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Whether it’s soap, moisturizer, make-up, or nothing at all, we all have our skincare preferences and needs. Toner, however, might not be something that is as commonly used as other products. It might not even be something you know much about or consider necessary, but that could change.

Toner is a watery liquid of some sort that is used primarily to get rid of residue left by some soaps and make-up, help balance the skin’s natural pH, and help reduce visible pores and tighten the skin. It may also help to cool and soothe inflamed skin.

How Do I Use Toner?

Toner is usually applied after you have washed your face but before you use any oils or creams. It can be applied with a cotton pad or tissue or can be spritzed on the face for a refreshing skin treat. Allow the toner to dry naturally onto your skin.

As with any skin product, not everything is suitable for every skin type. Be sure to research what you are applying to your skin and always seek advice from a dermatologist if you are unsure. It is also wise to do a spot test before wiping anything new all over your face.

The type of toner you use will depend on your desired results and your skin type. Rather than buying store-bought toners, there are a few simple ingredients that you might already have at home that work as natural skin toners.

1. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a tree that is native to North America and has been long used to treat skin complaints. Witch hazel is commonly found in pharmacies and supermarkets in the ‘first aid’ section.

Witch hazel is a natural astringent, which means it helps with oily skin. You should avoid witch hazel if you have dry skin. It is thought to help with blackheads and whiteheads and may help to reduce redness and inflammation. It is soothing and works well mixed with a little aloe vera.

2. Rose Water

Source: Frugal Family Home/YouTube

Rosewater makes a very gentle and great-smelling toner. It is naturally antibacterial, making it useful for pimples, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness.

What’s more, you can make your rose water at home. You just need to source organic rose petals.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

As well as its many other wonderous attributes, apple cider vinegar (ACV) can make an excellent toner. It is a natural astringent and is thought to help with cleansing and tightening the skin. ACV contains acetic acids, which make it naturally antibacterial. Because of this, ACV may help with pimples and blackheads.

Applying ACV on irritated or broken skin will be quite painful, so avoid this. It is best to make a diluted mixture of 2 tablespoons of ACV per 8 ounces of water.

Like with rose water, you can also make your apple cider vinegar at home.

4. Green Tea

Source: Wikihow/YouTube

Green tea is famous for its health benefits when sipped as hot or iced tea, but it may also have benefits for your skin when used topically.

It is thought to help reduce redness due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also very simple to make and requires that you simply make a cup of green tea. Remember to let the tea cool before applying it to your skin.

5. Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is thought to have cleansing properties, making it a great choice for a gentle toner. It is said to help balance the skin’s natural pH and can tighten the skin without drying the skin of its natural oils. Hibiscus is also high in vitamin C and plays an essential role in skin health.

As with the green tea toner, you will need to make a cup of hibiscus tea, allow it to cool, and apply with a cotton ball or spritzer.

6. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is thought to be good for dry and oily skin. It is moisturizing and absorbs well without being oily at all. It is also used to treat inflammatory types of acne.

You can buy aloe vera from the store or remove the pulp directly from the plant itself. Once you have your pulp, you will need to blend it with some water until you get a consistency that allows you to apply it to the face with a cotton pad or tissue.

With just a few simple and inexpensive ingredients, you can create a toner suited to your skin type and give your skin the care it deserves. If you don’t feel like making one, be sure to check out these ten cruelty-free facial toners!

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