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The beauty of making homemade products is found in the simplicity of the ingredients!
The simplest food ingredients usually create the most delicious meals. The same concept proves true when it comes to making homemade products. That’s why I often use the words five ingredients or easy to describe recipes posted on Live Simply. It’s not a Pinterest tactic; rather, a way to showcase how something that seems so complicated (like cooking a homemade dinner or making hand soap) is incredibly easy to take responsibility for at home.
Today’s DIY beauty product is super easy to make. So easy you’ll only need three ingredients, and zero fancy tools!
Before I share the recipe, let’s take a look at the simple ingredient list:
Natural Body Care Simplified
Hold on, let’s talk about body-care for a sec, the natural and non-toxic way. It’s a confusing world out there and I want to help you simplify making the switching to non-toxic body products. I’ve created a guide to help you simplify the entire process.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to…
- be an informed consumer and read ingredient lists
- make your own body products using simple ingredients (i.e.cocoa powder, baking soda, oats, yogurt, honey)
- determine what to buy versus make
Plus, I share brand and product suggestions to make it easy for you to find trusted store-bought products for everything from nail polish to hair products and makeup.
Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera is a common ingredient used to treat sunburns due to its soothing and antioxidant properties. Since we know aloe is great for the skin, why not add it to a daily face cleanser? If you’re interested in some of the benefits of aloe vera, this article from Mind Body Green is very insightful.
Raw Honey: Raw honey is simply honey that hasn’t been pasteurized. Due to the lack of pasteurization (heating), raw honey is naturally rich in antibacterial and probiotic properties. Honey is also gentle on sensitive skin, but tough enough to remove dirt and other impurities. If you can’t find raw honey in your area (although many stores/markets now sell raw honey, so take a look before dismissing this ingredient), pasteurized honey may be used.
Nourishing Oil: Finally, what would a good face cleanser be without a nourishing oil? Since oil dissolves oil, it’s only natural to add a nourishing oil to a homemade facial cleanser.
Homemade Honey and Aloe Facial Cleanser
If you have sensitive skin, or just don’t like the way soap feels on your skin, this cleanser is for you. Honey and aloe are gentle and soothing, but also tough on dirt and bacteria. If you don’t mind the feel of honey on your skin, try using honey alone as a cleanser. Storage: Up to 2 months
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 TB extra virgin olive oil or jojoba, or sweet almond oil (optional)
Special Equipment:
- mason jar or storage container of choice
Instructions
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Combine all the ingredients. That's it!
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This cleanser can be stored in a sealed jar (I use a Mason jar) or a soap dispenser. Either method works, it's completely up to you. If you're using a jar, I recommend using a spoon to scoop the cleanser into your hand to avoid introducing bacteria to the cleanser. Store the cleanser at room temperature for a couple of months. If you're using fresh aloe, store the cleanser in the fridge since the aloe may spoil quickly. I use a nourishing oil in this recipe, but you can still make a great cleanser without it (hence the optional clause).
To Use:
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Shake the cleanser. Apply a small amount of cleanser to our hand, then massage the cleanser on your face. Allow the cleanser to sit for about a minute total, just to absorb the wonderful qualities of the ingredients. Using a damp wipe, gently remove the cleanser, rinsing the wipe as needed.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Follow this cleanser with a toner and moisturizer. I use a cleanser in the evening, and simply rinse my face with water in the morning.
More DIYs You May Like:
I will be trying this very soon! I wonder which oil do you think would be best for acne prone skin?
Thanks
Sandy
Hey Sandy, For acne-prone skin, I really like jojoba oil.
This is an awesome recipe! Would adding Vit E or a little tea tree oil provide the necessary preservative to keep the aloe fresh longer without refrigerating?
Thank you
Hey Dawn, Thank you! Vitamin E will keep the oil from going rancid, but won’t preserve the aloe. And I’m not sure if tea tree would provide enough preservative “action.” I found this tutorial: http://www.chocolatehairvanillacare.com/2012/07/preserving-and-storing-harvested-aloe.html. It looks like vitamin C may act as a preservative for fresh aloe.
Hello! I have hyperpigmentated skin and heard frankincense oil works best. Would I be able to substitute the jojoba oil for this? Thank you!
Hey Yaritza, You could add a few drops, but an essential oil isn’t the same as jojoba oil.
Ok good to know. Could you please explain to me the difference? Are essential oils not food for your face?
Yaritza,
Nourishing oils, also known as Carrier Oils since they are used to dilute and “carry” essential oils, are base oils used in balms, lotions, moisturizers, and cleansers. Essential oils are very potent. Essential oils are basically concentrated oils derived from plants. They are very, very potent so they need to be diluted (unlike carrier oils).
