Switching to a soap-free routine can be a refreshing change, especially if you’ve found traditional soaps too harsh for your skin. A trip to the kitchen is all you need to make one of these effective non-soap cleansers to gently wash your skin without face wash.
Confession: I regularly break the “always wash your face before bed” rule. Soap leaves my skin feeling dry and tight, and I rationalized not using it because I wear very little makeup.
Eventually, it dawned on me that the soap I've been using since high school probably wasn't the best fit for my skin. Soaps can typically have extreme pH levels, leaving skin trying to recover for hours or days.
Cleansers are essential for removing dirt, breaking down makeup, and loosening oil and sebum so I started experimenting with alternatives to regular soap. And guess what: my skin has never felt better!
Jump to:
- What Can I Use To Clean My Face Without Soap?
- 1. Milk
- Recipe: Milk + Honey Cleanser for Dry Skin
- 2. Oatmeal
- Recipe: DIY Oatmeal Sensitive Skin Cleanser
- 3. Oil
- Recipe: Coconut ACV Cleanser for Combination Skin
- 4. Lemon
- Recipe: Yogurt + Lemon Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin
- 5. Honey
- Recipe: Lemon Honey Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin
- 6. Aloe vera
- Recipe: Green Tea Aloe Vera Cleanser for Oily Skin
- 7. Sugar
- Recipe: DIY Sugar Face Cleanser for Dull Skin
- Top Tip
- FAQ
What Can I Use To Clean My Face Without Soap?
Soap can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness or irritation, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin types. The good news is that plenty of non-soap alternatives can cleanse your skin AND leave it feeling soft and hydrated.
If you don't have face wash or just want to use a gentle alternative, try one of these soap-free methods. Just make sure to do a test patch on the inner side of your wrist the first time you use it.
1. Milk
The classic cleanser that kept Cleopatra looking so beautiful. The lactic acid in milk works to remove dead skin cells, while the milk proteins and fat moisturize and plump the skin. So stick with whole milk, not fat-free.
Since lactic acid is a byproduct of fermentation, an even better option is to use cultured milk products. Buttermilk, yogurt, milk kefir, and even cottage cheese are chock full of probiotics, lactic acid, and healthy fats.
While the texture might be a little thicker (or in the case of cottage cheese, chunkier) than you're used to, the effects will be well worth it!
How to wash your face with milk
- 2 tablespoon whole milk (the liquid, not the powdered kind)
- 1 teaspoon add-ins, such as whipped egg, aloe vera gel or jojoba oil (optional)
- Small bowl
To use, pour a small amount of milk into a bowl and add your add-ins. Whipped egg is great for dry skin, aloe vera for sensitive skin, and jojoba oil for irritated skin.
Pour the mixture into the palm of your hand and apply to your entire face, making sure to avoid the eye area.
Let sit for a minute before rinsing with cool water. Gently pat your face dry and follow up with a moisturizer.
Recipe: Milk + Honey Cleanser for Dry Skin
This cleanser is particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin. The honey adds a touch of antibacterial protection while the almond oil provides essential nutrients and hydration.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup whole milk or cream
- 2 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon almond oil
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the milk or cream, honey, and almond oil. Stir well until the honey and oil are thoroughly blended into the milk.
- Application: Apply the mixture to your face using a cotton pad or your fingertips. Massage it into your skin in gentle, circular motions, covering all areas of your face.
- Rinse: After you've massaged your skin for a couple of minutes, let the cleanser sit for an additional minute or so to allow the ingredients to work. Then, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Finish by splashing your face with cool water to close the pores.
- Storage: If you have leftover cleanser, you can store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Always stir or shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate when stored.
If you're vegan, you can still get similar benefits by using non-dairy yogurt! Simply water it down a bit to make a milkier consistency.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the best natural cleansers hiding in your pantry. It’s the perfect all-around product because it has anti-inflammatory as well as moisturizing effects built in [source].
And ground oatmeal (also called colloidal oatmeal) is said to be especially beneficial for skin. That's because:
Oats contain phenols and vitamin E that soothe and nourish skin. By grinding the oats, you're essentially releasing the beneficial compounds locked inside the oats and allowing them to cover more surface area.
Mixing powdered oats with water and applying it to your skin helps create a protective barrier. This in turn locks in moisture and helps keep irritants out.
Oats contain natural cleansers called saponins, which create foam when mixed with water. When used on the face, saponins naturally clean skin and break down dirt and oil without weakening the skin's moisture barrier.
How to wash your face with oats
- ¼ cup organic oats
- Milk, oil or aloe vera gel
Grind dry oats into a fine powder in a clean coffee grinder. After a point, they'll feel almost moist, like sand—that's when you've reached the sweet spot!
You can switch up your cleansing grains by adding wheat germ, ground flaxseed, cornmeal, or ground brown rice.
