We’ve all heard how healthy green tea is, with all those antioxidants! So I’ve been drinking it more. But I didn’t realize until lately that it’s also good for your skin, since it has vitamins C and E in it, and makes a great skin toner. I’ve tried making it several different ways, and they’ve all worked well for me. My skin tends to be on dry side, so if you have very oily skin, I’m not sure how well these recipes would work for you. But it’s worth a try–the cost is so minimal to make these, you really don’t have anything to lose! And I like the idea of making my own natural, chemical-free, preservative-free skin care products when I can.
You do have to keep the toner refrigerated, and you can use it for up to 7 days before you need to toss any that’s leftover and make a new batch. That may sound like some extra work, but green tea toner is so easy to make, it’s really no trouble at all! These recipes call for 1/4 cup water, which may not seem like much, but it’s always been more than enough toner for me for one week. You can always double the recipe if you think you’ll need a little more toner. Also, the toner will look cloudy once it’s refrigerated, but that’s just what the tea does–it’s fine to use!
I keep the toner I make in a small (4-oz.) brown glass bottle that used to have Vanilla Extract in it–I saved the bottle and removed the label, and it’s the perfect size for my toner! Even a 2-oz. bottle would probably be big enough. My 4-oz. bottle takes up very little room in the refrigerator and it’s a very handy size to hold as I’m applying the toner.
Here are the three green tea toner recipes…
Basic Green Tea Toner
BASIC GREEN TEA TONER by NancyC, adapted from howstuffworks.com
- 1/4 cup water (use filtered if you have it)
- 1 green tea bag, preferably organic (or 1 teaspoon organic green tea leaves)
Bring water to a boil (I just boil it in the microwave in a microwave-safe measuring cup–that makes it easier to pour the toner into the bottle I store it in). Remove from heat.
Place the tea bag or tea leaves in the boiling water, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove tea bag (or leaves) and let tea cool.
Pour the tea into a small bottle with a tight-fitting cap or lid, or pour into a small spray bottle (if you want to use it as a spritzer). Refrigerate until ready to use.
To use, wash your face with your favorite cleanser and pat dry. Apply green tea toner generously on your face with a cotton ball, or spritz it on. Let the toner dry on your face–don’t rinse off. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
Use morning and night. Keep toner refrigerated and use for up to 7 days before making a new batch.
Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com
Green Tea Lemon Toner
GREEN TEA LEMON TONER by NancyC, adapted from justapinch.com
The lemon juice and witch hazel make this good for oily skin 
- 1 organic green tea bag (or 1 teaspoon organic green tea leaves)
- 1/4 cup boiling water (you can use filtered water or mineral water if you have it)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 to 2 teaspoons witch hazel (optional–this is good to add if you have oily skin)
Bring water to a boil, and remove from heat.
Place the tea bag or tea leaves in the boiling water, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove tea bag (or leaves) and let tea cool.
After tea has cooled, add the lemon juice (and witch hazel, if using), and mix ingredients together.
Pour the tea mixture into a small bottle with a tight-fitting cap or lid, or pour into a small spray bottle (if you want to use it as a spritzer). Refrigerate until ready to use.
To use, wash your face with your favorite cleanser and pat dry. Apply green tea toner generously on your face with a cotton ball, or spritz it on. Let the toner dry on your face–don’t rinse off. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
Use morning and night. Keep toner refrigerated and use for up to 7 days before making a new batch.
Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com
Tea Tree and Vitamin E Green Tea Toner
TEA TREE AND VITAMIN E GREEN TEA TONER by NancyC, adapted from glowingskintips.com
The tea tree and vitamin E oils make this good for dry skin. You’ll need an eyedropper for adding the oils to the toner. 
- 1 organic green tea bag (or 1 teaspoon organic green tea leaves)
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 2 drops tea tree oil
- 1 drop vitamin E oil
Bring water to a boil, and remove from heat.
Place the tea bag or tea leaves in the boiling water, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove tea bag (or leaves) and let tea cool.
After tea has cooled, add the tea tree and vitamin E oils. Mix ingredients together well.
Pour the tea mixture into a small bottle with a tight-fitting cap or lid. Refrigerate until ready to use.
To use, wash your face with your favorite cleanser and pat dry. Apply green tea toner generously on your face with a cotton ball (shake bottle slightly before using). Let the toner dry on your face–don’t rinse off. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
Use morning and night. Keep toner refrigerated and use for up to 7 days before making a new batch.
Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com
Have you made your own toner before? Do you have a favorite recipe for it?
NancyC 
I think they must feel great on your skin! So fresh and clean.
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Yes, they do feel good!
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I love the natural ingredients in skin care–great post!
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Thanks, Susan! 🙂
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