Apple Cider Vinegar Facial Toner

May 10, 2012

What isn’t apple cider vinegar good for? For real, this stuff is probably the answer to world hunger (or maybe this is, but I don’t pretend to know for sure). In the world of natural beauty sans toxic chemicals, apple cider vinegar makes an incredible facial toner.

Apple cider vinegar is naturally antiseptic and antibacterial, plus it helps balance the pH of your skin (which is actually supposed to be slightly acidic). I use this after I wash my face with honey. The smell is a bit potent at first, but don’t be dismayed! You won’t walk around smelling like a salad all day. The smell quickly dissipates. You can add different ingredients like brewed green tea or herbs to mask the smell, but it doesn’t really bother me. As easy as it is to make (which you’ll see below), I just don’t worry about anything extra.

Making Your Own ACV Toner

Step number one – acquire some apple cider vinegar. You want the good stuff. Trust me. Don’t skimp on whatever is cheapest at the store. You want raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that is still full of enzymes, minerals, nutrients, and beneficial strains of bacteria (called the ‘mother’). My favorite by far is Bragg’s, but I also like Eden Organics.

Step number two – add your ACV to a small glass container mixed with filtered water. Start with a 1:1 ratio (50% ACV, 50% water), but you might find you need to dilute the mixture more based on the sensitivity of your skin.

Step number three – take a cotton pad or the corner of a washcloth and dip it into the solution. Spread evenly all over your face after washing it.

Don’t rinse it off, but just let it air dry, then finish with a light layer of coconut oil as moisturizer.

This toner is incredible for balancing your skin tone, getting rid of acne and pimples, and giving you that ‘glow’ – naturally! And did I mention how cheap this is?!

Have you ever used a natural toner like this one? If not, what are you waiting for?

This post is linked to Simple Lives Thursday, Fight Back Friday, Your Green Resource

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Erica
May 10, 2012 at 7:13 pm

I personally do this and it clears up my skin so fast! It truly is amazing what ACV can do! :)
1. Kamesha Calloway
  November 28, 2012 at 5:43 pm
  
  Where would you recommend I but these ingedients?
2. Rashida
  April 11, 2013 at 8:38 am
  
  I just started using honey and lemon for my face and my butt to clear my skin. My butt has little dark spot that I’m trying to get rid off. What do Yall think or know about honey and lemon.. Can I also use the ACV on my butt? Really hate those spots. Thanks
Sally {with eager hands}
May 11, 2012 at 1:31 pm

someone linked to this on FB and wanted to say THANKS for sharing the ACV love! I wash my hair with a dilution of baking soda, then wash with honey whilst that is sitting and getting hapy i nmy hair. I follow up with diluted (very diluted)acv and let it fall in my face while I’m at it. I love it. Love love love! Now, I’m using el cheapo acv on my hair (come to think if it, i’m using the nasty honey on my face. hmm), but that’s because it hurts to use the good stuff on my hair, and it smells so much stronger than the cheap stuff — but you’re convicting me!

Thanks for sharing!
1. Lori Winter
  May 16, 2012 at 12:40 pm
  
  Hi Sally! I use ACV on my hair as a conditioner as well and I love it. If it were me, I would be ok with using the cheapo stuff on my hair, but I would stick with the good stuff for my face. Thanks for stopping by!
Chandra
May 14, 2012 at 1:36 pm

I have not tried this yet, but I use ACV as a hair conditioning rinse and LOVE it so will be trying this tonight!
Christine
May 15, 2012 at 4:34 pm

This is great! Do you have any home made face wash and/or make up remover recipes?
1. Lori Winter
  May 16, 2012 at 12:41 pm
  
  I do, in fact! I wash my face and remove my makeup at the same time with honey (https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2011/09/honey-face-mask-for-clear-glowing-skin/)
  I also use coconut oil as an eye make-up remover (https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2012/03/the-best-natural-make-up-remover/)
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Cadence
June 23, 2012 at 9:07 am

Hi, I was just wondering if this’ll dry out my skin anymore… I have dry skin around my mouth/nose from prescription acne meds and though I’m looking for a toner to clean everything up, I don’t want to end up even dryer than I already am. Thanks! :)
1. Lori Winter
  July 11, 2012 at 8:11 am
  
  It does have the potential to slightly dry out your skin, but it’s balancing the pH of your skin at the same time (you want it to be slightly acidic). I would recommend just following up with a bit of coconut oil as a moisturizer after toning. I do it every day and I no longer have dry OR oily skin!
pepper
July 11, 2012 at 6:18 am

How do we store this? do we have to keep in the fridge?
1. Lori Winter
  July 11, 2012 at 8:10 am
  
  I just keep mine on a shelf in my bathroom. Apple Cider Vinegar never needs to be refrigerated. :)
Trevor W
July 20, 2012 at 1:07 am

Brand suggestions? I would hate to buy a brand that produces lesser results.

