Do you use toner? I'll admit that toner is the first thing I skip in my beauty routine when I’m tired or in a hurry. But it's so easy to make your own toner that I keep coming back to it again and again.
Using toner helps equalize the skin’s pH level after cleansing, as well as remove any leftover makeup or cleanser residue. And combining the antioxidant power of green tea and pomegranate juice gives your skin extra rejuvenating benefits. You can also apply this green tea toner throughout the day for an additional moisture boost!
Benefits of Green Tea for Skin
It's no surprise that we're fans of homemade green tea beauty recipes. Green tea has been shown to reduce sun damage and eye wrinkles, and its natural anti-inflammatory properties soothe skin inflammation and redness [source].
The molecule responsible for green tea's amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities is a catechin—specifically, one called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) [source]. You'll find this ingredient highlighted in a lot of green tea-based skincare products, but you don't need to buy one that’s premade to benefit from this naturally potent antioxidant!
How to Make a Green Tea Toner
Brewing tea: Brew green tea using 1 tea bag in 1 cup of hot water for 2–3 minutes to maximize the antioxidants. Then let cool and strain.
Make small batches: Start with ¼ cup of green tea mixed with an equal amount of additional liquid (it varies by recipe). Drink the remaining ¾ cup of tea!
Storage: Keep your toner recipe refrigerated since the ingredients are all natural. They're healthy, but they won't last as long without commercial preservatives.
Use within 2 weeks: Even if you can’t tell if it's gone off, making a fresh batch after a few weeks is the best way to ensure that you're getting the most of these amazing natural antioxidants.
Aging Skin? Protect with Pomegranate + Green Tea Toner
Pomegranate juice is another powerful antioxidant that your skin will love [source], especially if you're concerned with aging. It's naturally rich in phenols (aka plant-based antioxidants) that show promising anti-aging results for the skin [source].
Pomegranate increases collagen production and promotes skin cell regeneration [source], both of which slow down the formation of wrinkles. Sign me up!
Look for 100% pure pomegranate juice, or make your own from a fresh pomegranate. The fresh fruit is better, in my opinion, but store-bought natural pomegranate juice will do in a pinch.
Ingredients
—¼ cup organic green tea, cooled
—⅛ cup pure pomegranate juice
—⅛ cup filtered water
—4-ounce lidded glass jar or mister bottle
Instructions
1. Steep a green tea bag in hot water.
2. While the tea is cooling, dilute pure pomegranate juice with equal parts water.
3. Discard the tea bag and combine the green tea with the diluted pomegranate juice.
4. Give it a good shake to ensure that everything is well blended. If you want to use this as a facial mist, skip the cotton ball and pour the toner into a small mister bottle.
(If you'd prefer to keep things simple, there's no need to buy these ingredients separately. Instead, just look for an organic green tea with pomegranate already in it, like this one.)
Sensitive skin? Soothe with Green Tea + Cucumber Toner
Blended brewed green tea with cucumber juice has a soothing and de-puffing effect.
Ingredients
—Brewed organic green tea
—Cucumber juice
Instructions
1. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool down. In a blender, blend cucumber slices to extract the juice.
2. In a clean container, combine equal parts brewed green tea and cucumber juice. Stir well to ensure they are mixed thoroughly.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bottle and refrigerate. Use within 7–10 days.
4. To use, apply the chilled toner to a cotton pad and gently dab it on puffy areas of the skin.
Dry skin? Hydrate with Green Tea + Rosewater Toner
Brewed green tea, rosewater, and a few drops of vitamin E oil work together to create a toner that helps tighten pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Ingredients
—Brewed organic green tea
—Rosewater
—Vitamin E oil
Instructions
1. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool down. In a clean container, combine equal parts brewed green tea and rosewater.
2. Add a few drops of vitamin E oil and stir well.
3. Transfer the toner to a bottle and store in the refrigerator. Use within 10 days.
4. Apply the toner to your face using a cotton pad after cleansing, focusing on areas with fine lines and pores for a tightening and anti-wrinkle effect.
Redness? Green Tea Toner with Aloe Vera + Chamomile
Brewed green tea mixed with aloe vera gel and chamomile essential oil makes a great combination for a soothing toner that reduces redness.
Ingredients
—Brewed organic green tea
—Aloe vera gel
—5 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
Instructions
1. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool down. In a clean container, combine equal parts brewed green tea and aloe vera gel.
