I have always been a fan of using toners as a part of my skincare routine. They make my skin feel refreshed, balanced, and ready for the day. One of my favorite toners, especially when my skin feels sensitive, is the cucumber aloe vera toner. The cooling effect of cucumber combined with the soothing properties of aloe vera works wonders in calming any redness or irritation.

Toners are essential because they help remove any leftover impurities after cleansing, tighten pores, and restore the skin’s natural pH balance. I love how my skin feels hydrated and revitalized after using this toner, and the gentle ingredients make it perfect for my sensitive skin.

This homemade skin toner is a versatile addition to my skincare routine, adapting perfectly to different seasons. During the hot summer months, the cucumber provides a refreshing and cooling sensation, helping to soothe sunburns and reduce inflammation. In the colder months, aloe vera steps up with its hydrating and healing properties, combating the dryness and sensitivity that often comes with winter weather.

I like to apply this toner right after cleansing my face, using a cotton pad to gently swipe it across my skin, ensuring any residual dirt or cleanser is removed. This toner maintains the skin’s moisture barrier by deeply hydrating and locking in moisture, preventing dryness or flakiness. The combination of cucumber and aloe vera helps restore the skin’s natural pH balance, making it an ideal choice for sensitive skin.

Cucumber Aloe Vera Toner

Makes About 8 Ounces 

Ingredients

• 1 medium cucumber
• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel (fresh or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel (optional for extra astringency)
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil (optional for fragrance)

Directions

1. Peel and chop the cucumber into small pieces.
2. Blend the cucumber pieces until smooth. You can use a blender or food processor.
3. Strain the cucumber puree through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to extract the juice. You should get about 1/2 cup of cucumber juice.
4. In a bowl, mix the cucumber juice with the aloe vera gel, distilled water, and witch hazel (if using).
5. Add the lavender essential oil (if using) and mix well.
6. Pour the mixture into a clean, sterilized bottle. This recipe will yield approximately 8 ounces of toner.

How to Use

1. After cleansing your face, shake the bottle well to ensure the ingredients are mixed.
2. Apply a small amount of toner to a cotton pad.
3. Gently swipe the cotton pad over your face, avoiding the eye area.
4. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store the homemade skin toner in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Due to the natural ingredients, it’s best to use this toner within 7-10 days. Discard any remaining toner after this period to ensure you are using fresh, effective ingredients.