Recipes Using Herbs for Facial Skin Care & Toners
Whether you call them facial herbs, facial teas, facial steams, or facial toning herbs, Organic Herbal Facial Teas are a great addition to your facial care regimen.
Facial teas are easy to make. You can create your own facial teas, toners, and steams using a single herb or your own blends.
Learn about many of the suggested herbs for facial care on our blog, "Facial Care Herbs."
We know that many of our customers have very busy lives, so we have included a few facial teas in our product line. Although the recipes on this page are based on using our Facial Tea Blends, you can always substitute your own creations in the recipes.
Click here to check out our Organic Herbal Facial Steams & Toners
How To Use Organic Herbal Facial Teas
Botanical treats for your face, our facial teas are made with organic herbal blends carefully chosen for their properties.
- Aromatic oils of the herbs, rich in nutrients that soothe and tone skin, are released into the heated water and absorbed by the skin.
- Astringent and problem skin blends are great as toners
- Congestion blend is an awesome steam for those who suffer from stuffiness
Facial Steams
Facial steaming is one of the oldest skincare rituals and a simple way to give your complexion extra care when skin feels dull or congested. Clogged pores can result from excess oil, dead skin cells, makeup residue, environmental pollution, and everyday dirt buildup.
Warm, moist steam helps soften the skin’s surface and loosen buildup so it can be cleansed away more easily.
The gentle heat also enhances the feeling of suppleness, softens rough patches, and leaves the skin better prepared to receive the moisturizer applied afterward.
When combined with organic herbs, a facial steam becomes a soothing botanical ritual that helps refresh tired complexions and support a more revitalized, clarified appearance — all while offering a wonderfully relaxing moment of self-care.
An organic herbal facial steam can stimulate circulation and bring a bright complexion and rosy glow back to dry, dull, lackluster complexions. They are also delightfully relaxing!
I like to use reusable muslin bags for my herbal infusions. You can also use a few layers of cheesecloth, cotton cloth, or even an old, clean sock tied up in a ball.
Herbal Facial Steam Recipe:
- Fill a muslin bag with 1/4 cup of herbs
- Place the bag in a pot or heatproof bowl
- Pour 2 quarts of boiling water over the herbal bag
- Cover and steep for at least 10 minutes
How To Use:
- Place a bowl on a heatproof surface where you can comfortably sit
- Holding your head 12 inches from the bowl, drape a large towel over the head and bowl to capture steaming herbal water
- If it gets too hot under the towel, lift a corner to let in a little cool air
- Steam for 5 -10 minutes
- Splash face with cool water and pat dry
- When finished, empty the bag and compost the herbs
- Rinse the muslin bag and allow it to dry
Herbal Facial Steam With Apple Cider Vinegar
You can add apple cider vinegar (ACV) to the facial steam to enhance toning and cleanse pores. Do not bring your face too close to the bowl/water.
- Follow the recipe and "How to Use" instructions for Facial Steam
- Add 1/8 to 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (raw vinegar works best) to water with herbs
- Always start with a smaller amount when trying a new product
- Vinegar can sting eyes and mucous membranes, so keep your eyes closed during the steam
- See our Herbal Astringent Facial Tea
Facial TONER
A botanical toner is a simple, time‑honored way to refresh the complexion after cleansing. When skin feels oily, unbalanced, or in need of a lighter touch, an herbal infusion can help sweep away residual impurities and leave the surface feeling clean, cool, and softly refined. Toners made from whole plants offer a gentle alternative to alcohol‑based formulas, relying on the natural properties of herbs to support a clearer‑looking, more balanced appearance.
Using an herbal toner after steaming or cleansing helps remove any remaining debris, refine the feel of the skin’s texture, and prepare the complexion for the moisturizer that follows. The result is a light, refreshing step that brings a sense of clarity and renewal to your daily ritual.
