14 Effective Homemade Toners for Oily Skin You Should Try

Maintaining oily skin can be challenging, especially when conventional products contain harsh chemicals or simply worsen the situation. Homemade toners crafted from simple, natural ingredients provide an affordable and gentle alternative, helping control excess oil and refresh the complexion without side effects. This comprehensive guide unveils 14 of the best DIY toners for oily skin, their unique benefits, and expert tips on safe daily use.

Why Use a Toner for Oily Skin?

Toners play a vital role in skincare routines for oily skin by:

• Removing lingering impurities and excess oil after cleansing
• Balancing the skin’s natural pH
• Minimizing the appearance of pores
• Prepping skin for moisturizers and serums
• Delivering targeted botanical ingredients for oil control

Homemade toners are not only budget-friendly but also free of artificial fragrances, preservatives, and alcohols common in store-bought formulas, reducing the risk of irritation for sensitive, oily complexions.

Homemade Toners For Oily Skin – The Best 14

Explore these carefully selected homemade toners, each with simple recipes and potential skin benefits:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

Apple cider vinegar is celebrated for its antibacterial properties and its ability to restore the skin’s pH balance, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

• Ingredients: 1 part raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 2 parts distilled water
• Instructions: Mix well, transfer to a sterilized bottle. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing.
• Benefits: Tightens pores, gently exfoliates, helps prevent breakouts.
• Caution: Always dilute to avoid irritation; patch-test prior to use.

2. Mint Leaves Toner

Mint leaves soothe the skin while providing a cooling, refreshing sensation—excellent during hot, humid weather when oiliness peaks.

• Ingredients: 1 handful fresh mint leaves, 2 cups boiling water
• Instructions: Steep the leaves in boiling water until cooled. Strain and pour into a clean spray bottle.
• Benefits: Calms inflammation, gently controls sebum production.

3. Lemon Juice With Peppermint Tea

This recipe combines lemon’s astringency with the calming effects of peppermint.

• Ingredients: 1 peppermint tea bag, 1 cup hot water, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Instructions: Steep tea, cool, stir in lemon. Refrigerate and use within 5 days.
• Benefits: Controls oil, refreshes, and offers mild antibacterial properties.
• Note: Patch-test lemon juice due to potential sensitivity.

4. Aloe Vera Toner

Aloe vera balances moisture without clogging pores, making it especially helpful for oily and combination skin.

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel, 1 cup rose water or green tea
• Instructions: Whisk until smooth. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
• Benefits: Soothes, hydrates, mildly antibacterial.

5. Cucumber Toner

Cucumber’s high water content hydrates and cools, while its natural astringent effect helps keep oil in check.

• Ingredients: 1 medium cucumber, ½ cup distilled water
• Instructions: Blend cucumber, strain juice, mix with water. Store chilled.
• Benefits: Calming, minimizes puffiness, suitable for sensitive skin.

6. Green Tea Toner

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and demonstrates oil-controlling benefits in clinical studies.

• Ingredients: 1 green tea bag, 1 cup boiling water, optional: 1 drop of tea tree oil
• Instructions: Brew tea, cool, add tea tree oil for extra antibacterial action.
• Benefits: Reduces redness, controls shine, protects from environmental stress.

7. Camphor With Rose Water Toner

Camphor is valued in traditional skin remedies for its cooling effect and ability to calm redness. Do not use undiluted.

• Ingredients: Small piece of edible camphor, 1 cup rose water
• Instructions: Dissolve camphor in rose water, stir well.
• Benefits: Refines pores, addresses mild inflammation.
• Caution: Avoid if allergic or sensitive; use only edible-grade camphor.

8. Rice Water Toner

Rice water contains amino acids and minerals that brighten and soothe the skin, a favorite in K-beauty routines.

• Ingredients: ½ cup uncooked rice, 2 cups water
• Instructions: Rinse rice, soak in water for 30 minutes, strain and reserve water. Store in refrigerator.
• Benefits: Firms, soothes, brightens dull skin.

