Easy DIY Toners Using Herbal Teas & Flower Waters

Gentle, natural toners to support your skin at any age – a calming step in your basic skincare routine

When I started creating a basic skincare routine, I didn’t pay much attention to toner. But once I discovered how easy it is to make one from herbs I already had in the kitchen (or garden!), it became a daily ritual I genuinely look forward to.

These Easy DIY Herbal Toners are made using simple ingredients like chamomile, lavender, rosemary, and green tea. They’re gentle, customisable, and kind to your skin—beneficial if you want more natural alternatives.

Easy DIY Toners Using Herbal Teas & Flower Waters

Whether starting from scratch or adapting your skincare as your skin changes with age (yes, I'm sharing some great recipes for us 40+ women!), these recipes are easy to make and surprisingly effective.

Why Use a Natural Toner?

Toners help:

• Balance your skin’s pH after cleansing

• Remove leftover cleanser or oil

• Hydrate and prep your skin to absorb moisturiser or serum

The trouble with many shop-bought toners is that they’re full of alcohol or artificial ingredients that can dry or irritate your skin, especially if it’s sensitive or mature.

DIY toners let you:

• Avoid harsh ingredients

• Tailor the blend to your skin type

• Add calming or firming herbs

• Enjoy a soothing moment of self-care

How to Make a Basic Herbal Toner

All you need is:

• A cup of cooled herbal tea or floral water

• A clean glass jar or spray bottle

• Optional extras: aloe vera juice, glycerin, essential oils (just 1–2 drops), or a splash of witch hazel

Storage tip: Most herbal toners in the fridge last 5–7 days.

If you're trying a few different blends, make small batches and label them.

4 Classic DIY Herbal Toners (All Skin Types)

Chamomile Toner

Soothes sensitivity, redness, and dry skin

• 1 chamomile tea bag

• ½ cup hot water

• Steep, cool, and strain

• Optional: 1 tsp aloe vera juice or 2 drops chamomile essential oil

Green Tea Toner

Tones oily or acne-prone skin, helps reduce puffiness

• 1 green tea bag (or loose leaf)

• ½ cup boiled water, cooled

• Optional: 1 tsp witch hazel or 1 drop tea tree oil

Lavender Toner

Balances combination skin, calms the mind and skin

• 1 tbsp dried lavender or lavender tea

• ½ cup hot water

• Optional: 1 tsp rose water or glycerin

Rosemary Toner

Tightens pores, refreshes tired or dull skin

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• ½ cup water

• Simmer for 10 minutes, then cool and strain

• Optional: 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Herbal Toners for Mature Skin (40+)

As skin matures, it tends to need more hydration, support for elasticity, and ingredients rich in antioxidants. These herbal recipes focus on nourishment, circulation, and radiance—all helpful for 40+ skin.

Rose & Green Tea Hydrating Toner

Brightens, smooths, and plumps skin

• ½ cup strong green tea (cooled)

• 1 tbsp rose water (or steeped dried rose petals)

• 1 tsp aloe vera juice

• Optional: 2 drops frankincense or rose essential oil

  → Antioxidants + soothing hydration = lovely for fine lines and tired skin

Sage & Lavender Firming Toner

Mildly astringent, calming, and balancing

• 1 tbsp dried sage

• 1 tbsp dried lavender

• ½ cup hot water (steep 15 mins)

• Optional: 1 tsp glycerin

  → Especially helpful during hormonal shifts and for skin that’s lost tone

Red Clover & Rosemary Glow Toner

Supports skin renewal and boosts glow

• 1 tsp dried red clover

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• ½ cup water (simmer 10 mins)

• Optional: 1 tsp rosehip oil (shake before use)

  → Red clover is often used during menopause; rosemary stimulates circulation for radiance

How to Use Your Toner

Use morning and night after cleansing:

• Spritz directly on the face, or apply with a cotton pad

• Follow with your serum and moisturiser

• Keep it chilled for an extra refreshing effect

In a basic skincare routine, the order is: Cleanser → Toner → Serum (optional) → Moisturiser → SPF (morning)

Final Thoughts

Toners don’t need to be harsh or expensive. With a few simple ingredients and creativity, you can make a soothing, effective herbal toner that fits seamlessly into your skincare routine, whether 25 or 65.

Let your skincare feel like a ritual, not a chore.

If you loved this post, don’t miss my DIY Epsom salt scrub recipes or sign up to get a free printable recipe card set for these toners (coming soon!).

Easy DIY Toners FAQs

1. How long does homemade toner last? Most DIY toners should be stored in the fridge within 5–7 days. Herbal infusions don’t contain preservatives, so freshness is key.

2. Can I add essential oils? Yes, but only 1–2 drops, and always dilute well. Some oils are potent and irritate the skin, so patch test first, especially on mature skin.

3. What’s the best toner for mature skin? The Rose & Green Tea or Red Clover & Rosemary recipes especially support mature skin, offering hydration, antioxidants, and glow.

4. Can I mix herbs? Absolutely! Try lavender and chamomile for a calming blend or green tea and rosemary for oily or ageing skin.

5. Can I skip toner altogether? You can—but a gentle herbal toner may make a big difference if your skin feels dry or dull. It’s a quick step that can support better moisture absorption and balance.