This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.
With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.
Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
Homemade Honey Face Wash for Clear Skin
October 27, 2021
Looking for a face wash for oily skin or just a simple face wash? You’ve come to the right place. This homemade face wash for clear skin recipe can do wonders for your skin, particularly if it’s oily and prone to acne. While most store-bought facial cleansers have artificial ingredients and can be pricey, this DIY facial cleanser can be made with four simple ingredients in under two minutes.
Key Facial Cleanser Ingredients
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains three fatty acids — capric, caprylic and lauric acid — that possess both disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, helping to protect against as well as heal microbial infections. Studies indicate that it’s effective against bacteria-related issues like skin infections. Studies show that virgin coconut oil improves the symptoms of skin disorders by moisturizing and soothing the skin, plus it’s both anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants.
If coconut oil bothers your skin or you have an allergy, consider substituting argan oil, jojoba oil or buckthorn oil.
2. Raw Manuka honey
Did you know that honey is antibacterial? It actually reacts with the body’s fluids to make hydrogen peroxide, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria.
3. Apple cider vinegar
ACV contains specific components like acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid and citric acid, all of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the specific strain of bacteria responsible for causing acne. These beneficial components may also reduce scarring. It’s also why it makes for a good facial toner.
If you have an issue with apple cider vinegar, go with coconut vinegar instead.
4. Tea tree oil
Research shows that tea tree oil can be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne, but with less irritating side effects. In a 2017 study conducted by the The Australasian College of Dermatologists, researchers evaluated the combination of tea tree oil gel versus a face wash without the tea tree oil. Subjects applied tea tree oil twice a day for three months and assessed at different points along the way. The study concluded that tea tree oil can significantly improve mild to moderate acne.
Related: Combination Skin: What It Is, How to Tell If You Have It & Best Skin Care Routine
How to Make and Use
Making this DIY facial cleanser couldn’t be much easier. Heat up the coconut oil (if it’s not already liquid) in a small pan at very low heat.
Add to a small glass mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix together until well-combined. Pour into a glass bottle and store in cool place.
For using before bed and/or first thing in the morning, moisten your face with lukewarm water. Put a small amount of the facial cleanser in your palm and rub your hand together, then gently apply to your face, mostly with your fingertips.
Clean your face for 20 to 30 seconds before then rinsing off with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Print
Homemade Face Wash Recipe
- Total Time: 3 min
- Yield: 30 uses 1x
Description
This homemade face wash for clear skin recipe can do wonders for your skin, particularly if it’s oily and prone to acne.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon organic virgin coconut oil — or try jojoba, argan or buckthorn oils
- 3 tablespoons raw Manuka honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil (should be USDA Certified Organic)
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil in a pan over low heat
- Once melted, remove from heat and add to a small glass bowl.
- Mix all ingredients together until well-combined.
- Pour into a glass bottle and store in cool place.
Notes
To wash face, moisten your face with lukewarm water. Gently apply facial cleanser to your face, mostly with your fingertips. Clean your face for 20 to 30 seconds before then rinsing off with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Keywords: homemade face wash, DIY facial cleanser, face wash for oily skin, facial cleanser for acne
Comments
Leave a Reply
90 Comments
Popular Beauty Posts
Does it have to be Manuka honey? Can organic raw be used?
Dr. Axe, thank you for this. Going to try it for my acne prone sons. Two questions:
1. Does the honey have to be manuka or can it be regular honey?
2. I am always careful not to wash coconut oil down the drain. Will rinsing in the sink cause problems with clogging?
Manuka is expensive so you can go with regular honey. Ideally it’s organic and raw, though. Trader Joe’s has this kind and it’s under $10.
Don’t put your coconut oil down the sink. Instead, place in a plastic bag or cup and dispose of it in the trash.
Hi, do I need to use a moisturizer after the honey mix cleanser? And if so, what would you recommend? Thank you!
