You may think that in order to get a good facial toner, you need to buy some expensive product from the store. However, there are several toners you can create at home that are safer for your skin and do the work just as well.
The purpose of a toner is to remove residual oils and dirt prior to applying moisturizer. Some people swear by facial toners, but some say it is unnecessary and aggravates their skin. Each person is different, so you need to find what works best for you.
You want to select a toner based on your skin type: dry, normal, combination, or oily. Also, if your skin is sensitive, be sure to use very gentle ingredients in your toners. Toners are very easy to make, and are often water based when made at home. Refer to the list below for some basic homemade toners. You can also view more recipes by clicking on the links at the end of this post.
| Ingredients | Best for this skin type | To apply |
| ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ¼ cup water | Normal, Combination, Oily | Mix together and apply with cotton pads after washing your face. Apply moisturizer after. I personally use this toner each day and it helps keep my pores clear |
| Chamomile tea bag | Sensitive, Dry | Steep chamomile tea bag in boiled water for one minute. Remove tea bag. Allow tea to sit for three minutes, apply to face with cotton pad.1 |
| Witch hazel | Oily | This one is simple. Just apply with a cotton pad. Apply moisturizer after use. |
| ½ cup lemon juice 1 cup distilled water 2/3 cup witch hazel | Normal, Combination, Oily | Mix together all ingredients. Apply with cotton pad. Lemon is a very strong astringent, so be sure to avoid the sensitive eye area. Apply moisturizer after use.2 |
| 3 drops lemon oil 3 drops lavender oil 3 teaspoons distilled water | Normal, Combination, Oily, Dry | Mix together all ingredients. Apply with cotton pad. Apply moisturizer after use.2 |
Sources
1Homemade Toners. Flawless Complexion. Accessed, October 1, 2011. http://www.flawlesscomplexion.com/toners.html
2Kezia. Homemade Toner and Astringent Recipes. Natural Skin Care Info. Accessed October 1, 2011. http://www.natural-skin-care-info.com/homemade-toner.html
