As Stephanie Tourles explains in her book Organic Body Care Recipes, “Astringents and toners are water-based agents used to remove cleanser residue, balance pH level, and hydrate the skin and are also effective at removing excess perspiration and oil.
“Astringents tend to be stronger than toners and are usually used on oily, combination, and normal skin types. Many commercial astringents contain isopropyl alcohol and/or acetone… which are very drying and damaging to the skin. Herbal astringents, however, are gentle.
“Toners… perform the same function as an astringent but are designed for normal, dry, sensitive, dehydrated, mature, and environmentally damaged skin.”
Here are two simple recipes from Tourles’ book — check it out for yourself for many more amazing recipes!
Astringent pH Restorer
Helps to combat alkaline residue from soaps or cleansers. It has a softening effect on skin and can be used daily. Good for all skin types except sensitive or damaged skin.
Alternatively, use the entire recipe on hair after rinsing out conditioner, to remove styling product residue and enhance shine.
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar
- 10 drops essential oil (try lavender, lemon or geranium)
Combine in a 3-cup or larger plastic container. Shake well to blend. Pour into PET or glass bottles with mister lids to store. No refrigeration required. Use within one year.
Tangerine Toner
Smells like the tropics! This daily toner is quick and easy to make and stores well for up to a year.
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 10 drops tangerine, neroli or sweet orange essential oil*
Combine in aPET or glass bottle and top with a mister lid. Shake well before each use. Use within one year.
*Citrus oils are photosensitive and should not be applied to skin before prolonged sun exposure. This toner may smell like the tropics, but it's best not to use it before going to the beach!
Hydrosols as Toners
If using a hydrosol as your toner, Tourles recommends the following: