QUICK SUMMARY
What is the best DIY facial cleanser for glowing skin? A simple homemade face wash made with aloe vera, coconut oil, and skin-supporting essential oils is a budget-friendly way to cleanse, moisturize, and refresh your skin without the questionable ingredients often found in conventional products.
This DIY facial cleanser uses nourishing ingredients like aloe vera gel and coconut oil, plus lavender, frankincense, myrrh, geranium, sandalwood, and rose essential oils for natural skin support. You can also make an exfoliating variation with baking soda for a gentle scrub when your skin needs a little extra polishing.
Making your own skincare is one of the easiest ways to reduce your toxic burden at home. You get to control every ingredient, avoid synthetic fragrance, parabens, and phthalates, and create a face wash that leaves your skin soft, clean, and refreshed.
Making your own DIY facial cleanser is a simple way to take control of your skincare, reduce toxic ingredients, and save money.
You do not need expensive products or complicated routines to care for your skin well. With aloe vera, coconut oil, gentle exfoliants, and the right essential oils, you can create a beautiful cleanser that supports soft, refreshed, glowing skin.
This is stewardship in everyday life: choosing ingredients wisely, reducing your toxic burden, and caring for the body God gave you with simple, practical steps.
Table of Contents
Why Make Your Own Facial Cleanser?
Skincare is one of the biggest ongoing expenses for women, and the search for the “perfect” facial cleanser can get frustrating fast. One product feels too drying. Another leaves your skin greasy. Another claims to be natural but still contains mystery fragrance, harsh preservatives, or ingredients you cannot pronounce.
Here’s the thing: all-natural skincare does not have to break the bank.
You can make your own DIY facial cleanser at home with simple, nourishing ingredients that help cleanse, soften, and support healthy-looking skin. Better yet, you can customize it with essential oils that fit your skin goals, whether you want to support aging skin, calm irritation, refresh dull skin, or keep your complexion feeling balanced.
This is one of those easy DIYs that makes you wonder why you ever paid for the store-bought version. It is simple, affordable, toxin-free, and leaves your skin feeling soft and clean.
Toxins Found in Store-Bought Face Wash
Why make your own face wash when there are so many store-bought options labeled “natural”?
Because “natural” does not always mean non-toxic.
Many skincare brands remove one or two questionable ingredients, add a botanical extract or two, and market the formula as clean. Some products are genuinely well made, but they can be expensive. Others still contain ingredients that can irritate skin, disrupt hormones, or add to your family’s toxic burden.
When you make your own facial cleanser, you know exactly what is touching your skin.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of personal care products. They are common in beauty products, lotions, cleansers, and cosmetics.
The concern is that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and may interfere with endocrine pathways. Research has detected parabens in human breast tumor tissue, and later reviews have raised concerns that parabens may negatively affect endocrine and intracrine targets relevant to breast carcinogenesis. (1, 2)
Reality check: your skin is not a brick wall. What you put on your body matters, especially when you use the same products every day.
Phthalates
Phthalates are used in plastics, solvents, and personal care products. In cosmetics, they may be used to help ingredients dissolve, improve texture, or make fragrance last longer.
The problem? Phthalate exposure has been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive concerns, including research connecting prenatal exposure with changes in male infant anogenital distance, a marker scientists use when studying reproductive development. (3)
Reducing phthalates in your skincare routine is one practical way to lower your daily toxic burden.
Synthetic Fragrance
Synthetic fragrance is one of the biggest reasons we love making DIY skincare.
“Fragrance” can be a catchall term for many ingredients, and companies may protect certain fragrance formulas as trade secrets. That means the label may not tell you exactly what is in the scent blend. (4)
For sensitive skin, this matters. Synthetic fragrance can trigger headaches, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and rashes in some people.
When you use pure essential oils properly diluted, you get a beautiful aroma plus plant-based benefits without relying on mystery fragrance blends.
A Simple All-Natural Skincare Routine
Our skin faces a lot every day: weather, sweat, dirt, pollution, bacteria, makeup, stress, and environmental toxins. A simple skincare rhythm can help your skin reset without overwhelming your schedule or your budget.
You do not need a 12-step routine. Start with the basics.
1. Wash Your Face
Washing your face helps remove sweat, dirt, makeup, oil, and daily buildup. Some people do fine with gentle soap and water, but many of us need a little more skin support.
That is where this homemade facial cleanser shines. You can tailor the essential oils to your skin type and goals. There are oils that support acne-prone skin, aging skin, dry skin, dull skin, and irritated skin.
Application: Use your DIY face wash in the morning to start fresh and at night to remove the day before bed.
2. Tone the Skin
Toning is one skincare step many people skip, but it can be helpful after cleansing. A toner helps refresh the skin, remove lingering residue, and support a balanced-feeling complexion.
Many store-bought toners contain alcohol, which can be harsh and drying. I prefer simple, non-toxic options like organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar diluted with water or alcohol-free witch hazel.
Application: Apply toner with a cotton ball after cleansing, then follow with a moisturizer.
