(This post contains affiliate links. My full disclosure is very boring, but you can read it here.)
Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is very useful for our health as well as for our skin. Beneficial ingredients in raw apple cider vinegar give it its power to make us feel better, look better, and feel energized. It is great for acne prone skin. I am going to share the benefits as well as my experience with DIY apple cider vinegar toner.
It is made from nutritious, organically grown apples and retains many beneficial components because raw apple cider vinegar is not pasteurized. ACV undergoes two fermentation processes where it produces enzymes and life giving nutrients that make apple cider vinegar the powerhouse it is. Firstly we should know about the skin benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Two separate studies published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology and International Journal of Cosmetic Science claim that acetic acid, lactic acid, citric and succinic acids can kill P. acnes, the bacteria that cause acne and apple cider vinegar contains all these acids. (Source1, Source2)
Skin benefits of apple cider vinegar toner
- Apple has potassium which is one of the reasons why many people suffer from dry skin is due to the deficiency of potassium. Potassium keeps the skin moisturized and hydrated internally.
- Apple pectin helps fight against changes to the skin structure associated with aging.
- Malic acid of apple works as an exfoliant, helping to rid the skin of dead skin cells, dark spots, scars, and acne.
- Apple has calcium has skin benefits include cell renewal, lipid barrier function, and antioxidant protection from DNA damage.
- Apple cider vinegar contains lactic acid and there is another study which proves that lactic acid treats and prevents acne. (Source)
- Ash of apple normalizes the skin pH.
- Acetic acid of apple helps in exfoliation and in hydration of the skin.
My experience with homemade apple cider vinegar toner
For the past 3 months, I have been using a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water as a toner, every morning and every evening after I wash my face. I saw a noticeable change and improvement in my skin in just a couple of weeks time.
I have noticed that my skin tone has become softer and I have less dry and itchy red patches, plus less oiliness in my trouble area. I can see less visible tiny pores on my cheeks and nose that seemed to always be there. I have also noticed less everyday regular breakouts. I have observed that many of my previous breakouts were seemingly due to clogged pores and no matter how much I washed my face, I would still have that problem, this toner has seriously been the answer I was looking for.
Try Cooling cucumber face toner for acne
You Can Substitute Water With Other Ingredients In Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
Substitute water with red wine as it gives a refreshing glow to the skin while removing tan and blemishes. The anti-aging properties of a wine make it even more beneficial. You can also customize your toner by adding witch hazel, green tea, essential oils such as tea tree oil or lavender, etc.
You can also substitute water with cucumber juice also as it will give a cooling effect on the skin. You can also infuse the water with some fresh herbs like basil leaves, mint leaves, oregano, neem leaves etc for added benefits. Chop handful of fresh herbs, bring it to a boil with water and simmer over a low heat for 20 minutes. Strain the mixture and let the water cool before adding it in place of regular water to your toner mixture. You can keep this boiled water in an airtight container for 6-7 days in the refrigerator.
How to make Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
- Apple cider vinegar (buy from here)
- Distilled water
- Spray bottle (buy from here)
- Pour 1 part Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar into a glass jar, bottle or container.
- Add 2 parts distilled or filtered water.
- Shake the bottle to combine the mixture.
- Apply the toner to your freshly cleansed skin using a cotton ball or pad, avoiding the eye area.
- Apply your usual, daily moisturizer after the apple cider vinegar toner has dried.
- Experiment with the ratios of ACV to water and see what your skin likes and responds to the most. You will know when you find it.
2. Apple cider vinegar does smell a little bit like feet. Once the toner dries on your face, the smell almost completely dissipates, in my opinion. If the smell does bother you too much, instead of letting the mixture dry on your face and stay on there, try letting it dry a bit, then rinse your face quick with a splash or two of water, before applying your moisturizer.
3. This will sting on any open pores, scratches, pimples. Breaking out from apple cider vinegar is normal. It kills off bad yeast. Apparently, it works by purging your skin’s toxins before it starts to heal. The purging can come in the form of acne.
4. ACV is highly acidic and a pH of 3.0. Using this more than twice daily can be too much for some skin types, especially if skin already has issues.
