A few years ago I started making my own olive oil face wash/cleanser. I’ve tweaked the original recipe a few times and now find it almost perfect. :)
Here’s why I LOVE it:
1. It’s very cheap frugal. You most likely already have the ingredients on hand. If not, it should cost less than $7.00 to make 6-9 months worth of cleanser.
2. It removes makeup. The olive oil naturally removes makeup, even stubborn eye makeup, and you won’t have to buy expensive makeup remover anymore!
3. It’s moisturizing. Traditional cleansers and face washes are formulated to strip skin of its natural oils, leaving your face tight and dry (and requiring you to purchase ample amounts of their moisturizer products).
4. Only 4 ingredients and it’s really easy to make!
INGREDIENTS:
1. Olive oil. I’ve been asked if you could use another oil or even coconut oil. I have never tried anything other than olive oil, but if you’d like to experiment, other vegetable oils should work just fine. Coconut oil would make more of a cleansing cream consistency.
2. Glycerin. Glycerin is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture to your skin. It is a natural by-product of the soap making process. (Manufacturers actually remove the glycerin from their soaps, to be used in their more profitable lotions and creams).
3. Liquid face soap. Because I use it to remove eye makeup, I like to use a “tear-free” product such as baby body wash, but you can use any liquid soap that works for your skin.
4. Water.
OLIVE OIL FACIAL CLEANSER
2 teaspoons liquid face soap or baby wash
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons glycerin
1/2 cup olive oil
Clean, empty pump bottle
Pour ingredients into a food processor or blender. Mix until thickened, smooth and creamy.
Use a funnel to pour your face wash into a pump bottle. Isn’t it creamy and rich?!
I quadruple the recipe, to make enough to last at least 6 months. Store any extra face wash in the empty olive oil bottle. It keeps for up to a year.
TO USE: Pump a quarter-size amount of cleanser into your hand. Gently massage into your neck area, face, eyelids and eyelashes for about one minute. Remove with a warm washcloth. Rinse washcloth in warm water and gently remove any remaining dirt or makeup off your face.
EnJoY your smooth and moisturized skin!
LOVE this...I have to try this recipe out. I have sensitive skin so I love all the natural ingredients! I looked around your blog...some good ideas! I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
4you-withlove.blogspot.com
going to have to try this! thanks for linking up...
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent idea! Happy you linked to Things I've Done Thursday!
ReplyDeleteMelanie www.bearrabbitbear.com
Alright! I am totally making this! I would love it if you stopped by to share this at my linky party going on right now:)
ReplyDeletehttp://too-much-time.com/2012/02/diy-craft-link-party.html
Awesome!! I already spend too much $$ on an organic, all-natural cleanser... going to try this out!! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteHi. I am looking for a homemade facial moisturizer. Do you know if there are any out in internet land?
ReplyDeleteI made a similar product I found on pinterest. I'm going to try yours next. I like the glycerine added. Have a great evening!
ReplyDeletehi, where does one get glycerin in stores? is it something whole foods would carry? thanks!
ReplyDeleteshaxor-
ReplyDeleteI get the glycerin at Hobby Lobby. They have a little section of soap and lotion making supplies. Be sure to wait until it's on sale or use your coupon :)
We don't have a whole foods store, so I can't comment on that. If it's not available in a store near you, try Brambleberry or a similar online soapmaking supplier.
Hope you find some!
I get glycerin at pharmacy
Deletebest face wash ever - will never go back to anything else! Thanks - one thing, you do have to shake the mixture once in awhile as it will begin to separate after a few weeks. But it still works great! Thanks...
ReplyDeleteNewest follower here. Love your blog! So glad I found it! Come by and visit me at http://www.hopesanddreamsstudio.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI have a page for Blog Buttons in the top tabs. Leave a button if you like so others can find you. If you have a place for mine, I'd appreciate that too.
Thanks for the facial cleaner. I'm def. gonna try it.
Nice to meet you.
Jacque
It's A Handmade World
thank you for a great idea. I made it and was pretty happy with the results for something that took no time to make.