Any differences between x and y? …such as how raw honey is the choice of choices.
1. Trevor W
  July 23, 2012 at 10:48 am
  
  Reread post, sorry for the silly comment. I am trying this now!
Elly
August 5, 2012 at 5:51 pm

Another use…..there are many girls who suffer from yeast infections. Apple cider vinegar can help, if you make a mild was of 1/3 ACV and 2 parts of water (use filter or just boil it, but let it cool before using.) Also, instead of water, you can use chamomile or thyme tea. Just don’t douche, apply on the outer regions
Shellie gretah Fraddin
August 6, 2012 at 7:18 am

Great article. Simple to understand. Im a 73yr old senior and health coach. I’ve used acv on my face for many, many years and my skin is clear, tight and youthful.
1. Julienne Mark
  October 27, 2014 at 6:53 am
  
  I have tried this last month for my acne on my forehead (my skin never experience acne all my life) and they were cured but left me with acne scars. I stopped and tried whitening products to lighten my scars but failed. Now I am back with ACV toner and also applied on my cheeks as well not because I have pimples but because of uneven tone and large pores on my cheeks. I am now on my 8th day but I still don’t see good results or changes on my skin. Instead it looked pale and not glowing. I am using Eden apple cider vinegar. My ratio is 1/4 glass vinegar and 1/2 mineral water. Is the effect really takes time? I read some people noticed changes and good results in just few days. I am also thinking to stop the ACV toner because maybe it’s not for me. Any advice?
Julia
August 6, 2012 at 9:35 am

Hi Lori!

Just wondering what you use on your hair, in terms of shampoo and conditioner ? Would love to know! Thanks
1. Lori Winter
  August 9, 2012 at 8:49 am
  
  Hi Julia! I’ve actually been experimenting with the “no ‘poo” protocol to see what works best for my hair. I used to use a variety of natural shampoo brands like Avalon Organics or Trader Joe’s Peppermint Tea Tree line. But even most natural store-bought shampoos and conditioners still have chemicals. Right now I’m using a baking soda and water solution for a ‘shampoo’ and apple cider vinegar as a conditioner. I’ll be posting more on this in the future!
  1. Jennifer
    September 13, 2012 at 12:36 pm
    
    I also use a baking soda/water “shampoo” and ACV/water hair rinse. I’ve been using these treatments for about 3-4 months now, AND LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!!! My hair is more healthy looking/feeling and my hair can go for days without washing……Yes. Days. And it still looks/smells clean!
  2. Terry
    February 26, 2014 at 4:35 pm
    
    This is all great info and I’d love to try this. Would you please let us know how much baking soda and water you are using and what are you storing them in, and also how much water and acv are you using for your conditioner, and again, what do you store them in? Thanks!
Laura Stanley
August 7, 2012 at 4:46 pm

Hey, does coconut oil clog pores? I’ve read some conflicting information online about it lately. Do you have oily, acne prone skin? I’m wondering it the coconut oil would make it worse? The ACV sounds great though!

I found out recently that I have MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities) and have to be careful. I also have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I need to use things that don’t have SPF too because of the chemicals. I used some bug spray last year and ended up having to lie in bed for a week in more pain than usual! If you have any suggestions for skin products, household products etc. Even if it’s a website, book, homemade recipes, or even store products that would be helpful I’d appriciate. Thanks and can’t wait to hear from you!
1. Lori Winter
  August 9, 2012 at 8:47 am
  
  Hi Laura! I’ve never had an issue with coconut oil clogging my pores, and I’ve been using it on my skin for years now. I used to have very oily skin in the summer and very dry and flaky skin in the winter. But using coconut oil instead of other chemical moisturizers has balanced out my skin and I no longer deal with oily OR dry skin! I have also dealt with acne for sure. But washing my face with honey has made a world of difference! (https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2011/09/honey-face-mask-for-clear-glowing-skin/)
  I’m all about using food on my face. I find even most ‘natural’ store-bought products still have chemicals. There are some good brands, though. J&M Botanicals products are very pure and high quality (jmbotanicals.com).
  Best wishes to you on your journey! I’m always glad to connect with readers! :)
  1. Nechola
    October 11, 2012 at 11:28 am
    
    Hey, just wondering do acv remove dark spots from acne?
  2. Lara
    August 19, 2013 at 8:15 am
    
    Could you use EV olive oil instead of coconut oil?
2. tina
  August 25, 2012 at 2:39 pm
  
  coconut oil clogged my pores. it smells great, but i can’t use it where i am prone to acne. i use extra virgin olive oil instead.
  
  my sister has the same thing that you do. she uses Moroccan argon oil on her skin and it helps her a lot. it breaks me out though, probably because it has pure sugar in it. pure sugar breaks my skin out also.
  
  i have very sensitive skin, but you may want to try different oils to see what works.
  
  best of luck!
  1. sandra
    September 4, 2012 at 8:26 pm
    
    what do u use as a moisturizer
  2. sandra
    September 4, 2012 at 8:28 pm
    
    Im asking because it seems that most oil break me out…coconut, jojoba, argan are the worst for my skin…but I have tried many other organic cold pressed oils and they just dont seem to work for me ;(
    1. Tina
      January 6, 2013 at 12:51 pm
      
      i use extra virgin olive oil mixed with a very small amount of peppermint oil.
      
