DIY Facial Wash Vs Homemade Face Cleanser

In this post we will briefly learn why cleaning your skin with mild, gentle cleansers if very important.  And then explore recipes of several DIY face cleansers.

Washing your face might seem like a very simple procedure: just apply some soap, rub it in, rinse it off.  Done!

Right?

Wrong!

Cleaning and washing your skin is not just a simple “wash and go” thing.  It is actually a very first step in your skin care routine.  The whole step.

Why washing your face the right way is so important?

One of the major reasons is that when we clean our face, we not just remove dirt and makeup residue.  We also involve an outer layer of our skin, that protects us from harmful organisms and keeps moisture inside.

By washing face the “wrong” way we can easily damage that outer level and cause a lot of problems to our skin: dryness, over sensitization, damage, flaky patches, redness, irritation and even skin diseases.

You can read more in depth article about Protective Outer Skin Barrier in the following post.

Facial Wash vs Facial Cleanser

Many people use those words interchangeable, however, there is a difference between the two.

Face wash is a step up from regular soap.  It is designed to deeply clean your face (sometimes too deeply).   It is mostly foamy (however, you can find non-foamy ones and they are the preferred choice).

Face cleanser could be used to remove make up and other debris.  Sometimes you do not even wash your face after cleanser (however, I would never practice that personally).   Cleansers are usually mild, packed with moisturizing ingredients and gentler on the skin.

Modern cosmetic industry more and more gears away from face washes replacing them with oil cleansers, non-foamy cleansers and micellar water.

You will still find face wash in the store.  And that is because there are still some people, especially with oily skin, who seek that “squeaky clean” effect.  As long as there is demand, the product will be produced.

However, I am urging you to educate yourself about some ingredients and how they affect our skin.  This way you will be able to do an educated purchase.

Read this post about parabens in cosmetics.

Read this post about Bad and Good Alcohols in Cosmetics.

Homemade facial cleansers and washes

Since we are going to make our own products, we will be using ingredients that are gentle and beneficial to our skin.  

Even our DIY facial wash is mild and good for the skin.

Using castile soap in products

Castile soap is a very mild oil-based soap and can be used on any skin type. 

If you make a product WITHOUT castile soap – then you will get facial cleanser.

If you make a product WITH castile soap or soapwort extract – you got yourself a facial wash.

When do you use a Cleanser and a Wash?

Use cleanser in the morning and when you need to take makeup off – use a cleanser.

Use face wash in the evening, when you need to remove all dirt, dust and other impurities from your skin.

Use cleanser first and then follow with a washer.  This way moisturizing ingredients from cleanser will protect your skin barrier and allow impurities be removed well.

If you have very dry and/or sensitive skin, you might want to skip facial wash, or adjust the dosage of ingredients: for example, add less amount of castile soap into a facial wash that a recipe states.

(This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you)

DIY face wash (cleanser) for dry skin

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon of liquid honey
• 1 tablespoon of almond milk or rice milk
• Lukewarm water
• 1-2 tablespoon of castile soap (for face wash, if you want to make a cleanser – skip this step)
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

Method

 Mix all ingredients together in a glass jar.

Shake very well before using

Aloe face wash (cleanser)  for sensitive skin

Aloe vera is an amazing natural ingredient that has so many benefits for our skin.  It is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, soothing and moisturizing plant that makes is universal for any skin type and any skin issue.

This recipe also uses soapwort extract, which is a plant that contains saponin.  Saponin is a natural cleansing ingredient.  If you want to make a cleanser – skip this step.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of aloe vera gel
• 2 table spoons of rosewater
• 1 table spoon of soapwort extract
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil (or other non-comedogenic oil)

Method:

1.       Mix all ingredients together

2.       Place in a glass jar

3.       Wet your face, massage skin with the cleanser and rinse off with lukewarm water.

Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash (Cleanser)

This product is suitable for any skin type.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons of castile soap (if you are making a cleanser, skin this step)
• 1/4 cup of boiled chamomile tea
• 1 teaspoon of liquid honey

Method:

1.     Mix all ingredients together

2.     Shake well before using

3.     Shelf life of this product is not very long, about 2-3 days

Homemade Face Wash for Acne

This recipe contains tea tree oil, green tea and  calendula tea: all three ingredients are excellent to fight acne, reduce inflammation and irritation caused by pimples.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of calendula tea
• 1/4 cup of green tea
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 10 drops of tea tree oil
• 1-2 table spoons of castile soap (if you want to make a face wash)

Method:

 1.     Make a strong brew from both teas, let cool down.

2.     Mix all ingredients together in a glass jar.

2.     Shelf life is very short, 2-3 days.  So consider cutting ingredients in half to avoid wasting a product.

Exfoliating Facial Cleanser with Clay

I recommend this cleanser for people with oily or combination skin.  Clay will remove excessive oil from your skin and even help with blackheads.  Use this product in the evening after a long day.  Give a product some time to stay on your face, so it can to its work.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of clay (I love pink clay)
• 1 teaspoon of liquid honey
• 1/4 cup of lukewarm water

Method:

1.     Dissolve clay in water, add honey

2.     Shake very, very well before use.

3.     Shelf life is about a week.

It is very important to pick gentle and mild face wash and facial cleanser. I hope you found some recipes that gave an idea how to make your own products from ingredients you have at home.

Stay beautiful!!!

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