Tired of commercial face washes filled with harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients? These 5 natural homemade face wash recipes will transform your skincare routine with simple, affordable ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Each recipe is tailored for specific skin types and concerns, helping you achieve that natural glow without breaking the bank or exposing your skin to potentially harmful substances.
Benefits of Homemade Face Wash Over Commercial Products
Making your own face wash isn’t just a fun DIY projectβit offers significant advantages over store-bought alternatives. Here’s why natural homemade face wash recipes are worth your time:
For Your Skin
- Free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances
- Customizable for your specific skin type and concerns
- Contains natural moisturizing properties that won’t strip your skin
- Rich in antioxidants and nutrients from natural ingredients
- Gentle enough for daily use, even for sensitive skin
For Your Wallet & Planet
- Significantly more affordable than premium natural skincare
- Uses ingredients you might already have in your kitchen
- Reduces plastic waste from commercial packaging
- Avoids contributing to chemical runoff in water systems
- Supports sustainable practices by using whole ingredients
5 Homemade Face Wash Recipes for Every Skin Type
Each of these recipes is formulated for a specific skin type. Feel free to adjust ingredients slightly based on your skin’s unique needs. All recipes use simple, natural ingredients that are gentle yet effective.
1. Honey & Castile Soap Face Wash (For All Skin Types)
This gentle, all-purpose homemade face wash combines the antibacterial properties of honey with the cleansing power of castile soap. It’s suitable for most skin types and serves as an excellent daily cleanser.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup raw honey (antibacterial and moisturizing)
- 1/3 cup liquid castile soap (unscented for sensitive skin)
- 3 tablespoons distilled water
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (or sweet almond oil for dry skin)
- Optional: 5 drops lavender essential oil (for calming properties)
Preparation:
- Pour distilled water into a soap dispenser (to prevent bubbles)
- Add liquid castile soap, honey, and oil
- Add essential oil if using
- Shake gently until all ingredients are well combined
- Store in a cool place for up to 1 month
How to Use:
Shake before each use as separation is normal. Wet your face with warm water, apply a small amount to your palms, and massage onto your face in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

2. Coconut Oil & Tea Tree Face Wash (For Acne-Prone Skin)
This powerful homemade face wash combines coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties with tea tree oil’s acne-fighting abilities. It’s especially effective for oily, acne-prone skin types.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon organic virgin coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons raw honey (preferably Manuka for extra antibacterial properties)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”)
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil
Preparation:
- Melt coconut oil in a small pan over low heat
- Remove from heat and transfer to a small glass bowl
- Add honey, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil
- Mix thoroughly until well combined
- Transfer to a glass bottle with a pump or flip cap
How to Use:
Apply to damp skin and massage gently for 20-30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use morning and night for best results. Follow with a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

3. Aloe Vera & Cucumber Face Wash (For Sensitive Skin)
This gentle, soothing homemade face wash is perfect for sensitive or irritated skin. The cooling properties of aloe and cucumber help reduce redness and inflammation while cleansing.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh aloe vera gel (or pure store-bought)
- 1/4 cucumber, peeled and finely grated
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 tablespoon glycerin (optional, for extra moisture)
- 5 drops chamomile essential oil (optional)
Preparation:
- Blend cucumber in a food processor until smooth
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids
- Mix cucumber juice with aloe vera gel and honey
- Add glycerin and essential oil if using
- Transfer to a clean container with a tight lid
How to Use:
Apply to damp skin with gentle circular motions. Rinse with cool water. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for an extra cooling effect. The cold temperature also helps preserve the natural ingredients.