Store in a sealed container, and when you're ready to cleanse, combine a pinch of powder with a small amount of milk, oil, or aloe vera gel in your palm to make a paste.
Massage into skin for 30 seconds and rinse with warm water. Follow up with your regular serum or moisturizer.
Recipe: DIY Oatmeal Sensitive Skin Cleanser
The soft texture of this cleanser gently exfoliates as it whisks away oil and sweat, so it's an excellent mild cleanser for sensitive skin.
Ingredients
- ½ cup finely ground oats
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt, optional for added hydration and a probiotic boost
- Warm water to form a paste
Instructions
- Prepare Oats: Use a food processor or blender to grind the oats into a fine powder. This makes it easier for the oats to form a paste and increases their ability to cleanse.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground oats with honey. Add yogurt if you're using it for extra moisture and its soothing properties. Gradually mix in warm water until the mixture forms a thick but spreadable paste.
- Apply: Wet your face slightly with lukewarm water. Using your fingertips, apply the oatmeal cleanser to your face in gentle circular motions. Take care to avoid the eye area as the skin here is particularly sensitive.
- Massage and Wait: Continue to gently massage the mixture on your face for about 1-2 minutes. This will help the oatmeal release its soothing properties and ensure thorough cleansing. You can leave it on as a mask for an additional 5-10 minutes for deeper hydration.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse off the cleanser with warm water, ensuring all oatmeal is completely washed away. Finish by splashing your face with cool water to tighten the pores. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
- Moisturize: Follow up with your favorite moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
3. Oil
Don't fear washing your face with oil! At the end of the day, you might choose an oil-based cleanser to break down and help remove makeup. And in dryer months, you might reach for a hydrating cleansing balm.
Pick an oil that works for your skin type or use a rich oil like grapeseed or sweet almond to boost moisture levels. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to soothe irritation.
How to wash your face with oil
- 1 ounce of any skin-loving carrier oil
- 6 drops of lavender essential oil
- washcloth
Pour the carrier oil into the bottle you will use to keep your mixture and add the drops of essential oil. Mix well to dilute the essential oil well within the carrier oil.
When you are ready to use it on your face, massage the cleanser into your skin and then use a warm wet washcloth to remove it.
If you want to remove makeup, you may repeat the steps several times as needed. If you're worried about breaking out you can wash your face again with a foaming cleanser or a swipe of micellar water.
Follow with moisturizer and your daily skin routine.
Recipe: Coconut ACV Cleanser for Combination Skin
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil if solid.
- Mix in apple cider vinegar and water thoroughly.
- Apply to the face with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area.
- Rinse with warm water.
4. Lemon
I love lemons! They are excellent used as a cleanser for oily skin, to brighten your complexion, and they help you look younger. You can combine lemon juice with milk or yogurt for a creamier cleanser or apply the juice after you cleanse for a non-scrubbing exfoliator.
Here's what makes lemon juice a potent beauty-booster:
Antioxidants: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant found in lots of beauty products. The vitamin C in lemon juice may help fight premature aging and keep skin looking younger, longer.
Astringent properties: Thanks to its acidity, lemon juice helps decrease oil production and clear pores.
Skin-lightening effects: While there aren't many studies on the topic, anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that lemon juice may help lighten dark spots and discoloration.
How to wash your face with lemon
- 1 lemon
- Cotton balls
- Small bowl or glass jar with lid
Squeeze lemon juice into a small bowl or lidded jar. Dip a cotton ball into the lemon juice and apply it directly to your skin. Let it absorb for a few minutes (don't rinse) and then moisturize.
It sounds like it would sting or make your skin dry, but it actually feels quite refreshing—just don't get it in your eyes and be on the lookout for irritation. Always use sunscreen after using lemon juice.
Since lemon juice is acidic, it can cause redness or peeling for those with sensitive skin. If notice a stinging or burning sensation, add 1-2 teaspoons of water.
If you have any leftover lemon juice, you can keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Recipe: Yogurt + Lemon Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin
Yogurt gently cleanses the skin and is especially ideal for mature skin types. The high amount of lactic acid and bacteria in yogurt exfoliates the uppermost layers of skin [source], while the vitamin C from the lemon brightens it.
- 1 tablespoon organic plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Combine the yogurt and lemon and then apply to your face and neck, leaving it on for a minute or two. Rinse with warm water.
This cleanser will not keep over time, so mix just enough to use each time. Follow with your regular moisturizer and daily skin routine.
5. Honey
Just recently, I started using honey on my skin regularly, and—wow—it feels amazing! Honey is a natural humectant that draws moisture from the air, leaving your face dewy and soft.
When it comes to DIY facial cleansers, honey is king. Raw, unpasteurized honey has been shown to [source]:
- Encourage wound healing
- Boost moisture in the skin
- Help zap zits
- Soothe redness and irritation
- Reduce oil and bacteria without stripping the skin of moisture
If you suffer from acne or occasional breakouts, try using kanuka honey (yep, that's manuka honey's sister from another mister!), which is significantly more effective at healing skin and decreasing breakouts than some over-the-counter products [source].
