1 cup of white or brown rice (preferably organic).
2 cups of mineral or filtered water.
5-7 whole cloves (organic, for greater purity).
1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin (optional, as a humectant and natural preservative).
1 sterilized glass jar with a lid (preferably amber-colored for better preservation).
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Cleaning the Rice: In a bowl, wash the rice under cold running water to remove impurities and dust. Drain it.
First Infusion (the most concentrated): In a pot, place the washed rice with the 2 cups of water. Add the whole cloves. Bring to a medium-low heat and, just before it comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Cover the pot and let the mixture steep until it cools completely (approximately 2-3 hours). This hot maceration process allows for optimal extraction of nutrients from the rice and active compounds from the cloves.
Filtering: Using a fine-mesh strainer or clean cotton gauze, carefully filter the liquid into a glass container. Gently squeeze the rice to extract all the nutrient-rich liquid. Discard the solids (or use them for cooking).
Refining and Preservation: Add the teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the strained rice water and stir until completely dissolved. The glycerin helps retain moisture in the skin and acts as a mild preservative. Pour the final toner into the sterilized glass jar and seal tightly.
Storage: Refrigerate the toner immediately. This is crucial, as being a natural preparation without synthetic preservatives, the cold slows bacterial growth and preserves its properties. Its shelf life in the refrigerator is 7-10 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in ice cube trays and thaw one cube each morning.
Application Protocol for Optimal Results:
