Natural Skin Toners with the Right Essential Oils for Your Skin Type

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Skin toners are one of those products that many of us skip over in our skincare regimen. But they are a valuable tool in achieving a healthy, glowing complexion, especially if you customize them to meet the needs of your skin type. So I was happy to get this question from Lisa, “Wondering if there is a recipe on your website for homemade toner using essential oils?” I realized that natural skin toners is a topic that we need to explore more thoroughly, so thanks for the prompt Lisa!

In this Q&A with Caryn, we’ll explore the many benefits of incorporating a toner into your skincare routine, especially if you make your own! That way you know you’re using all-natural products and you can customize your toner for your skin. Let’s take a closer look at some of these benefits and then I’ll share some recipes with recommendations on the best essential oils to use.

Benefits of All-Natural Skin Toners

Balancing pH Levels
Our skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, usually between 4.5 and 5.5. Cleansers, especially those that are too harsh, can disrupt this delicate balance. A natural toner can help restore the skin’s pH to its optimal level, which helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier and overall health. When your pH is balanced, your skin is less prone to issues like excess oil production, dryness, and sensitivity.

Enhancing Hydration
If you struggle with dry skin, you can use hydrating ingredients like carrier oil or aloe vera in your toner. These can help to lock in moisture and prepare your skin to absorb skincare moisturizers. By keeping your skin hydrated, toners can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep your complexion plump and youthful.

Minimizing Pores
If you have oily or combination skin type, you can make a toner that can help tighten and minimize the appearance of pores. Ingredients such as witch hazel can help reduce excess oil, leading to a smoother, more even skin texture. =

Removing Residual Impurities
Even after cleansing, there can be lingering traces of makeup, dirt, and impurities on your skin. Your natural toner is a great final step in the cleansing process, ensuring that your skin is completely free from any leftover residues. This additional step helps prevent clogged pores and reduces the likelihood of breakouts.

Soothing and Calming
For those with sensitive or irritated skin, a natural toner can be very soothing. Ingredients like Chamomile essential oil, rose water, and Calendula carrier oil have anti-inflammatory properties that can calm redness and irritation.

Tips on Making Natural Skin Toners with Essential Oils

Of course, you could mist on a floral hydrosol. Or you could use one of our ready-made spritzers like Rose Blossom Spritzer or Skin Care Spritzer. Most skin types love these!

Here’s a basic recipe you can use:

• 1 cup distilled water or hydrosol (the base of the toner)
• 10-15 drops of essential oils (choose based on your skin type)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin or carrier oil (optional for moisturizing properties)
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel (optional, for soothing and hydrating benefits)

Prepare the Base: If using distilled water, pour 1 cup into a clean glass spray bottle or jar. If using a hydrosol, use 1 cup as well. Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oils to the water or hydrosol. Close the bottle and shake well to combine all the ingredients.

Choosing Essential Oils for Different Skin Types:

Choosing the right formula for your skin type ensures you get the best results, keeping your skin healthy, radiant, and balanced. Not all toners are created equal. Your skin type determines which ingredients will be most beneficial:

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Tea Tree, Lavender, Geranium, Lemongrass, Rosemary
Dry Skin: Frankincense, Rose, Lavender, Sandalwood, Chamomile
Combination Skin: Lavender, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli
Mature, Sensitive Skin: Chamomile, Lavender, Frankincense, Rose, Rose Blossom Blend.  And Organic Rosehip Oil is a superb carrier oil for mature skin!

Another option is e3’s Skin Care blend, which has a balanced combination of essential oils that works for all skin types!

To learn more about the best carrier oil option based on your skin type see Best Carrier Oil for Essential Oils.

To help you get started, here are recipes by skin type to address your specific concerns:

For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

• 1 cup Witch Hazel
• 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops Rosemary essential oil

For Dry Skin

• 1 cup Rose Water
• 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
• 5 drops Rose essential oil
• 5 drops Sandalwood essential oil
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

For Mature or Sensitive Skin

• 1 cup Chamomile hydrosol
• 5 drops Chamomile essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
• 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera gel

Tips on Using All-Natural Skin Toner

Apply your toner after cleansing and before moisturizing. Shake well before each use.

You can apply it with a cotton pad or simply pat it onto your skin with your hands. Allow the toner to absorb before moving on to the next steps in your skincare routine. Store the toner in a cool, dark place.

Thanks, Lisa for inspiring us to take a closer look at DIY natural skin toners! We’ve seen that creating your own all-natural toner for your skin type can help you enjoy a healthier, more vibrant complexion. If you want to do a deeper dive on all-natural skincare, I highly recommend the book Natural Skin Care: Alternative & Traditional Techniques by Joni Keim.

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