DIY Hydrosol Toner
Do you use toner on your face? Apparently many people don’t which I find so funny, because it’s probably my most favorite part of a face care routine. It’s just so gosh darn refreshing! So if you’re one of the many who don’t use toner, don’t even worry about it. It’s never too late to start. 😉 And I’m going to show you today just how crazy simple it is to create your own refreshing toner that is just perfect for your skin type.
What is a Toner
I’m sure there’s a more technical definition of what a toner is, but I like to think of it as another (easy) step to hydrate the skin, prepping it for your moisturizer. As a teenager I remember using a bottle of witch hazel from the grocery store that had lots of alcohol in it which would “help” dry out acne. Unfortunately those types of toners aren’t that great after all. Hydrosol toners have the ability to feed your skin with nutrients instead of sucking the moisture out of it.
How to Use Toner
Perhaps the proper way of using a toner is to apply a small amount to a cotton ball and gently sweep it across your face. It not only hydrates the skin but also can remove any leftover makeup or dirt. While I do use toner that way occasionally, my preferred method is to spritz it all over my face with eyes closed. Especially first thing in the morning! In other words, I use this toner as a “toner” and also as a face spritz. So lovely.
Is The Preservative Necessary?
I know, I know, using a preservative always seems like another step AND another expense. But truly, if you’re serious about making your own body care products using a preservative is a very important step in the process. Otherwise mold, bacteria, and other nasty things can grow quickly. Definitely not things you want on your face. If you want to learn more about preservatives in homemade body care check out this post.
If you are using your own homemade hydrosols (learn how here) then most definitely use a preservative! Even if you are making a small batch, the warm moist bathroom is the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. If you are using store bought hydrosols and you know they already contain a preservative you may be able to get away without adding a preservative, but that’s your own choice and I would still recommend using a preservative since we are adding an additional ingredient.
Why Add Glycerin?
Honestly, if you don’t have glycerin and just want to spritz a single hydrosol on your face as a toner, go for it! I’ve definitely done that. However, glycerin is known as a humectant. Humectants actually bond with water and help it to be drawn into the skin. Literally like giving your skin a big drink of water.
When To Use a Toner
Toners should be used after your face has been cleansed. After applying the toner then apply your moisturizer. I use my toner morning and evening. And honestly, sometimes during the day for a little facial “wake up”.
How to Make a Hydrosol Toner
It’s a super simple process, however I still recommend weighing our your ingredients (especially if you’re using the glycerin and preservative.) Preservatives need to be used properly and in the right amount to work effectively. I would also recommend getting to know your preservative and what pH level it needs to be used in. Checking for pH level with those little strips is super easy and will also ensure that your preservative will work.
Ingredients
47 grams of hydrosol (your choice—see below for ideas)
2.5 grams vegetable glycerin
.5 grams preservative (or according to manufacturers instructions)
Directions
Weigh out all the ingredients directly into your spritzer bottle of choice. Tightly cap it and gently shake to combine. That’s it! It’s ready to use.
Hydrosol Combos
A few of my favorite combos I’ve used in the past have been:
Peppermint + Witch Hazel = A cooling soothing combo
Chamomile + Lavender = Floral lovers dream. Very calming combo to the skin as well as the senses
Rose + Calendula = Very healing and rejuvenating combo. Great for all skin types
Hydrosol Benefits
Yarrow
Mildly antibacterial and antiseptic. Helps with acne and problem skin. Also an anti-inflammatory which can be helpful from sun and wind exposure.
Chamomile
Calms sensitive skin, rosacea, acne, and redness. Chamomile hydrosol is considered the best option for removing makeup and as a toner according to Suzanne Catty in the Next Aromatherapy. Although she says it should not be used alone or long term on dry skin.
Witch Hazel
A strong antioxidant. Great for conditions of the skin including redness, itching, and soothing eczema and psoriasis. Is considered anti-aging as well as being astringent which helps with acne prone skin.
Lavender
Great for pretty much any skin type. Reduces skin inflammation and dry skin. Very soothing on rashes, bug bites, and itching.
Lemon Balm
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory making it useful for anti-aging. Helps to soothe rashes, skin irritations, and eczema. Also can be useful in after sun care.
Peppermint
Cooling and anti-inflammatory peppermint is considered uplifting to the skin. It also provides quick relief for itching, burning, bites, and stings. Use “neat” on acne that is overly red and irritated to help calm it down.
Rose
Rose is a humectant which means it helps retain moisture making it beneficial to all types of skin. It is a mild astringent and cooling to the skin.
Sage
Powerful antioxidant that is helpful for preventing wrinkles and aging skin. It’s a mild astringent useful for normal or combination skin.
Calendula
Rejuvenating to the skin and helps encourage new cell growth. Useful in relieving skin irritations. Anti-inflammatory and astringent it’s great for all skin types.
WHERE TO PURCHASE
I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog! By purchasing through one of my affiliate links you will not spend a penny more, but you are allowing me to receive a small commission. This allows me to keep posting great content for you. Thanks for your support! Read more here.
Organic Creations (Hydrosols, preservatives, etc.)
Voyageur Soap and Candle (These guys were super great about replying to my live chats when I had questions about their preservatives)
If you are unable to grow your own herbs, or find ingredients locally, then here are two of my favorite places to buy bulk ingredients:
And this place is pretty cool for finding organic and/or heirloom seeds:
Can I make my own hydrosols?
Sure! I absolutely love making homemade hydrosols. You can make them at home, with no special equipment. I have a full video tutorial here. Just keep in mind the hydrosols you make this way are not “professional” grade and the shelf life may not be very long. But it’s such a fun and rewarding process that I highly recommend trying it! Someday I would love to purchase an actual copper distiller to make them more professional.
