DIY Toner Recipes for Oily, Dry, Acne-Prone and Normal Skin

More and more women are going au naturel when it comes to taking care of their beauty.

Generally, the skincare routine is a three-step process—Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize. While we have already given you a head start with how to make your homemade facial cleanser; it brings us to the second step—DIY facial toner.

Many women may deem it unnecessary, probably because of the hassle of using it daily, but toners are crucial for restoring the natural pH level of your skin after cleansing.

Toners further help soak up excess oil from your skin, shrink pores, and get rid of any remaining impurity or leftover makeup from your skin.

There are readymade toners available in the market, but they are often loaded up with synthetic chemicals that only ruin your flawless skin in the long run.

To help you in your quest for a non-toxic natural living, we bring you the best DIY toner recipes for oily, dry, acne-prone, and normal skin. Recognize your skin type first and go ahead with the recipe that suits you the best.

# TONER FOR OILY SKIN

Method 1: Using Apple Cider Vinegar and Witch Hazel

Apple cider vinegar is an astringent ingredient and will help in dealing with oily skin. Not only does the vinegar helps balance the pH of your skin, but the enzymes present in it help prevent further breakouts.

The witch hazel also works as a natural astringent, and cleansing agent. It helps to keep debris from settling in the pores and reduces sebum production in the skin.

This toner recipe also uses lavender essential oil that further soothes skin and tea tree oil that works as an antibacterial and prevents acne breakouts.

 Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar (restores pH of skin) – 3 tablespoons
• Witch hazel (has astringent properties) – 2 tablespoons
• Lavender essential oil (soothes skin) – 1 drop
• Tea tree essential oil (antibacterial) – 1 drop

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients

• Pour out 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a container.
• Add to it 2 tablespoons of witch hazel.
• Add 1 drop each of lavender and tea tree essential oils.

Step 2. Mix well and store in a spray bottle; use after cleansing your face

•  Stir the solution to blend all the ingredients.
• Using a small funnel, transfer the liquid to a spray bottle.

For use, cleanse your face thoroughly with a homemade cleanser. Shake the toner bottle before use and spritz it on your face while it is still wet. Wait for a minute to let it dry, and then apply a light moisturizer.

Use it once or twice daily, depending on your oil production, to help control acne. The shelf life of this toner is fairly long about 2 to 3 months when stored in a refrigerator, making this one of the best DIY toner recipes for oily skin.

Method 2: Using Rose Water

Rose water can also be used in conjunction with apple cider vinegar to make a DIY toner. The vinegar helps normalize the pH of your skin.

The rose water works as a mild hydrating agent and also soothes irritated skin. The anti-inflammatory rose water can also be used to get rid of puffiness under your eyes.

Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar (restores pH of skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Rose water (anti-inflammatory) – 2 tablespoons

Single-Step Method: Mix apple cider vinegar with rose water and apply

• Pour 2 tablespoons of rose water into a spray bottle. You can either buy it from the market or make your own at home.
• Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
• Fix back the pump of the bottle and shake well to mix the two ingredients.
• Use the DIY 1 or 2 times every day after cleansing your face to keep oily skin in check.

The shelf life of this DIY toner is 1 to 2 months, when refrigerated.

Method 3: Using Lemon and Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea contains menthol and antioxidants that help restore the skin and also work as an astringent. The cooling sensation of menthol further provides relief from inflammation and rashes of acne.

Lemon, on the other hand, exfoliates the skin and also curbs sebum production in oily skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Peppermint tea bag (repairs skin, leaves a cooling sensation) – 1
• Hot water – 1 cup
• Fresh lemon juice (removes excess oil) – 1/2 tablespoon

Step 1. Brew a cup of peppermint tea

• Dunk a peppermint tea bag in 1 cup of hot water.
• Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, and then remove the tea bag.

Step 2. Add lemon juice to peppermint tea, store, and use as needed

• Add 1/2 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the peppermint tea.
• Stir well and transfer the mix to a spray bottle.
• Spray the DIY toner on a cotton pad and wipe your face with it to get rid of the impurities.