4. Gram Flour & Milk Face Wash (For Brightening)
This traditional homemade face wash recipe has been used for centuries to brighten skin and improve tone. Gram flour (besan) gently exfoliates while raw milk nourishes and hydrates.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
- 2-3 tablespoons raw milk (enough to form a paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for extra brightening)
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional, for added moisture)
Preparation:
- In a small bowl, combine gram flour and turmeric if using
- Gradually add milk while stirring to create a smooth paste
- Add honey if desired and mix well
- Adjust consistency by adding more milk or flour as needed
How to Use:
Apply to clean, damp skin and gently massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. This face wash is best made fresh before each use but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

5. Oatmeal & Yogurt Face Wash (For Dry Skin)
This nourishing homemade face wash is perfect for dry or mature skin. Oatmeal gently exfoliates while yogurt and honey provide deep moisture and balance skin’s pH.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup rolled oats, finely ground
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (full fat)
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon olive or avocado oil
- Optional: 2-3 drops lavender or rose essential oil
Preparation:
- Grind oats in a coffee grinder or food processor until fine
- In a small bowl, combine ground oats with yogurt, honey, and oil
- Add essential oil if using and mix thoroughly
- Adjust consistency with more yogurt if needed
How to Use:
Apply to damp skin and massage gently for 1 minute. The oatmeal provides mild exfoliation while the yogurt and honey hydrate. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. This recipe is best made fresh before each use.
Storage and Shelf Life of Homemade Face Wash

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness and safety of your homemade face wash. Without commercial preservatives, natural products have a shorter shelf life.
Best Storage Practices
- Use dark glass containers to protect from light degradation
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Refrigerate recipes containing fresh ingredients
- Always use clean hands or a pump dispenser
- Label containers with ingredients and date made
Shelf Life Guidelines
- Honey-based washes: 2-4 weeks at room temperature
- Oil-based cleansers: 1-2 months in a cool place
- Fresh ingredient recipes (cucumber, yogurt): 3-7 days refrigerated
- Gram flour mixtures: Best made fresh before each use
- Castile soap blends: Up to 1 month in cool storage
Safety Precautions for DIY Skincare

While natural ingredients are generally safer than synthetic chemicals, they can still cause reactions in some individuals. Follow these safety guidelines when creating and using homemade face wash:
Before You Begin
- Research ingredients thoroughly for potential allergens
- Use high-quality, food-grade ingredients whenever possible
- Ensure all tools and containers are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized
- Consider your skin type and any known sensitivities
- Consult a dermatologist if you have severe skin conditions
Testing and Application
- Always patch test new recipes on your inner wrist for 24 hours
- Discontinue use immediately if irritation, redness, or discomfort occurs
- Avoid the eye area when applying face wash
- Be cautious with essential oilsβthey’re potent and can cause sensitivity
- Start with smaller amounts of potentially irritating ingredients (like ACV)
“Natural doesn’t always mean safe for everyone. Your skin is unique, and what works wonderfully for one person might cause irritation for another. Always listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Face Wash
Can I use homemade face wash every day?
Yes, most homemade face wash recipes are gentle enough for daily use. However, recipes with exfoliating ingredients like gram flour or oatmeal should be limited to 2-3 times per week to avoid over-exfoliation. Listen to your skin and adjust frequency as needed.
Will homemade face wash help with acne?
Many natural ingredients have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with acne. Honey, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar are particularly effective. For persistent or severe acne, consult a dermatologist alongside your natural skincare routine.
Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted based on what you have available or your skin’s specific needs. For example, you can swap different carrier oils (jojoba, almond, avocado) based on your skin type. Just research each substitution to ensure it’s appropriate for your skin concerns.
Do I need to use a moisturizer after homemade face wash?
Yes, it’s still important to moisturize after using homemade face wash. While natural cleansers are less stripping than commercial ones, cleansing still removes some natural oils. Follow with a natural moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.
Embrace the Natural Glow with Homemade Face Wash

Creating your own homemade face wash isn’t just about avoiding chemicalsβit’s about connecting with a skincare tradition that spans centuries and cultures. These five recipes offer a starting point for your natural skincare journey, but don’t be afraid to experiment and customize based on your skin’s unique needs.
Remember that consistency is key with any skincare routine. Give your skin time to adjust to new natural products, typically 2-3 weeks, before evaluating results. With patience and the right ingredients, you’ll likely discover that nature provides everything your skin needs to look and feel its best.
Have you tried making homemade face wash before? Which recipe are you most excited to try? Share your experiences and results with our natural skincare community!
Benefits of Homemade Face Wash
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