How to Make Rosewater Toner

People often say "What's the point of flowers if they die anyway?" but now you can put those wilting florals to good use. Re-purpose your Valentine's Day roses or weekly farmers market bouquet with my homemade toner recipe. If you're obsessed with Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner or Mario Badescu's Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater, then you'll love this! The healing properties and calming effects rose has on skin is unreal.

The Ingredients

Fresh roses

Distilled Water

Witch Hazel

Apple Cider Vinegar

Rose Hip or Rose Otto oil Lavender Tea Tree Oil (or mix lavender and tea tree oil)

Oil Dropper

Small Funnel

Strainer

12 oz. Glass Spray Bottle

24 oz. Bottle

The Rosewater

1. Remove rose petals from the stem and rinse under lukewarm water to remove any debris

2. Add the clean petals to a large pot

3. Fill the large pot with distilled water only until the petals are covered

4. On low heat bring the water to a simmer

5. Let the rose petals simmer until they’re pale pink or colorless

6. Use a strainer to separate the rose petals from the rosewater

7. Discard the rose petals and place the rosewater in a glass jar to cool

8. Refrigerate the leftover rosewater or store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month

The Toner

Use the small funnel to combine the below ingredients in a 12 oz glass bottle:

• 12 tablespoons rose water 

• 4 tablespoons witch hazel 

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 

Then use the oil dropper to add the below ingredients to the 12 oz glass bottle:

• 5–10 drops Rose Hip/Rose Otto Oil (for oily skin use less; for dry skin use more)

• 10 drops Lavender Tea Tree Oil (substitute: 5 drops Lavender Oil + 5 drops Tea Tree Oil)

Shake well to mix all of the ingredients

How To Use It

After cleansing your face, spray the toner directly on or spray it on a cotton round/pad. This also works great as a mid-day refresher; spray it directly onto your skin!

Life Hack: Place cotton rounds or pads in a glass jar then pour the toner over the cotton until it's soaked and place the lid back on the jar. This is especially great for traveling!