ReplyDeleteV and Smilie girl- so happy you tried it's working well for you too! :) Thanks for stopping by to let me know!
ReplyDeleteWhere can I find the bottle you used? I love it and it would look great on the counter.
ReplyDeleteCan you use Dr. Bonner's for the liquid soap part of the recipe?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how this works w/ acne prone skin?
ReplyDeleteYes! It ABSOLUTELY works on acne prone skin. I had adult onset acne and started using olive oil as cleanser and moisturizer and my skin not only cleared up, but It's beautiful.
DeleteIt works awesome!
DeleteOk how often use with acne too. Im half way willing to try this, but afraid with dryness n oily. N yes its so cheap. Thats A MAJOR PLUS where do I order gele
DeleteSounds great! Has anyone w/ acne prone skin tried it??
ReplyDeleteJessica... Dr. Bronner's will work great. Any liquid soap will work, as long as you know your skin likes it :)
ReplyDeleteLorna... My youngest daughter has eczema and is also acne prone. It works great for her! She uses a toner after using the olive oil cleanser. Maybe make a 1/2 recipe and try it :)
Good info of homemade face wash. I will try to make some myself following this information.
ReplyDeleteGood info of homemade face wash . I will try to make some myself following this information.
ReplyDeleteI just tried a variation on this:
ReplyDelete1/2 c Coconut Oil
1 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp witch hazel
1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp glycerin
2 Tbsp baby soap
teeny tiny drop of essential oil (I used green tea and cucumber, but I might try tea tree oil in a larger batch - tea tree have a very strong smell)
I blended it in my mini food processor and the consistency was fine. I put it in a lotion bottle, but it would have been fine it a pump, too. My skin feels clean and a little tight (from the witch hazel).
I've been getting small bumps all over my face and I think it might be an allergic reaction to my normal face wash. I put the lemon juice in because that can help even my skin tone. The witch hazel is for my acne. I used coconut oil because I don't really like the smell of olive oil.
Thanks for the ideas!
I just tried making this and it was extremely runny. In the picture it looks viscous, how is it supposed to be? I didn't know how long to blend it, but other than that I followed the directions exactly.
ReplyDeleteIt turns out thicker for me. I think the food processor helps. I just run it until it thickens up. It will still work fine when it's runny. I've tried several other facewash recipes that use only olive oil and castor oil. They are very runny and still work great :)
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to give an update! I have used my first batch and it works great for my skin! I use dr. Bonner's lavender soap in it and I added a couple drops of tea tree oil since u am acne prone! This works wonders and I can honestly say it is the best cleanser I have ever used :) thanks so much for posting!!!
ReplyDeleteDo we have to cleanse with another cleanser again after using this? Like double cleanse.
ReplyDeletePepper... no you don't have to cleanse again. Just use the cleanser and gently remove with a warm washcloth. Some have reported they use a toner after cleansing, but I have not found this to be necessary for me :)
ReplyDeleteThis recipe looks great. Is the castile soap necessary? I am trying to figure out a cleansing recipe that is similar to one I bought at the farmers market. That cleanser only uses bees wax, honey, and glycerin (plus essential oils)- no soap.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. I have very oily skin and I'm a little concerned that the olive oil will make it worse. Does the oil moisturize more than it makes your skin oily? Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteDo not be! It has been shown that those with oily or acne prone skin respond wonderfully to oil cleansing! When you use harsh soaps and astringents you strip your skin of it's natural oils causing it to over produce oil...Seriously, so many people with oily skin have come to know great skin through these methods. If you are unsure of the evoo try using coconut oil instead and add just a few (2-4) drops of tea tree oil per 8 oz mixture. The thing that is great about making your own cleanser is the personalization! Read up on the properties of Rose Hip Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, and Geranium Oil...they all have either clarifying or antibacterial properties. Hope this helps :)
DeleteSounds wonderful. Going to try it. Do you have a recipe for homemade toner?
