Take a look at the label on your face wash. Does it have a long list of ingredients that you can barely pronounce (let alone identify what they are)? Does it include things like parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde?
Nowadays, you’ll find these ingredients in all sorts of skin and hair care products because they’re a cheap way to alter the texture of the products, preserve them, and make them shelf-stable for a long, long time — as well as adding a smelly, perfume-y element that many of us have come to recognize as “normal.” But just because it’s considered normal doesn’t mean it’s right.
You might be shocked to learn how little impact the FDA has in terms of the regulation for the ingredients in skin, hair, and other body products. In fact, companies are legally allowed to add the ingredient “fragrance” without having to disclose how it’s made.
So if you’re tired of dealing with skin problems that you know are associated with the goop you’re putting on your face, it is time to take charge of your skincare routine. And while we do recommend checking out some of the best natural face washes you can find online and at drugstores, we’ve put together a list of some of the best homemade face wash recipes to finally ditch the nasty chemicals for good.
For All Skin Types
If your skin is pretty much good with anything, or you don’t need a face wash that’s made especially for dry or oily skin, this list is for you.
Homemade Honey Face Wash
Made with just three ingredients, this homemade face wash from Live Simply is a cheap and easy way to get away from parabens, fragrance, and other nasty stuff. This recipe is perfect for the person who is looking to try out a homemade face wash without having to commit to buying ingredients they might not use otherwise.
Coconut and Essential Oils Face Wash
Featuring frankincense, lemon, and lavender essential oil, this face wash can be customized with tea tree essential oil for those with acne-prone skin. Something to keep in mind with this face wash is that it’s base is coconut oil, so it’s closer to an oil cleanser than a traditional water-based face wash.
Homemade Goat Milk Face Wash
If you raise goats on your homestead, this is a great recipe to make the most out of their milk. It may be one of the most affordable homemade face washes available, costing only 30 cents for 8 ounces.
Related Post: Making Homemade Soap
If you have goats but have never made soap out of their milk, check out this recipe to get started.
Face Wash With Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap
Though this may not be the best option for dry skin, if you have normal or oily skin, castile soap works well as an easy face wash. I’ve used castile soap as a facial cleanser before and find that it works well for my skin, though I always make sure to apply moisturizer afterward.
Another option would be to rinse your face with Dr. Bronner’s to clear your pores of dirt and debris, and then follow up with an oil cleanser to leave it moisturized and supple.
Homemade Herbal Facial Cleanser
Made out of castile soap and a variety of herbs and essential oils, this homemade face wash recipe can be adapted based on your skin type. The herbs are soaked in water to create an herb-infused liquid that can be combined with the other ingredients. This is another simple recipe that you can try without having to invest in a bunch of supplies you don’t have at home.
Lemon and Honey Foaming Face Wash
If you’re looking for a refreshing, brightening face wash that’ll help wake you up in the morning, consider this homemade face wash made of lemon and honey.
For Dry Skin
If you know that your skin is prone to dry patches or eczema, you’ll want to try out a homemade face wash that’s made especially for those conditions. Homemade face washes for dry skin often feature ingredients such as calming aloe vera, moisturizing coconut oil, and other plant-based ingredients.
Pantry-Busting DIY Face Wash
What’s better than an effective homemade face wash that’s made of items that you already have in the pantry? This homemade face wash from Free People is designed with dry skin in mind and calls for apples, yogurt, olive oil, and honey.
Related Post: All About Organic Skincare
It might seem bizarre to use cooking staples in your face wash, but it’s affordable and effective, and you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.
DIY Aloe Vera Face Wash
While you might think aloe vera is only useful after you’ve had a nasty sunburn, it’s also a great ingredient for soothing dry skin. Aloe vera exfoliates dry skin, soothes inflammation caused by bacteria, and improves your skin’s overall moisture content.
For Sensitive Skin
If traditional face wash products tend to irritate your skin, you’ll want to try making a soothing, calming homemade face wash that’s intended for sensitive skin.
3-Ingredient Homemade Face Wash
Nothing’s better than a DIY face wash that utilizes common ingredients that you may already have stashed in your pantry. Made up of coconut oil, raw honey, and baking soda, this homemade face wash is incredibly moisturizing and calming — perfect for sensitive skin.
Homemade Honey Matcha Face Wash
If you’re constantly sipping on a matcha latte, why not try it on your skin? This homemade face wash is super green and pretty, and it calls for just five ingredients — all of which are added for a specific reason.
The matcha provides your skin with antioxidants while the avocado oil is moisturizing and prevents your skin from getting chapped. Honey and tea tree oil provide antibacterial properties to this wash while castile soap works as the cleansing agent.
For Acne-Prone Skin
If you have acne-prone skin and you’ve tried all sorts of products that were supposed to be a cure-all but didn’t end up working, why not get back to basics and try making your own? Here are a few homemade face wash options that are developed with acne in mind.
Activated Charcoal and Tea Tree Homemade Face Wash
Both activated charcoal and tea tree have become more prevalent ingredients in skin care, and with good reason! Activated charcoal works well to cleanse your skin of dirt that clogs your pores, while tea tree oil is an anti-microbial that refreshes the skin.
All-Natural Toning and Clarifying Face Wash
This DIY face wash is a toner and a skin clarifier all in one. Utilizing castile soap, face oil, and a variety of essential oils, this face wash smells incredible and is a foam cleanser. It makes the face wash go a long way.
ACV and Honey Face Wash
When it comes to acne, sometimes it’s best to be proactive (rather than reactive) to your breakouts. If your face has been clear, but you know you’re prone to breakouts, check out this homemade face wash recipe that is designed to prevent acne before it shows up.
Made out of apple cider vinegar and honey, this face wash has both probiotics and antibacterial properties that help prevent acne and keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
