How to Make Herbal Astringent

Although herbal astringents can be helpful for all types of skin, they are especially beneficial for oily or problem skin. Your face will feel clean and fresh as the astringent opens the pores and removes traces of oil and residue left from makeup or facial cleansers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 cups witch hazel
• 1 tbsp. chamomile
• 1 tbsp. elderberries
• 1 tbsp. nettle
• 1 tbsp. marsh mallow
• 1 tbsp. calendula flowers
• 1 tsp. fennel
• 1 tsp. comfrey
• 1 tsp. coltsfoot
• 1 tsp. eucalyptus
• 1 tsp. peppermint
• 1 tsp. lavender
• Peels of two fresh lemons
• 1 tsp. dried aloe vera powder
• 1 tbsp. glycerin
• Sterile bottle
• 2 cups water
• 6 tbsp. witch hazel
• 2 oz. chamomile
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 oz. peppermint extract
• ½ tsp. boric acid (optional)

Fragrant Herbal Astringent

1. Bring the distilled water and witch hazel to a boil.
2. Remove the water mixture from the burner and stir in the chamomile, elderberries, nettle, marsh mallow, calendula flowers, fennel, comfrey, coltsfoot, eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender.
3. Strain the mixture and allow it to steep for about 3 hours.
4. Add the lemon peels and allow the mixture to steep for another three hours. Strain the mixture again.
5. Stir in the aloe vera powder and the glycerin.
6. Blend the herbal astringent thoroughly and pour it into the sterile bottle.
7. Refrigerate the herbal astringent for up to 3 days and then throw out the unused portion.

Easy Herbal Astringent

8. Boil the water, witch hazel, chamomile, vinegar and peppermint extract in a small saucepan.
9. Strain the herbal astringent mixture and allow it to cool.
10. Place the ingredients in a spray bottle.
11. Add the boric acid, if desired, and shake well.
12. Refrigerate the herbal astringent.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to keep the herbal astringent longer than 3 days, add about ¼ teaspoon of potassium sorbate when you boil the water and witch hazel.