Few kitchen staples have earned as much anti-ageing acclaim as clove. Its key component, eugenol, neutralises free radicals that degrade collagen, while its natural antiseptic properties keep pores clear of breakout-causing bacteria.
When combined with fermented rice water, antioxidant-rich green tea, cooling cucumber juice, and calming botanicals, it becomes a multi-tasking facial mist that firms, brightens, and hydrates with just a quick spritz.
Fans have dubbed it “Botox in a bottle” for the way it leaves skin instantly taut and luminous—no needles, no steep price tag, just everyday ingredients and twenty minutes of DIY magic.
Ingredients
• 8–10 whole clove buds – potent antioxidant and mild antibacterial
• 1 tablespoon green-tea leaves (or 1 tea bag) – catechins shield against UV and pollution damage
• 2 tablespoons fermented rice water (soaked for 48 hours) – peptides and inositol enhance elasticity
• 30 ml pure rose water – soothes redness and adds a gentle floral scent
• 15 ml freshly strained cucumber juice – a mild astringent with hydrating vitamin C and silica
• 15 ml cold-pressed aloe vera juice – humectant that speeds barrier repair
• 4–5 drops vitamin E oil (from a punctured capsule) – antioxidant that prolongs freshness
• Optional: 1½ teaspoons vegetable glycerin for extra softness in dry climates
Method – Making the Concentrate
1. Simmer and steep – Boil 100 ml distilled water in a small stainless steel pan. Add clove buds and green-tea leaves, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Switch off the heat and steep for another 10 minutes to fully release the flavonoids.
2. Strain – Pour through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter into a heatproof jug, discarding solids.
3. Blend actives – While still warm (around 40°C), whisk in fermented rice water for even dispersion of peptides.
4. Cool and enrich – Once cooled to room temperature, stir in rose water, cucumber juice, and aloe vera juice. Add 4–5 drops of vitamin E oil and whisk to form a smooth emulsion. (Add glycerin here if using.)
5. Bottle and store – Transfer to a sterilised 100 ml amber or cobalt spray bottle, label with the date, and refrigerate. Stays fresh for about three weeks if handled with clean hands and kept cold.
How to Use
Patch test – If your skin is sensitive, apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours.
Morning lift – Shake well after cleansing, hold 20 cm from your face, spritz 3–4 times, pat in, and follow with sunscreen.
Evening reset – Mist post-cleansing, then layer on your favourite serum or moisturiser.
Flash firming mask – Once a week, soak cotton pads, place them over forehead or smile lines, and relax for 5 minutes.
Shelf check – Discard if the scent turns sour or the liquid becomes cloudy or develops sediment.
Why It’s Called “Botox in a Bottle”
Collagen protection – Eugenol helps block enzymes that break down collagen, softening fine lines over time.
Firming polyphenols – Green-tea EGCG and rice-water peptides support skin structure and reduce UV-triggered inflammation.
Gentle pore refinement – Cucumber’s tannins and vitamin C tighten pores without the dryness of alcohol-based toners.
Hydration and glow – Aloe, rose water, and cucumber replenish moisture, while glycerin (if added) locks it in for a radiant finish.
Barrier repair – Aloe sterols and rose flavonoids soothe irritation and strengthen the skin’s protective layer.
Antioxidant synergy – Vitamin E prolongs the free-radical-fighting effects of clove and green tea.
Affordable luxury – Made from accessible pantry staples, this toner delivers a luxe feel at a fraction of store prices—no harsh chemicals or expensive procedures needed.
Use this botanical blend twice daily for four weeks and see your skin become firmer, brighter, and more radiant—proof that a little kitchen science can rival even high-end skincare.
