Instructions
- Bring the water to a gentle boil.
- Add the whole cloves.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for several minutes.
- Remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
- Strain out the cloves using a clean strainer.
- Transfer the cooled liquid into a clean container.
Because homemade water-based skincare products don’t contain professional preservatives, they can spoil more easily than commercially formulated products. For that reason, it’s important to keep the preparation refrigerated and make small batches rather than storing it for extended periods.
Discard the mixture if you notice an unusual smell, color change, cloudiness, or any other sign of spoilage.
Is Clove Toner Suitable for Everyone?
Not necessarily.
Cloves contain potent aromatic compounds, and some people may experience irritation or sensitivity when using concentrated botanical ingredients on their skin.
Before applying any homemade preparation to your face, consider performing a small patch test on an inconspicuous area of skin first. If you experience burning, redness, itching, swelling, or irritation, discontinue use and wash the area with water.
People with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions may prefer to discuss new DIY skincare ingredients with a dermatologist before experimenting.
What About the “Collagen” Claims?
This is where it’s important to separate skincare trends from established evidence.
The word “collagen” is frequently used in beauty marketing, but a homemade clove toner should not automatically be described as a collagen-boosting treatment.
The appearance of skin is influenced by many factors, including age, genetics, sun exposure, hydration, and overall skincare habits. A simple homemade toner cannot be expected to reverse the natural aging process or produce dramatic age-related changes.
If your goal is to support the appearance of healthy-looking skin, a more realistic approach is to focus on proven basics such as daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, gentle skincare, and regular moisturizing.
The Bottom Line
Cloves are an interesting botanical ingredient with antioxidant compounds that have attracted attention in traditional uses and modern beauty discussions.
A homemade clove-infused toner can be an interesting DIY skincare experiment for people who enjoy natural beauty routines, but it’s best to keep expectations realistic.
Rather than looking for a single ingredient that promises dramatic results, consider building a consistent skincare routine around gentle products, sun protection, hydration, and ingredients with evidence supporting their intended use.
Natural ingredients can be part of a skincare routine—but “natural” doesn’t always mean risk-free, and dramatic promises should always be approached with caution.
The best skincare routine is usually the one that is simple, consistent, and appropriate for your individual skin.