We recommend this homemade moisturizer: https://draxe.com/beauty/diy-face-moisturizer/
I was wondering how many times per week should the face wash be used and for how long before rinsing?
This can be used daily. Rinse after 30 seconds of gently washing face.
Hi Doctor. I have just started to use the coconut oil.and tea trea oil.cleanse tone and moisturize 3 step body shop tea tree oil.then finish with coconut oil as moisturizer. Shocked that my normally oil skin is not so oily.However I would like to know what I can do about my acne blemishes. Please advice.I do have Autoimmune disease and diabetes.. But the dark marks on my face and back really do depress me.always covering up. I feel bad about my dark marks.please can you help.Thank you. Natalie
See this article as well: https://draxe.com/beauty/home-remedies-for-acne/
May i use Fractionated coconut oil?
Yes, fractionated is a good way to go.
Does this need to be stored in the fridge? Just made it! Thanks!
Nope!
Will this help with cystic acne?
Check out this article: https://draxe.com/health/cystic-acne/
Is this good for us older people with dry skin?
These are hydrating ingredients, so it should work well, yes.
Coconut oil has caused me to have even more breakouts. Is there a different oil you’d recommend for this recipe? Thanks!
Try jojoba, argan or buckthorn oil.
I found two different tea tree oil, one is 100% and the other is 15%. Which one should I use on this wash recipe?
It should be 100% pure tea tree oil
Can i make it without tea tree oil?
Yes, absolutely.
First let me say that I recently (month ago) started using the anti-aging serum recipe and it has done wonders! I saw a difference within a week of use and my skin just keeps getting better, amazing! I used tea tree in my serum b/c I suffer from malia and have been for 15+ years. I will definitely make this face wash. Is there any other advise you can give me to help with this type of acne? i’m almost 40 (very healthy and have been) but I can’t seem to get rid of it! BTW, I’ve used several of your DIY recipes and have not been disappointed, your advise and knowledge is very much appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Dr. Axe, I am using your acne wash with a great hope as i have spent lost of money on many different things to get rid of acne. I never had acne after puberty but since last year i have started getting them back. I am 32 yrs of age and nothing even changed in my diet.
I have oily skin but i am applying this face wash twice as per your instructions.
Please advise after how many days or weeks i can see results because i still see new acne here and there on my face.
Thanks
Check this out: https://draxe.com/beauty/home-remedies-for-acne/
I have been using this face wash for a week now and Voila! I have not gotten a single new acne. Thank you so much Dr.Axe. Appreciate all your help. Just to add, since i breakout using coconut oil, i swaped it with organic Hemp seed oil. would really appreciate your thoughts on hemp seed oil.
Thanks again,
AT
I LOVE this face wash but I just discovered I am very sensitive to coconut milk/oil. Is there a different oil that I could use in place of the coconut oil?
Dr. Axe,
I suffer from Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea which is the lowest form of rosacea. I have a lot of redness on my cheeks and chin as well as dryness and roughness, is there any remedy you would recommend to help relieve this? I am 19 years old and have already tried nearly everything and I am looking for any sort of relief!
Skin conditions like this are often symptoms of something going on in the gut! I would focus on healing your gut, check these out:
https://draxe.com/health/leaky-gut-diet-treatment/
Also, tips in this article may be beneficial as well:
https://draxe.com/health/eczema-treatment/
what about Scar acne face recipe? Would like to back to normal as quick to back skin back?
This could be beneficial. Also check this out: https://draxe.com/beauty/homemade-anti-aging-serum/
I would add helichrysum and frankincense to that recipe
Hey Dr. Axe! I was wondering about using bentonite clay as well with this regimen. What do you think?
That would be a great addition!
Hi Dr Axe….Interesting article and recipe. I have been using coconut oil as a night time moisturizer. I do have a tendency to have pimples occasionally…..never grew out of puberty I guess. ha I love the feel of the coconut oil but am wondering if I should leave it on…..thanks
I would wash this off after 10-20 minutes. Also check this out: https://draxe.com/beauty/home-remedies-for-acne/
I can’t find Tea Tree Oil here in Kuwait, except at The Body Shop (which was kind of pretty expensive for a student like me), so I went ahead and made a mixture of honey, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. How long should I put this mixture on my face? I’m currently doing coconut oil pulling and during that time I apply this.
