I wanted to make a gentle skin toner that was astringent but not drying to the skin; there is quite a distinction as it turns out.

Calendula flowers growing at my herb farm

Calendula flowers before drying

Dried flowers before preparation of toner

Astringent herbs help to tighten pores and tone skin which is something we all want. But most toners contain high concentrations of alcohol which is quite drying to the skin. I opted to use Vitamin C and lower concentrations of alcohol to preserve the toner. Then I added demulcent herbs such as comfrey root to add an emollient quality to our Four Flower Toner.

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