Simple Herbal Facial Toner
- Fill a muslin bag with 1/4 cup of herbs
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the herbal bag
- Cover and steep for at least 10 minutes
- Allow to cool and remove herbs from the tea
How to Use:
- Use cotton balls or clean fingertips to apply the herbal facial toner after cleansing
- Some people prefer to pour it into a small spray bottle and spritz it on
- Our tea formula, alcohol-free and non-drying, does not need not be rinsed
- Tea will last about 7 days if refrigerated
- When finished, empty the bag and compost the herbs
- Rinse the muslin bag and allow it to dry
Quick Honey Tip: For either the simple toner or the toner with apple cider vinegar, add about 1 tablespoon of raw honey to 1 cup of the hot tea or tea with vinegar before it cools. Stir to mix. Use as indicated.
If you would like to make your own Herbal Toner, you can read about herbs that are good for facial skin on our blog, Herbs For Facial Care. I have also made a simple toner with a cup of cool green tea or chamomile tea.
Use Our Herbal Astringent Tea As A Toner With Vinegar
You can add apple cider vinegar (ACV) to the facial tea to enhance the toning effect
Follow the recipe and "How to Use" instructions for Herbal Toner and add:
- 1/8 to 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (use raw vinegar or one of our herbal-infused Vinegar Hair Rinses) to water with herbs*
- Cover & steep
- The amount of ACV depends on skin type. Dry skin--use more water. Oily skin--use more vinegar
- Allow the mixture to cool
- Shake well and dab on the face after cleansing using a clean cotton pad or your clean hands
- Some people prefer to pour it into a small spray bottle and spritz it on
- See notes below for storage tips
Suggested ratios of ACV to Liquid based on skin type:
Below there are some typical suggestions for the ratio of ACV to Facial Tea depending on skin type. Remember that your skin is unique.
If you have sensitive skin or if you are new to vinegar facial toners, I suggest you start out using even less vinegar than suggested below.
For sensitive skin, I would first try only 1 teaspoon of vinegar to 4 tablespoons of tea. If that is too strong for your skin, add more tea. If it is not strong enough and you do not notice any of the benefits, add more apple cider vinegar.
Working with Ratios: A ratio of 1 to 4 simply means that for every 1 of something, there are 4 of something else, with a total of 5. One “part” is any measurement you chose to use. So, if you are making the dry/sensitive skin ratio, you could mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 4 tablespoons of tea or water.
Dry/Sensitive Skin: 1:4 ratio
- 1 part ACV to 4 parts liquid
- Example: 1/4 cup ACV to 1 cup tea OR 1 tablespoon ACV to 4 tablespoons of tea
Normal Combination Skin: 1:2 ratio
- 1 part ACV to 2 parts liquid
- Example: 1/2 cup ACV to 1 cup tea OR 1 tablespoon ACV to 2 tablespoons of tea
Oily Skin: 1:1 ratio
- 1 part ACV to 1 parts liquid
- Example: 1/2 cup ACV to 1/2 cup tea OR 1 tablespoon ACV to 1 tablespoon of tea
Storage Tips for Toners Made with Tea
Since homemade toners made with herbal tea only are preservative-free, they are best kept in the refrigerator and used within 3 days.
When making a toner using vinegar and tea, the concentration of vinegar to tea used in your toner recipe and the amount you make will affect the storage technique as well as how long it remains fresh.
Due to the acid content, vinegar will act as a preservative, and most toner recipes can last 3-4 weeks if left in a cool, dark place. However, a very dilute vinegar toner will have to be refrigerated. If you plan on making more vinegar toner than you will use in one month, the extra should be refrigerated.
I usually make only 4 ounces of toner (1:2 ratio), which for me, will last about one month. I refrigerate my tea-only toner, but not my tea with vinegar toner.
So Many Ways To Use These Versatile Facial Teas!
Herbal Compress for Irritated Skin
Using facial herbs as a compress for irritated skin is a time-honored treatment.
A warm herbal compress will release the energy of herbs and allow them to penetrate deep into your skin for natural healing!
