There’s something comforting about mixing your own skincare. Maybe it’s the soft steam rising from the pot, or just the quiet feeling that you’re taking care of yourself without buying another expensive product. This simple face toner does exactly that. It’s natural. No preservatives. No fragrance. Just ingredients your kitchen already knows — cloves, bay leaves, and lemon zest.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. It’s not medical advice. Always consult a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional before trying new skincare remedies.
Why Natural Toners Matter
Skin doesn’t ask for much. But it does need balance.
A toner helps bring that back after cleansing — it removes traces of oil, dirt, and leftover cleanser. It also preps your face for moisture.
Many store-bought toners use alcohol or synthetic fragrance. Those dry the skin and sometimes make acne worse.
A homemade one doesn’t. It keeps your skin calm and clear.
Ingredients Breakdown
Cloves
Tiny but powerful. Cloves contain eugenol, which helps fight acne-causing bacteria.
They also have antioxidants that fade dark marks over time. The scent is strong, almost spicy. It lingers for a second then fades.
Bay Leaves
Usually you throw them in soup. But for your skin, they’re quietly useful.
Bay leaves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
They help reduce small bumps, those annoying little ones around the chin or forehead.
Some people notice their skin looks more even after a few days.
Lemon Zest
Bright, sharp, a little bit wild. Lemon zest brings citric acid and vitamin C — both lighten pigmentation and acne scars.
It’s gentler than raw lemon juice, just enough to help with dullness without irritation.
How to Make It
This recipe takes less than 10 minutes.
You’ll need:
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1 cup of water
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4–5 cloves
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2 bay leaves
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Zest of one lemon
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Boil the water in a clean pot.
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Add the cloves, bay leaves, and lemon zest.
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Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let it cool fully.
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Strain into a clean glass bottle.
Keep it in the fridge. Use within 5 days. No preservatives, remember that.
How to Use It
Apply twice a day — morning and night.
Use a cotton pad or your hands, whatever feels right.
It’s light, not sticky, dries fast.
You’ll feel your skin tighten slightly. That’s normal.
Give it a week or two. Improvement happens slowly. Then one morning, the mirror feels different.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Don’t keep it too long. It spoils after a few days.
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Always store it in the fridge.
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Do a patch test before using on your face.
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Don’t apply on broken or inflamed skin.
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If you feel a mild tingle — fine. If it stings, wash off right away.
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Sensitive skin? Skip half the lemon zest or simmer for less time.
Some people add a drop of tea tree oil or witch hazel, but that’s optional. Keep it simple first.
What the Science Says
Clove oil’s eugenol is known for antimicrobial effects — research shows it helps fight Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria linked to acne.
Bay leaf extract shows anti-inflammatory potential in small studies.
Lemon peel brings phenolic compounds and vitamin C that brighten skin and reduce oxidative stress.
Still, these effects are mild in homemade versions. Concentrations vary, and results depend on your skin type.
This toner isn’t magic. It’s support. Gentle, steady, real.
Final Thoughts
Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. A pot, some herbs, and a bit of patience.
The process itself can be part of the healing.
You’re not just mixing ingredients. You’re building a small ritual that reminds you to care for yourself.
Small steps, big difference. That’s how skin gets better. Slowly, honestly.
