If you love simple, natural skincare that actually feels good on your skin, this “Clove Lemon Rosewater Age Reversal Toner” is a glow-boosting staple you can make in minutes. It’s built around a calming rose-water base, a micro-dose of brightening lemon, and an infusion of antioxidant-rich cloves—balanced with classic skin soothers like aloe and glycerin so it’s gentle enough for daily use. Together with green-tea polyphenols and alcohol-free witch hazel, this toner helps refine the look of pores, soften the appearance of fine lines, and keep skin comfortably hydrated.

Ingredients Required :
(Makes ~120 ml; choose alcohol-free products where applicable)
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Pure rose water – 100 ml (soothing, anti-inflammatory base)
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Whole cloves – 10–12 (antioxidant and antimicrobial)
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Fresh lemon juice – ½ to 1 teaspoon only (very dilute; brightening; see safety note)
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Aloe vera gel – 1 tablespoon (calming, supports barrier comfort)
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Vegetable glycerin – ½ teaspoon (humectant to attract water into skin)
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Strong green-tea brew – 2 tablespoons, cooled (polyphenol-rich antioxidant support)
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Alcohol-free witch hazel – 1 tablespoon (gentle astringent to tone the look of pores)
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Optional: 1 punctured vitamin E capsule (extra antioxidant slip)
Procedure
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Make a quick clove infusion. Lightly crack the cloves with the back of a spoon. Add to 40 ml hot (not boiling) rose water. Cover and steep 10–15 minutes; cool completely, then strain.
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Brew green tea. Steep 1 green-tea bag in 60–70 ml hot water for 3 minutes; cool completely and measure 2 tbsp.
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Combine the base. In a sanitized glass beaker/jar, mix: clove-infused rose water (40 ml) + remaining plain rose water (60 ml) + cooled green tea (2 tbsp) + witch hazel (1 tbsp). Stir gently.
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Buffer with humectants. Whisk in aloe gel (1 tbsp) and glycerin (½ tsp) until uniform.
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Add lemon—last and light. Stir in ½–1 tsp fresh lemon juice. Keep it very dilute to reduce irritation risk.
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Optional antioxidant boost. Pierce a vitamin E capsule; squeeze in a few drops, then stir well.
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Bottle & chill. Funnel into a clean 120–150 ml spray or flip-cap bottle. Refrigerate. Use within 10–14 days (it’s a fresh, water-rich DIY without broad-spectrum preservative).
Instructions (How to Use)
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Patch test first. Dab on the jawline or behind the ear; wait 24 hours—especially important due to citrus.
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AM or PM after cleansing. Saturate a cotton pad or spritz 3–5 pumps over face/neck; press in with palms.
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Layer smartly. Follow with a simple hydrating serum and a moisturizer; in the daytime, finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen.
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Frequency. Start once daily; increase to twice daily if well-tolerated.
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Storage. Keep refrigerated; discard if the scent, color, or feel changes.
Safety Notes (read this!)
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Lemon juice can cause irritation and sun sensitivity in some people—keep the amount low, avoid applying to compromised skin, and never skip sunscreen. If you’re very sensitive, make a lemon-free batch.
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Choose alcohol-free witch hazel to minimize dryness; discontinue if tightness or stinging occurs.
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Avoid use on broken or freshly exfoliated skin. Space this toner at least 24 hours from strong actives like retinoids or AHAs/BHAs if you are new to acids.
Benefits of This DIY
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Reduces the look of redness and post-wash tightness thanks to rose water and aloe, supporting a calmer, more comfortable complexion.
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Refines and tones the appearance of pores with gentle, alcohol-free witch hazel while keeping skin balanced rather than stripped.
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Antioxidant defense for “age-reversal” radiance: green-tea polyphenols and clove’s natural compounds help neutralize daily oxidative stress linked to dullness and fine lines, promoting a brighter, more even look over time.
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Plump, dewy hydration from glycerin (a proven humectant) and aloe, helping fine lines appear softer and makeup sit better.
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Balanced, low-risk brightening via a micro-dose of lemon (buffered by humectants and rose water). If you’re reactive, omit the lemon and you’ll still get excellent toning and antioxidant benefits.
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Fresh, sensorial finish: rose water provides a delicate aroma; the lightweight, water-gel texture absorbs quickly without tackiness when the glycerin is kept modest.
Make it yours
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Oily or humid weather: add +1 tsp witch hazel and skip the glycerin if you feel tacky.
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Dry or AC-exposed skin: increase glycerin to ¾ tsp and spritz between skincare layers.
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Ultra-sensitive: remove lemon entirely; this formula remains soothing and protective without it.
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Travel tip: pour a small amount into a 30 ml spray bottle, keep chilled when possible, and remake every two weeks for freshness.
With thoughtful dilution and barrier-friendly buffers, this toner delivers the calm, hydrated, and refined look you want—while keeping your routine beautifully simple and natural.