ReplyDeleteSorry, Sandy... no recipe for toner. I have seen a few on Pinterest, but haven't made any of them yet. Please let us know how the cleanser works for you :)
ReplyDeleteI will be giving this recipe a try. Can't wait to go to the store tomorrow and get what I need. I noticed a few comments with questions on where to get the glycerin. You can find it at the band aids isle at your local store like Wal-Mart. I currently use a mixture of castor oil to wash my face. My face is very oily and I have no problem with washing my oily skin with oil, lol. After, I just use a witch hazel. However, this one looks way better. Thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recipe. I am going to try it tomorrow. By the way, hands down, the best thing to use for toner is witch hazel. I was given that tip from a Holleywood skin care expert and found it to be completely true. Its all natural and extremely economical and works better than the store bought stuff.
ReplyDeleteWhat if you added something scrubby? Maybe almonds pulverized with the food processor. Wonder if that would clog up the pump?
ReplyDeleteWhat about adding something scrubby? Maybe almonds pulverized with the food processor? Wonder if that would clog the pump?
ReplyDeleteJessica, I've found that a simple mix of evoo and sugar makes a great exfoliating scrub. You can just add a tablespoon of evoo with a teaspoon of sugar whenever you feel you need to exfoliate...you can also mix more for use as a body scrub and you won't believe how soft your skin will be, but be careful your tub will become crazy slippery o_O)
DeleteI can't wait to try this out! I am trying to go all natural and DIY with my health and beauty routines. I saw a few people wondering about where to find a good toner--I found this on Pinterest a few months ago and swear by it:
ReplyDeletehttp://shwinandshwin.blogspot.com/2010/10/skin-brightening-toner.html
I had a few bed bug scars on my face (horrifying, I know) that seemed to be irritated by the heat and this homemade toner (lemon juice, witch hazel, and water) cleared it up and left my skin looking even better than before. I
@Melissa Sprouse, thanks for the tip as to where to get glycerin! That's the last ingredient I need for this. Can't wait to try it!
Really liked the original recipe. I have been reading about the benefits of grape seed oil. I made a batch today but substituted grape seed oil for olive oil. I LOVE IT. It was a tad thinner but worked great. Added bonus grape seed oil is cheaper.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gena! Good to know. I'll definitely try grapeseed oil next time :)
ReplyDeleteJust tried this facewash and loved it! I have combination skin and it really evens that out.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! I've been using it (made with grape seed oil) for just over a month and saw a difference within the first week - it is wonderful. With very sensitive skin, I now have no rash, fewer blemishes, softer skin, and I feel in control of what I am putting on my face. Thanks so much for posting this - you made a difference.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing this! I will prepare a batch over the weekend. Question: I read the mixture can be stored up to a year, does it need to be refrigerated?
ReplyDeletechezkoni@sympatico.ca
Ate - Mine sits on the bathroom counter all year. I've never had a problem with it "going bad" and have not refrigerated it :)
ReplyDeleteI'm super excited to make this! Does anyone know of an all natural alternative to the baby soap? Would this still remove make up with out that addition? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteAshley - Any natural liquid soap from the natural food store would be fine. Several commenters have reported using Dr. Bronners and I've seen natural liquid baby wash at Whole Foods, too :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. I just have one question before I try it. Can glycerin be replaced with raw honey? I am wondering what differences that it may bring.
ReplyDeleteDo you use plain glycerin or soap based glycerin? I don't want to buy the wrong one!
ReplyDeleteI have recently switched to more of a DIY approach to my skincare. I must admit, I previously really didnt do much for my face. I would occasionally wash it with plain water but thats about it. I have extremely sensitive, dry, acne prone skin so everything I used on it would cause breakouts, make my already dry skin flake more and often times, literally burn my skin. I decided to give this recipe a try in an attempt to make my skin better. I was rather apprehensive at first being that its comprised mainly of EVOO because I HATE my skin feeling greasy/oily. I was very pleasently surprised after my first time using this when I discovered that it all completely washed off and left my face feeling clean and refreashed. NO oily residue!! I doubled the recipe but used 2 tbs of water and 2 tbs of witch hazel. Its wonderful. I then follow up with a brightening toner made of water, witch hazel and lemon juice. At night I also use a thick lotion/cream. In just a couple of days my skin tone is much more even, my pores have shrunk drastically, about half of the terrible black heads on my nose are gone and my skin is soft and radiant. I keep getting compliments and its just wonderful. I cant thank you enough!!