      if not wanting to use an oil, i like the st. ives timeless skin collagen elastin moisturizer. i prefer to use oils though, but it has made my mom’s skin look younger and smoother!
Lesh
August 19, 2012 at 2:32 am

How often do i have to put it on my face?
1. Lori Winter
  August 31, 2012 at 2:39 pm
  
  It’s totally up to you, but I would start with twice a day for anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour each time. See how your skin responds and you can adjust the frequency from there.
Maya
August 23, 2012 at 9:37 am

The coconut oil you use on your face after applying ACV, do you use the oil right out of the jar? Or do you make it into some type of moisturizer?
1. Lori Winter
  August 31, 2012 at 2:38 pm
  
  I use mine straight out of the jar! :)
tina
August 25, 2012 at 2:36 pm

when i began using this, it worked so incredibly well, but after a few months, i began to notice that my skin has not been healing or clearing up as fast as it had when i first began. i tried to stop using it, but my face broke out. i stopped again recently and nothing has changed, so i think i will be fine without using it now. i also recently noticed that my face has began looking more aged than it should.

i’m only 20 and don’t do anything harsh to my body that would be causing me to age (smoking, drinking, the like). is it possible that apple cider vinegar is too harsh for my skin type (sensitive) and is beginning to age me?

and just to note: i had some aging after using Proactiv for about a month and half. when i stopped using it, my skin returned mostly to normal, but i had still aged slightly. my skin doesn’t look as old as it did when i was on Proactiv. my skin is naturally over oily and currently is extremely dry. maybe the acv is over drying my skin or something? my family says that my face just doesn’t look as “fresh” as it had the past year.
1. Lori Winter
  August 31, 2012 at 2:26 pm
  
  Hi Tina! There are a host of different things to consider when your goal is clear skin. What works for one person may or may not work for another. But you also have to look at your diet, emotional stress levels, exercise (or lack thereof), good sun exposure, and any other chemical products you might be using on your skin. I would take a look at these posts and try some of the tips mentioned there:
  Clear Up Acne Now (https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2011/07/clear-up-acne-now/)
  Honey Face Mask for Clear, Glowing Skin (https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2011/09/honey-face-mask-for-clear-glowing-skin/)
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Annie
August 30, 2012 at 7:31 pm

Which brand of honey do u use?
1. Lori Winter
  August 31, 2012 at 2:27 pm
  
  The brand doesn’t matter as much as the quality. The best would be local, raw honey with all the enzymes still in tact. If you live near a Trader Joe’s, they sell a couple different brands of raw honey. Or check your local farmer’s market!
Caitlin McCauley
August 31, 2012 at 12:00 pm

I’ve tried using Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar as both an internal daily supplement with a lemon and water, as well as a diluted toner. For some reason, every time I try either application, I end up breaking out really bad. I’ve read about other people having a similar reaction and advising waiting it out a few weeks to a month. Unfortunately, things did not get better after that time. What do you think that means? Any advice?
1. Lori Winter
  August 31, 2012 at 2:29 pm
  
  Honestly, there are about a gajillion different factors to consider when it comes to clearing up your skin. It could mean that you have even more detoxing to do and a good herbal cleanse, a change in your diet, and some good sun exposure might help. But again, what works for one person may or may not work for another. Here are a few more resources to help you find a good balance for your skin:
  Clear Up Acne Now (https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2011/07/clear-up-acne-now/)
  Honey Face Mask for Clear, Glowing Skin (https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2011/09/honey-face-mask-for-clear-glowing-skin/)
Erin R.
September 5, 2012 at 12:15 am

Just a note on where to get raw ACV cheap… Azure Standard has it for about $8/gallon. It is unfiltered, undiluted, with mother. A few months ago I got a gallon from Azure for about $15 but at that time they carried “Bragg’s” and I guess you pay more for their brand label. Now they have what looks to be the exact same thing but without the fancy name-brand label so you save even more.
Shaw
September 17, 2012 at 11:23 am

Is it okay that after I use the apple cider vinegar toner, without rinsing it, I’ll follow it up with a commercialized moisturizer like oil of Olay?
Mom Photographer
September 17, 2012 at 4:53 pm

I’ve been using this way of cleaning my skin for a long time and I love it. I use coconut oil
+ coffee grounds (from my morning coffee) as a daily scrub. I do not use anything else to wash my face and my skin looks and feels wonderful.
Diana B.
September 19, 2012 at 9:43 am

What kind, type or brand of coconut oil do you use “right out of the jar”? I use food-grade coconut oil for cooking, but I’m not clear on what to actually use ON my face!
1. Lori Winter
  September 19, 2012 at 11:07 am
  
  I would only recommend using unrefined extra virgin coconut oil for anything – cooking or on your skin. :)
Simplify.
September 19, 2012 at 3:08 pm

[…] I continued to receive comments on many of my more popular posts (like my Honey Face Mask and Apple Cider Vinegar Toner). And I was able to take the time I would have spent in front of the computer feeling anxious as I […]