How to wash your face with honey
You can make a larger batch of this honey face wash, or simply use a teaspoon of raw honey each time you cleanse. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to damp skin and massage for a minute or two.
Leave the honey on for several minutes if time allows. Rinse with warm water to remove. Follow with moisturizer and your daily skin routine.
Recipe: Lemon Honey Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Mix honey and lemon juice until well combined.
- Apply it to your face, avoiding the eye area as lemon can irritate.
- Leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
And don't forget that wash cloth for an added cleansing effect and light exfoliation!
Regardless of what I use to clean my skin, I always end with coconut oil or another face oil. Then I dab on my anti-wrinkle eye oil. That's it!
6. Aloe vera
Using aloe vera to wash your face is a soothing and hydrating choice, especially beneficial for sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin. Use pure aloe vera gel to cleanse and moisturize the skin.
How to wash your face with aloe vera
If you're using fresh aloe vera, cut a leaf from an aloe plant and slice it open to extract the gel. For convenience, you can also use pure aloe vera gel bought from a health store.
Splash your face with lukewarm water to moisten the skin. Then, using your fingertips, gently apply the aloe vera gel to your face. Massage it into your skin with circular motions, covering all areas of your face.
After massaging the gel on your skin for a couple of minutes, let it sit for an additional minute to benefit from its soothing and healing properties. Rinse off the gel with cool or lukewarm water.
Recipe: Green Tea Aloe Vera Cleanser for Oily Skin
Ingredients
- ¼ cup aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoon strong brewed green tea (cooled)
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine the green tea, aloe vera gel, and tea tree and stir until combined.
- Massage the aloe vera mixture into your skin then rinse with warm water.
- You can also increase the amount of green tea and apply the cleanser like a toner. Sweep a cotton ball or pad gently over your skin without scrubbing. No need to rinse off, just let the mixture air dry for additional benefits.
7. Sugar
After using an oil cleanser there are days when you need to exfoliate and clean away the remains of any extra makeup. And sugar is one of the cheapest and easiest ingredients to turn to.
Creating a sugar face cleanser is a wonderful way to naturally exfoliate and brighten your skin without the harshness of soap.
How to wash your face with sugar
- Super fine sugar
- Oil or liquid ingredient of your choice
Use finely ground sugar that won't be too abrasive for your face (my favorites are brown sugar or caster sugar) and combine it with a small amount of water or oil to make a paste.
Since everyone's skin type is different, choose your liquid ingredient based on your skin's particular needs. Here are some of my favorites:
- Oil - Moisturizes skin and dissolves dirt, grease and grime without hurting your skin's protective barrier. Olive, argan, rosehip and carrot seed are especially nourishing for all skin types.
- Raw honey - Chock full of beneficial bacteria, honey soothes skin and balances your skin's microbiome.
- Avocado - A source of healthy fats, avocado replenishes moisture and nutrients your skin might be lacking!
- Lemon juice - Encourages cell turnover and brightens discoloration.
- Aloe vera - Helps soothe skin and fights inflammation.
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Gently massage into your face (and body, if you like), then rinse.
If your skin is dry or sensitive, it's best to only use a face scrub once or twice a week so you don't irritate it further. Store any leftover sugar scrub in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Recipe: DIY Sugar Face Cleanser for Dull Skin
This sugar cleanser is especially great for normal to oily skin types, as it helps remove excess oil and leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the sugar with the coconut oil or olive oil until you have a consistent paste. Add the honey and stir well until all components are thoroughly combined.
- Application: Apply the mixture to a clean and damp face. Use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin in circular motions. Focus on areas that are dry or prone to blackheads, such as the nose, chin, and forehead, but be gentle to avoid irritation.
- Rinse: After massaging your skin for a few minutes, rinse the cleanser off with warm water. Ensure all sugar granules are washed away to prevent any residue.
- Moisturize: Pat your face dry with a soft towel and follow up with a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and help maintain its barrier function.
Top Tip
In a pinch, plain old water does a beautiful job of rinsing away sweat and oil. Add a warm washcloth for light exfoliation from the texture of the cloth.
FAQ
Yes, alternatives like micellar water, oil cleansers, and honey can effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup without the harsh effects of soap.
Absolutely! Oil cleansing, micellar water, and cleansing balms are particularly effective at breaking down and removing makeup, including waterproof products.
Yes, but you may need to choose different methods depending on your skin type. For example, oily skin might benefit from cleansing with aloe vera or a yogurt-based cleanser, while dry skin might prefer oil cleansing or honey.
Natural ingredients like oatmeal, sugar, or yogurt can provide gentle exfoliation. You can also use a soft washcloth with your chosen cleanser for an added exfoliating effect.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified pediatrician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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