Use this DIY toner 1 to 2 times every day with your normal skincare routine to help clear skin. The shelf life is 1 to 2 weeks when refrigerated.

Method 4: Using Cucumber

Cucumbers serve well as natural toners, especially for oily skin. They help to hydrate your skin, without turning it oily.

Cucumbers are also rich in vitamins A and C and essential minerals, which give a healthy boost to your skin. Cucumbers also leave a cooling sensation, refreshing your tired skin.

Step 1. Boil cucumber slices in water

• Place a saucepan over heat and pour 1 cup of water in it.
• Slice up 2/3 of a cucumber and drop the slices in the water.
• Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 8 minutes.
• Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for 1 or 2 minutes.
  

Step 2. Blend the cucumber and water; strain and store in a spray bottle

• Transfer the cucumber slices along with water to the jar of a food processor and blend it into a paste.
• Using a sieve, collect the liquid in a jar.
• Allow it to cool off completely.
• Transfer the liquid to a spray bottle using a funnel. Store it in the refrigerator.
• Spray the cucumber toner on a cotton pad and wipe your face with it several times in a day. This toner will not irritate or over-dry skin.

The shelf life of cucumber toner is 4 to 5 days. Keep this toner in the refrigerator.

# TONER FOR OILY AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Method 1: Using Apple Cider Vinegar and Green Tea

Apple cider vinegar can also work wonders for the acne-affected skin. The enzymes present in the unprocessed vinegar work as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents to stall acne-breakouts.

Green tea has astringent properties that help reduce visible pore size, thus reducing oil secretion. Green tea also contains flavonoids that work as antioxidants to repair skin damage and thus reduce acne scars.

Things you’ll need:

• Raw apple cider vinegar (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon
• Brewed green tea (acts as an astringent) – 3 tablespoons

Step 1. Mix apple cider vinegar and green tea in a spray bottle

• Pour 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in a small spray bottle.
• Add to it 3 tablespoons of freshly brewed green tea.
• Secure the cap and shake well to blend the two liquids.
  

Step 2. Apply the toner on your face to balance oils

• Spray the DIY toner on a cotton pad.
• Use the soaked cotton to wipe away dirt and impurities from your face. Start from your neck, moving in an upward direction.

Use the toner twice daily, after cleansing or if the skin is feeling oily. The shelf life of this toner is 1 week when kept refrigerated.

Method 2: Using Rose Water and Camphor

Rose water works well as a mild hydrator and also reduces the redness in acne-affected skin.

Adding a pinch of camphor helps counter infection in clogged hair follicles, thus reducing acne. It also adds astringent properties to the rose water.

Things you’ll need:

• Rose water in a spray bottle (soothes skin) – 3 tablespoons
• Powdered camphor (antibacterial) – 1/8 teaspoon
  

Step 1. Add camphor to rose water 

•  Pour 3 tablespoons of rose water in a small spray bottle.
• Add to it 1/8 teaspoon of powdered camphor.
• Fix back the cap of the bottle and shake well to dissolve the camphor completely.

Step 2. Use as a toner for acne

• For use, spritz the toner on your face.
• Wait for 1 or 2 minutes, and then wipe your face with a cotton pad.
• Use it 2 to 3 times a day to get rid of acne.

The shelf life of this toner is 2 weeks when refrigerated.

# TONER FOR DRY SKIN

Method 1: Using Apple Cider Vinegar and Lavender Oil

Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for both oily and dry skin for rebalancing the natural pH levels. To use for dry skin, dilute the vinegar with distilled water.

This recipe also contains lavender essential oil that helps soothe your skin and prevent infection, making this one of the best DIY toner recipes for dry skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar (balances pH of skin) – 1 teaspoon
• Distilled water in a spray bottle – 2 tablespoons
• Lavender essential oil (soothes skin) – 3 drops

Single-Step Method: Add apple cider vinegar and lavender oil to water

• Add 1 teaspoon of unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar to 2 tablespoons of distilled water in a spray bottle.
• Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Secure the nozzle of the bottle and shake well.
• Use it twice daily. Always use a hydrating serum or moisturizer after.

The shelf life of the toner is 1 month when refrigerated.