9. Witch Hazel Toner

Witch hazel is a classic astringent that helps minimize pores and excess sebum. Use only alcohol-free witch hazel for sensitive skin.

• Ingredients: 1 part witch hazel extract, 2 parts distilled water
• Instructions: Mix, bottle, and apply after cleansing.
• Benefits: Refines pores, supports oil balance.

10. Neem Water Toner

Neem has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, ideal for acne-prone skin.

• Ingredients: A handful of fresh neem leaves, 2 cups water
• Instructions: Boil leaves in water. Cool, strain, and store.
• Benefits: Calms inflammation, reduces pimples, controls excess oil.

11. Fennel Seed Toner

Fennel seed soothes irritated skin and has antioxidant properties to protect against environmental damage.

• Ingredients: 1 tablespoon crushed fennel seeds, 1 cup hot water
• Instructions: Steep seeds in water overnight, strain before use.
• Benefits: Soothes redness, reduces puffiness.

12. Rose Water Toner

Rose water is known for its hydrating, pH-balancing, and soothing nature, suitable for virtually all skin types.

• Ingredients: Pure rose water (store-bought or homemade by boiling fresh petals in distilled water)
• Instructions: Use chilled; spritz or apply with a cotton pad.
• Benefits: Reduces redness, refreshes, hydrates without heaviness.

13. Basil Leaves Toner

Basil offers antibacterial benefits and is often used to target acne flare-ups.

• Ingredients: 10 fresh basil leaves, 1 cup boiling water
• Instructions: Steep, cool, strain, and apply.
• Benefits: Clarifies, fights bacteria, reduces oiliness.

14. Cucumber With Aloe Vera Toner

Combining cucumber and aloe vera creates a hydrating yet oil-balancing blend.

• Ingredients: ½ cucumber, 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• Instructions: Blend ingredients, strain, and store chilled.
• Benefits: Freshens, soothes, cools inflamed or irritated skin.

How to Apply Homemade Toner: Step-By-Step

1. Cleanse: Start with a gentle, oil-free cleanser to remove dirt and makeup.
2. Tone: Pour homemade toner onto a sterile cotton pad and swipe gently across your face.
3. Moisturize: Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer suitable for oily skin.
4. Protect: By day, finish with sunscreen.

Most toners can be used morning and evening. Always use clean hands or applicators, store homemade mixtures in the refrigerator, and discard after one week to avoid bacteria contamination.

Tips To Remember When Using Homemade Toners

• Always patch test: Homemade remedies, especially those with citrus, herbs, or vinegar, may cause irritation or allergic reactions on some skin types.
• Use fresh ingredients: Discard any preparation that looks or smells off to prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
• Avoid overuse: Even gentle toners can cause dryness if applied too often. Stick to 1–2 times daily.
• Sun sensitivity: Ingredients like lemon and apple cider vinegar can increase sun sensitivity. Use sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight after application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it safe to use homemade toners every day?

A: Most homemade toners are safe for daily use. However, always monitor your skin’s reaction and adjust frequency if irritation occurs.

Q: How long can I store homemade toner?

A: Due to the absence of preservatives, homemade toners should be refrigerated and used within one week.

Q: Can I use essential oils in my toner?

A: Yes, but use only a drop or two, and avoid citrus oils during the day due to their photosensitizing effects. Patch-test before widespread use.

Q: Which toner is best for extremely oily, acne-prone skin?

A: Toners with apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, or green tea are ideal as they regulate oil, fight bacteria, and soothe inflammation.

Q: Will using a toner dry out my skin?

A: When properly diluted and balanced with hydrating ingredients, homemade toners generally do not cause excessive dryness. Follow with a light moisturizer.

Conclusion

Creating homemade toners for oily skin is a simple, effective way to embrace natural skincare and regain control over excess oil. With minimal ingredients and maximum freshness, these DIY recipes nurture your skin’s health while minimizing the risks of harsh chemicals. Always remember: patch-test first, use clean containers, and enjoy discovering the perfect blend for your unique skin needs.

Author

Medha DebCommerce Editor

 

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

Read full bio of Medha Deb