One of my favorite homemade skin care recipes ever is baking soda face wash. Love, love, love it! But it’s not something I can use every day. Every week yes, every day, no.
When I was a teenager, I use to wash my face with Dawn dish soap. I’m not kidding.
Obviously, I’ve learned the error of my way, and in fact, I’ve gone through periods of time where my skin care routine consisted of nothing more than splashing water on my face in the morning.
I guess I might be an extremist.
I’ve learned the error of that too though. It just doesn’t work in the summer when you’re sweating a lot.
So I need something that will cleanse, but also, that is gentle enough that I can wash with it several times a day if I need to, and this gentle homemade face wash fits the bill.
As you probably know, I’m a huge fan of aloe vera gel, and use it in my homemade body products every chance I get. Aloe acts as a non-greasy moisturizer treating dry, flaky skin. It also helps treat acne, and fights aging. (source)
That’s why this face wash uses aloe vera as half the ingredient volume. It’s good stuff!
The other half is made up of either liquid castile soap, or homemade liquid soap, which is super easy to make – I like to use homemade soap made with goat milk for even more skin nourishing benefits.
Add a few essential oils that support skin health, and it’s basically super food for your face!
And after you finish washing, you can follow up with more aloe vera infused lotion via this homemade baby lotion – yes, baby lotion. It’s perfect!
Gentle Homemade Face wash
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
- 1/4 cups Homemade liquid soap, or liquid castille soap
- 4 drops frankincense essential oil
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together and store in a tight-lidded 4 oz. container.
- To Use: Wet face, gently rub a nickel-sized amount of face wash into your skin.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Recipes everyone can make!
Nourish your body with ingredients you already have in your kitchen!
Rose says
I’m 51 and I wash my face at the kitchen sink with Dawn sometimes,if it feels greasy. I have pretty good skin.
Elise says
Good to know that I haven’t ruined my skin lol! Thanks for sharing.
Barbara says
I am 60 and have been using regular Dawn (not Ultra) for several things including as a pre-spot in laundry and as a household cleaner in the bathroom and the kitchen. I figure if it is mild enough for animal rescuers to use on the birds they save from oil spills, then it is mild enough and strong enough for the chef’s to use when cleaning their white uniforms, then it is good enough/strong enough for me!
Elise says
🙂
Roxanne says
Can i use gel from the aloe plant instead of store bought?
Elise says
Of course! You’ll probably want to refrigerate it though.
Kimberly Hoffmann says
Is it possible to use different essential oils? I’m finding recipes with other oils and I’m not sure if certain oils are specifically for the face or if they are being used for the scent. Can you email me with the answer? Thank you, Kim
Elise says
yes, you can use whatever oil you want to. These oils are particularly good for skin, but for the most part, it’s personal preference.
Natalie says
What brand of aloe do you use?
Elise says
Mostly Desert Essence. The main thing I look for is pure aloe gel with no additives. It’s a little thinner than the shelf stable aloe vera gel you get at places like Walmart.
Janet says
Will this take off make up and mascara?
Elise says
Yes. Although I use Blinc mascara which is a little different than say, Covergirl, it works well for me.
Sara says
I’m looking forward to making and using this recipe. One question – is it safe to store on the counter or should it be refrigerated between uses? My aloe gel (Lily of the Desert) says to refrigerate after opening.
Thanks!
Elise says
I would definitely keep it cool however you can add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract to help preserve it.
Jhoei says
This is quite interesting. Is this hypoallergenic? My skin easily gets irritated with skin care products even if it’s organic and natural. I gues it must be the ingredients used in preparing the product.
Lyn says
Thanks to this article for sharing a homemade face wash!
Paola Timboni Alano says
Hey, i loved your recipe, but i need to kown, how can i conserve it? Thanks a lot!
Elise says
The essential oils fight bacteria, and you can also add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract, and store it in your refrigerator.