16 DIY Toners to Balance Your Skin’s pH
Toners are an essential part of any skincare routine, helping to restore your skin’s natural pH balance. Using a DIY toner allows you to customize your routine with natural ingredients that suit your skin type. Many store-bought toners contain chemicals that may not be ideal for everyone. By making your own, you can ensure it is free of harmful additives. DIY toners are easy to prepare and often more affordable than their commercial counterparts. Whether you’re looking to hydrate, calm, or brighten your skin, there is a DIY toner for every need.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
Apple cider vinegar is a natural product known for its ability to balance the skin’s pH. This toner works by gently exfoliating the skin, removing dead skin cells, and restoring its acidity. It is particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin, as it helps to reduce excess oil and prevent breakouts. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar also has antibacterial properties that can combat acne-causing bacteria.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons water
Instructions: Mix the apple cider vinegar with water. Apply to your face using a cotton ball after cleansing. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse with water. This toner can be used daily, but if you have sensitive skin, you may want to dilute it further.
Green Tea Toner
Green tea is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which can help soothe and protect the skin. This toner is great for reducing inflammation and redness while balancing the skin’s pH. It is especially useful for those with sensitive skin, as it has calming properties that can reduce irritation. Regular use of green tea can also improve the appearance of pores and prevent premature aging.
Ingredients: 1 cup brewed green tea – 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions: Allow the green tea to cool to room temperature, then mix it with honey. Apply the toner to your face using a cotton pad, letting it dry naturally. The antioxidants in green tea will help protect your skin from environmental damage while the honey adds moisture.
Aloe Vera Toner
Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and hydrating properties. This toner is ideal for dry or sensitive skin, as it helps lock in moisture while restoring the skin’s pH balance. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a great choice for calming irritated skin. It works to replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons fresh aloe vera gel – 1/4 cup water
Instructions: Mix aloe vera gel with water in a small bowl. Apply to your skin with a cotton ball, and allow it to absorb naturally. This toner can be used daily to help hydrate and soothe your skin.
Rose Water Toner
Rose water is a gentle and natural ingredient that hydrates and calms the skin. It is especially effective for those with dry or sensitive skin as it helps balance the skin’s pH without causing irritation. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose water can reduce redness and puffiness, while its natural astringency tightens pores and tones the skin. This toner also has a pleasant floral scent, making it a luxurious addition to your skincare routine.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rose water – 1 tablespoon glycerin
Instructions: Mix rose water and glycerin in a bottle. Apply to the face after cleansing with a cotton ball, allowing it to dry naturally. Rose water’s gentle properties will help restore moisture while tightening the skin.
Cucumber Toner
Cucumber is incredibly hydrating and cooling for the skin. This toner is perfect for refreshing the skin after a long day or during hot weather. It helps balance pH levels and provides a soothing effect, making it great for sensitive or sunburned skin. The antioxidants in cucumber also help fight free radicals and keep the skin looking youthful.
Ingredients: 1/2 cucumber, blended – 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions: Blend the cucumber into a smooth paste and strain the juice. Mix the juice with lemon juice and apply to your skin using a cotton pad. Cucumber will hydrate and calm your skin, while lemon juice helps brighten and tone.
Lemon and Honey Toner
Lemon juice has natural acidity that helps restore the skin’s pH while reducing oiliness. Honey, on the other hand, acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. This toner works well for people with oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps balance oil production and provides antibacterial benefits. Honey also promotes healing and can help lighten dark spots over time.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon lemon juice – 1 tablespoon honey – 1/2 cup water
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Apply the toner to your face with a cotton ball and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. This toner can be used 2-3 times a week for best results.
Tea Tree Oil Toner
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial agent, making it an excellent choice for treating acne and balancing oily skin. This toner helps to reduce inflammation, calm breakouts, and regulate sebum production. Tea tree oil’s strong antimicrobial properties can also prevent future acne flare-ups, making it a go-to toner for anyone with acne-prone skin.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water – 5 drops tea tree oil
Instructions: Dilute tea tree oil with water and apply to the skin with a cotton ball. Let it dry before applying your usual moisturizer. This toner can be used daily, but avoid using too much tea tree oil as it can be potent.