Just to clarify, do u need to refrigerate it if u use the Aloe you recommend? That is real aloe, but not considered “fresh” aloe right? Thanks!
Correct, Sarah. The aloe sold in health and “drug” stores, although it’s real, contains natural preservatives. Freshly-cut and squeezed aloe doesn’t contain any additional ingredients to keep it preserved.
Hello. I. Love. Homemade soap. I. Follow. The instructions. Feel like is a litte running how I get a litre more. Think. But. I. Love it. Thanks. I. Want to. Make. More. For. Christmas for gifts
Hey Maria, The consistency will depend on your honey. The cleanser should be thick, like a gel. There’s really nothing you can add to this cleanser to create a thicker consistency.
Thanks
Hi there, i have been using this wash, and the toner recipe for 2 weeks. I am getting quite a lot of little whiteheads, and i was wondering if this is to be expected? Or maybe this isn’t right for me?
Hey Sarah, If you’re breaking out after using a new product, it’s best to discontinue use. Maybe try just using one product to determine if there’s a specific product/ingredient that’s disagreeing your skin–like an elimination diet but for the skin. Another aspect to think about is changes in diet. When I consume too much dairy, my face always breaks out really bad.
I was wondering would it make a difference if I were to use aloe vera juice instead or aloe vera gel?
Hey Tahira, The cleanser will probably be very watery and may need to be refrigerated. Other than those differences, your skin will still benefit from the aloe.
This cleanser leaves my face feeling greasy. Would you recommend adding some Castile soap or would it not work as well if that is added? Thank you
Hey Wendy, You definitely could add castile soap…it may help :).
Thanks, Kristen, for this recipe! It saved my face. I used a couple anti-aging serums that ruined my moisture barrier and this repaired my dry, red face. Brilliant. I’m going to use for body wash next (sans castile). Thanks, again. 🙂
That’s so great, Gina! I’m so happy to hear the cleanser is working so well for you!
What do you use for a moisturizer?
Hey Megan, For the past few months I’ve been using an oil moisturizer. Here’s more information about using oil as a moisturizer: https://livesimply.me/2016/01/16/homemade-easy-argan-and-rosehip-oil-moisturizer/.
I’ve been using this for 3 months and my face is sooo soft. I love this stuff and feel good about what I’m putting on and in my body! Thank you!
That’s awesome, Sarah! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the cleanser :).
I LOVE this recipe! I added a touch of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and use this as a mask every morning instead of washing my face. The dry mixture still leaves your face easily movable so you won’t have issues talking, smiling, or eating.
Note: My skin is extremely dry due to being on Clavaris (Accutane) and with this amazing recipe I have zero flaking or dry patches. Thank you Kristin, you are amazing!
That’s sooooo awesome, Sabrina!!! I’m so incredibly happy for you!
G’day Kristin, thanks for the great recipes.
Do you use this on wet skin?
Is hemp oil a suitable oil for this face wash?
Hey Tony, I’ve used this on wet and dry skin, but normally I wet my face and then apply the cleanser. I haven’t tried hemp oil, so I’m not sure how it will work on your skin or in this recipe.
Hi Kristin, I’ve been using your other honey face wash for a few months and I love it! I’m just about to run out of my current batch and I decided to try this one next. I was wondering if you think this recipe would work in a foaming dispenser? That’s what I’ve been using for the other face wash (and it’s been working wonderfully), but this seems like it would be thicker. Thanks!
Hey Lacey, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the face wash! I think you could put this cleanser in a pump dispenser, but you’ll need to add water and Castile soap. So maybe use the honey face wash recipe and add aloe.
Is this what you use your Clarasonic Mia with or the honey face wash?
Hey Paula, Yes, this is what I use with my Mia. I apply the cleanser to my face and then use the Mia. I use a cloth to rinse my face after using the Mia.
I had a couple of questions for you. Does this cleanser feel sticky on your face? Does it take off eye makeup?
Hey Holly, It will feel a bit sticky since there is honey in the mixture, but the aloe helps it glide on the skin and easily wash away. This won’t fully remove eye makeup like waterproof mascara, but it will help remove light eye makeup.
Hi there,
I was wondering if you could add a few drops of essential oil to this cleanser?
Thanks
Hey Kristy, Absolutely, that would be great!
Does any one know where in the drugstore i could find this? (like which area/ department/ what is it next to?) I can only find After Sun lotion with aloe….
Thanks
Hey Serendipity, Aloe is usually available in the beauty department, I believe. It may also be found near the topical ointments and such. Avoid the aloe that’s green (it contains artificial dye). Amazon is another good source for aloe vera.
