DIY Natural Toners: 3 Easy Recipes Using Cloves, Rice, and Flaxseeds

If your skincare shelf is full of toners packed with alcohol, fragrance, and ingredients you can’t pronounce, it might be time to go back to basics. Cloves, rice, and flaxseeds are pantry staples that have been used for generations to soothe, brighten, and balance the skin — and you probably already have them at home.

In this guide, you’ll find three simple, natural toner recipes: a clove-infused toner for acne-prone skin, a rice water toner for brightening, and a flaxseed gel toner for hydration. Each one is quick to make, free of harsh chemicals, and gentle enough for regular use.

Quick Recipe Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Process Time (steeping/soaking): 20–30 minutes
• Total Time: 30–40 minutes
• Yield (Servings): Approximately 3–4 uses per 100 ml batch, per recipe
• Shelf Life: 5–7 days refrigerated
• Skin Type: Suitable for most skin types (patch test recommended)

Why These Three Ingredients?

Cloves

Cloves contain eugenol, a natural compound known for its antibacterial and soothing properties, making clove toner a good option for oily or blemish-prone skin.

Rice

Rice water is rich in starch and antioxidants, which many people use to help even out skin tone and add a light, refreshed feel to the complexion.

Flaxseeds

When soaked, flaxseeds release a natural gel called mucilage. This gel is prized for its ability to lock in moisture, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Ingredients

1. Clove Toner (for oily/acne-prone skin)

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves (about 5–6 cloves)
• 1 cup (240 ml) distilled water
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel (optional, for extra astringency)

2. Rice Water Toner (for brightening)

• ½ cup (100 g) uncooked white or brown rice
• 1½ cups (360 ml) distilled water
• 2–3 drops rosewater (optional, for fragrance)

3. Flaxseed Gel Toner (for hydration)

• 2 tablespoons whole flaxseeds
• 1 cup (240 ml) distilled water
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (optional, for added soothing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Clove Toner

1. Bring 1 cup of distilled water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Remove from heat and add the whole cloves.
3. Cover and let steep for 20–25 minutes, allowing the water to cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle.
5. Stir in witch hazel if using.
6. Seal the bottle and refrigerate.

Making the Rice Water Toner

1. Rinse the rice once under cool water to remove surface dust, then drain.
2. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl with 1½ cups of distilled water.
3. Let it soak at room temperature for 30 minutes, swirling occasionally so the water turns cloudy white.
4. Strain the rice water into a clean glass bottle, discarding the rice (or save it for cooking).
5. Add rosewater if desired and stir gently.
6. Refrigerate before use.

Making the Flaxseed Gel Toner

1. Add the flaxseeds to a small saucepan with 1 cup of distilled water.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the water thickens into a light gel-like consistency.
4. Remove from heat and strain through a cheesecloth or fine sieve into a bowl, pressing lightly to extract the gel.
5. Let it cool completely, then stir in aloe vera gel if using.
6. Transfer to a clean glass bottle and refrigerate.

Cooking (Preparation) Tips

• Always use distilled or cooled boiled water to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into your toner.
• Sterilize your glass bottles with boiling water before filling them, which helps extend shelf life.
• Use a cotton pad or spray bottle to apply toner evenly across clean skin.
• Store toners away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve their freshness.
• Label each bottle with the date it was made so you know when to discard it.

Notes

• These toners are meant to be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
• Because they contain no preservatives, they have a shorter shelf life than store-bought toners — refrigeration is essential.
• A patch test on your inner arm 24 hours before facial use is recommended, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Variations

• Green Tea Twist: Replace half the water in any recipe with brewed and cooled green tea for extra antioxidants.
• Cucumber Cool-Down: Blend a few cucumber slices into the rice water before straining for a cooling effect.
• Lavender Calm: Add a drop of lavender essential oil to the clove toner for a relaxing scent (dilute well, as essential oils are potent).
• Aloe Boost: Increase the aloe vera gel in the flaxseed toner for an extra-hydrating version suited to very dry skin.

Storage Instructions

Store all toners in clean, airtight glass bottles in the refrigerator. Because these recipes contain no synthetic preservatives, they should be used within 5–7 days. Discard immediately if you notice any change in smell, color, or texture.

Key Ingredient Benefits (Per Use)

Since these are topical skincare recipes rather than food, standard nutrition facts don’t apply. Instead, here’s a quick look at what each ingredient may offer your skin per application:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use tap water instead of distilled water? Distilled or boiled-and-cooled water is recommended because it’s free of minerals and impurities that can affect shelf life and skin compatibility.

2. How often should I use these toners? Most people use a natural toner once or twice daily, after cleansing. Start with once a day if you have sensitive skin.

3. Can I mix all three ingredients into one toner? Yes, you can combine small amounts of clove-infused water, rice water, and flaxseed gel, though it’s best to introduce one new ingredient at a time to monitor how your skin reacts.

4. Is rice water toner suitable for oily skin? Yes, rice water is lightweight and non-greasy, making it a good option for oily and combination skin types.

5. Why does my flaxseed toner feel slightly sticky? This is normal and comes from the natural mucilage in flaxseeds. If it feels too tacky, dilute it with a little extra water.

6. Can I freeze these toners to extend shelf life? Freezing in ice cube trays is an option for the rice water and flaxseed toner; thaw a small portion as needed rather than refreezing.

7. Are these toners safe for sensitive skin? They’re generally gentle, but always patch test first, and skip added essential oils or witch hazel if your skin is easily irritated.

Conclusion

Making your own toner at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With cloves, rice, and flaxseeds — three ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen — you can create simple, natural formulas that support clearer, brighter, and better-hydrated skin. Give one (or all three) a try, and enjoy a skincare routine that’s as fresh as it is effective.