Skin and facial toners are very helpful in a healthy, natural skin care regimen because they can help balance the skin’s pH and help it rejuvenate, largely from beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants and humectants that they contain. This DIY hydrating lavender and rose water toner is one of them that you’re sure to love.
If you’re searching for a gentle, natural way to balance your skin and boost hydration, rose water toner is a standout beauty secret. This simple yet powerful face toner combines the soothing, anti-inflammatory power of rose water with complementary botanicals to calm, tone and refresh your skin.
Key ingredients
A high-quality rose water toner can help:
- Restore skin pH
- Soothe irritation and redness
- Provide antioxidant protection
- Prepare skin to absorb serums and moisturizers
Let’s dive in to the potent botanicals that make this formula special.
Rose water
Rose water is the hero ingredient in any rose water toner. It’s distilled from rose petals, capturing the aromatic compounds, antioxidants and mild astringent properties.
Rose water helps calm inflammation, soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness and add gentle hydration. Because of its natural humectant qualities, it helps skin retain moisture without heaviness.
Rose water is also a byproduct of the production of rose essential oil, and it is the main ingredient in this rose water toner, naturally, since it is an anti-inflammatory that soothes skins and has a rich source of antioxidants, which can help strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissue.
It’s also a great choice for sensitive skin.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel may have a funny name, but it includes natural astringent properties and can help tighten the skin, providing a more youthful appearance. Look for an alcohol-free version since alcohol can dry out the skin.
This classic botanical astringent helps tighten pores, remove excess oil and tone the skin’s surface. When you choose an alcohol-free witch hazel extract, it helps reduce potential dryness or irritation.
In a rose water toner, witch hazel helps deliver crisp clarity and can control shine, making pores appear smaller and more refined.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps remove bacteria-forming dead skin due to the malic acid it contains, which is a natural exfoliant. It also contains natural antibacterial properties, making it great at keeping skin clear and clean.
Apple cider vinegar is often used in DIY facial products because of its mild acidity and natural exfoliating benefits. In rose water toner, the malic acid in ACV helps gently loosen dead skin cells and bacterial buildup. Its antibacterial action supports clearer skin, while its acidity can help balance skin pH when diluted properly.
Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil is a nourishing, lightweight oil rich in essential fatty acids (like omega-3 and omega-6) and vitamins A and C.
When included in a rose water toner or facial mist, rosehip oil helps support the skin’s barrier, promote regeneration and fight visible signs of aging. It gives your formula a boost of lipid nourishment without heaviness.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is well known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In a rose water toner, a few drops of high-quality, diluted tea tree oil can help target acne-causing bacteria, manage breakouts and maintain clarity.
It pairs nicely with the gentler botanicals in this DIY recipe to balance the skin without harshness. Tea tree essential oil is also great for helping reduce acne and scarring.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is frequently added to rose water toner for its calming scent and skin-soothing benefits. In skin care, lavender oil can reduce redness, support healing of minor skin irritation and provide antibacterial properties.
In this formula, it enhances the aroma while contributing gentle antiseptic support and a relaxing experience when applied.
Orange oil is another option if you want to go with a refreshing citrus scent.
How to make rose water toner
Enough about why the ingredients in this hydrating lavender and rose water toner are so good for you. Let’s get into making it right at home so you can apply it to your face today.
Start by grabbing a small bowl and a small whisk or spoon. Place the rose water in the bowl. Next, add the witch hazel.
From there, mix in the apple cider vinegar, followed by the rosehip oil, and stir thoroughly. Then add five drops of tea tree essential oil to the mixture, and stir.
Next, add the relaxing and refreshing scent of lavender oil. (You can also opt for orange oil or another calming, uplifting essential oil.)
Once add these final ingredients, blend one last time, and then transfer the mixture to a small glass spray bottle. You can find these bottles just about anywhere, and they are perfect for spraying the face with your natural lavender and rose water toner.
To apply, cleanse the face well, perhaps using a pure cleanser like Castile soap. Then, with your eyes closed, spray the toner onto your face. (You can also apply gently with a cotton ball or pad.)
You can rub it around if you like or just let it air dry. It should feel refreshing.
Add your favorite facial moisturizer to prevent dry skin, such as jojoba oil or a little shea butter, and apply makeup as usual.
This is also perfect to apply before going to bed.
Usage and storage tips
- Store in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator to preserve freshness.
- Use within one to two weeks. If any scent or color change occurs, discard, and make another fresh batch.
- Always patch test on a small area first, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
- Adjust the rosehip oil drops for more nourishment, or reduce if your skin is very oily.
- Avoid overuse of essential oils if pregnant, nursing or sensitive to fragrances.
More DIY facial cleaners
Here are more DIY face-cleansing recipes to make:
Hydrating Lavender and Rose Water Toner
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 30 sprays 1x
Description
The right skin and facial toners can balance the skin’s pH and help it heal, especially this DIY hydrating lavender and rose water toner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons rose water
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 5–10 drops rosehip oil
- 5 drops tea tree oil
- 5 drops lavender oil or your favorite essential oil scent
Instructions
- Get a small bowl and a small whisk or spoon.
- Place the rose water, witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, rosehip oil, tea tree oil and lavender oil in the bowl. Mix well.
- Transfer to a small glass spray bottle.
- To apply, cleanse the face well. Then, eyes closed, spray the toner onto the face. Add your favorite natural facial moisturizer.
Notes
- You can use a refreshing scent like orange oil in place or in addition to lavender oil.
- Feel free to add different skin-soothing essential oils, but make sure you aren’t sensitive to any them.