5. It does work for many, but for others, it certainly can be an issue. So carefully watch your skin to gage results.
6. New pictures have been updated but the recipe is the same.
58 Comments
Jerrie L Roy
January 30, 2018 at 5:43 amThank you. I used to use thos remedy. I do drink Apple Cider Vinegar and honey.
Zey
March 24, 2018 at 12:50 pmShould I refrigerate the mixture or leaving it in the wahroom is okay? And can I use heavy tissue instead?
Mamta
May 11, 2018 at 6:53 amHi Zey, the shelf life increases if you refrigerate this. But you can keep it in the washroom for 3-4 days. Also, you can use the heavy tissue paper for application.
RC
October 31, 2018 at 10:14 pmUsually ACV and distilled water or purified water last a long long time on the shelf. If you mix the two they will last on your bathroom counter in a glass jar just as long as separated!! Careful to use a clean cloth or cotton ball to swan do not cross contaminate then you may have to Mack a new batch!!
Winnie
April 8, 2018 at 1:36 pmDo you store it in the fridge ?
Mamta
May 11, 2018 at 5:29 amHi Winnie, the shelf-life increases if you store it in the fridge otherwise you can keep it for 3-4 days.
Lea
May 25, 2018 at 11:59 pmHow many days does it last?
Mamta
May 26, 2018 at 4:26 amHi Lea, You can store it for 1 week.
Amy
May 17, 2018 at 12:56 amDo you have to use distilled water?
Mamta
May 22, 2018 at 1:38 pmYou can use normal purified water as well.
Amanda
May 26, 2018 at 7:08 amApple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, most people have success with this toner because it balances out skin. I actually used this as a toner for a few months and noticed that it did improve my acne.
Azaria
June 30, 2018 at 6:22 amIs it okay to just use straight up apple cider vinegar as a toner… no water added?
Mamta
July 4, 2018 at 10:24 amHi Azaria,
I would suggest you to use it mixed with water.
Ali
January 31, 2019 at 4:26 amIt burns your skin
Alaiya
July 4, 2018 at 11:51 pmWhat does one part mean?
Mamta
July 5, 2018 at 8:50 amHi Alaiya, If you are using a 100ml bottle to store the toner then 50ml should be water and 50ml with apple cider vinegar.
Sant Kaur
December 21, 2018 at 11:20 ami didn’t understand above u said to mix 1part of acv with 2parts of water and now u said to mix them in equal quantities..
pls clear my doubt
Lana
July 19, 2018 at 11:30 pmHi how many months will expire this toner?
Mamta
July 23, 2018 at 5:09 amHi Lana, I would suggest you make a fresh batch every 1-2 week.
August
August 13, 2018 at 11:20 pmDo I still need to wash it after using it? 🙂
Mamta
August 22, 2018 at 7:26 amHi August, washing face after applying the toner is optional.
Erryna
August 28, 2018 at 4:42 pmCan I use regular water?
Mamta
September 3, 2018 at 6:08 amHi Erryna, I would suggest you to use purified water to avoid water impurities and dirt.
Rizza
September 29, 2018 at 1:22 pmHi, do I still need to apply moisturizer like aloe vera gel after toning with AVC?
Mamta
October 4, 2018 at 5:23 amHi Rizza, Moisturizer is a must for every type of skin. It is recommended to apply moisturizer after toning.
Rachana
October 3, 2018 at 8:25 amCan I substitute water with rose water?
Mamta
October 4, 2018 at 5:11 amHi Rachana, yes you can.
Cristine
November 1, 2018 at 12:20 pmHi! Can I use Virgin Coconut Oil as moisturizer after applying the ACV toner?
Mamta
November 4, 2018 at 5:30 amHi Cristine, If your skin is acne prone then I won’t recommend using coconut oil as a moisturizer. You can use other oils like argan oil, hemp seed oil, rosehip oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil.
Nicole
November 6, 2018 at 9:12 amhow long does this toner lasts? does it expire? can i just store it on my room and not in a refrigerator?
Mamta
November 21, 2018 at 3:14 pmHi Nicole,
Yes, you keep this for 7-10 days without a refrigerator.
Amelia Chan
November 13, 2018 at 12:01 pmHi can I mix AVC with green tea?
