6 Homemade Cleansers for The Face: Natural Alternatives to Soap That Actually Work

By: Linda Robison — Certified Facial Fitness Specialist

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

By: Linda Robison — Certified Facial Fitness Specialist

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Homemade cleansers for the face: why I switched from regular soap

When I hit 50, I started noticing that my usual cleansers were leaving my already-dry skin feeling even tighter.

That “I just washed my face” feeling got worse, and my skin seemed duller and more wrinkled right after cleansing.

That’s when I started experimenting with homemade face cleansers and other natural alternatives to regular soap. I wanted something that would clean my skin without leaving it feeling stripped.

A few of these simple options worked much better for me. My skin felt softer, more comfortable, and less dry after washing.

Why switch to a homemade face cleanser?

These homemade face cleanser options are simple, gentle, and easy to make with ingredients you may already have at home.

I started using them because I wanted alternatives to soap that would clean my skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight.

If you’re looking for a natural face wash alternative, start with one recipe and see how your skin responds.

6 Best Homemade Cleansers for Your Face: Soap-Free Alternatives That Actually Work

1. Honey and aloe vera cleanser

Honey and aloe vera make a simple homemade face cleanser for dry or sensitive skin. The honey helps lift away light buildup, while aloe gives it a softer, more soothing feel.

How:

1. Mix equal parts raw honey and pure aloe vera gel.
2. Gently massage the mixture onto your face for about a minute.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water.

ABZ Tip: To make it easier to work with the sticky texture, wet your hands slightly before applying. For added antibacterial benefits, opt for Manuka honey.

2. Oil cleansing method

Oil cleansing can be a good homemade face cleanser option if your skin feels dry or tight after washing. I personally like almond oil, although jojoba oil is another popular choice because it feels light on the skin.

How:

1. Massage jojoba oil onto your dry face for about 60 seconds.
2. Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe it off.

ABZ Tip:  If you’re worried about breakouts, start with a small amount and see how your skin responds. Oils can work well for dry skin, but not every oil works for everyone. See more about face oils here...

3. Clay-based cleansing grains

Clay and ground oats can work well when your skin feels rough, dull, or a little congested. I’d think of this as more of a cleansing-exfoliating mix than an everyday face wash.

How:

1. Mix about 50% kaolin clay with ground oats and enough water to make a soft paste.
2. Gently massage it over your face.
3. Let it sit for about a minute.
4. Rinse well with warm water.

ABZ Tip: I wouldn’t use this every day. Two or three times a week is plenty, especially if your skin tends to get dry. If you have oilier skin, I also have a homemade clay mask for oily skin that goes into the different types of clay you can use.

4. Natural foaming face wash

If you miss the foam of regular soap, I get it. I do too.

For a simple homemade face wash, you can dilute castile soap and add a little honey and jojoba oil to make it feel less drying.

How:

1. Mix one part castile soap with four parts water.
2. Add one teaspoon each of honey and jojoba oil.
3. Gently massage it over your face.
4. Rinse with warm water.

ABZ Tip: Don’t make it too strong. Castile soap can still feel drying on the face, especially if your skin is already dry or mature.

If you’d rather use a ready-made cleanser, I also looked at green tea facial cleansers and what they can realistically do.

5. Hydrochlorous acid spray cleanser

Hypochlorous acid spray can be handy when your skin feels irritated, sweaty, or just needs a quick refresh. If you’re looking for a gentle face cleanser, this can be a useful extra step, especially if your skin is easily bothered.

I wouldn’t use it as my only cleanser when I’m wearing makeup, sunscreen, or have a lot of buildup on my skin.

How:

1. Spray it directly over clean or mostly clean skin.
2. Let it air dry or gently pat it dry.

ABZ Tip: I think of hypochlorous acid more as a soothing skin spray than a full face wash. It can be useful during the day, after exercise, or anytime your skin needs a quick freshen-up.

6. DIY toner-cleanser combo

If you want something very light, aloe vera and tea tree oil can work more like a quick toner-cleanser than a full face wash.

I’d use this when my skin just needs a light refresh—not when I’m trying to remove makeup, sunscreen, or a lot of buildup.

How:

1. Mix aloe vera gel with just a few drops of tea tree oil.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Apply lightly with a cotton pad.

ABZ Tip: Tea tree oil can be irritating if you use too much, so keep the amount small and stop if your skin stings or feels dry. Store the mixture in the fridge and make a fresh batch after about a week.

The natural way:  why I like soap alternatives  

After trying homemade face cleansers, I found that my skin usually feels better when I avoid harsh or overly drying cleansers.

I still use regular cleansers when it makes sense, especially when I travel. That’s when I sometimes reach for natural makeup wipes.

I was also surprised to learn that some regular makeup wipes can be rough on your skin, especially if you’re rubbing a lot.

If you’re new to homemade skincare, start with one recipe and see how your skin responds. For gentle exfoliation, you can also try my .

Have a question or want to share your experience?

I'd love to hear from you! Visit my Questions & Comments page to ask a question, share a tip, or tell me what's worked for you.

About the Author:

Linda Robison is a Certified Facial Fitness Specialist and founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone, where she shares practical tips, products, techniques, and at-home options for women over 40. She personally tests many of the methods she writes about.

Experience: Linda spent nearly 15 years as an Anti-Aging Health Advisor at the Life Extension Foundation and has over 30 years of experience testing facial anti-aging techniques, including training in Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. Her work has been featured in GB News and Beauty Box Magazine. You can view her background on LinkedIn and follow her on Pinterest.

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