3 Ingredient DIY Rosemary Cedarwood Facial Toner

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Every so often, a little rosemary plant finds a new purpose. When my dad gifted me a small potted rosemary, I knew I wouldn’t use it in the kitchen—I’m one of those rare folks who loves the smell of fresh rosemary, but not the flavor. But I couldn’t let it go to waste. As someone who lives life from scratch, especially when it comes to skincare, I started wondering: could rosemary be the upgrade my basic witch hazel toner needed? Turns out, yes. Big time yes. Let me introduce you to this 3-ingredient facial toner that I’ve grown to love. It’s incredibly simple, refreshingly effective, and filled with natural goodness for your skin.

One sprig of fresh rosemary next to an amber dropper bottle and overlaid with the recipe name.

Why Make a DIY Facial Toner?

Facial toner helps:

- Balance your skin’s pH after cleansing

- Gently tighten pores

- Refresh and prep skin for moisturizing

Many store-bought toners are full of alcohols and synthetic fragrances that can dry or irritate your skin. This DIY alternative skips all that and leans into soothing, plant-based ingredients that nourish your skin—especially if you’re prone to breakouts, oiliness, or mild inflammation.

Benefits of Each Ingredient

🌿 Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a natural astringent made from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub. It’s known to:

- Gently tone and tighten skin

- Soothe inflammation

- Help manage excess oil

Its mild antibacterial and antioxidant properties make it ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin. 1 👉 Want to make your own witch hazel extract? Click the photo below and learn how!

Homemade DIY Witch Hazel Recipe - from Pronounce Skincare & Herbal Boutique

🌱 Rosemary

Rosemary is more than a culinary herb. It contains antioxidants like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which may support:

- Improved circulation to the skin

- Reduced appearance of puffiness

- Enhanced skin clarity

The aroma can also improve focus and mood, offering a mini aromatherapy boost while you tone. 2

🌲 Cedarwood Essential Oil

Steam-distilled from cedarwood, this essential oil brings:

- Natural astringent properties (great for oily skin)

- Antibacterial and antifungal support

- A grounding, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with rosemary

Some early studies suggest it may also help with skin clarity and irritation. 3

One sprig of rosemary and one amber dropper bottle.

DIY Rosemary Cedarwood Facial Toner Recipe

A refreshing, woodsy DIY facial toner made with rosemary-infused witch hazel and cedarwood essential oil. Gently tones, soothes, and preps skin for moisturizing.

Keyword: 3 ingredient toner, cedarwood toner, natural toner recipe, witch hazel facial toner

Equipment

Wide-mouth mason jar (for steeping)
Strainer or cheesecloth
Clean glass jar or bottle (for finished toner)
Label for the finished product

Materials

¼ cup rosemary leaves - dried
¾ cup witch hazel extract - homemade or store-bought
30 drops cedarwood essential oil - optional: add 10 more drops for stronger scent

Instructions

Add ¾ cup witch hazel over the rosemary. Seal tightly.
Infuse for 2 weeks. Store the jar in a cool, dark spot. Shake daily if you remember.
After 2 weeks, strain out the rosemary and pour the infused liquid into a new clean jar.
Stir in 30 drops of cedarwood essential oil (or up to 40 drops if you prefer a stronger scent).
Label your bottle and keep in a cool spot. Store in the fridge to extend shelf life.

Notes

See below for storage, substitutions, FAQs, and more!

🌼 Substitutions & Variations

- No cedarwood? Try lavender or tea tree essential oil for their calming or clarifying effects.

- No rosemary? Calendula or thyme can offer similar antioxidant and skin-supportive benefits.

- Need more hydration? Add a splash of aloe vera juice or vegetable glycerin (about 1 tsp) to the finished toner.

🧊 Storage Tips & Shelf Life

- Storage: Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate.

- Shelf Life: Best used within 1–2 months if refrigerated, or up to 4 weeks at room temperature.

- Signs it’s gone bad: Change in smell, color, or presence of cloudiness or mold.

Want a longer shelf life? Consider adding a natural preservative like leucidal liquid (check usage rates with your supplier).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this toner daily?

Absolutely. It’s gentle enough for daily use on most skin types. If you’re new to essential oils or have very sensitive skin, try a patch test first.

Can I use fresh (not dried) rosemary?

You can, but it will shorten the shelf life. If using fresh, be sure to store your toner in the fridge and use within 2 weeks.

What skin type is this good for?

This toner is especially helpful for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types, thanks to its astringent and clarifying ingredients. That said, normal skin will also enjoy its refreshing feel and light hydration.

🧖‍♀️✨ More Top Face Recipes

Final Thoughts

Simple, effective, and beautifully aromatic—this 3-ingredient toner has become one of my favorite daily rituals. It’s a quick DIY that feels luxurious and grounding, with real benefits for your skin. Let me know if you make it! I’d love to hear what oil or herb combos you try. 💚

Comments 2

Kim Simons
May 19, 2019 at 12:25 am

I have severe allergies and rheumatoid arthritis since my early years. Anyways turning 50 very soon and I want to make some healthy choices.

1. Post
  Author
  
  Jess Healey
  June 21, 2019 at 4:35 pm
  
  Good for you! I hope your healthy choices lead to less allergies and arthritis. 🙂