I FOUND IT!!! 😀 it took ten different stores but i finally found pure aloe vera gel!!!
Ive been loving this recipe for days when i don’t wear any makeup (or only the homemade powder on your site). On days where i wear foundation and heavier makeup, I use this and store bought cleanser to super clean my skin.
This recipe feels like a shu uemura oil cleanser, but quite a bit less oily and lighter.
Thanks for the great recipe Kristin!
the tip beware green aloe was timely, as it totally didnt even cross my mind….
Glad that was helpful :)!
I can’t wait to try this. I’ve used honey on its own, and it’s so sticky, so I’d love to see how it is mixed 50/50 with aloe. I can’t use jojoba, but maybe hemp or pumpkin seed oil.
Hey Stuart, I hope you love it. I love the consistency of the aloe and honey mixed together. Another option might be olive oil.
I can’t wait to try it, but plz I don’t really understand d coconut aspect like, is it d water, or d squeeze one, or coconut oil plz help me out on it. Thanks
Hey Kemi, Are you asking about which kind of coconut oil, if you’re using coconut oil? If so, you’ll want to use virgin coconut oil, and just whisk it together with the other ingredients.
Thank you so much for posting this recipe I absolutely love it!
Hey Annabelle, I’m so glad you’re enjoying this facial cleanser. It’s my favorite, too ;)!
Does this take off makeup?
Hey Tori, This alone doesn’t remove makeup. I remove makeup first, and then use this cleanser: https://livesimply.me/2016/07/16/how-to-naturally-remove-makeup-3-easy-makeup-remover-options/
Hello pls can i keep this for a longer time
Hey Angel, If you’re using an aloe with a natural preservative(s) from the store (not fresh aloe), it should last a couple of months–that’s how long I keep mine.
With fresh aloe it will last for how long?
Hey Sandy, With fresh aloe, the cleanser will only last a few days. I think the best scenario with fresh aloe is to mix up the cleanser (possibly reducing the amounts) and either store it in the fridge (although the honey may be too firm after refrigeration), or just make a new batch every few days.
I have a question, is this cleanser only suitable to one skin type? Such oily or dry skin? Between this one and homemade aloe vera face wash, which one would you recommend?
Hey Leonard, They will both work for all skin types. It’s just a preference if you’d like a sudsy cleanser. The castile soap can make your face feel a bit on the dry side (immediately after cleansing), so if you have drier skin that’s something to keep in mind.
I want to use fresh aloe,but want it to stay fresh for a while without leaving it in the fridge(because you said it would harden the honey) I hear rosemary extract is a natural preservative. You think i could add some to keep it from going bad so soon?
I’ve just discovered your fantastic blog during the week and……. I love it!!!!
This morning I tried out the Honey and Aloe facial wash and the Aloe and Sweet Almond Oil moisturiser… the only change I made was to add a couple of drops of orange essential oil to the moisturiser and both have worked beautifully on my skin ❤️❤️ Would you recommend using a couple drops of chamomile oil to either (or both) to help with redness??
Hi Sharon Ní Cheallaigh, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog and the recipes. Chamomile oil could be used, or lavender essential oil may help. It’s my favorite, easy-to find solution for soothing the skin.
Thanks again xx
Does thia face cleanser remove also the makeup ?
Hey Maria, It doesn’t. I recommend using an oil to remove makeup first (or the makeup remover balm).
My daughter has battled acne and eczema on her face for years. We’ve tried so many treatments/medicines to balance the two out. A few weeks ago we started your DIY regimen of the honey/castille soap cleanser, apple cider toner and honey/aloe wash. Her skin looks amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your recipes. We’ve even shared with friends who are also using and having equally good results!! It’s much cheaper and it’s all natural!!!
That’s so exciting, Toni! Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so glad the switch to natural products has made such a huge difference for her!
I can’t wait to try this. I am always buying random cleansers and really want to find a natural way to clean my face.
Hi Kristen, I’ve been using this for week now and I love it!any suggestion to replace jojoba oil for my combination skin type?
Hey Nani, I’m so glad you like it! Sweet almond oil may be a nice oil to use.
Hi what kind of honey do you use? I use raw honey and it is not as liquid and I find it really hard to get it mixed well with the aloe Vera.
Hey Penelope, I use raw honey, too. The raw honey I purchase from the farmer (or in stores) is more fluid. That’s what I recommend using for this–something that’s fluid versus the raw honey that’s thick and hard to stir.
