Witch hazel – 100 ml
- Essential oil – 10 to 15 drops
How to Make
- Mix witch hazel with your favorite essential oil. Now, spread it on your face.
Notes for Different Skin Type:
- Prefer patchouli oil for soothing and pore-tightening effect.
- If you want to lessen wrinkles and improve the elasticity of skin, choose carrot seed essential oil.
- If you have matured dry skin, opt for Rose Otto essential oil.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar-Cucumber Toner
Things Needed
- Juice of one cucumber
- Apple cider vinegar – ½ cup (raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized)
How to Make
- Mix cucumber juice with apple cider vinegar.
- Apply on your face with a cotton swab for radiant skin.
13. Essential Oils Toner for Normal to Dry Skin
Things Needed
- Geranium essential oil – 1 drop
- Chamomile essential oil – 1 drop
- Rose water – 100 ml
How to Make
- Mix geranium essential oil, chamomile essential oil and rose water.
- Stir and then use as a toner for normal to dry skin.
14. Essential Oils Toner for Oily Skin
Things Needed
- Lavender oil – 6 drops
- Tea tree oil – 4 drops
- Sandalwood oil – 3 drops
- Distilled water – 50 ml
How to Make
- Combine lavender oil, tea tree oil and sandalwood oil into distilled water.
- Store it in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use on clean skin.
15. Vodka-Watermelon Toner
Things Needed
- Watermelon juice – 3 spoons
- Vodka – 1 spoon
- Water – 3 spoons
How to Make
- Combine watermelon juice and vodka. Then add water and mix well.
- Apply this toner on your skin and let it sit 15 minutes. Then wash it off.
16. Aloe Vera Gel Toner
Things Needed
- Rosewater – 2 tbsp
- Witch hazel – 2 tbsp
- Vegetable glycerin – 1 tsp
- Aloe vera gel – ½ tsp
- Lavender – few drops
- Rose hip seed oil – few drops
How to Make
- Mix all the ingredients in a bottle and shake well. It’s ready to use.
17. Rubbing Alcohol Toner
Things Needed
- Lemon juice – ¼ cup
- Witch hazel – 1/3 cup
- Rubbing alcohol – 2 tbsp
- Water – ½ cup
How to Make
- Combine all the ingredients in a bottle, so that you could store it for longer.
- To apply, spray or pour some on a cotton pad; rub it in the circular motion on your face. Do this twice a day to obtain effective results.
Note: This can also be used to clean makeup.
18. Vitamin C Toner
Things Needed
- Hydrosol – ½ oz
- l-ascorbic acid – ¼ teaspoon (10% concentrated)
- Chamomile or lavender essential oil – 5 drops (optional – use 100% pure essential oils for anti-inflammatory and soothing effects)
- Vitamin E oil – several drops (optional for increased anti-oxidant effect)
- Dark glass bottle with fine mister – 1 oz.
How to Make
- Put ascorbic acid in a spice grinder and blend to get powdered form. This way you will prevent the final product from being grainy.
- Mix all the ingredients in a small amber/cobalt glass bottle. Close with a tight cap and shake well. Store in a cool place for not more than 2-3 days.
- Apply in the morning on a clean face before wearing makeup. Or at night before you hit the hay.
