For over two years, I played around with the idea of creating a natural body care resource. For almost two years, I put off the work involved in doing so. There was something that seemed so daunting, so big, about creating such a product. And then, last year, it dawned on me, “If I’m feeling overwhelmed about creating a resource about natural body care, then I can only imagine how my reader friends, particularly, my friends that are new to natural wellness must feel. There’s so much information out there–blogs, Pinterest, and even books–but it’s all so overwhelming.”

So easy! Basic and customizable face wash recipe.

Want to Save This Article?

Enter your email & I’ll send it straight to your inbox. And you’ll get new recipes & tips each week.

Save Article

It was at that moment that I had a clear vision for the resource I wanted to create; a resource that simplified natural body care. A resource that was not only about making products, but also how to make the switch to less-toxic body care products, and how to purchase quality products. I wanted to create a resource that helped my reader friends feel confident when purchasing natural body care products (and reading ingredient lists), or making products at home with good-for-you ingredients. I wanted to create the resource I wish I had when I first started this journey.

So easy! Basic and customizable face wash recipe.

After months and months of endlessly working on this vision, and spending weeks going through the editing process, my body care guide/digital book was finally ready to share. The digital book launched at the end of December.

So easy! Basic and customizable face wash recipe.

One of my favorite recipes in the book is the Basic Foaming Face Wash. It’s the perfect example of the kind of recipes found in the book–simple, practical, and easy to make. (By the way, along with sharing my favorite recipes, I also share product suggestions for everything from shampoo to makeup and everything in between. Because living a more natural lifestyle isn’t about “doing it all” or “making it all.” Natural living is just as much about simplifying as it is about using more natural products.)

This recipe is made by simply combining three ingredients: liquid castile soap, a nourishing oil, and water. The recipe makes only a small amount of the final product because it’s best to make small batches when working with a water-based product that doesn’t contain a preservative.

So easy! Basic and customizable face wash recipe.

Castile soap is a concentrated vegetable-based soap made from ingredients that you can actually pronounce. The soap is gentle on the skin and effective in the fight against dirt and unwanted germs. Dr. Bronner’s is a very a popular brand of castile soap, and there are quite a few other brands now available. Castile soap can be used to clean just about anything and everything: your face, your laundry, and even your stinky dog. Liquid castile soap can be drying on its own, so it’s best to dilute it with water. I also like to add a nourishing oil, for the the moisturizing benefits, when it’s used on the face.

So easy! Basic and customizable face wash recipe.

I personally like to use sweet almond oil, since it’s a light oil and it works well with a variety of skin types. If sweet almond oil is used, the face wash may be used as a spritz (using a spray bottle). This is my favorite way to apply a soapy face wash (a method that I learned from using Luminance Skincare’s Delicate Cleanser).

Another nourishing oil may be used in place of the sweet almond oil, too. Other good options are: olive oil or jojoba oil. Since the recipe makes such a small batch, it’s easy to tweak the recipe each time you make it (for example: using a different oil).

So easy! Basic and customizable face wash recipe.

Finally, one last note. If you find this face wash to be too drying for your skin, then you’ll want to dilute, dilute, dilute. Try diluting the soap with more water, or adding just a small amount of extra oil. You can also customize this very basic recipe with aloe, honey, or a hydrosol (in place of the water). Let’s talk about four simple ways to customize this basic recipe.

Four Ways to Customize Homemade Face Wash

Hydrosol: A hydrosol adds beneficial herbal properties and a pleasant scent to this face wash. Replace the water with 2 tablespoons of hydrosol. My favorite option is rose hydrosol (rose water). Other options, include: lavender, calendula, and chamomile.

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe is used to soothe and calm inflammation. Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel to the face wash, or more if desired. Fresh aloe will spoil within a day or two, so I recommend looking for a store-bought option with a minimal amount of (natural) preservatives.

Honey: Honey is rich in antioxidants and it contains antibacterial properties. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the final soap, and gently shake to combine the ingredients. If you add honey you won’t be able to use the face wash in a spray bottle.

Essential Oils: Add 6-12 drops of your favorite skin-friendly essential oil (or a mixture of essential oils, for a total of 6 drops) to the nourishing oil. Combine the oil and soap (along with any other custom ingredients mentioned above). My favorite options: lavender (sensitive skin and acne-prone skin), tea tree (acne-prone skin), frankincense (aging skin), geranium (aging skin), or sandalwood (aging skin).

So easy! Basic and customizable face wash recipe.

Basic Natural Face Wash
5 from 17 votes

Basic Natural Face Wash

This simple recipe is made with castile soap (a natural, concentrated vegetable-based soap). Nourishing oil is added to help moisturize the skin. Castile soap, on its own, can leave the skin feeling dry. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try customizing the face wash for additional skin benefits.
Kristin Marr
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course DIY
Cuisine Body
Servings 3 ounces

Ingredients

Special Equipment:

Instructions

  • Pour the soap, water, and oil into a soap dispenser. Seal the bottle. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients.

To Use:

  • Gently shake the bottle before each use. Squirt a small amount in your hand. Massage the cleanser on your face using circular motions, then rinse the cleanser off with warm water and a washcloth.

Notes

This face wash may also be used as a spray. Combine the ingredients in a small spray bottle, shake the bottle before use, and spray on the hands before applying to the face. 
Recommended Storage: Up to 1 month 
Want more non-toxic and natural face cleanser/ face wash options? This post is dedicated to exactly that. I share my favorite store-bought and homemade face cleanser / face wash options, what to look for in a face wash, and more. 
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

So easy! Basic and customizable face wash recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

52 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I haven’t tried the recipe yet. However, I’m so impressed by everything you’ve described. It’s simple and inexpensive. This helps since I’m on disability. I can’t wait to try this and will definitely let you know how it goes. I’m 60 years old and my skin has gotten sensitive to cleanser and body wash, etc. i’ve also gotten sensitive to the things I eat. Thank you and God bless you for sharing the basics and not charging for the information. I am so grateful. I’m about to check out more of your natural cleansers, etc.
    🥰Tina Hall

  2. Hi Kristin,

    What would you recommend looking out for when it comes to the nourishing oil? For instance, I have some rose hip oil but it has several other ingredients listed in it. Should I be buying the 100% pure, organic, cold pressed, ect.? I can’t wait to try this out-I’m so glad you have several recipes so I can ditch our toxic body soaps and household cleaners!

    1. Hey Olivia, I apologize for the delayed response. I’ve been out of the country for the month without internet. I recommend using an oil that is pure, 100% of the oil. So for something like jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil, or grapeseed oil, which are all lovely nourishing oils for the skin, the ingredient list should be just that one oil. If you stick with that, you should be good. I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the cleaning recipes. Thanks for your patience with the delayed response.

  3. Can you tell me what TB stands for? ive got the ingrediants and would be a shame if i cant continue making this recipe without knowing what TB is,
    kind regards
    Jason

  4. I THINK THE % IS MUCH EASIER TO MEASURE RATHER THEN TABLE SPOON. WHO KNOWS WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL SPOON SIZE?

  5. I love this face wash a lot that i’m planning to create my own project and start selling this face wash so I do need a natural preservative to preserve it..what natural preservative do you recommend and how much should I add to this recipe or this batch?