If you’re looking to simplify your skincare routine and move toward gentler, more natural ingredients, homemade skin tonics can be a wonderful place to start. Many traditional beauty practices around the world have long relied on simple kitchen staples like rice water, cloves, and flaxseed to help support smoother, brighter-looking skin.
These ingredients are affordable, easy to prepare, and free from harsh additives often found in commercial products. While they’re not miracle cures, they can complement a balanced skincare routine and provide light hydration, antioxidant support, and gentle toning.
In this guide, you’ll learn why rice, cloves, and flaxseed are popular in natural skincare, how to prepare two easy tonics at home, how to use them safely, and how to incorporate them into a glowing routine.
Why Choose Natural Homemade Tonics?
A toner is typically applied after cleansing to help refresh the skin, remove leftover residue, and prepare the face for serums or moisturizers. While many store-bought toners contain alcohol or synthetic fragrances, homemade versions allow you to control every ingredient.
Natural tonics can:
- Provide lightweight hydration
- Support smoother skin texture
- Help skin feel refreshed and balanced
- Offer antioxidant benefits
- Complement a gentle skincare routine
When made properly and stored safely, these DIY options can be a simple addition to your self-care ritual.
Why These Ingredients Work
Each ingredient in these recipes brings its own unique benefits to the skin.
Rice Water – A Traditional Beauty Staple
Rice water has been used for centuries in various cultures as a beauty rinse. It contains small amounts of:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Amino acids
- Antioxidants
Rice water may help support smoother-looking skin and a brighter appearance when used regularly. It can also feel mildly tightening, which many people appreciate as a natural toning effect.
Because it’s lightweight and water-based, it works well for most skin types when used in moderation.
Cloves – Antioxidant Support
Cloves contain natural compounds such as eugenol, known for antioxidant properties. In skincare, antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental stressors that contribute to dullness and uneven tone.
When cloves are gently simmered in water, they release subtle plant compounds that may:
- Support a more even-looking complexion
- Help reduce the appearance of tired skin
- Provide mild clarifying properties
Cloves are potent, so they should always be diluted properly in water.
Flaxseed (Linseed) – Natural Hydration Booster
When flaxseeds are simmered in water, they release a light gel rich in omega-3 fatty acids and polysaccharides. This gel can:
- Provide lightweight hydration
- Help soften the skin
- Soothe dryness
- Create a smooth, conditioning feel
The gel-like texture makes flaxseed especially helpful for dry or irritated skin types.
Rice & Clove Toner Recipe
This simple toner is light, refreshing, and ideal for normal to combination skin.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon rice
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1 cup filtered water
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water to remove excess starch and impurities.
- Add the rinsed rice, cloves, and water to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Strain the liquid into a clean glass bottle.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.
How to Use
After cleansing your face:
- Apply the toner using a cotton pad or clean hands.
- Gently pat into the skin.
- Follow with a moisturizer.
Use once daily at first to monitor how your skin responds.
Rice, Clove & Flaxseed Gel Toner
This version offers additional hydration thanks to the flaxseed gel.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon rice (or 2 tablespoons rice water)
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 1 cup filtered water
Instructions
- Add flaxseeds and water to a small pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add rice and cloves.
- Continue simmering for 10–15 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens.
- Remove from heat and strain immediately while warm.
- Let cool completely before transferring to a clean container.
The final texture should be lightly gel-like but still easy to apply.
Store refrigerated and use within 5–7 days.
How to Use
- Apply a small amount after cleansing.
- Gently massage into the skin.
- Allow it to absorb before applying moisturizer.
This version is ideal if your skin feels dry, tight, or irritated.
Benefits of These Natural Tonics
When used consistently and safely, these tonics may help support:
Improved Skin Texture
Rice water may help smooth the appearance of uneven texture, giving skin a refined look.
Boosted Radiance
The antioxidant properties in cloves and rice water can support a brighter, more refreshed complexion.
Gentle Hydration
Flaxseed gel provides moisture without heavy oils, making it suitable even for combination skin types.
Mild Pore Refinement
While toners cannot permanently shrink pores, they may temporarily help skin feel tighter and more balanced after cleansing.
Support Against Environmental Stress
Antioxidants help neutralize oxidative stress caused by pollution and environmental factors.
How to Incorporate These Tonics into Your Routine
Consistency is key for visible results. Here’s how you can integrate them:
Morning Routine:
- Cleanse
- Apply tonic
- Moisturize
- Apply sunscreen
Evening Routine:
- Remove makeup
- Cleanse
- Apply tonic
- Apply serum (optional)
- Moisturize
Always follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
Tips for Best Results
- Always use filtered or previously boiled water.
- Sterilize bottles before storing your tonic.
- Keep refrigerated to extend freshness.
- Discard if smell or texture changes.
- Perform a patch test before first use.
- Do not use if you have known sensitivity to cloves.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- Do not store longer than 7 days.
- Use clean hands or cotton pads to prevent contamination.
- Start 3–4 times per week before daily use.
These precautions help ensure your DIY skincare remains safe and effective.
Important Safety Considerations
Natural does not automatically mean risk-free. Cloves are potent and may cause irritation if overused. Always dilute properly and discontinue use if redness, itching, or burning occurs.
If you have:
- Very sensitive skin
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- Active acne flare-ups
- Broken or irritated skin
Consult a dermatologist before trying new homemade skincare products.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also consult a healthcare professional before using herbal preparations regularly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too many cloves (this can irritate skin)
- Skipping refrigeration
- Using contaminated containers
- Keeping the tonic beyond 7 days
- Applying without patch testing
Simple steps like cleanliness and moderation make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these tonics every day?
Yes, but start slowly—3–4 times per week—to see how your skin reacts before daily use.
How long do homemade tonics last?
They should be used within 5–7 days and kept refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Can I skip cloves if I have sensitive skin?
Yes. You can make a rice and flaxseed-only version for a gentler formula.
Will this lighten my skin?
These tonics may support a brighter-looking complexion, but they do not bleach or permanently change skin tone.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but rinse thoroughly. Brown rice may contain slightly different nutrient levels but works similarly.
Is flaxseed gel sticky?
It can feel slightly tacky at first but absorbs quickly when applied in a thin layer.
Should I rinse it off?
No, these tonics are leave-on treatments. Follow with moisturizer.
Final Thoughts
Rice, clove, and flaxseed tonics offer a simple, affordable way to incorporate natural ingredients into your skincare routine. They combine gentle hydration, antioxidant support, and traditional beauty wisdom into easy DIY preparations.
While they are not miracle treatments, consistent use alongside proper cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle may help your skin look fresher and more balanced over time.