Lavender Toner
Lavender oil is known for its calming properties, making it perfect for sensitive or irritated skin. It helps to balance the skin’s pH while soothing redness, inflammation, and acne. Lavender oil is also a gentle antimicrobial that promotes healing and improves skin texture. This toner is ideal for anyone looking to calm their skin and create a relaxing skincare routine.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water – 5 drops lavender oil
Instructions: Combine water and lavender oil in a spray bottle. Mist the toner on your face after cleansing for a calming effect. The soothing aroma of lavender will also help promote relaxation.
Chamomile Toner
Chamomile is a gentle herb known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. This toner is perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it helps calm irritation and redness. Chamomile’s antioxidants also work to fight free radicals, keeping the skin looking youthful and vibrant. It’s a great option for those with eczema or rosacea.
Ingredients: 1 chamomile tea bag – 1/2 cup boiling water
Instructions: Steep the tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes. Once it cools down, apply the toner to your skin with a cotton ball. This toner can be used daily to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Mint Toner
Mint has a refreshing and cooling effect on the skin, which makes it perfect for balancing pH levels. It helps reduce inflammation and calm irritated skin, particularly during the summer months. The menthol in mint also works as a mild analgesic, soothing the skin after sun exposure. This toner is great for oily skin as it can help control excess sebum.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves – 1/2 cup water
Instructions: Crush the mint leaves and steep them in hot water. Let the mixture cool and apply it to your face using a cotton pad. Mint will provide a refreshing sensation while balancing your skin.
Carrot Seed Oil Toner
Carrot seed oil is rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene, which help to improve the skin’s texture and tone. This toner helps restore balance to the skin’s pH while providing anti-aging benefits. It stimulates collagen production and encourages healthy skin regeneration. Regular use of carrot seed oil can lead to smoother, more youthful-looking skin, making it ideal for mature skin or those concerned with fine lines and wrinkles.
Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon carrot seed oil – 1/4 cup rose water
Instructions: Mix the carrot seed oil with rose water and apply to your face using a cotton ball. Let it absorb into the skin naturally. The oil will help to hydrate, while the rose water tones and soothes the skin.
Coconut Water Toner
Coconut water is packed with essential nutrients and electrolytes that hydrate and balance the skin. This toner helps to restore moisture while maintaining the skin’s pH balance. It is especially beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin, as it replenishes lost moisture without leaving the skin feeling greasy. Coconut water also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin and promote a healthy glow.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup coconut water – 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
Instructions: Combine coconut water and aloe vera gel in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your face using a cotton pad, gently patting it in for full absorption. This toner can be used daily to hydrate and calm your skin.
Rosehip Oil Toner
Rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. This toner is highly effective in restoring balance to the skin’s pH while offering deep hydration and promoting skin regeneration. It helps improve the appearance of scars, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, making it ideal for those with dry or mature skin. Rosehip oil also improves skin elasticity, resulting in smoother and firmer skin.
Ingredients: 5 drops rosehip oil – 1/4 cup water
Instructions: Dilute the rosehip oil with water and apply it to your face using a cotton pad. Let it absorb fully before applying your moisturizer. This toner can be used daily or 2-3 times a week to improve skin texture and tone.
Pomegranate Toner
Pomegranate juice is packed with antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage. It also helps balance the skin’s pH while promoting a healthy, radiant complexion. Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritation and redness, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Regular use of pomegranate toner can also help firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup pomegranate juice – 1/4 cup water
Instructions: Mix pomegranate juice with water and apply it to your face with a cotton ball. Let it sit on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off. This toner helps rejuvenate the skin and restore its natural glow.
Sage Toner
Sage is a powerful herb known for its ability to balance oily skin and improve overall skin texture. This toner helps to tighten the skin, minimize pores, and reduce excess oil production. Sage also has antimicrobial properties, which help prevent acne and other skin issues caused by bacteria. It is a great choice for those with combination or oily skin, as it regulates sebum levels while keeping the skin clear.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried sage – 1/2 cup water
Instructions: Boil the sage leaves in water and steep for 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool completely before straining and applying it to your skin with a cotton ball. Use this toner daily to reduce oiliness and keep your skin refreshed.
Oatmeal Toner
Oatmeal is a gentle and soothing ingredient that works well for calming irritated or dry skin. This toner helps balance the skin’s pH while providing a protective layer that locks in moisture. Oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal for treating skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. It leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and well-hydrated.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup ground oatmeal – 1/2 cup water
Instructions: Boil the oatmeal in water and let it cool. Strain the mixture to get the liquid and apply it to your face with a cotton pad. This toner can be used daily or as needed for sensitive or irritated skin.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.