Also should I add baking soda in the mixture fot it to work more effectively in removing pimples I have on my face?
Will this mixture work for healing scars?
I heard some keep this mixture on their face all night long, is that appropriate?
and can I just wash the pillow sheeting/case/cover every week or I’ve to wash the entire pillow every week?
Oh one more question, I use an exfoliater made of lemon essential oils I think, should I use that before applying the mixture or after I’ve applied this mixture and washed it off?
Thank you, for this wonderful recipe Dr. Axe!
It can be very beneficial to the skin with healing acne and potentially healing scars. I would leave the honey mask on for 10-20 minutes and then wash it off. Be careful with using citrus oils on the face as it can make the skin very sensitive. I would do this before you do the honey mask. Also check this out:
https://draxe.com/beauty/home-remedies-for-acne/
Would this help with acne on my chest and back?
It could
Jenee, I too have oily and acne prone skin but have been using essential oils on my face for about 3 months and cannot believe the difference. I haven’t been using it to cleanse just as a moisturizer so I’m going to try this too. My skin is soaking up the oil and seems to be creating less of it’s own oil. I know sounds strange but my face hasn’t looked better!
Why Melaleuca oil and Not Tea Tree Oil. You said in your statement to use Tea tree oil, but the reciepe says Melaleuca?? Also is this good for mild acne on face? How much Tea Tree oil instead of Melaleuca?
Tea tree oil is another name for Melaleuca oil. They are the same thing
Would this be good for rosacea and for eczema?
Yes it could be! Also check this out: https://draxe.com/health/eczema-treatment/
Dr. Axe, do u have any recommendations for Rosacea?
I would follow tips given in this article: https://draxe.com/health/eczema-treatment/
Can I use regular white vinegar? I a extremely allergic to Apple Cider Vinegar. Is it a must have ingredient?
Try using coconut vinegar instead
Hi Dr Axe,
Does it matter if I were to use regular coconut oil or fractionated coconut oil?
For face wash, I think coconut oil is a better option
Is it a must to keep in the refrigerator? And if so is it because of the probiotics why it needs to be refrigerated? Also can this be made without the probiotics for acne prone skin?
It’s not a must. It can be made without the probiotics
I would use the manuka honey with coconut oil one. I would add in a drop of tea tree oil with it and leave it on like a mask for 10 minutes
Can you repost the recipe for this face wash for Acne prone skin! Thank you.
Is this safe for Dry Sensitive Skin? Also I have tried Honey in the past and it seemed to make my skin worse- is this just a cleansing stage or can some people not use Honey? After your acne clears is it safe to keep using this cleanser? Thanks,
Everyone is different! Definitely listen to your body but most people do well with using honey as a face wash. You can follow it with a moisturizer. You can keep using the cleanser after acne has cleared
yes
Yes
Dr. Axe, I just made up this face wash for my teen and my self. I am 52 with recurrent acne, do you recommend a moisturizer after using this wash? Today I did not use any as I thought the coconut oil might be sufficient but over the long term I may need something additional. Also for my teen daughter, should she use a spot treatment after washing? She has quite a bit of acne. :)
Check this out: https://draxe.com/beauty/home-remedies-for-acne/
What about adding in sea salt to act as more of an exfoliant, using maybe once or twice a week? Or what are your suggestions?
I am excited to start using Manuka, my sister introduced us to it & your articles.
My 16 yr old daughter struggles with persistent acne. We are users of doTERRA brand essential oils (which we love!) & I have tried many regimens along the way using oils. She is good about her hygiene routine but bad with diet, supplement & h2o intake. She’s also on estrogen which I believe is building up in her liver etc. It’s hard to get a good consistent plan with teenagers! :) Any advice is helpful & much appreciated! Thx!
