Steamy & Dreamy Toner Tabs

It's DIY o'clock, folks! This time, we're diving into the world of facial steam tabs. I've been inspired by a popular one sold by a crafty skincare store in the mall. For three bucks a pop, they offer a simple but effective tab. But why splurge when you can make your own at home, right?

Their recipe includes the stars of the baking world: baking soda and citric acid, and a fantastic quartet of essential oils: lavender, rose, German chamomile, and tea tree. Think of it as a petite bath bomb for your face!

The application's a hoot! You drop the tab into a bowl of sizzling water, lean over it (keeping a safe 10-inch distance, we don't want to steam your eyebrows off!), and drape a towel over your head. It's like your own little steamy sanctuary! Five minutes of this, and you'll feel like you've had a mini facial. 

Then, pour the toner water into a spray bottle and use it over the next couple of days to keep your skin singing praises.

Recreating this recipe was a walk in the park. I used the same ingredients, with a tiny addition of Polysorbate 20 to help the oils mix better with the water. If Polysorbate 20 sounds like a chemical from a sci-fi movie, feel free to skip it. The recipe works wonders either way!

I wanted to make my version in a similar shape as the store's version so I used this small silicone ice cube tray I had in my pantry.  It worked out perfectly!!! When the toner tabs are set up and hardened, you simply press the back of the mold and they pop out.

Here are some rose petals that I dried a few months ago.  Just like the store's version, I wanted a few pretty petals on the top of each toner tab so I added them into the mold. If you don't have your own dried rose petals, you can pick them up from Mountain Rose Herbs.

First step is to measure out 8 tablespoons of baking soda and 4 tablespoons of citric acid into a sifter and sift into a bowl.  You need to sift the two ingredients in order to get all the lumps out.

The photo on the bottom right is the essential oils dropped into the Polysorbate 20.  

If you choose to use the Polysorbate 20, add a 1/4 teaspoon of it into a small bowl.  Add the following essential oils into the Polysorbate 20:

10 drops of Lavender essential oil
5 drops Rose absolute
4 drops German Chamomile essential oil
3 drops Tea Tree essential oil

You can get the essential oils at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Stir the Polysorbate 20 & Essential Oil blend into the baking soda/citric acid mix.  I ended up putting the the mixture back though the sifter in order to fully combine the essential oils into the dry mix.

I like to use 190 proof grain alcohol to moisten my fizzy tabs.  I know this strength of vodka can be hard to come by depending on which state you live in, so you can use regular vodka or Witch Hazel extract if you need to.  Place about 1 tablespoon of the vodka into a small spray bottle.

Mist the vodka over the dry mixture, stirring frequently until very lightly moistened.  You will know it is moistened enough when you can squeeze a handful of it and it stays held together.  

Working quickly, you want to place the entire amount into the mold and press down to tightly pack the mixture tightly into each well of the mold.  

You want to pack the mixture into each mold as tightly as you can.  Place a towel over the top of the mold and allow the toner tabs to harden for at least 8 hours.  Once hardened, you pop them out and keep them in an air-tight container.

They are really adorable when you pop them out.  I really enjoyed making this recipe!!!

I tried them out and they were even better than the ones the store sells!!!  I made 12 toner tabs for under $10.  Remember, the store sells ONE toner tab for almost $3.00 each.

A few tips:
1. Do not attempt to make this recipe if you have a lot of humidity. The humidity in the air may set off the toner tabs.
3. There is a fine line between perfectly moistened and too wet when you are misting the vodka over the dry mixture.  If the mixture starts to fizz, you have gone too far with the vodka and might have to start over.
4. Pack the mixture into the molds very tightly!


This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate. As with all herbs,  Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.  I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs,please review my disclosure page for details.. Avoid use  unless discussed with your physician. This information is for educational purposes only.  This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Green Blessings!!!