3. Replenish Moisture
Cleansing removes buildup, but it can also remove some of your skin’s natural oils. That is why moisturizing is essential.
A simple moisturizer or serum made with non-toxic ingredients can help replenish moisture, support the skin barrier, and keep your complexion soft. Coconut oil and aloe vera gel are two of my favorite ingredients because they are simple, soothing, and easy to use in homemade skincare.
Best Ingredients for a DIY Facial Cleanser
This DIY facial cleanser uses a simple base of coconut oil and aloe vera gel, then adds essential oils that are traditionally used for skin support.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular natural moisturizer and a wonderful base for DIY skincare. It helps soften the skin and contains lauric acid, a fatty acid known for antimicrobial activity. Research on plant oils also highlights topical coconut oil for skin barrier support and anti-inflammatory activity. (11)
Because coconut oil can feel rich, use a small amount and rinse well. Some acne-prone skin types may prefer using this cleanser less often or patch testing first.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is cooling, soothing, and hydrating. It helps the cleanser feel lighter and supports soft, supple-looking skin. Aloe has a long history of use for calming irritated skin and supporting skin repair. (11)
For best results, choose a high-quality aloe vera gel without synthetic fragrance or unnecessary additives.
Baking Soda
The exfoliating variation includes baking soda, which gives the cleanser a gentle polishing texture.
This can be helpful when your skin feels dull or rough, but do not overdo it. Exfoliation should support your skin, not irritate it. Most people do best using an exfoliating cleanser only as needed rather than every time they wash their face.
Essential Oils for Glowing Skin
Essential oils are concentrated plant compounds, and a little goes a long way. In this DIY face wash, each oil was chosen for a specific skin-supporting purpose.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the best essential oils for natural skincare because it is gentle, calming, and rich in antioxidant activity. In animal research, lavender oil helped improve oxidative stress markers, which supports its traditional use in formulas designed to calm and protect the skin. (5)
This makes lavender a beautiful choice for daily skincare, especially for skin that looks tired, stressed, or irritated.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is one of our favorite oils for mature skin. It has been used traditionally for skin tone, scars, wrinkles, and overall skin rejuvenation.
In vitro research has found antimicrobial activity in frankincense oils from Boswellia sacra, which helps explain why this precious oil is such a useful addition to natural skincare. (6)
Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh essential oil is soothing, grounding, and excellent for skin that needs extra care. Myrrh has been used traditionally for wounds and irritated tissue, and research on Commiphora species supports wound-healing activity. (7)
This is important for aging skin, irritated skin, and skin exposed to daily environmental stressors.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil has a beautiful floral aroma and is often used to support balanced-looking skin. It is especially popular in homemade facial serums, cleansers, and moisturizers.
Geranium also has antifungal activity, which makes it a helpful oil for natural personal care products. (8)
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood essential oil has a warm, luxurious aroma and a long history of use in skincare. Dermatology-focused reviews describe sandalwood album oil as having anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and skin-supportive properties in preclinical research. (9)
It is especially lovely in anti-aging skincare because it gives homemade products a spa-like scent without synthetic fragrance.
Rose Essential Oil
Rose essential oil is one of the most treasured oils in natural beauty care. It smells absolutely heavenly and has been studied for antimicrobial activity, including activity against Propionibacterium acnes, now commonly referred to as Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria associated with acne. (10)
Rose is also a beautiful choice for mature skin, dry skin, and anyone who wants their DIY facial cleanser to feel a little more luxurious.
How to Make DIY Facial Cleanser
Within minutes, you can have a homemade facial cleanser ready to use. This is a wonderful addition to a toxin-free skincare routine and a simple way to make your bathroom cabinet a little cleaner.
DIY Facial Cleanser With Anti-Aging Essential Oils + Variation
Quantity
Ingredients
- 9 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops geranium essential oil
- 5 drops helichrysum essential oil
- 5 drops myrrh essential oil
- 5 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 4 drops rose essential oil
- 2 drops fennel essential oil
- 1 cup coconut oil, extra-virgin AND unrefined, softened
- 1 cup aloe vera gel
Supplies
Instructions
- Soften the coconut oil until it's nearly melted. I do this by setting the jar in a sink or bowl filled with hot water. In a bowl, mix the coconut oil and aloe vera gel until smooth.
- Add the essential oils to the glass bottle.
- Pour in the aloe and coconut oil blend. Replace the lid and shake to blend.
- Use as you would a conventional facial cleanser.
Step One: Mix the Aloe and Coconut Oil
In a bowl, mix the coconut oil and aloe vera gel until smooth.
For the best texture, make sure your coconut oil is soft enough to blend easily but not so hot that it affects the quality of the other ingredients.
Step Two: Add Essential Oils
Add the essential oils to a glass bottle. Then pour in the aloe vera and coconut oil mixture.
Put the top on the bottle and shake vigorously to blend. Use as you would a conventional facial cleanser.
