4 Herbal Skin Toners: How to Make Organic Astringents

These 4 herbal skin toners are beneficial for every skin type and play an important role in a natural skincare routine. Before I started using homemade skincare products, my face often felt tight and stripped after washing—especially since I’ve always had dry skin. Using a natural toner helps restore balance, refresh the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and prepare your face to better absorb lotions or facial oils.

I especially like the last toner recipe below: Acne Astringent Toner, because it shrinks my pores lovely and goes great with my Anti-Aging Serum recipe.  I think I look younger now than I did ten years ago when my body was under so much stress.

You can also try before you make your own by checking out the ones I have in my shop: Anti-Aging Toner & Acne Toner. OR grab a cleanser and toner combo Gift Set.

Why Use Herbal Toners?

Before recipes, here’s what herbal toners can do for your skin:

• Balance pH after cleansing (important for barrier health).
• Hydrate and calm with natural botanicals like chamomile or aloe.
• Minimize appearance of pores gently.
• Prep skin for serums and moisturizers to absorb better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herbal Skin Toners

What does a skin toner do?

A skin toner helps restore balance after cleansing by removing leftover residue, refreshing the skin, and helping pores to close. Using a toner also prepares your skin to better absorb lotions and oils applied afterward.

Are herbal skin toners good for all skin types?

Yes, herbal skin toners can benefit all skin types when made with the right ingredients. Dry skin may benefit from soothing herbs like chamomile or comfrey, while oily or acne-prone skin often responds well to astringent herbs such as mint or witch hazel.

Can I use a homemade toner every day?

Most homemade herbal toners are gentle enough for daily use, once or twice a day. If you have sensitive skin, start by using the toner once a day and monitor how your skin responds.

How long do homemade herbal toners last?

Because homemade toners do not contain preservatives, they usually last a month if kept clean. For longer shelf life, you can make smaller batches or use ingredients like the apple cider vinegar in some of the recipes below.

How do I apply a natural skin toner?

Apply toner after cleansing your face. You can use a cotton pad, reusable cloth, or gently pat it onto your skin with clean hands. Allow it to absorb before applying lotion or facial oils.

Is toner necessary if I already moisturize?

While not required, using a toner can significantly improve how well your skin absorbs moisture. Toners help prep the skin, making your lotion or oils more effective and reducing dryness or irritation.

4 Herbal Skin Toners

1. DIY Comfrey & Oat Herbal Toner for Gentle Exfoliation

This comfrey and oat skin toner is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a simple DIY skincare routine. Comfrey helps soothe and heal the skin, while oats gently absorb excess oil and remove impurities.1 Stored dry, this natural blend works as both a gentle facial scrub and an herbal toner, leaving skin clean, balanced, and refreshed.

Best for: Dry to normal skin
Benefits: Oats calm irritation; comfrey supports healing and softness.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried comfrey leaf
• 1/2 cup whole organic oats
• rosewater or plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Blend the comfrey and oats in a mixer until they make a fine powder. Store this in an airtight jar.
2. Place 1 tablespoon of the scrub on the palm of your hand.  Pour about 1/2 tablespoon of rose water (or yogurt) on top and mix with your finger until it is a creamy paste.
3. Rub onto your face with your hands, or a soft, wet cloth or sponge. Gently scrub face.
4. Rinse with water.
5. Store and use for 10 months by keeping sterile.  Always use a clean dry tablespoon to dip it out and never your hand.

2. DIY Apple Cider Vinegar & Chamomile Herbal Skin Toner

This apple cider vinegar and chamomile toner goes a long way, making it an easy and mess-free addition to your natural skincare routine. Apple cider vinegar helps tone and balance the skin without over-drying, while gently conditioning the complexion. Chamomile adds powerful soothing benefits by reducing inflammation, calming irritated skin, and helping relieve puffiness and acne.2

Best for: Sensitive or redness-prone skin
Benefits: Chamomile eases puffiness and irritation; apple cider vinegar tones.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers

Instructions:

1. Heat water in a kettle until it is hot.  It does not need to boil.
2. Pour water into a jar and add chamomile flowers.
3. Screw on an airtight lid and shake.
4. Allow mixture to cool.
5. Add vinegar and place in a warm, dark place for 1 week, shaking daily.
6. After the one week, strain the toner through a mesh strainer and discard chamomile leaves.
7. I pour about 1 Tablespoon into the palm of my hand after washing my face, rub my hands together and rub all over my face. You can also put it in a spray bottle and spray your face after washing.

3. DIY Mint & Vinegar Toner for Refreshing Skin

This vinegar and mint toner helps restore the skin’s natural balance. Vinegar works well for all skin types, helping oily skin stay clear while also easing dryness and flakiness, so I really like to use it as part of my toner recipes. The fresh mint adds a light, cooling feel that leaves your skin refreshed without being harsh.

Best for: Combination to oily skin
Benefits: Mint cools, vinegar helps control oil and restore skin acidity.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves
• 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup green tea

Instructions:

1. Mix together all ingredients, then pour into a clean container and let sit for 3 days.
2. Strain or filter out all solids and pour into a clean bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
3. To use: Apply to clean skin with a cotton pad or put it in a spray bottle.

4. Homemade Witch Hazel Toner with Healing Herbs

I love this toner because it works well for just about any skin type. The witch hazel acts as a gentle astringent, helping to tighten and close pores, while the herbs work to heal, soothe, and naturally purify the skin. It’s a simple, well-rounded option that’s easy to use and easy on your skin.

Best for: Acne-prone or blemish-forming skin
Benefits: Witch hazel tightens pores; herbs help purify and soothe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups non-alcohol witch hazel
• 2 tablespoons echinacea root
• 2 tablespoons comfrey root
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in an airtight jar and shake.
2. Place jar in a dark, warm place and shake daily for 2 to 3 weeks.
3. The mixture will be the color of iced tea when ready. Strain.
4. Apply astringent with a cotton ball, up to twice daily. Use for 6 months to 1 year.

Bonus Recipe:

Herbal Geranium Facial Toner for All Skin Types

Ingredients:

• 2oz raw apple cider vinegar
• 4oz rose water
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine the apple cider vinegar and rose water.
• Add the essential oils.
• Keep in a jar and dip a clean cotton ball into it for application on a clean face each time.

How to Use Herbal Toners (Best Practices)

✔ After cleansing: Apply toner before serums or oils to help absorption.
✔ Patch test first: You could be allergic to anything. Always test new ingredients on a small area like your wrist before using all over your face.
✔ Store safely: Homemade toners lack preservatives—keep airtight and refrigerate when needed.

Try my Other Specialized Toners

For acne-prone skin, try our homemade acne toner.

For anti-aging benefits, see our rose water anti-aging toner.