Best homemade cleansers for every skin type

Every green beauty lover and expectant mom knows how hard it can be to find skincare free of yucky toxins. Many times, checking ingredient labels can become exhausting (and confusing), so we love experimenting with DIY recipes when we can.

One of our favorite at-home beauty projects is creating our own homemade facial cleanser. Once you've found recipes that work for you, just bottle 'em up, and voila! -- you've got your own toxin-free and safe face products to use during pregnancy (& beyond!).

Green tea cleanser

(All skin types) Green tea is one of our favorite beauty secrets, whether you're sippin' on it leisurely or slathering it on your face. A powerful antioxidant, green tea calms skin and protects it from free radical damage. Gentle and natural, this green tea cleanser is great for all skin types!


1/4 cup castille soap 
1/4 cup brewed green tea 
3/4 teaspoon carrier oil of your choice (jojoba, grapeseed, sweet almond or avocado) 
8 drops essential oil (optional, not for use for moms in first trimester*) 
5 drops vitamin E oil (optional, to help aid in skin healing) 

Shake up  ingredients in a squirt or pump bottle, and apply to  damp face. Cleanse in small circles to remove daily dirt and grime. Rinse off using warm water or a face cloth.

Oil cleanser

(For all types, especially acne-prone skin) Everyone has been raving about oil cleansers for awhile -- it's time for you to give it a try! While non-believers will have you believe oil will only exasperate problem skin, it actually helps dissolve existing grime and oil on your face. The addition of peppermint makes it great for oily skin & will give your face a nice little tingle.

1 oz jojoba oil 3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional, not for use for moms in first trimester*)
tamanu oil (optional, but highly recommended for its healing and regenerative properties! If using, substitute 1/3 of jojoba for tamanu oil.)

Mix oils in a 1 oz amber glass bottle with dropper (amber bottles are superior to blue or clear glass, which let in more light). To cleanse, massage oil gentle into face using small circles. Many report a gritty feeling as their pores unclog (gross, and so satisfying!). Use warm water and a clean wash cloth to  remove oil. For an optimum skin treatment, steep a clean wash cloth with hot water and wring out. Apply cloth over face for a couple minutes to help steam out impurities. Wash as usual. Note: Need more info? Check out more on the oil cleansing method & read why our stretch mark oil is *poifect* for washing your face!

Honey cleanser

(For all types, especially dry skin) Honey gently removes dirt and impurities without stripping the skin. It is also antibacterial, so it's great for reducing breakouts and preserving your cleanser.

When choosing a honey, the label should say raw, unpasteurized or unfiltered. While Manuka honey is preferred, it is pretty pricey. For beauties on a budget, raw organic honey will work wonderfully as well.

1/4 cup Manuka honey or raw honey 
1/4 cup distilled water 
1 tablespoon liquid castille soap 3 drops lavender or tea tree oil (optional) 

Wet face, and use about a teaspoon of honey cleanser. Warm between fingers and massage onto face in small circles. For deep cleansing treatment, leave on face for ten minutes before washing off.

Have you tried making your own homemade facial cleanser? Share your stories and recipes below!

*A note on essential oils during pregnancy: While they have wonderful capabilities, it's advised to avoid essential oils during your first trimester. All these homemade facial cleansers are wonderful without them, so feel free to pass on using essential oils or consult with your doctor if you have any questions. Remember: safety first!