ReplyDeleteI love this face wash. It feels so creamy on my face. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have been making this for a while now, in a high-speed blender using Dr. Bronner's. I now use it with my clarisonic in place of oil cleansing. I get the moisturizing, clean rinsing benefits of the cleanser with the deep cleaning/exfoliating benefits of the clarisonic. My skin look and feels ah-mazing. Almost zero monthly breakouts around "that time". It is much more portable for travel, as well. Thank you!
ReplyDeletei do not have a food processor will a blender work?
ReplyDeleteYou sure can use a blender... it says food processor or blender in the instructions :)
ReplyDeleteI have made this recipe twice now. I absolutely love it. I was previously making my own make up remover oil with polysorbate 20 or 80. Now I don't even need an extra ingredient. Thanks so much for sharing. This is the best face wash I have ever used.
ReplyDeletePlease be careful with this - when you add water to any oil you create a perfect environment for bacteria and other nastys Especially since this goes near your eyes. Looks like a beautiful facial clenser and much less harsh than the commercial cleansers out there :) if you want to learn more look up preseritives check out Soap Queen or swift craft monkeys blog.
ReplyDeleteI used your recipe , used for several weeks and I can not be more happier!
ReplyDeleteIt has made wonders to my skin.
Here is what I posted about it.
http://www.elpesonuestro.com/2013/05/08/mi-bano-dejo-de-ser-una-farmacia/
Thank you very much for sharing it.
I followed your recipe and used the product for several weeks, and love it!
ReplyDeleteI loved it so much that I wrote a post about it.
http://www.elpesonuestro.com/2013/05/08/mi-bano-dejo-de-ser-una-farmacia/
Than you for sharing.
I blended this until my ninja was making wierd overused plastic smells with a not near as pretty or unseperating result. Are the ingredients supposed to be blended in some sort of order?
ReplyDeleteHi Brittanie -
ReplyDeleteI would go ahead and use it! It works just as well whether it's runny or thick!! There's no difference in performance. Several other face wash recipes on pinterest use only olive oil and castor oil. They are VERY runny and still work great :)
I'm not sure why it turns out thicker for me. There is no order of blending :) You could try using less water and/or glycerin and maybe that would help.
I have been using the original formula for well over a year & a 1/2 and still love it and will never go back to anything else. It is the best! I wonder if those who are finding it a little runny may just need to let the blender run a little longer?
ReplyDeletev - I have wondered the same. It may need to be blended longer. Regardless, though, it works fine no matter what consistency it is. So I would still use it, even if it was always runny :)
ReplyDeleteI just realized that the dr. Bonners I have is the peppermint one. Do you think that would be OK on faces?
ReplyDelete-m- As long as you've used it before and didn't have any problems, it will be fine :)
ReplyDeleteI made this last night and was wondering how often do you cleanse? Daily? Twice daily? every so many days? I don't want to over do it. Also do you wet your face first or put it on dry? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Shalisa - Go ahead and use it the same frequency as any other face wash you've used. I use it morning and evening on dry skin, then remove with a warm cloth. Hope this helps :)
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to know if this formula lathers or foams up...also, why the need for a wash cloth to remove product? Will it rinse completely with just plain water? I'm looking forward to making this!
Thank you,
Madelyn
mdlynwray@google.com
I love this face wash made it twice and works great runny or creamy....im curious though my husband works outside with all the natural elements that the outdoors has to offer would it work on his skin just the same ? Has any ones husband use this?
ReplyDeleteI love this face wash made it twice and works great runny or creamy....im curious though my husband works outside with all the natural elements that the outdoors has to offer would it work on his skin just the same ? Has any ones husband use this?