I would add in a little baking soda to act as an exfoliant.
Would the anti-bacterial properties of the honey and tea tree oil not “kill” the probiotic bacteria?
Many of the good antimicrobials are more selective in killing only bad bacteria or overgrowth.
Dr, Axe ,
I have started using saw palmetto for one month now and my hair loss is increasing. I have been using a myriad of raw food supplements for nine months such as moringa , kelp , bhringaray , pumpkin seeds , bee pollen , vitamin C , nutritional yeast , ashwagandha , sarsaparilla and spirulina and caco and red marine algae . I have had monthly B12 injections and ingest green organic smoothies daily. My skin looks great but hair loss is still increasing. I am 48 and lack exercise and regular sleep patterns but I am not obese and look years younger. I also ingest ground flaxseeds and still hair loss is increasing.
I know it will be a waiting game. Should I follow your above program as mine has failed me. I have hair loss at the front part of the hair and not at the crown. What can I do Sir ? I really need help. Thank-you !
PS. Flaxseeds and Nutritional yeast and Moringa and Spirulina contain B vitamins but still increased hair loss.
Hilton.
I would check out these articles and posts:
https://draxe.com/beauty/hair-loss-remedies/
https://draxe.com/beauty/hair-loss-remedies/
https://draxe.com/thicken-your-hair-naturally-transformation-tv-ep-026/
https://draxe.com/beauty/hair-loss-remedies/
I have Perioral Dermatitis. Will this remedy help clear it up? Can you give me any other natural remedies for this annoying skin problem? What causes it? What I should & should not be doing, eating etc…. Please help!! Thank you
I think this recipe could be a great option and know many cases that have been similar and seen results! Much of the time, skin issues are actually signs of something going on within your gut. I would focus on your diet and eliminate grains and sugars. I would also follow the healing diet.
https://draxe.com/nutrition/healing-diet/
https://draxe.com/health/10-ways-balance-hormones-naturally/
Thank you for the help. I’ve also been told to try applying plain organic yogurt with active culture on the infected area 2x’s a day. Is this also a good remedy?
I’ve had patients see results doing this in addition to the honey and tea tree oil mask. Everyone’s body is different so I would try it and see how your body does with it.
Where can I buy melaleuca oil?
Thanks
How long do ya Leave it on for ?
Anywhere from 5-45 minutes. You can use it as just a face wash or more of a mask.
What is the shelf life of this honey cleanse since it does not contain preservatives. And can lemon or orange essential oils can be add for fragrance. Or vitamin C , E and Rosehip essential oil instead of tea tree oil for us with fine lines and dry skin.
If using raw honey, it should last for months! Lemon or orange essential oils can be added for fragrance but be careful. Citrus oils can cause your skin to be sensitive to sunlight so I would recommend lavender or something like that for scent instead. You can definitely add in those other ingredients as desired.
Both of these are antimicrobial and can kill off acne causing bacteria and help cleanse away impurities that would clog pores.
This is awesome! For the 20 drops of melaleuca essential oil…is that the same as any essential tea tree oil?
Yes it is
Would I apply his morning and night? Thanks
Yes, I would wash your face in the morning and then again at night.
How long will this stay good for?
It should stay good for a couple weeks (mixing before each use) but I would still make smaller batches to keep the ingredients fresh.
Would this be good for washing off make-up or should you use another cleanser first? Should you leave this on for a few minutes, i.e. like a mask, or just smear it on and rinse off? THANKS!
Yes, leave on for 2 minutes and then wash off.
You can also use only coconut oil to remove mascara.
Dr. Axe…could you give me an example of your typical daily meals for one day?
Thanks so much!
10a Berry Smoothie
1p Big Salad or Big Bowl of Soup
6p Organic meat with double vegetables
7p Raw Cheese w/ raw honey
Does honey help inflamation inside your body too…if so how much per day? Thanks!
Not as much inside, but I recommend 1 tbsp daily.