How to Make a Homemade Facial Toner

by Maria / On 22 March, 2024 / In Beauty

If you want to learn how to make a homemade facial toner, you can’t miss this article.

The toning lotion should be part of your daily care routine, as it provides a large number of advantages and benefits. But it’s true that sometimes we find on the market versions made with components and chemical substances.

These types of products cause more harm than benefits, since irritations, redness, allergies, itching and even the appearance of skin diseases could be generated. A good option to ensure that our toning lotion is safe is to make our own version at home.

Next, we reveal all the steps you must follow and we show you other relevant information about this facial beauty product. Are you ready?

What is a toner

Before beginning, do you know what a facial toner is? It consists of a water-based lotion, colorless and with a very light and refreshing texture. Its main objective is to help us maintain proper facial hygiene.

It is used after removing makeup and cleaning the face, that is, just before applying moisturizer.

You might be interested in: The best facial toners.

Some people tend to confuse it with micellar water. Let’s see what the similarities and differences are between both products:

Similarities

They are colorless lotions.
They usually have a light texture and do not provide a sticky or greasy sensation.
They refresh and soften the skin.
They are used to set makeup.
They close pores to provide a better look.
In addition to hydrating the skin, they have specific functions.

Differences

Micellar water is mainly used to remove makeup and clean.
The toning lotion prepares the face to receive subsequent treatments.

What it’s used for

Its main functions are:

Firstly, it restores the pH of the skin after having been cleansed with other products (gels, wipes, cleansing milks, etc).
It helps to close pores.
It has balancing power.
It prepares the skin to receive subsequent treatments and, thus, makes them more effective.
Depending on its indications, it manages to hydrate, rejuvenate, mattify, soften, reduce pigmentation spots, as well as other functions.
Increases blood flow to the area.

If you want more information, here’s the post What is a toner used for.

Homemade lotions

The main problem we find in commercial versions is that many of them are made through chemical and corrosive substances. These types of products can lead to major skin problems.

One way to ensure that the lotion is safe and natural is to make our own version at home.

Next, we provide you with several options so that you can choose the one you like the most. Don’t forget to take note!

For oily or combination skin

Ingredients you need:

A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
¼ cup of rose water.

Add the vinegar to the rose water and mix well both ingredients. We recommend its use only at night, since vinegar during the day can cause skin spots.

Another option is to mix 3 tablespoons of aloe vera and ½ cup of water. In this case, you can use it during the day.

Discover the best toners for oily skin.

For dry skin

If you have dry and rough skin, you should provide it with extra nourishment.

Ingredients:

20 ml of almond oil.
100 ml of natural water.
20 drops of rose oil.

Pour all the ingredients into a container and shake it every time you are going to apply it.

For sensitive skin

With this type of skin, we must be very cautious, since any inappropriate substance could produce serious consequences.

Ingredients:

100 ml of milk.
2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Put both ingredients in a spray to spray directly on the face.

For skin with spots

This lotion works very well to combat pigmentation spots, although it can be used on anyone.

Just mix a little parsley with 200 ml of water. Heat it in the microwave and let it rest for about an hour.

When it cools down, it will be ready to use.

Aspects to consider

When you start to make your homemade toning lotion, you should take into account the following aspects:

First of all, analyze your skin to know what the main problems it presents are (excess sebum, dryness in certain areas, sensitivity, acne, appearance of wrinkles, etc).
Choose the most suitable ingredients for your skin type and age. Do not use substances intended for mature skin if you are too young.
The oils, as well as other ingredients, must be natural, that is, they cannot contain artificial fragrances, preservatives, or other harmful agents.
The bottle or container you choose must be clean and disinfected. Ideally, it should be dark glass to maintain the properties of the active ingredients.
Store your homemade lotion in the fridge or in a cool and dry place.
You can also use a spray or aerosol format.

How to apply it

The application of a toner is very simple. Just follow the next steps:

Clean your skin and remove makeup properly. It is very important that before using any treatment we have our skin clean and free of impurities.
Pour a little lotion onto a cotton pad. The latter should not be excessively soaked. Just dampen it a bit.
Give small light pats on the face, neck and décolleté. Never apply pressure.
Another option is to pour the liquid on the palms of your hands, previously disinfected, and spread it on your face with a gentle massage. You can finish by giving soft pinches to activate circulation. Obviously, it is not recommended to exert too much force.
Some versions come in an aerosol or spray format. In this case, spray it directly on the face.
Finally, wait for it to dry before proceeding with other treatments. Do not wipe the product with a tissue, unless you have put too much.

Are they effective?

Homemade versions are effective and provide great results. However, it is true that commercial ones tend to be more potent, and also have a longer shelf life.

We show you the pros and cons of using homemade lotions:

Advantages

With their preparation, we ensure they are more respectful and natural.
We can combine the ingredients we like the most and that best adapt to our skin.
They are easy to make.

Disadvantages

As we have mentioned, they are less effective.
As they do not carry preservatives, they last very little.
We must invest our time in creating them.
Although it may seem they are more economical, the reality is that you must buy a variety of ingredients to create a single lotion. Currently, there are many commercial versions at a good price.

Other uses of toner

Do you know what other uses this cosmetic has? We show them all below so you can make the most of it:

If you have slept poorly or have bags under your eyes, you can put two cotton pads soaked in toning lotion and wait about 10 minutes. When you remove them, rinse with cold water. You will feel your eyes very rested and their appearance will improve instantly.
If you do sports, you can take it with you to the gym to eliminate sweat.
It is perfect to refresh yourself when you go out on the hottest days.
It can be used as a veil mask. For this, soak a clean cloth with a little toner. Place it on your face and wait about 20 minutes. Then remove it and rinse with cold water to improve circulation.
If you have a special event, spray the product with a vaporizer on the face to set the makeup for longer.
Men can use it as an aftershave to soothe the skin.

These are some options we have tried: With rose water, Clinique’s brand, Pixi’s, Deliplus brand from Mercadona, or Garnier’s.

Basic steps of facial care

In addition to using this cosmetic, there are other basic steps that you should not skip in your day-to-day:

Clean your skin in the morning and remove makeup at night. This is very important to achieve good oxygenation. Otherwise, wrinkles and expression lines will begin to appear.
Serums are very potent lotions that help combat specific problems. They are always applied after the toner.
Protect the skin with a high-factor cream. The SPF should be at least 30. Sun rays are the main responsible for premature aging. In addition, they cause other problems such as: redness, burns, itching, spots and even skin cancer.
Use a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and your age.
The areas around the eyes and lips are extremely sensitive. Use specific products. Some women choose to apply their usual moisturizer under the eyes and end up suffering bags and swelling.
We also recommend the use of face masks at least once a week. This product provides incredible immediate effects.
Exfoliation is a step that we should not skip either, as it removes dead cells and provides brightness and softness.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make a homemade facial toner. Keep in mind that these lotions, although they present great benefits, tend to be less potent than commercial ones, but if you choose quality ingredients that are natural, they will suit you well.