Like deodorant, many face washes have a complex list of ingredients. If you’re on a mission to maximize quality and minimize the number of ingredients you put on your skin, then you’ve come to the right place.

Why should I make my own face wash?

Many conventional facial cleansers are overly harsh, and can strip the skin of its sebum, a natural oily substance that protects your skin from drying out, UV radiation, and more. When you make your own skin care products, you have the advantage of control over the ingredients and where they’re sourced. This is particularly helpful if your skin is on the sensitive side or you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

Selecting ingredients for homemade face wash

When it comes to our skin, we are all about thoughtfully-sourced ingredients. Whenever possible go with pure, Certified Organic, Fair Trade products that are made without dyes or artificial additives.

We’ve created a face wash recipe with aloe vera as the central ingredient for a number of reasons. Read on to learn why this cactus-like plant is a favorite.

The benefits of aloe vera for skin

Aloe vera is typically applied to the skin in gel form. The gel is derived from the aloe plant, a light green succulent that grows around the world, even here in the high desert of Taos, New Mexico.

The naturally cooling gel is revered for its many benefits to the body, inside and out. When used topically, aloe vera is believed to¹:

• Improve acne
• Speed up healing and reduce pain from a burn
• Soothe skin irritation caused by diseases, such as psoriasis

Aloe vera is considered “generally well tolerated”, although some people can experience skin irritation¹. Always test a small patch of skin before using a new product or ingredient on your skin.

Face washing best practices

Aside from using great ingredients on your face, a solid cleansing routine can greatly benefit your skin.

Create a routine

Rituals and routines create order in our lives. The simple habit of daily skin care doubles as self-care, bringing a calming moment to your day and benefiting your skin. For most of us, washing our face twice a day is ideal.

PM: Washing off the day every evening is essential. It’s important to remove makeup, pollution, dirt, and dust. This ensures your pores don’t clog with impurities and allows a fresh canvas for any oils or creams you apply at night.

AM: Giving your face a gentle wash in the morning helps remove any excess oil, dried tears, and *gasp* drool, yep we said it. Some folks find they don’t need to wash in the morning, instead finding it helpful to preserve the skin’s natural protective oils for the day, though others end up with clogged pores. You may test out skipping your morning face wash over the course of a few days to see whether your face requires a once or twice daily wash.

The right way to wash your face

We’ve come up with a few basic guidelines, but finding a method that works for you, through trial and error, is the best approach.

General guidelines for face washing:

1. Wet your face and neck with warm water.
2. Apply a small amount of cleanser to fingertips.
3. Gently massage cleanser into face and neck in circular motions.
4. Rinse cleanser off with warm water. (Use a soft cloth if desired)
5. Pat your face nearly dry.
6. Apply your favorite oils, balms, lotions, etc.

Now you have the basics, here’s a super easy face wash recipe for you to try at home. Remember everyone’s skin is unique, but we think that your skin will like this.

Aloe Vera Face Wash Recipe

Ingredients

• ¼ C aloe vera gel
• 2 T almond oil
• 2 T rosewater
• 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 3 drops of vitamin E oil

Supplies

• Bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

Put all ingredients into a bowl and whisk together.

As there are no preservatives in this recipe, we recommend mixing up your ingredients daily and storing any leftovers in the fridge. Use within a few days.

Our Aloe Vera Face Wash is just one variation of a gentle face cleanser that you can make at home. There are a number of ways you can make this recipe your own. Try swapping the lavender out for another favorite essential oil. Always be sure to do your research before applying any ingredients to your skin. And test any topical products on a patch of skin before applying to your entire face.

If simple, high quality ingredients in your personal care products are a priority for you, try our aluminum-free deodorants—made with just 4 ingredients, plus essential oils and botanical extracts.

Try our other skin care recipes:

Turmeric Exfoliator
Honey Face Mask

Disclaimer: All information provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should be interpreted as, medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and Humble Brands products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider with questions you have regarding your health. Although every effort has been made to ensure the information published is accurate, Humble Brands accepts no responsibility or liability.