2. Add chamomile essential oil, and stir well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. Transfer the toner to a bottle and store in the refrigerator. Use within 10 days.
4. After cleansing, apply the toner to your face using a cotton pad or by gently patting it onto the skin. The toner will help reduce redness and provide soothing benefits.
Discoloration? Lighten with ACV + Green Tea Toner
Brewed green tea, apple cider vinegar, and witch hazel are combined for a toner that helps balance skin tone and reduce discoloration.
Ingredients
—Brewed organic green tea
—Apple cider vinegar
—Alcohol-free witch hazel
Instructions
1. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool down. In a clean container, combine equal parts brewed green tea, apple cider vinegar, and witch hazel.
2. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Transfer the toner to a bottle and store in the refrigerator. Use it within 10 days.
3. After cleansing, apply the toner to your face using a cotton pad or by gently patting it onto the skin.
Acne-Prone Skin? Mist with Green Tea + Lavender Oil
Combine brewed green tea, witch hazel, and a few drops of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle for a refreshing and acne-fighting mist.
Ingredients
—Brewed organic green tea
—Alcohol-free witch hazel
—5 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
1. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool down. In a clean spray bottle, combine equal parts brewed green tea and witch hazel.
2. Add the drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture. Close the spray bottle and shake well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Store the bottle in a cool place and use within 10 days. Use the mist by spritzing it onto your face as needed.
You can also DIY this Cucumber + Green Tea Body Spray—perfect for hot days!
How to Apply Green Tea Toner
1. Start by cleansing your face and removing any lingering dirt and makeup.
2. Gently pat your skin dry and apply your toner. One of the most refreshing ways to apply toner is to spritz it all over your face and neck. You can also store your toner in a jar and apply it using a cotton ball.
3. Let the toner sink in for several minutes before applying the remaining items in your beauty routine, such as serum and moisturizer.
4. Use the toner 1–2 times a day, in the morning and evening. This green tea toner also makes a great midday pick-me-up if you'd like to freshen skin or keep makeup from looking cakey.
5. Keeping it cold in the fridge is a great cooling hack in the summer, too. If you're feeling a little too warm, a little spritz of this is the perfect skin refresher on a hot day.
Green Tea Toner FAQ
What else can I use besides pomegranate juice?
You can use pomegranate tea (make sure to choose an organic brand to keep toxins to a minimum!) or a teaspoon of pomegranate powder.
Can I add an oil to my toner for extra moisture?
Yes, although the oil won't completely blend with the toner, so you'll need to give it a good shake every time you use it. I recommend jojoba, carrot seed, or rose hip seed oil since they have regenerative properties. You can also try a little pomegranate seed oil for an extra dose of pomegranate nutrients.
How can I make this toner stay fresh longer?
Since it's water-based, this toner will only last a couple of weeks in the fridge. If you can't use it that quickly, pour the toner into an ice cube tray and freeze it in smaller portions. Remove one ice cube at a time, let it melt, then pour it into your spray bottle and use as usual.
You can also add a natural, broad-spectrum preservative if you would like it to last longer at room temperature.
Can I leave green tea on my face overnight?
Green tea and pomegranate are gentle enough for extended use, so leaving this toner on overnight shouldn't be an issue. If you start to notice redness or irritation, use it less often or for less time to give your skin a break. Or you could just add more water, so your toner isn't quite as strong.
Is green tea toner good for oily skin?
Yes! The tannins in green tea have astringent properties, which can help shrink pores and reduce oil production.
References (in order of appearance):
1. Prasanth MI, et al. A review of the role of green tea (Camellia sinensis) in antiphotoaging, stress resistance, neuroprotection, and autophagy. Nutrients. 2019.
2. Ohishi T, et al. Anti-inflammatory action of green tea. Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem. 2016.
3. Kalaycioğlu Z, et al. Total phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and bioactive ingredients of juices from pomegranate cultivars worldwide. Food Chem. 2017.
4. Baccarin T, et al. Potential application of nanoemulsions for skin delivery of pomegranate peel polyphenols. AAPS PharmSciTech. 2017.
5. Lukiswanto BS, et al. Evaluation of wound healing potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum) whole fruit extract on skin burn wound in rats (Rattus norvegicus). J Adv Vet Anim Res. 2019.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has more than 20 years of practice experience. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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