How to Use Your DIY Facial Cleanser
To use, apply a small amount to damp skin and gently massage over the face using circular motions. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Follow with toner and moisturizer as needed.
Safety note: Keep essential oils away from the eyes. If you have sensitive skin, patch test first on a small area before using on your face. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Easy Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
This variation is perfect when your skin needs a little extra smoothing. It includes baking soda, which adds gentle exfoliation and helps polish away buildup.
Use it wisely. Facial skin is delicate, and over-exfoliating can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, or irritated. Start with occasional use and adjust based on how your skin responds.
Easy Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
Quantity
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil, extra-virgin AND unrefined
- ½ cup aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 5-7 drops essential oils*
Supplies
- Glass jar for storage
Instructions
- Soften the coconut oil until it's nearly melted. I do this by setting the jar in a sink filled with hot water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut oil and aloe vera gel, and baking soda until smooth.
- Stir in the essential oils.
- Use as you would a conventional exfoliating cleanser.
Step One: Combine the Ingredients
Soften the coconut oil until it is nearly melted. An easy way to do this is to set the jar in a sink or bowl filled with hot water.
In a mixing bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and baking soda until smooth.
Step Two: Add Essential Oils
Stir in the essential oils. Store in a glass jar.
Use as you would a conventional exfoliating cleanser, gently massaging onto damp skin and rinsing well with warm water.
DIY Facial Cleanser FAQs
What is the best homemade facial cleanser?
The best homemade facial cleanser is one that cleanses without stripping your skin. A simple blend of aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and properly diluted essential oils can help cleanse, soften, and support healthy-looking skin without synthetic fragrance, parabens, or phthalates.
Can I wash my face with coconut oil?
Yes, many people use coconut oil as part of an oil-cleansing routine because it helps dissolve makeup and moisturize the skin. However, coconut oil can feel heavy for some skin types and may not be ideal for everyone with acne-prone skin. Patch test first and rinse thoroughly.
Is aloe vera good in a facial cleanser?
Yes. Aloe vera is soothing, hydrating, and gentle, which makes it a great ingredient in DIY facial cleansers. It helps balance the richness of coconut oil and leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
What essential oils are best for face wash?
Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, geranium, sandalwood, and rose are excellent essential oils for face wash when properly diluted. They are commonly used for aging skin, irritated skin, dull skin, and natural beauty care.
Can I use baking soda to exfoliate my face?
Baking soda can be used as a gentle exfoliating ingredient in a DIY facial cleanser, but it should be used carefully. Do not scrub aggressively, and avoid using it too often. If your skin feels tight, dry, or irritated, reduce use or skip the exfoliating variation.
How often should I use a DIY facial cleanser?
Most people can use a gentle DIY facial cleanser once or twice daily. The exfoliating version should be used less often, depending on your skin type. Sensitive skin may only tolerate exfoliation occasionally.
Do I need to preserve homemade facial cleanser?
Homemade skincare made with water-based ingredients like aloe vera can spoil more quickly than commercial products. Make small batches, store in a clean glass container, avoid introducing water into the jar, and discard if the smell, color, or texture changes.
Can essential oils irritate facial skin?
Yes, essential oils can irritate the skin if used too strongly or if you are sensitive to a specific oil. Always dilute essential oils properly, avoid the eye area, and patch test before applying a new blend to your face.
Resources & References
- Darbre PD, Aljarrah A, Miller WR, Coldham NG, Sauer MJ, Pope GS. Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. Journal of Applied Toxicology. 2004;24(1):5-13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14745841/
- Hager E, Chen J, Zhao L. Minireview: Parabens exposure and breast cancer. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022;19(3):1873. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35162895/
- Swan SH. Prenatal phthalate exposure and anogenital distance in male infants. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2006;114(1):A88. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16451842/
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Trade Secret Ingredients. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/trade-secret-ingredients
- Wang D, Yuan X, Liu T, Liu L, Hu Y, Wang Z, Zheng Q. Neuroprotective activity of lavender oil on transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice. Molecules. 2012;17(8):9803-9817. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22895026/
- Di Stefano V, Schillaci D, et al. In vitro antimicrobial activity of frankincense oils from Boswellia sacra grown in different locations of the Dhofar Region, Oman. Antibiotics. 2020;9(4):195. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32325952/
- Gebrehiwot M, Asres K, Bisrat D, Mazumder A, Lindemann P, Bucar F. Evaluation of the wound healing property of Commiphora guidottii Chiov. ex. Guid. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;15:282. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4538748/
- Pattnaik S, Subramanyam VR, Kole C. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios. 1996;86(349):237-246. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8893526/
- Moy RL, Levenson C. Sandalwood album oil as a botanical therapeutic in dermatology. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017;10(10):34-39. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5749697/
- Zu Y, Yu H, Liang L, Fu Y, Efferth T, Liu X, Wu N. Activities of ten essential oils towards Propionibacterium acnes and PC-3, A-549 and MCF-7 cancer cells. Molecules. 2010;15(5):3200-3210. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20657472/
- Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(1):70. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