Hi! While researching about the oil cleansing method, I came across your post on it, which then led me to your top face washes, and finally here! As an adult, my breakouts are pretty rare and minor, but my skin makes up for it with congested uneven skin and large pores (and combo oily/dry skin, that’s sensitive-ish). I’ve been debating trying out OCM, but am not a fan of involved skin care routines and fear the dreaded break out reaction. All this to say, I think I want to give this cleanser a shot since it does have some of the concept of OCM with the added oil. My question (finally) is, do you think it would be beneficial to add a TB of a OCM blend instead of one oil or to stick with one nourishing oil only? I was considering 1/3 castor, sweet almond, and jojoba. Thanks!
Hi Kristin,
Can I mix 75% almond oil+25% jojoba oil?
Hey Nani, Sure :).
HI Kristin,
Can I use aloe vera liquid instead of cleanser and combine with glycerin. Just to make a bit foamy.. if yes what is the ratio for the glycerine in this recipe?thank you very much
Hey Nina, You could try, but I don’t think it will help the product have foam. I’m not sure how much glycerin you would need-maybe a tablespoon? The glycerin would be more for moisturizing.
*correction
I meant aloe liquid instead of gel..
Do you know if this will work with a glass bottle dropper? I wanna minimize contamination as much as possible. And if there are other oils aside form the ones you’ve mentioned that are ok to use instead. Thanks!
Hey Claudine, Yes, I think a glass dropper would work well. Another carrier oil will work–grapeseed, apricot, etc.
hi Kristin, does this cleanser can help to remove sunscreen?
because i am doing a double cleansing method now with Grapeseed Oil, and Oats. and i find it a bit time consuming haha
and a little suggestion, maybe you should make a new sub menu for the DIY Skin care things? or include your old skin care post in the “Natural Remedies”, it will makes people easier to look at your old post. Sorry if it’s sound like a complain.
Hey Stephen,
I don’t know if this will remove makeup. I’d just use one oil to remove the sunscreen, similar to removing makeup with oil, and the followup with a cleanser.
Thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate it. We’re working on simplifying the menu in the near future.
I wanted to know how many drop of oil do I use in the moisturizer
Hey Tina, Which moisturizer?
I will soon right from here go for the very said ingredient but my problem will be the olive oil so whether if natural from my end here
Sorry additional comment: isnt it going to darkin my face, because i tried one and i wasnt able to go out for almost three month. it darkin and spoiled my whole face. NB thta wasnt your product let say this ingredient . Thanks for your love God richly bless u
Hey Mary, I haven’t heard of olive oil darkening the skin. You can always use a different oil, maybe sweet almond or grapeseed?
I just discovered this recipe the other day and made some right away. I like how it leaves your face feeling clean without drying your skin out too much! I have a few questions, though. Will this help with blackheads? I know that honey has antibacterial/antioxidant properties, so that may be how it helps keep your skin clean. Should this also help with combination skin? Does this leave a film?
Hey Briana, Every face is different, but from my experience this cleanser cleans the face (from sensitive skin to combination skin) very well. I’m not sure about blackheads (as there are many factors to clear skin, including gut health, etc.) but it should help.
Hey Kristin! I am new to your blog and have loved reading it. I have made several recipes so far for the face and am looking forward to making some real food recipes! I made this face wash, but I ended up breaking out in a rash because of the aloe Vera. Thats never happened before but I’m about to be 44 and my body is changing all the time lol. Do you have any idea what I could substitute the aloe for? I’m new to DIY and not sure what to use. thank you so much for all the heart & time you put into this blog. Blessings! ♡
Hey Sherri, Welcome to Live Simply! I would just use honey as a cleanser. Honey is a fabulous cleanser.
Hi,
What about an oil for dry skin? I have hypothyroidism, which makes my skin very dry. What oil would work best for it?
Crystal
Hey, I just made and used this recipe on my face, but instead of jojoba oil, I used a bottle of (seemingly) essential oils. I’m don’t remember all that was in there, but there was frankincense, and there was also coconut oil. I just read the comment on how potent essential oils are, and I didn’t know. My face is kind of burning, probably from the potent essential oils I just rubbed on there! Is there any way to save the cleanser I made or should I just restart?
Hey Kenlie, Essential oils are VERY different than jojoba oil. You only need a couple of drops of an essential oil in something like this–they must be diluted versus something like jojoba can be used liberally without any dilution. I don’t think there’s a way to fix the face wash at this point. You’ll need to start over for safety reasons.
Is your Honey & Aloe face cleanser suppose to thin and a little runny ?? I measured half & half.
Thanks,
Judy
Hey Judy, Yes, it will be pretty thin. Did you use aloe juice or aloe vera gel?
I need to know if it would help my face with the red on it just on certain spots
Hey Rebecca, I don’t know if it will help since I don’t know what is causing the redness, but it certainly can’t hurt. I would give it a try.