Making organic skin toner, which you can also use as a face cleanser, takes about two minutes. Homemade organic skin care products – which are all silly-easy to make – will keep your skin from absorbing chemicals you can barely pronounce and certainly don’t want keep on your face.
This skin toner only has 4 basic ingredients. The only thing you should do is just mix them together.
But each ingredient has a really specific purpose. They are chosen because of the traditional medicinal usage. They’re not just included to smell nice. These ingredients really work!
Apple Cider Vinegar for Oily Skin
First of all, it should be noted that apple cider vinegar has unique properties and consists of a surprising set of components. During its manufacture the whole range of useful properties of apples with virtually no loss migrates to apple cider vinegar. In addition, the composition of apple vinegar are also enriched with many vitamins (E, C, A, B1, B2, B6), nutrients (lectins, enzymes, amino acids), and minerals (selenium, potassium, calcium, manganese, sodium, copper, zinc, iron phosphorus, magnesium). It is such a rich composition and is due to the use of apple cider vinegar. But let’s dwell upon its medicinal qualities.
It is an acid, and has long been known as a home remedy or ‘folk cure’ for zillions of ailments. Many of these remedies aren’t true, of course. But recently apple cider vinegar has had a resurgence of popularity to take internally and externally for health and beauty. It is a perfect ingredient for skin care homemade products.
Apple cider vinegar in this toner is all about maintaining the pH of the skin. Our skin is naturally at a pH of 5.5 or lower (slightly acidic). Soap is very alkaline and will disrupt the pH of the skin, but it has been shown that even normal tap water can change the pH of our skin! Using ACV in the toner adds more acid to the skin, to bring it closer to the ideal skin pH.
Since apple cider vinegar is an acid, it can irritate very sensitive skin. If you find this toner too strong, just add more water and less vinegar.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) to Even Skin Tone
It’s used in many natural beauty products and is widely available in drugstores and pharmacies.
Witch Hazel is a cooling, anti-inflammatory and astringent (toning & tightening) plant.
Adding witch hazel will tighten and tone your skin which is a great addition for slightly greasy, large-pored complexions!
When buying Witch Hazel, you need to read the ingredients. Often you find witch hazel with alcohol. Better buy ‘distilled witch hazel’ or ‘witch hazel hydrosol’ which is simply witch hazel in water. You can use the alcohol-based on in this toner, but keep in mind it will be more drying than the water-based witch hazel. So you may want to use less.
Calendula (Marigold) Infusion to Soothe Skin
Calendula has been widely used for cosmetic purposes since ancient times. Healing properties of calendula is used for the treatment of oily skin, removing irritation from dry skin and rejuvenating mature skin. Infusions, oils and ointments bleach and purify the skin, soothe and protect it from the sun, wind and frost. Calendula is traditionally added to the face and hair masks, compresses and lotions. With its help it is possible to smooth wrinkles, reduce acne and prevent the formation of new wrinkles.
Marigolds are amazing for healing the skin. If you have any blemishes or scarring, including this plant will help your skin to repair itself and heal.
If you don’t have dried calendula available, you could also use Chamomile (just make some chamomile tea!) which would be very soothing and gentle on the skin. But specifically for people with acne and pimples calendula is a really nice addition to this toner.
Vegetable Glycerine to Moisture Skin
Glycerine is a humectant which means it attracts water. Adding glycerine makes a silkier toner, and also attracts moisture from the air into the skin.
You don’t want to use too much glycerine, because over time it will draw moisture FROM the skin into it as well, which can be drying. But a little glycerine in the toner really improves the texture.
Glycerine is optional, but it is good for texture and moisturization.
You want to buy vegetable glycerine which is produced from vegetable oils, as opposed to other glycerine which can be a byproduct of petroleum (this should be avoided).
Ok, now let’s proceed to the homemade skin toner recipe.
You will need: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (preferably raw and unpasteurized), 2 tablespoons of calendula infusion (or chamomile infusion or rosewater), 1 tablespoon of witch hazel (preferably water-based), 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerine.
Make the calendula (or chamomile) infusion by putting a spoonful of dried herbs in a cup of freshly boiled water. (You can drink the rest of the infusion that you don’t use!) Mix all ingredients together in a bottle.
Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing your face (avoid eye area!) and follow with moisturizer.
The finished product does smell like weak apple cider vinegar. So if that puts you off, try using less apple cider vinegar, or adding 2 drops of an essential oil (like rose or lavender).
This homemade toner is excellent solution even for dry and sensitive skin.
For dry skin: leave out the witch hazel all together and instead use an extra 1 tablespoon of rosewater.
For sensitive skin: use half the amount of apple cider vinegar. Replace the witch hazel with rosewater. You might use chamomile infusion instead of calendula because it’s so soothing.
