February 18, 2011: Facial Toner Recipes

If you use a facial toner during your normal cleansing routine, these recipes for fresheners will do the job just as well and cost you only pennies.

The purpose of a toner/freshener is to draw out any stubborn toxins and close your pores. If you live in a major metropolitan area, I’m sure you are aware of how pollution gets into your skin and never seems to go away. An after-cleansing toner can help your face feel cleaner.

Here are three facial freshener recipes for three different types of skin.

For Normal or Combination Skin:

Witch hazel

That’s it. Just moisten a cotton ball and wipe it across your face. Some people do not like the scent of witch hazel and if that’s you, just add a couple drops of essential oil.

Orange Freshener

3 oz. orange extract
2 oz. witch hazel
1/8 t. alum (you should be able to find this in a drugstore) or cinnamon oil

Shake together in bottle.

For Oily Skin:

Gin & Tonic Freshener

Equal parts gin (or rubbing alcohol) and witch hazel

Lemon Freshener

2 oz. fresh lemon juice
3 oz. witch hazel
1 oz. rubbing alcohol
1 T. lemon extract

Strain the lemon juice and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Pour into a bottle and shake before using. Store in the refrigerator (cold toner feels great in the heat of summer).

For Acne-Prone Skin:

Apple Freshener

1 oz. apple cider vinegar
2 oz. witch hazel
2 oz. rubbing alcohol

Shake together in a bottle.

Carotene Freshener

3 oz. witch hazel
3 oz. rubbing alcohol
2 oz. fresh, strained carrot juice

Shake together in a bottle; store in the refrigerator. Shake before using.

For Aging or Dry Skin:

Chamomile Freshener

2 oz. chamomile tea
4 oz. witch hazel

Shake together in a bottle.

Fruit Skin Freshener

Peel from a grapefruit, lemon, or lime (do not include white pith)
3 oz. rubbing alcohol
12 oz. witch hazel
3 T. vegetable oil

Cut the peel into thin strips. Put the alcohol in a small glass jar and add 2 tablespoons of the peels. Cover and let stand for 3 days. Remove the peels and add the alcohol to the rest of the ingredients. Shake together in a bottle.

These recipes are courtesy of Back to Basics Natural Beauty Handbook by Alexandra York. Although there are more, I included only the ones with the easiest-to-find ingredients. If you’d like additional recipes for specific skin issues, just let me know in the comment section.