DIY Facial Toner with Natural Ingredients

Learn how to make your own homemade face toner with natural ingredients to help even out skin tone, restore pH levels, and give your skin a healthy glow.  

I am happy to admit that I have been loving this facial toner recipe, especially the recipe for normal skin. I don’t really have excess oil so that one fits my needs best. 

But I do have four different options, so you can make your own toner blend just the way you need for your specific skin type.

Over the years, I have found that a DIY facial toner can be made with simple ingredients like apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, and essential oils to leave your skin smooth and glowing. According to this source, it can even help with acne.

So, if you love making your own skincare products, you are going to love these recipes. They are specifically designed for the sensitive skin on the face, which is why using gentle, face-specific products like homemade natural face moisturizers and homemade face washes is important. 

WHAT IS FACIAL TONER? 

Facial toner is used to cleanse the skin and shrink pores. It has the consistency of water, which is why we are going to use a spray bottle for easy application. Facial toner is usually applied to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing.

It will help to even out skin tone, remove dead skin cells, and promote clearer skin. Depending on the type of facial toner you are using, it can also be very moisturizing and add hydration. 

Facial toner can be applied like a spray or a serum, depending on preference. As you can see, I definitely prefer a spray bottle since it’s so easy to apply that way. I just love the way it feels on my skin, and sometimes, I’ll even skip the makeup so I can reapply throughout the day.

I will say that if you don’t want to use a spray bottle, you can always soak it in a clean cotton ball and massage it into the skin.

HOW TO MAKE FACIAL TONER WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS

This is seriously one of the easiest beauty products you will ever make. To start, simply scroll through the different recipes below to decide which skin type you have, then dive right in. 

As far as tools go, I recommend at least a 6-ounce glass spray bottle for easy storage and application. 

If any of these ingredients will not work for you for whatever reason, I have a section below titled ‘face toner alternatives’ that can be used on their own as a toner.

Tips

• Storage: Since this toner is made with all-natural ingredients, it won’t have the same preservatives as store-bought products. To make it last as long as possible, I recommend storing it in a cool, dark place like the fridge. This will help keep the ingredients fresh and effective for up to a month.
• Patch Test:  Before applying this toner all over your face, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first. Simply apply a small amount to the inner arm and wait 24 hours. If you experience any redness, itching, or irritation, it’s best to avoid using this toner on your face.
• Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, the witch hazel and apple cider vinegar in this recipe might be a little too strong. No worries! You can easily dilute them with some water to create a gentler solution for your skin. Just experiment with the dilution ratio until you find what feels comfortable.

HOW TO USE YOUR FACE TONER

Spray the facial toner on your face and gently work it onto the skin with a clean cloth or your hands. Alternatively, if you don’t store it in a sprayer, you can easily soak a cotton pad in the toner and apply it to the face that way.

You can apply the facial toner to the entire face, neck, and chest. Be sure to avoid getting the toner into the eyes, nose, or inside the ears. 

THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR YOUR FACE TONER

The best essential oils for your face are gentle oils. It is important to always dilute essential oils properly before applying them to the skin, especially to the face. Essential oils can be very beneficial for the face by helping to cleanse the skin, reduce signs of aging, and improve skin tone. 

You can use the suggested essential oils in the recipes above, a single oil, or a combination of any of the following oils: 

• Lavender 
• Frankincense 
• Tea tree
• Geranium 
• Rose 
• Myrrh 
• Roman Chamomile 
• Lemon 
• Sandalwood 
• Cedarwood

Remember to use citrus essential oils with caution if you are going to be outside. Most citrus oils are photosensitive and shouldn’t be worn in direct sunlight up to 12 hours after application.  

Face toner alternatives

Apple cider vinegar and witch hazel are great natural toners to use on your face. Both of these ingredients can help to shrink pores, cleanse the skin, and balance pH levels. 

Here are a few great toner alternatives that can be used on their own.

• Homemade rosehip oil
• Homemade rose water
• DIY vitamin C serum 
• DIY green tea toner
• coconut water
• Aloe vera gel
• Rice water
• Cucumbers 
• Lemon juice (diluted)

FAQ

More of My Favorite Makeup Recipes

• Homemade Eyeliner
• Makeup Remover
• DIY Foundation
• Setting Powder (or setting spray)
• Smudge Free Mascara
• Top 10 Natural Makeups

I have absolutely loved whipping up these recipes with you all! I’m so curious to hear which one you decided to try on your own skin and, more importantly, how it worked for you.

Did you notice your skin feeling more balanced or refreshed?

Let me know in the comments below! I’m so happy to have finally added this skin toner step to my own skincare routine—my skin already feels amazing!