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

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Homemade Cleansers for the Face: Why I switched to soap alternatives.

When I hit 50, I started noticing changes in my skin. I've always had dry skin, but that tight, "I just washed my face" feeling got way worse.

Homemade face cleanser alternatives to sopa.

The cleansers and soaps I'd been using for years started making my face feel dry and tight—plus, my skin looked dull and wrinkled, which was frustrating!

I know most facial cleansers and soaps can strip away your skin’s natural oils. That’s why I wanted to try natural homemade alternatives and I'm glad I did! My face feels better and looks softer, glowy and hydrated.

Why switch to Homemade cleanser? The Benefits of Soap Alternatives

These soap-free solutions aren't just gentle—they're packed with ingredients that actually nourish your skin while cleaning it.

The best part? You probably already have many of these ingredients in your kitchen.

Ready to ditch your face soap? Check out this ABZ guide with 6 of the best homemade cleansers for face: alternatives to soap—natural, effective, and super easy to make.

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

Natural ingredients for homemade cleanser for the face: Honey, clay, and oils as an alternative to soap.

1. Honey and Aloe Vera Cleanser

Honey & Aloe Vera: A Soothing Natural Face Wash

The combo of honey and aloe vera make a gentle, hydrating face wash that cleanses without stripping natural oils. Honey removes impurities while aloe vera soothes and calms, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

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: Natural Cleanser Without Soap

Many people swear by the oil cleansing method for its ability to balance skin and remove impurities without drying it out. Almond oil is my personal favorite but many people also use jojoba oil since it’s the closest to our skin’s natural oils.

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: Worried that oils might cause breakouts or clog pores, don't be. Face oils actually balance your skin’s oil production. Just stick to high-quality ones like organic essential oils—skip the pantry staples!

3. Clay-Based Cleansing Grains

Cleansing Grains: Gentle Exfoliation for Glowing Skin

Gentle exfoliating powders are an effective way to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells without soap.

How:

  1. Mix 50% kaolin clay, ground oats and water to form a paste.
  2. Massage all face for few minutes and let sit for a minute.
  3. Rinse well with warm water.

ABZ Tip:  Don’t use this more than 2-3 times a week. This homemade cleanser is perfect for the summer months when sweat, humidity, and sunscreen can leave your skin needing a little extra care and glow.

4. Natural foaming face wash

Foaming Face Wash: Gentle Lather, No Chemicals

If you miss the foam of regular soap (I do), I've got a great alternative! Just mix castile soap with a bit of honey and jojoba oil. The castile soap gives you that satisfying lather without harsh chemicals, while the honey and oil keep your skin from drying out.

How:

  1. Mix one part castile soap with four parts water.
  2. Add one teaspoon each of honey and oil to the mixture.
  3. Gently massage the mixture onto your face.
  4. Rinse with warm water.

ABZ Tip: Be sure to dilute the castile soap properly—too much can be drying. This natural face wash offers the perfect combination of gentle cleansing and hydration.

5. Hydrochlorous Acid Spray Cleanser

Hydrochlorous Acid (HOCL): A Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

If you’re looking for a gentle, effective cleanser, hydrochlorous acid spray is a game-changer, especially for sensitive skin. It's easy to use and works wonders, even if you have eczema or adult acne.

How:

  1. Spray the hydrochlorous acid directly onto your face.
  2. Gently pat it dry or let it air dry.

ABZ Tip: This spray is much gentler than traditional face soap and can be used multiple times a day as needed—no worries about over-cleansing! It can be found at your local drugstore or online at Amazon.

6. DIY Toner-Cleanser Combo

Aloe Vera & Tea Tree Toner-Cleanser: Soothing and Antibacterial

For a light toner or all-natural cleanser, mix aloe vera gel with a few drops of tea tree oil. This combo is so soothing, with the aloe calming your skin, while the tea tree oil helps keep it clear due to its natural antibacterial properties.

How:

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

ABZ Tip: This homemade cleanser is perfect for summer and lasts about a week when kept in the fridge. It’s simple, affordable, and free from harsh chemicals—so you can feel good about what’s on your skin.

The natural way: Benefits of ditching face soap 

After trying homemade facial soap substitutes, I can't imagine going back to regular soap or chemically-laden store-bought cleansers—except when I travel. 

Then I use eco-friendly, derm-approved natural makeup wipes. I was surprised to lean that most regular wipes are bad for your face!

If you're new to natural skincare, start with one recipe and give your skin time to adjust. For gentle exfoliation, try these fun sugar face scrub recipes—a great option for smooth, glowing skin.

Good skincare doesn’t have to come from pricey products or harsh chemicals. Sometimes, the best solutions are homemade, like a DIY face mask or this exotic Korean inspired scrubs for sensitive skin, which nourish your skin without stripping its natural oils.

Summary: 6 Homemade cleansers for the face 

Here is a summary list of soap alternatives for your face. At a quick glance you can see which ones are best for your individual skin type and need.

  1. Honey and Aloe Vera Cleanser – Soothing and hydrating, perfect for dry or sensitive skin.
  2. Oil Cleansing Method – Uses oils to balance skin and remove impurities.
  3. Clay-Based Cleansing Grains – A gentle exfoliant that unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells.
  4. Natural Foaming Face Wash – Made with diluted castile soap, honey, and jojoba oil for a gentle foaming cleanse.
  5. Hydrochlorous Acid Spray Cleanser – A mild spray for sensitive skin, great for eczema or acne.
  6. DIY Toner-Cleanser Combo – Aloe vera and tea tree oil for a refreshing, antibacterial clean.

Ready to try these natural cleansers? Start with one recipe today! Please drop ABZ a line and let us know what you think!



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