Have you ever wondered how to make your DIY toner? Well, you’re in luck today, because I’ll be teaching you exactly how to make your DIY toner using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet.
I’m also going to explain the different ingredients in these toners and explain why they’re good for your skin type.
DIY Toner for Dry Skin
Dry skin can be caused by dry air, low humidity, and low water intake, or it can be a sign of a medical condition. In either case, using a DIY toner can help treat this condition.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 2 tbsps rosewater
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 5 drops of any essential oil (optional but gives an extra soothing effect to the skin)
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a large glass bottle with a screw-top lid. The water will turn cloudy as the rosewater and aloe vera dissolve.
- Apply the toner onto your face as needed, morning and evening, after cleansing and exfoliating.
Why it works:
Rosewater is a natural moisturizer and astringent that not only soothes and cools the skin but also improves overall skin appearance.
Aloe vera has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, which means it can help fight dryness, prevent breakouts and restore clear healthy-looking skin.
DIY Toner for Oily Skin
Oily skin tends to produce more oil and causes pores to become clogged, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this DIY toner may help in controlling your acne and oil production.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsps witch hazel
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
Directions:
- Fill up your spray bottle with distilled water (be careful not to spill it).
- Add witch hazel and lemon juice to the bottle, then shake thoroughly.
- Apply to your face with a cotton ball or pad after cleansing.
Why it works:
Witch hazel can help draw out impurities and excess oil from the face. It also removes makeup residue if you’re wearing waterproof eye makeup or eyeliner.
Lemon juice and tea tree oil work well on oily skin because they help draw out oil from the skin while also killing acne-causing bacteria. Lemon juice is also full of vitamin C, which is great for brightening skin tone and reducing wrinkles.
DIY Toner for Normal Skin
This DIY toner is light and refreshing. It’s perfect for normal skin, as it doesn’t strip the skin of its moisture.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp pure aloe vera gel
- 1/4 tsp vitamin E oil
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 10 drops of rose geranium essential oil
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle, then just spritz on your face after cleansing.
- Keep refrigerated for a week or until it turns bad.
Why it works:
Aloe vera is a hydrating, healing, and anti-inflammatory agent, while vitamin E oil is an antioxidant that helps fight against free radicals. Combined, these two ingredients make a gentle DIY toner that will help hydrate your skin without irritating it.
DIY Toner for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you’re probably allergic to many skincare products, including toners. Fortunately, this DIY toner is great for calming down redness, soothing sensitive skin, and providing it with the nourishment that it needs.
Ingredients:
- 3 chamomile tea bags
- 1/2 cup aloe vera juice
- 1 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)
Directions:
- Start by making chamomile tea. Brew the chamomile tea bags in boiling water for at least 20 minutes, or until the water turns dark yellow.
- Let cool completely (you can leave it in the fridge overnight).
- Pour the chamomile tea into a small bowl, then add your aloe vera juice and vegetable glycerin (if using).
- Stir to combine before pouring the mixture into a 4-ounce spray bottle.
- Store it in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. Shake before use; mist your face as needed, avoiding your eyes.
Why it works:
Chamomile and aloe vera are two of the most soothing, healing, and moisturizing ingredients for the skin. If you have sensitive or irritated skin, this is your perfect DIY toner because it’s incredibly gentle and will calm your skin.
DIY Toner for Combination Skin
For combination skin, you are going to need a toner that will help to balance out oil production in your skin. This means finding one that is not too harsh that will dry out your skin and cause even more oil production.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsps witch hazel
- 1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup of rose water
- 10 drops of lavender oil
Directions:
- Start by putting the witch hazel and apple cider vinegar into a small bowl or container.
- Next, add your rose water and distilled water.
- Stir with a spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Why it works:
The witch hazel works to tighten pores and prevent breakouts, while the apple cider vinegar helps maintain the skin’s natural pH. Rosewater adds some hydration, while lavender oil helps reduce redness and soothes irritated skin.
What Does a Toner Do?
A toner is a liquid skincare product that you apply to your face after cleansing and before moisturizing. Typically, it’s applied with a cotton ball or pad and isn’t rinsed off afterward.
Toners serve a few different purposes. They help remove excess dirt, oil, makeup, and other debris from your skin that can clog pores and lead to acne.
They also prepare your skin for the rest of your skincare routine by removing leftover traces of cleanser that can interfere with the absorption of moisturizer and treatment products.
Finally, toners can help maintain healthy skin by improving hydration, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, and correcting the pH balance of your skin.
Why Use a DIY Toner?
There are many reasons to make your toner, including the cost and the opportunity to customize it for your skin’s needs.
Store-bought toners can be irritating to the skin because they generally contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals. Toners made at home are much gentler on the skin because they don’t contain those ingredients that can irritate the skin.
You can also customize your DIY toner to suit your specific needs and preferences. This makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin or those prone to acne breakouts.
How Do You Apply Toner?
- Cleanse your face with a mild soap or cleanser then pat dry with a clean towel.
- Using a cotton ball or pad, apply the face toner to your entire face and neck.
- Allow the toner to dry naturally before applying your serum.
- Wait for a few minutes then apply your moisturizer and sunscreen (if using).
How Long Does DIY Toner Last?
Two factors will determine how long your DIY toner will last:
- How well it’s stored: If you keep it tightly sealed in a glass bottle and use a clean cotton pad each time you apply it, you’re reducing the chance of contamination and increasing the shelf-life of your DIY toner.
- The ingredients used: Using fresh herbs and fruit will result in shorter shelf life because they’re more prone to discoloration and microbial growth. Rosewater and witch hazel, on the other hand, will last longer since they have antibacterial properties.
A good rule of thumb is to make up a small batch (like 1-4 ounces) and see how long that lasts; you can always make more as needed.
FAQs
Are toners good for oily skin?
Yes, they are. Toners are great for all skin types, but they are especially helpful to oily and acne-prone skin. Using a toner can help clear up breakouts, reduce oil production, fade dark spots, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Do you need a toner?
Yes, you do. A toner is an essential second step in your cleansing process. A good toner will help remove any leftover dirt and impurities, leaving your skin clean and soft. Toners are also great for balancing the pH of the skin after cleansing.
What ingredients should you avoid in a toner?
Alcohol, fragrances, dyes, and other harsh chemicals. If a toner is free of the above things and has minimal ingredients in it, it’s likely to be gentler than anything with a long list of ingredients you’ve never heard of before.
Conclusion
DIY toners are a great way to clean your skin while giving it an extra layer of hydration and protection. Using these products can also help balance out your pH levels and keep your skin clear, bright, and healthy.
What’s more? DIY toners are so versatile you can experiment with different ingredients to suit your skin type and needs.
Thanks for reading.
Visit Serum101 for more information on toners and other skincare products.