Mamta
November 21, 2018 at 3:11 amHi Amelia, yes, you can mix ACV with green tea.
Nosheen
November 16, 2018 at 6:42 amhi! how many times we should use apple cider vinegar toner in a day and when?
Mamta
November 21, 2018 at 3:07 amHi Nosheen, you can use apple cider vinegar toner once or twice a day on a cleansed face. I recommend using it in the morning or evening.
Dona
November 21, 2018 at 11:22 amHow long should i use this toner ?
Is it too much to use it every day (forever)?
I have very oily skin?
Thank you
Mamta
November 21, 2018 at 1:55 pmHi Dona,
You can use the toner daily. It won’t harm your skin.
Janet
January 13, 2019 at 5:22 pmHello, Do I just apply it by spraying it on my face and leave it till it dries? Or should I dabb it with a cotton?
Mamta
January 14, 2019 at 7:05 amHi Janet, you can do either way. Both ways are effective for application of toner. But make sure to leave it till it naturally dries.
Geraldine
January 29, 2019 at 12:09 amCan i substitute water with chamomile tea… Nice post!
Mamta
January 29, 2019 at 9:59 amHi Geraldine, Yes you can use chamomile tea.
Geraldine
January 29, 2019 at 11:46 amThank you!
Geraldine
January 30, 2019 at 12:40 amOh! just made the ACV toner and love how it feels on my skin. I used like 60ml of chamomile infuse water, 30ml of ACV, 15ml of witch hazel and 15 drops of lavender essential oil. Hope that’s ok? Or is there anything i should correct… Much thanks darling!
Mamta
January 30, 2019 at 7:42 amHi Geraldine,
The proportion of every ingredient is correct. And, I am Glad that it worked for your skin.
Geraldine
February 4, 2019 at 2:31 amThank you ❤
kinjal
February 21, 2019 at 6:21 pmhi mamta
either we can use green tea or purified water. along with acv what’s the difference between using green tea and purified water
can i know what is distiled or pure water. where can i find them?
Mamta
February 24, 2019 at 5:30 amHi Kinjal
Green tea contains lots of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties which are good for skin. It is better to use green tea instead of plain water.
And,
Regular water is the type of water that contains lots of minerals and impurities that may include germs or bacteria, whereas distilled water is free from all such impurities.
Thanks
Mamta
Maria Theresa
March 6, 2019 at 12:34 pmHi! I was just wondering if its okay to use a serum after using ACV toner? Thankyou! ❤️
Mamta
March 12, 2019 at 6:09 amHi Maria,
yes, you can apply the serum after the ACV toner has completely dried on the skin.
Richel
March 18, 2019 at 12:43 pmHi! Can you tell me measurement of ACV and red wine, please?
Mamta
March 22, 2019 at 5:26 amHi, Richel
Take 1 part water, 1 part red wine and 1 part apple cider vinegar. Mix well and apply.
Cass
July 1, 2019 at 3:31 amCan I use the ACV, then put my makeup on in the morning?
Mamta
July 5, 2019 at 8:20 amHi Cass,
yes, you can apply the makeup after acv toner. Just make sure that the toner has been completely absorbed by the skin.
sheetal Madhavan
March 23, 2019 at 5:09 amHi..I want to know may I use face wash if I am using acv on my face?
And if I use acv as a toner may I apply makeup on this or after washing my face?
Mamta
April 8, 2019 at 6:07 amHi Sheetal,
Of course, you can use face wash to cleanse your face.
First, cleanse your face with a face wash.
Then apply ACV toner. Wait for 10 minutes then apply moisturizer and do your regular makeup routine.
estefania
April 24, 2019 at 4:26 amcan I use the toner then apply retinol then moisturizer? or will the acv toner be a bad mix with my retinol pads?
Mamta
May 23, 2019 at 7:54 amHi Estefania,
I am not sure. You can check with a doctor before mixing them.
Akshita
August 13, 2019 at 9:01 amHey
I hv tried acv with water for 2 months before going to bed . In the morning skin looks great bt after smtym as usual . I hv dark circles n am acne n scars n darkening around chin . N I want to treat it naturally…