Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO. Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
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Green tea has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.[1] It also contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, which can soothe skin. Green tea may be beneficial for a wide range of skin problems and for your skin’s general health. You can easily make a toner using freshly brewed green tea to gain these benefits. Add optional ingredients to customize your toner and use it twice daily for best results.
Ingredients
- 1 green tea bag or 1 teaspoon (5 g) of loose green tea
- 8 fl oz (240 mL) of boiling water
- 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of lemon juice (optional)
- 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of honey (optional)
- 2 fl oz (59 mL) of apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of witch hazel (optional)
- 3-5 drops of vitamin E oil (optional)
- 30 drops of tea tree oil (optional)
- 30 drops of lavender oil (optional)
Makes approximately 8–10 fl oz (240–300 mL) of toner
Steps
Add 1 green tea bag or 1 teaspoon (5 g) of loose green tea to a mug. Use plain green tea and unwrap the bag. Then, place the bag into the mug. If you’re using loose leaf tea, measure out the tea and add it directly to the mug.[2]- You may use regular or organic green tea, if desired.
Pour 8 fl oz (240 mL) of boiling water over the tea. Bring the water to a boil in a tea kettle or in the microwave in a microwave safe container. Then, pour the water over the tea.[3]- You may use filtered water or tap water.
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Steep the tea for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir the tea bag or leaves around after you first add the water, and then allow the tea to sit undisturbed for the rest of the steeping time.[4]- If needed, you may steep the tea for up to 10 minutes. Since you won’t be drinking it, you don’t have to worry about it becoming bitter.
Tip: While the tea is steeping, prepare any additional ingredients you want to add, such as cutting and juicing a lemon or measuring out the witch hazel.
- Transfer the tea to an air-tight container that can hold 8 fl oz (240 mL). If you are using loose green tea leaves, pour the tea through a strainer or coffee filter directly into an air-tight container. If you used a teabag, grasp the string and pull out the teabag. Then, pour the liquid into your container.[5]
- If you plan to add other ingredients, use an airtight container than can hold 10 fl oz (300 mL) or more.
- You may also use a small, clean spray bottle to store the green tea toner.
Tip: If you’re transferring the green tea to a spray bottle or other container with a narrow opening, use a funnel. Place the funnel over the opening of the container and pour the liquid through it.
- Add 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of lemon juice for skin-brightening benefits. Purchase a fresh lemon in a grocery store, cut it in half, and squeeze the juice from it for fresh-squeeze lemon juice. You can also find containers of preserved lemon juice in small plastic bottles in the produce section of many grocery stores, but fresh lemon juice is best. Measure out the lemon juice and add it directly to the container with your green tea. Then, place the lid or cap on the container and shake well to combine the ingredients.[6]
- Lemon juice helps to brighten your skin tone, so this may be a good option if your skin has been looking dull or if you have age spots.
- Pour in 2 fl oz (59 mL) of apple cider vinegar for pH balancing effects. You can purchase apple cider vinegar in a grocery store or online. Stir the apple cider vinegar in with the green tea, and then replace the lid on the container.[7]
- Use regular or raw apple cider vinegar if you prefer.
- Apple cider vinegar will help to balance the pH of your skin and gently exfoliate it as well.
- Stir in 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of honey for anti-aging benefits. Make sure to add the honey while the tea is still warm or it may not blend well. You can use regular honey or a special honey, such as manuka honey, for extra anti-aging benefits. Keep stirring until the honey is completely dissolved in the green tea.[8]
Mix in 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of witch hazel for a stronger astringent. Pour the witch hazel into the jar or spray bottle, replace the cap, and shake the container to combine the ingredients. Witch hazel helps to cleanse your pores and balance the pH of your skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it may help to reduce any redness or puffiness in your face.[9]- You can purchase witch hazel in the first aid section of most drug and grocery stores.
- Keep in mind that some types of witch hazel contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin. Check the labels on any witch hazel you purchase to ensure that it’s alcohol-free.
- Add 3-5 drops of vitamin E oil to soothe irritated skin. You can purchase vitamin E oil or vitamin E filled capsules in the supplements section of a grocery store. Add the drops or break open a capsule and add it to the container or spray bottle. Replace the lid and shake well before using.[10]
- This will add moisturizing properties to the toner, so it’s a good option if your skin is dry or sensitive.
