How to Make a Skin Toner

Co-authored by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: September 1, 2021

A good toner can be a secret weapon in your skin care routine. It helps remove any traces of dirt and grime that your cleanser may have left behind, get rid of excess oil, and hydrate and soften your skin. But if you aren't happy with any of the toner options you've found at the store, it may be time to make your own. Not only can you save money by mixing up your own toner, you can make sure that it contains only natural, healthy ingredients that are suited to your skin type for a glowing complexion.

Ingredients

Oily Skin Toner

½ cup (118 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 cup (237 ml) water

Dry Skin Toner

¼ cup (59 ml) witch hazel
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vegetable glycerin
2 teaspoons (10 g) aloe vera gel
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) colloidal silver
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops roman chamomile essential oil
5 drops sweet orange essential oil
2 drops carrot seed essential oil
Filtered water, to fill the bottle

Acne-Prone Skin Toner

1 cup (237 ml) filtered water
1 cup (237 ml) raw apple cider vinegar
2 to 3 drops tea tree oil

Rose Water Toner for Sensitive Skin

3 ounces (90 ml) witch hazel
1 ounce (30 ml) rose water
Pinch of salt
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops frankincense essential oil

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparing a Lemon Toner for Oily Skin

1
Combine the lemon juice and water. Add 1 cup (237 ml) of water and ½ cup (118 ml) of fresh lemon juice to a glass or plastic bottle. Shake the bottle well to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- For best results, use filtered, distilled, or bottled water.
- Lemon juice can help remove excess oil, tighten pores, and kill bacteria.
- Be sure to use a bottle that can hold at least 12 ounces for the toner.
2
Dampen a cotton pad with the toner and apply it to your face. When you’re ready to use the toner, wet a cotton pad or ball with it. Gently stroke it over your face, paying special attention to areas where you get most oily.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you prefer, you can place the lemon toner in a spray bottle and mist your face with the toner. Allow your skin to absorb it before moving on your skin care routine.
- Toner is a great way to prep the skin for your other skincare products.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Barbie Ritzman
  Beauty & Skincare Specialist
  Expert Interview. 23 August 2021.}
- Try to apply the toner right after your cleanser so it can break down any leftover residue.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Barbie Ritzman
  Beauty & Skincare Specialist
  Expert Interview. 23 August 2021.}
Advertisement
3
Follow up with sunscreen during the day. While lemon juice can help improve the look of oily skin, it also lightly exfoliates, which can leave your face more sensitive to the sun. Protect your skin by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 if you’ve applied the toner during the day.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Creating a Moisturizing Toner for Dry Skin

1
Mix all of the ingredients in a spray bottle. In a clean, plastic spray bottle, combine ¼ cup (59 ml) of witch hazel, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vegetable glycerin, 2 teaspoons (10 g) of aloe vera gel, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of colloidal silver, 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 drops of roman chamomile essential oil, 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil, 2 drops of carrot seed essential oil, and enough filtered water to fill the bottle. Shake the bottle gently to mix all of the ingredients.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- The colloidal silver is an optional ingredient, but it helps preserve the toner so it lasts longer and treats skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis.
- Be sure to store the toner in a cool, dark spot. You can store it in the refrigerator to help it last longer, but it should be good for up to 6 months even at room temperature.
2
Spray onto a clean face. When you’re ready to use the toner, wash your face with your usual facial cleanser. Next, gently mist the toner over your face and wait 2 to 3 minutes for your skin to absorb it before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you prefer, you can spray the toner on a cotton pad or square, and wipe it over your entire face.
3
Apply a moisturizer. After your skin has absorbed the toner, it’s important to hydrate your face. Use your usual moisturizer, and massage it into your skin to keep your skin smooth and supple.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- It’s all right if your skin is still slightly damp from the toner when you apply the moisturizer. That will help lock in the moisture.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Whipping Up an Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne-Prone Skin

1
Combine all of the ingredients. In a glass or plastic bottle, mix together 1 cup (237 ml) of filtered water, 1 cup (237 ml) of raw apple cider vinegar, and 3 drops of tea tree oil. Shake the bottle gently to ensure that the ingredients are fully combined.
- Use an airtight container that can hold at least 16 ounces for the toner.
- The toner recipe calls for 1 part water and 1 part apple cider vinegar, so you can adjust it accordingly to make as much or as little as you’d like.
2
Wet a cotton pad with the toner and rub over your face. When you’re ready to use the toner, dampen a cotton square, ball, or pad with the mixture. Next, gently rub it over your entire face after washing it, paying particular attention to areas where you usually get acne. Don’t rinse the toner off.
- You can also store the toner in a spray bottle and mist it over your face if you prefer.
3
Use your usual acne treatment products. After you’ve applied the toner, wait 2 to 3 minutes so your skin can fully absorb it. Next, apply your usual acne treatment products, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, to treat your breakouts.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Mixing Up a Rose Water Toner for Sensitive Skin

1
Add the salt and oils to a glass bottle. Drop a pinch of salt to the bottom of a 5 ounce or larger glass bottle. Next, add 3 drops of lavender essential oil and 3 drops of frankincense essential oil. The salt will help disperse the essential oils throughout the toner.
- If you don’t have lavender or frankincense essential oils, you can use 6 drops of your favorite essential oils instead. Just make sure that they aren’t oils that irritate your skin.
2
Mix in the witch hazel and rose water. With the salt and essential oils in the glass bottle, pour in 3 ounces (90 ml) of witch hazel and 1 ounce (30 ml) of rose water. Shake the bottle gently to mix all of the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
- The toner doesn’t need to be stored in the refrigerator, but it can be very refreshing to chill it during warmer months.
3
Test the toner on your skin to see how it reacts. If you have sensitive skin, you have to be careful about applying new products to it. To make sure that the toner will work for your skin, test a small amount of it on a small patch of skin, such as behind your ear or along your jaw. Wait 24 to 48 hours to see if you have a reaction. If you don’t, you can use the toner freely.
4
Apply the toner to a cotton ball or pad and run it over the face. After you’ve washed your face with your normal face wash, wet a cotton pad or ball with the toner. Gently run the cotton all over your face to apply the toner. Follow up with the rest of your usual skincare routine.
- If you prefer, you can store the toner in a spray bottle and spray on it on your face instead of using the cotton pads or balls.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is it good to use green tea as a toner?

Barbie Ritzman
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.

Barbie Ritzman

Beauty & Skincare Specialist

Expert Answer

Absolutely! Green tea works great as a toner because of it's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and moisturizing qualities. It also fights free radicals, boosts overall skin hydration, and contains several vitamins.
Question

How do you make a green tea toner?

Barbie Ritzman
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.

Barbie Ritzman

Beauty & Skincare Specialist

Expert Answer

Bring 1 cup (236.6 mL) of water to a boil. Then, add 1 tsp (2 g) of green tea leaves or dip 1 green tea bag into the water. Let the tea brew and cool off before pouring it into a clean spray bottle. Keep your homemade toner refrigerated and use it for up to 7 days!
Question

Should you keep these toners in the fridge?

Community Answer

Storing any of these toners in the fridge will help them last longer, but it's not necessary.