This is one of our Cobble Hill Farm Soap Co. retired products. I announced last month that once we officially retired it I would share our recipe here, and am happy to do so. It's super easy and a wonderful product!
First things first....
What Is Facial Toner?
Facial toner can be used for a few of different purposes. 1. it can help shrink your pores, 2. it can help extract additional impurities before applying your facial moisturizer (particularly useful if you wear something heavy like make-up or sunscreen), and 3. it can help even out skin tone.
How To Use It:
Facial toners are best used after your cleansing routine and before you apply a facial moisturizer.
The ingredients are all liquid, making this the perfect product for a (affiliate link) spray bottle. If you do decide to go with a spray bottle, you can apply by gently shaking the bottle, closing your eyes and mouth, and spraying your face a couple of times. Using a clean cotton round you can dab and clean with a gentle circular motion, your now damp skin to remove any excess impurities that may remain.
If you don't have a spray bottle you can put it in a regular bottle and apply with a clean cotton round. Apply a small amount to the cotton round and then gently dab and circle all over your face.
The Ingredients:
(affiliate links)
Rose Water - created by distilling rose petals with steam or water, it is known for it's nourishing, and skin-soothing properties. **This is an optional ingredient, if you would rather not use it, replace it with the same amount of distilled water (resulting in a total amount of 1 ounce of distilled water in the recipe) or a hydrosol (which is what we used in the peppermint and lime toners we offered). A hydrosol is the water that remains after the steam distillation of a plant material, and is much less concentrated, and more affordable in many cases, than an essential oil. If using a hydrosol, omit the essential oils.**
Witch Hazel - is a liquid derived from witch hazel shrubs or smaller-sized trees. It is an astringent used for it's anti-viral and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Distilled Water - water that has had minerals and impurities removed.
Aloe Vera Liquid - derived from the aloe vera plant, it is moisturizing with natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Vegetable Glycerin - a liquid derived from plants such as coconut or rapeseed, it cleanses the face without clogging the pores and offers moisturizing and restorative properties.
Essential Oils - we used Rose and Geranium, however, there are many essential oils that can be used in your toner. Skin-loving essential oils include:
and finally, the recipe....
Rose Water Facial Toner
makes one - 2 ounce bottle
1/2 ounce distilled water
1/2 ounce rose water (or equal amounts hydrosol - see note above)
1/2 ounce witch hazel
1/4 ounce aloe vera liquid
1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
3-4 drops essential oils (see list above), (optional)
1. Add all of the ingredients to your choice of container.
2. Secure the lid or sprayer top.
3. Gently shake to combine.
4. Store in airtight container at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. (*in the summer it's refreshing to store in the refrigerator and apply cold to your skin*)
*As with any skincare product, always spot test first to ensure there is no reaction. Never use essential oils directly on your skin without first diluting.*