- Include up to 30 drops of tea tree oil for a natural acne treatment. You can purchase tea tree oil in the beauty supply section of many grocery stores or online. Add the drops and then replace the lid on the jar or spray bottle. Shake well to combine the ingredients.[11]
- Tea tree oil is a potent ingredient for acne-prone skin.
- Don't use more than the recommended number of drops as this may irritate your skin.
Tip: Note that the ingredients will separate as the toner sits, so shake the toner right before using it each time. This will help to ensure that the ingredients are distributed evenly.
Mix in up to 30 drops of lavender oil for a relaxing scent. Purchase lavender essential oil in a grocery store or online. Add the desired amount of drops to the container, but don’t exceed 30 drops as too much of the oil can irritate your skin. Then, replace the lid and shake well.[12]- Lavender has a calming scent, so this might be a good option to make your facial cleansing routine more relaxing.
Allow the green tea to cool before using it. The tea will be very hot right after you brew it. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour to ensure that it is no longer hot. To speed up the cooling process, place the container into the refrigerator. It’s safe to use once it is lukewarm or cool.
Store your toner in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The toner will keep longer if you keep it cold, so place the container in your refrigerator. Keeping the toner chilled will also make it feel more refreshing when you use it.- If you don’t want to keep your toner in the refrigerator, plan to make a new batch once every 3 days.
Wash your face before applying the toner. Wet your face with warm water and work a gentle cleanser around your skin with your fingertips. Then, rinse your face thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean, dry towel.- Apply your homemade green tea toner with a cotton ball or spray bottle. If you transferred the toner to a jar or other air-tight container, dip a cotton ball into it and rub the wet cotton ball across your face. Rub the green tea all over your face except for your eyelids. If you are using a spray bottle, just close your eyes and spritz your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin with the green tea toner.[13]
- Repeat this twice daily after washing your face.
Tip: Do not rinse the toner off of your skin after you apply it! It needs to stay on your face to be effective.
- Moisturize your skin as usual after applying the green tea toner. Make sure to apply facial lotion to your skin immediately after using the toner, while your skin is still a little damp. This will help to lock in moisture and make your skin feel soft and supple.[14]
- Keep in mind that toner is not a substitute for moisturizer, even if you added vitamin E oil to it.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow does green tea improve skin?
Barbie RitzmanBarbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.
Beauty & Skincare SpecialistGreen tea fights free radicals and boosts overall skin hydration. It contains several vitamins, including vitamin E, which provides long-lasting moisture for a visibly youthful, smoother-looking, and glowing complexion. - QuestionWhy is green tea good as a toner?Barbie RitzmanBarbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.
Beauty & Skincare SpecialistGreen tea works wonders as a toner because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial qualities. It also fights free radicals, boosts overall skin hydration, and contains several vitamins that help improve the moisture barrier. - QuestionCan I use a replacement for tea and witch oil?
Community AnswerIf you don't want to use tea, then this isn't the article for you. Obviously you can't make green tea toner without green tea. You can always buy a toner at a store, or you could use a natural product like rose water as a toner.
Tips
Warnings
- Test the toner on a small area of your arm to check for allergic reactions before applying it to your face.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Mug
- Measuring cup and spoons
- Air-tight container or small spray bottle
- Cotton balls
- Funnel (optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10926734
- ↑ https://homemadeforelle.com/homemade-green-tea-toner/
- ↑ https://homemadeforelle.com/homemade-green-tea-toner/
- ↑ https://homemadeforelle.com/homemade-green-tea-toner/
- ↑ https://homemadeforelle.com/homemade-green-tea-toner/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801997/
- ↑ https://livingthenourishedlife.com/diy-toner-for-acne-and-oily-skin/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305429
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834722/
About This Article
Green tea toner may help reduce inflammation and redness, prevent acne, and brighten your complexion. To make your own green tea toner, first add 1 cup (240 mL) of water to a small pot. Then, bring the water to a boil. Steep 1 bag of green tea in the boiling water for 15 minutes. Let the tea cool, then pour it into a glass spritz bottle. Add 30 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil, shake thoroughly, and you’re done! You can use 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of witch hazel instead of essential oil if you’d like. To use your green tea toner, spray it on your face after washing it and allow it to dry. For more tips, including how long to keep your green tea toner for, read on!
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