ReplyDeleteOk I just made very small batch n my skin didn't feel ugly it was smooth n soft no oily film n I so appreciate glycerin tip at Wal-Mart near bandaids thanks goin to give it a small batch trial
ReplyDeleteAfter my trial run if love it going to make another batch for my daughter also tip I use hand soap pump bottle no problems after rinsed soap out :) carpenter.chasity2@gmail.com any tips Id appreciate
ReplyDeleteTip I do after warm washcloth rinse I do same thing with cold water to close my pores
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering what is the purpose of the:
ReplyDelete2 teaspoons liquid face soap or baby wash
Just wondering if I could possibly use something else, like honey in it's place.
You can try honey... I personally would not. I hate sticky honey on my skin. Not sure if honey makes the cleanser difficult to rinse or wipe off, but that would be a pain to do 2X daily :)
ReplyDeleteThe soap is a very small amount, compared to the main ingredient. You can use castile or a soap from whole foods or just leave it out altogether :)
It helps remove makeup and mascara. It also helps the cleanser glide on the skin.
If you use honey, please come back and comment so others will know how it performs in the cleanser :)
Great recipe! I hope you didn't mind my replying to a few people's concerns...I can't resist an opportunity to help others find the path to beautiful balanced skin, lol. Again, great post. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteThis is great information i will try this.
ReplyDeleteI love this facial cleaner and have been making it for myself for about a year now. Thank you for sharing it with us! Meanwhile, I have read some more about home made cosmetics and I have started wondering what the purpose of those two tablespoons of water in the recipe is? I wouldn't think that water can improve efficiency of any of the ingredients. That's why I was guessing that water is added to make it easier for the mixture to become creamy? Thank you for your answer. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is my go-to. Been using it for a couple of years (about 2 now) and never had any break outs or anything. Got lazy a couple of weeks ago and decided to try an uber expensive, all natural, organic, blah-de-blah facial cleanser and now my skin looks like crap. Going back to this!
ReplyDeleteMade this today for third time (multiplied the recipe) but it turned out quite thin. What should I add? More Olive oil?
ReplyDeleteCarmen, I would go ahead and use it. It really doesn't matter if it's thin! You could try blending in longer to see if it will eventually emulsify. Or you could try adding a very small amount of coconut oil, as it is semi-solid at room temperature. Also, be sure to read through all the comments here in this post. There are lots of hints and good ideas from others here :)
ReplyDeleteI made this with Trader Joe's all in one soap. It came out thick and beautiful! You said it keeps for 6 months. I guess it has never grown anything gross? I doubt it will last that long anyway. It's wonderful for dry sensitive skin. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo happy it's working for you, Deborah! It's always used up within a month or 2, but it hasn't ever grown anything :) I think the soap and glycerin help preserve it. If it's a concern, though, go ahead and keep it refrigerated.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your comment!
I've had sensitive skin for as long as I can remember. I'm 50 now and tired of dealing with rashes on my face and everything I try being an irritant (and no, I don't have rosacea). I started using olive oil for face cleansing several months ago and am pleased to say I've had no ill effects. When I found this recipe, I just couldn't wait to get home from work and try it. I stopped at Whole Foods and bought the glycerine and some lavender oil. I was shocked when these few ingredients turned into a luxurious cream!! Adding some lavender oil made it smell nice and is supposed to help with general redness. Thank you so much for posting this recipe. My smooth, soft, rash free face is very grateful!
ReplyDeleteI tries this cleaner and it is great my skin cleared up and its glowing
ReplyDeleteI'm going to make another batch now
I just wash it away with water and then use a face tissue and the results are great
Thank you so much for this anazing recipe
Goodbye to expensive facial products. I fell totally in love with this recipe the moment I used it. My skin feels so supple and nourished. It will be my go-to face wash from now on.
ReplyDeleteInstead of baby wash, I used lavender-scented castille soap. Love! Love! Love!
I have perioral dermatitis and was wondering if this would help or hurt my condition ?
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteA friend sent me this link for the handcream. When I first looked at it it showed the pictures of it being made. I got the ingredients and now the pictures aren't downloading. Does anyone know if there is a fix for that. Not sure if it is the website or if I should call computer technical support for help.