- Fill a muslin bag with 1/4 cup of herbs
- Fill a sink or basin with very warm water
- Submerge the herbal bag in water until thoroughly wet
- You are aiming for a bag of warm and wet herbs
How To Use:
- Be sure the bag is at a comfortable temperature
- Apply the herbal compress to irritated skin
- You will get the most benefit if you can rest the bag on the affected area for at least 5 minutes--so find a place you can relax, lie back and enjoy the natural aroma and warmth, and energy of the herbs as they work themselves deep into your skin for natural healing!
- When finished, empty the bag and compost the herbs
- Rinse the muslin bag and allow it to dry
Herbal Washcloth
If you need to wash your face often or just want to give your skin a break from soap or cleansing agents, try using a bag of specially formulated facial herbs.
The gentle exfoliation from the muslin bag will help buff away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and brighten your skin.
- Fill a muslin bag with 1/4 cup of herbs
- Fill a sink or basin with very warm water
- Submerge the herbal bag in water until thoroughly wet
- You are aiming for a bag of warm and wet herbs
How To Use:
- Use the bag of herbs to massage your face in gentle, wide, circular upstrokes
- If the bag seems dry, dip it in some warm water
- Rinse with tepid (warm/cool) water and pat dry
- When finished, empty the bag and compost the herbs
- Rinse the muslin bag and allow it to dry
Recipes For Our Congestion Blend Bath Tea And Facial Steam
Our Congestion Blend Tea is an herbal bath and facial steam formulated with aromatic herbs and a touch of aromatic essential oils formulated to help ease a stuffy feeling.
Although herbal steam cannot cure a cold or flu, when inhaled, the herbal aromatics can help open up congested sinuses and lung passageways.
Inhaling steam vapors may help thin mucus trapped in the sinuses, allowing the mucus to drain more easily.
Steam inhalation is a great old-fashioned remedy for colds, coughs, and congestion.
Congestion Bath Tea Recipe: Fill a muslin bag with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of herbs. Hang the tightly closed bag from the faucet and allow hot water to run through the bag. Or place the bag in the bath under very warm running water. Squeeze the bag to release the botanical essence. Relax and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Congestion Facial/Head Steam Recipe: Place ¼ cup of herbs into a muslin bag. Place the bag in a heatproof bowl. Pour 2 quarts of boiling water over the herbs. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Place the bowl on a heatproof surface where you can comfortably sit. Hold your head 12 inches from the bowl and drape a large towel over your head and the bowl to capture the steam.
If it gets too hot --lift a corner to let in some cool air. Steam for 5 -10 minutes. For nasal congestion, inhale through your nose. If nasal passages are blocked, breathe through your mouth with pursed lips to help direct the steam upward to the nasal passages.
Other ways to use our Congestion Blend Bath Tea
Potpourri: Place herbs into a potpourri simmering pot to keep near when congested
Compress: The warm herbal bag may be used as a compress on your temples, neck, or other pulse points. When finished, empty and rinse the bag and allow it to dry.
Sniffy Bag: Place a dry congestion blend herbal bag under your pillow. Carry one in your purse. Use on airplanes for relief from cabin stuffiness.
A Few Important Notes About Facial Steams:
Facial steams can be a comforting addition to a skincare ritual, but they aren’t suitable for everyone.
Those with cystic acne or rosacea should avoid steam, as heat can aggravate these conditions. People with eczema may also find that warmth and sweating increase irritation.
If your skin is extremely sensitive, damaged, or prone to broken capillaries, herbal steams may feel too stimulating and are best avoided unless recommended by a healthcare provider.
Individuals with health concerns such as asthma or heart conditions should consult a physician before using facial steams. And as with any new skincare product, those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin should always perform a patch test first.
Just as you wouldn’t linger too long in a steam room, facial steaming should be done in moderation. Pay attention to how your skin feels and adjust accordingly. If you ever feel lightheaded or uncomfortable during a steam, stop immediately.
Please note: If you have severe or cystic acne, heat may worsen the condition. Check with your doctor before using facial steaming. If steam is not appropriate for your skin, you can still enjoy the herbal infusion by using it as a toner instead.
For external use only.
For external use only!