Method 2: Using Green Tea and Aloe Vera Gel

The antioxidants found in green tea help repair skin and get rid of toxins. Combining it with aloe vera gel forms a gentle yet effective toner for dry and flaky skin.

The aloe vera gel helps in the regeneration of skin while also shielding it against pathogens.

Things you’ll need:

• Brewed green tea (rich in antioxidants) – 2 tablespoons
• Aloe vera gel (antibacterial and renews skin) – 2 teaspoons

Single-Step Method: Combine green tea with aloe vera gel and use

• Pour 2 teaspoons of fresh aloe vera gel in a spray bottle. You can learn how to extract fresh aloe vera gel here.
• Add 2 tablespoons of cooled off green tea.
• Close the cap of the bottle and shake well to blend the two liquids.
• Use this DIY toner once daily to get rid of dry skin.

The shelf life of this homemade toner is 1 week when kept refrigerated at all times. 

# TONER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Method 1: Using Rose Water and Lavender Oil

This homemade toner combines the ever-gentle rose water with witch hazel, another natural astringent to make a perfect toner for sensitive skin type.

This recipe also uses lavender essential oil for its antibacterial and soothing properties and is safe to use even on sensitive skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Rose water (soothes skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Witch hazel (works as astringent) – 1 teaspoon
• Lavender essential oil (soothes skin) – 1 drop
• Distilled water – 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Method: Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and use as a toner

• Pour 2 tablespoons of rose water in a spray bottle.
• Add 1 tablespoon of distilled water.
• Add 1 teaspoon of witch hazel.
• Add 1 drop of lavender essential oil.
• Secure the cap and shake well to blend all the ingredients.
• Use it 1 to 2 times daily like your regular facial toner.

 The shelf life of this toner is 1 to 2 weeks when refrigerated.

# TONER FOR NORMAL TO DRY SKIN

Method 1: Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Even if you are blessed with normal and healthy skin, you need to use a toner to maintain your smooth skin and flawless complexion.

Use apple cider vinegar along with lavender essential oil to make a soothing and effective facial toner.

Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar (restores pH of skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Distilled water – 2 tablespoons
• Lavender essential oil (soothes skin) – 5 to 10 drops

Step 1. Combine the three ingredients in a spray bottle

• Pour 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of distilled water in order to dilute the vinegar.
• Add 5 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Close the bottle and shake well.

Step 2. Spray the toner on your face

• Cleanse your face and spray the toner all over your face.
• Wait for 1 or 2 minutes, and then wipe it off with a cotton pad.
• Follow with your regular moisturizer.

Use the toner at least only once daily to maintain healthy skin. The shelf life of this toner is 1 month when refrigerated.

Method 2: Using Rose Water

Rose water should be incorporated in your daily skincare regime for hydration and to maintain healthy and clear skin.

You can add chamomile and geranium essential oils to rose water to keep skin troubles like sensitives and inflammation at bay.

Things you’ll need:

• Rose water (soothes skin) – 6 tablespoons
• Chamomile essential oil (prevents skin inflammation) – 3 drop
• Geranium oil (prevents acne) – 1 drop

Single-Step Method: Mix the essential oils in rose water and use

• Pour 6 tablespoons of rose water in a spray bottle.
• Add to it 3 drops each of chamomile and geranium essential oil.
• Fix back the nozzle and shake well to blend the oils with rose water.
• Use it twice daily after cleansing your face to keep your skin healthy and blemish-free.

The shelf life of the toner is 1 to 2 weeks when refrigerated.

Tips You Should Keep in Mind

• Use a homemade cleanser to wash off dust and impurities from your face.
• Exfoliate your skin at least twice weekly for healthy skin turnover. Once a week for sensitive skin. Type of exfoliant depends on your skin type.
• While you may be using toners at night, it is important to apply toner in the morning as well. It helps prepare your skin for the day.
• Apart from using homemade and natural products, it is also important to get the right kind of nutrition for healthy skin. Eat foods rich in vitamins C and E such as blueberries, strawberries, and nuts. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables also imparts a healthy glow to your skin.
• Keep your body hydrated with water and juices to maintain supple and healthy skin.