I’ve created a fresh smelling DIY toner that has an added punch when it comes to brightening and possibly lightening imperfections in the skin. Using licorice root extract for lightening and blue yarrow essential oil for tightening, this licorice root brightening toner w/ blue yarrow is my new favorite addition to my skin care routine!
Toners tend to be the first beauty product we skimp on and I’m hear to tell you, while it might not typically be the most effective product, it is definitely the most refreshing and luxurious and have great purpose. Making a DIY toner is the best thing you can do because I don’t know about you but when I make a toner, I use it fast because I can’t quit spraying it on my face! Making a DIY toner is much more affordable then buying a bottle every few weeks!
DIY Toner Ingredients
Licorice Root has two pain purposes. It’s first and most important job is to fade imperfections. Studies have shown that it can lighten and even skin tone. I’ve been asked often if I know of a DIY or product that will fade sun and age spots and quite honestly, I’ve used a lot and none of them have faded mine. I’ve been hearing about licorice root for some time now and wanted to give it a try in a DIY. I can’t tell if using this toner has improved my spots but I’ve only used it for a month. I will remake it and continue to use it because naturals almost always take time. The second job of licorice root extract is to sooth the skin.
Blue Yarrow essential oil is known for it’s tightening capabilities. In fact, soldiers in the field during World War I used yarrow to stop bleeding and as an antiseptic to fight infection of their wounds. This not only works for wounds-it’s tightening abilities can have an effect on wrinkles as well! It is also healing and soothing and has been known to relieve skin conditions like eczema. It’s a powerful anti inflammatory which means is will reduce redness and swelling.
Cypress essential oil also has powerful tightening effects on the skin. It also helps relieve water retention in the skin! Cypress is one of my favorite essential oils to add to many anti aging DIYs.
DIY Toner for Brightening
- 1.5 tbsp. Lavandin Hydrosol (find it HERE)
- 2 tbsp. Witch Hazel (find it HERE)
- 1/2 tsp. Licorice Root Extract (find it HERE)
- 8 drops Blue Yarrow Essential Oil (find it HERE)
- 5 drops Cypress Essential Oil (find it HERE)
- 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (find it HERE)
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a 2 oz. glass spray bottle like THIS one.
To Use:
- Spray on the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. Can and should be used morning and night.
Benefits of the Licorice Root DIY Toner:
- Even skin tone
- Possibly fade sun and age spots
- Balance the skin’s pH
- Add hydration
- Help moisturizers penetrate more efficiently
- Kill bacteria
- Accelerate healing
- Sooth and calm skin
- Heal and relieve skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis
Even though this toner hasn’t yet noticeably improved my brown spots, that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. I marvel at how uniquely we are made and how what works for one may not work for another. You don’t know until you try and licorice root extract is cheap-you have really nothing to lose to grab a bottle and incorporate it in this toner.
I think you’ll love this toner. It is currently my favorite part of my skin care routine because this toner is so refreshing and smells so good!
BTW-licorice root does not have a scent-I hate the smell of licorice! Also, if you’re new to DIY skin care-a toner is a great place to start because they are so easy to make and use!
100 Percent Pure has a Spot Remover serum that you might want to try if you don’t want to DIY this. It gets amazing reviews. I have tried it and seen no fading-my skin must be really stubborn so don’t go by me solely!
Have you found a brown spot remedy? PLEASE share even if it’s not natural!
xx, Jenni
Hi does this need polysorbate for the hydrosol and oils to mix, also does this require a preservative?
Naz-I don’t like adding non necessary ingredients so I personally don’t use anything to emulsify essential oils into a water based product. The slight separation does not bother me. Because I’m not using water, I don’t add a preservative but I also don’t hold on to water based products for more then 1-2 months. If you’d like to prolong the shelf life you could add a preservative but using it daily and sticking to 2 ounces and under, I believe you should be fine.