Homemade organic skincare ; Night toner with essential oils

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How to make a homemade face toner with witch hazel and essential oils, a gentle DIY night toner for fresh, balanced skin.

5 min read Updated 29 October 2026 By Rosa
In this guide

    To make a homemade facial toner with essential oils, mix 1 cup of witch hazel with a few drops of skin-friendly oils such as lavender, rose geranium, rosemary and jasmine. Pour it into a dark glass bottle and press it onto clean skin after cleansing. Below is our simple DIY night toner recipe, the best essential oils for face toner and how to tailor it to your skin.

    Key takeaways

    • Witch hazel is the most popular base for a DIY face toner, as it helps tighten skin and reduce the look of pores.
    • Lavender calms, rosemary suits oily skin and rose geranium helps balance skin tone.
    • Our recipe uses 25 drops of essential oil in 1 cup of witch hazel, a gentle strength for the face.
    • Use it at night after cleansing, then follow with a moisturiser.
    • Store it in a dark glass bottle in a cool place and patch test first.

    Why make a homemade facial toner?

    Keeping skincare simple is not always easy. There are so many products, and most come with long ingredient lists. That is why many people now make their own facial toner at home.

    A toner is used after cleansing. It helps remove any leftover dirt, refreshes the skin and prepares it for moisturiser. When you make it yourself, you choose exactly what goes on your skin and can adjust it to suit your skin type.

    What is the best base for a DIY face toner?

    A homemade toner needs only a few ingredients. Common bases include witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and filtered water.

    Witch hazel is the most popular choice. It is known for its astringent properties, which means it can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. It may also help with acne and clear away leftover impurities after cleansing. Adding essential oils turns it into a toner that may also support skin balance and hydration.

    What are the best essential oils for face toner?

    Different oils bring different qualities to your toner. The right mix depends on your skin and what it needs.

    OilKnown forBest for skin that is
    LavenderCalming the skinSensitive or easily irritated
    RosemaryClearing and refreshingOily or spot-prone
    Rose geraniumBalancing skin toneCombination or uneven
    JasmineA gentle, soothing feelDry or tired

    For spot-prone skin, many people also like tea tree. You can find every oil in our essential oils collection.

    Simple homemade night toner recipe

    This easy DIY skin toner takes just a few minutes to make.

    1. Homemade Night Toner

    Best for: refreshing and balancing skin before bed

    Add the oils to a small bowl, pour in the witch hazel and stir gently. Pour into a dark glass bottle. After cleansing, apply a little and massage lightly into the skin.

    Pro tip

    Oils and witch hazel separate over time, so give the bottle a gentle shake before every use. This spreads the oils evenly through the toner.

    How to customise your toner

    One of the best parts of a homemade facial toner is how easily you can change it. Try one small change at a time and see how your skin feels.

    • Add a little filtered water if the toner feels too strong.
    • Add a few drops of vitamin E for a smoother feel.
    • Add a little glycerine for extra hydration.

    Paired with a good moisturiser, these tweaks make your toner part of a simple, natural routine. Keep adjusting until it feels right for your skin.

    When and how to use a facial toner

    • Use it after cleansing your face, usually at night.
    • Apply with clean hands or a cotton pad.
    • Gently press or massage it into the skin, avoiding your eyes.
    • Follow with a moisturiser.

    Used regularly, a DIY toner can help keep your skin feeling fresh and balanced. For your next step, try one of our DIY face serums for every skin type or our frankincense and myrrh face cream.

    Is a homemade toner safe for your skin?

    Safety first

    Always patch test a new toner on your inner arm 24 hours before using it on your face. Stop using it if you notice redness, stinging or itching.

    • Never put undiluted essential oils on your face, and keep the toner away from your eyes.
    • If you have very sensitive skin, eczema or rosacea, use fewer drops or check with your GP first.
    • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your GP or midwife before using rosemary on your skin.
    • Make small batches, label the bottle and keep it away from children.

    FAQs

    How do you make a homemade facial toner?

    Mix a base like witch hazel with a few drops of essential oils. Store it in a dark glass bottle and apply after cleansing your face.

    How do you make a DIY face toner with witch hazel?

    Combine 1 cup of witch hazel with essential oils such as lavender, rose geranium, rosemary and jasmine. Mix well and store in a dark bottle for regular use.

    Which essential oils are good for a face toner?

    Lavender calms, rosemary suits oily skin, rose geranium balances skin tone and jasmine feels gentle and soothing. Tea tree is popular for spot-prone skin.

    How do you preserve a homemade facial toner?

    Store it in a dark glass bottle in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the bottle clean, make small batches and throw it away if the smell or colour changes.

    Can I use a DIY toner for acne?

    Witch hazel may help with acne, and rosemary is often used for oily or problem skin. Start gently, and see your GP or a dermatologist if your acne is severe.

    Can I use rose water as a toner?

    Yes. Rose water makes a simple, gentle toner on its own, or you can use it in place of some of the witch hazel for a softer feel.

    Can I use this toner every day?

    Yes, it is made for regular use, usually at night after cleansing. If your skin feels dry, use it every other day or add a little filtered water.

    The bottom line

    Making your own skincare does not have to be hard, and a homemade facial toner is a great place to start. With witch hazel and a few well-chosen essential oils, you can make a toner that suits your skin. Explore our natural skincare collection and find every oil in our essential oils collection.