Once you start using honey on your face, you’ll never go back. Yes, it’s gooey and burns like heck if you get it in your eyes, but it does fabulous things for your skin when used safely and properly. You can use honey in homemade body wash, in face masks and even to wash your face.
A couple of honey’s many benefits: it draws moisture to the skin (a humectant, they call that), and if you’re using raw, local honey you’ll get the benefit of its antibacterial properties to zap zits. One of my favorite natural living books recommended recycling honey bears to create a simple face wash – genius!
Honey can be a very effective and gentle cleanser for pretty much every skin type. If you have sensitive, normal, combination, dry or oily skin, a raw honey face wash just might be your perfect facial cleanser. Raw honey has been used for centuries for medicinal and cosmetic purposes all over the world. Research in modern times has been growing to document just how healing raw honey can be when it comes to wounds, scars and burn treatments.
Can I wash my face with honey?
Can I wash my face with honey?The simple answer: yes.
When creating your own honey cleanser make sure to only use raw honey. If it’s not raw and unfiltered, then the honey has been pasteurized, and because of the heat in this process, some of the antibacterial and probiotic properties from the honey will have been lost.
We don’t want that! We want all of the natural enzymes and bacteria-fighting benefits of honey.
If you would like to try an even simpler honey cleanser, you’ll need just one ingredient. You guessed it, raw honey! Fair warning, this method is a little stickier and can take a bit longer to remove, but you’ll still enjoy all of the benefits of honey cleanser.
Homemade Honey Face Wash
Homemade Honey Face WashThis honey face wash combines the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and natural humectant power of honey with the gentle cleansing action of Castile soap. It’s a great follow up to an oil cleansing balm as part of a 2-step cleansing regime to make sure all of the oil is removed and also reach even deeper into the pores.
Combine all ingredients and pour into a recycled honey bear (or 6-ounce pump bottle). Don’t shake the bottle or you’ll start to foam the soap.
To use, pour a small amount of the honey mixture into the palm of your hand and massage into face and neck. (Avoid the eyes, trust me.) Add a pinch of baking soda a couple of times a week to gently exfoliate. Rinse with warm water.
How do you use honey in your beauty routine?
Raw Honey Facial Wash
Materials
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 1/4 cup distilled water or rose water, coconut water or coconut milk
- 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
- 12 drops essential oil of your choice
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
Instructions
- In a container add water, soap, honey and then oil.
- If you’d like to treat a particular skin issue like pigmentation or oil control, then add 3-6 drops of the best essential oil to treat that issue.
- Shake gently until the honey is dissolved. Also be sure to shake before each use.
- Apply and use as you would a facial cleanser, slight pressure and circular motions all over your face and neck.
- Rinse with warm water to remove.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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I’m just curious. Does it matter what kind of Castile soap you use? My mom has either citrus or lavender, I can’t remember, but her bottle of Dr. Bronner’s is scented instead of just plain.
I’m wondering if you use coconut water instead of coconut milk, would it extend the shelf life and eliminate the need to refrigerate.
I was wondering if I can use Manuka honey instead of local honey
Hi yhere! I am a professional makeup artist & natural skincare expert and wanted to help answer your question. (Not affiliated with hellowglow, I wish, ha!) Absoutely!! Anytime you can use Manuka honey DO! It is even better than regular raw honey in every way!
what clay is being referred to in this guide,Is it the normal clay soil
i was just wondering, can I substitute water for rosewater?
Is there something I can use to substitute the coconut? – I don’t really like the way anything coconut feels on my face.
I have either egzyma or some other dry skin issue around my nose and sometimes my mouth. And I unfortunately used baking soda and water to exfoliate the dry skin only to burn my face. I tired your face wash recipe and it instantly relieved the itch, moisturized my skin, and I’m not as red. I really like it and I will start using this as a morning routine. ..I personally only make enough for one use and keep the coconut milk in fridge while the honey is on shelf. Hope this helps !!!
Please post what size jar is needed for the recipe, shelf life and proper storage of DIY facial care products. Thank you
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I thought I’d answer this because I was wondering the same thing. After searching all over the most common answer I found is a 2 week shelf life if it’s a warm climate (like your shower) and about a month refrigerated. And that goes for homemade or store bought coconut milk, but not the stuff you buy cold.
I love this facial cleanser/wash and because I use coconut milk I put it in the fridge…but is it OK to leave it out if you are travelling and don’t have a fridge?
Should this be stored in the fridge or made in very small portions weekly? With the addition of water/coconut water wouldn’t it need a preservative? Thank you!
I wish you put the shelf life. looks good though
I live in Italy, and here in Florence I haven’t been able to find Castile soap, is there an alternative I can use? What is Castile soap made of? Thanks!
Olive oil and other oils. You can get it through Amazon. Or check local soap maker.
Hi, I only have liquid castile soap with peppermint at home – can I use it for this wash?
Honey is among the most popular natural ingredients included in supplements that are used to fight bacteria. The Manuka honey is proven to be useful in maintaining a beautiful and moisturized skin, without the presence of harmful bacteria. Many women preferred to use the Manuka honey products to heal skin infection, including acne, ringworm, foot fungus, ringworm, eczema and scabies.
Have you tried subbing aloe vera juice for the coconut water, coconut milk, or water? I might try that :-)