Natural herbal skin toners can refresh, rebalance, and nourish your skin without harsh chemicals. Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive, or a bit of everything, there’s an herb (or a few) perfectly suited to your needs.
This guide walks you through customized herbal toner recipes tailored to each skin type using affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.
๐ฑ What is a Skin Toner?
A toner is a water-based skincare product used after cleansing and before moisturizing. It helps:
- Restore skinโs natural pH
- Tighten pores
- Remove residual dirt and oil
- Deliver nutrients deep into the skin
Herbal toners go one step furtherโusing plant-based extracts to gently support and balance your skin.
๐งด General Tips for Making Herbal Toners
- Always use distilled water or cooled herbal teas as a base.
- Store your toner in a clean glass spray bottle.
- Keep refrigerated and use within 5โ7 days.
- Do a patch test before first use.
Optional additions: a few drops of essential oils (lavender, tea tree, rose), glycerin (for extra moisture), or apple cider vinegar (for oily skin).
๐ฟ For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Best Herbs:
- Witch Hazel โ astringent, anti-inflammatory
- Green Tea โ antioxidant, sebum-regulating
- Calendula โ antibacterial, soothes irritation
Simple Recipe:
- 1/2 cup witch hazel extract (alcohol-free)
- 1/2 cup cooled green tea
- Optional: 5 drops tea tree oil
๐ Mix and store in a spray bottle. Use morning and night after cleansing.
For Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Best Herbs:
- Rose Petals โ soothing and hydrating
- Marshmallow Root โ mucilaginous, locks in moisture
- Chamomile โ calming and nourishing
Simple Recipe:
- 1 tbsp dried rose petals
- 1 tsp marshmallow root
- 1 cup hot water
๐ Steep herbs for 20โ30 minutes, strain, cool, and bottle. Use with a cotton pad or spray generously.
๐ For Sensitive or Reddened Skin
Best Herbs:
- Chamomile โ anti-inflammatory, reduces redness
- Lavender โ calming, antimicrobial
- Cucumber โ cooling and soothing
Simple Recipe:
- 1/2 cup cooled chamomile tea
- 1/2 cup cucumber juice (strained)
- Optional: 2 drops lavender essential oil
๐ Store in the fridge and apply with cotton or mist throughout the day.
๐ผ For Combination Skin
Best Herbs:
- Rosemary โ balances oil and tones
- Rose โ hydrates and refreshes
- Green Tea โ antioxidant and clarifying
Simple Recipe:
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried rose petals
- 1 cup hot water
- Optional: a splash of apple cider vinegar
๐ Steep for 15 minutes, strain, cool, and use morning and evening.
๐ฟ Extra Tips for Skin Toner Success
- Spray bottles are best for even application and hygiene.
- Donโt overuseโa few spritzes twice a day is enough.
- If you notice irritation, stop using immediately.
- Keep your routine simple and consistent.
๐ธ Final Thoughts
DIY herbal toners are an affordable, effective, and gentle way to care for your skinโtailored to your specific needs. With a few dried herbs, water, and a little creativity, you can ditch commercial toners and treat your skin to the healing touch of nature.