7 Homemade Oatmeal Face Mask Recipes for Every Skin Type

Although oatmeal is often recognized as a healthy breakfast option, did you know that it boasts many skin care benefits? Oats are a versatile beauty ingredient that can address a whole host of skincare issues. Whole oats are rich in antioxidants, can help reduce inflammation, gently exfoliate, and cleanse the skin by absorbing dirt and oil.

You can incorporate oatmeal into your routine for almost any reason. Suffering from acne? Dealing with sensitive skin? Battling oily skin? If your skin is a bit dry this winter, oatmeal can help with hydration too!

Struggling with eczema? Psoriasis? Rosacea? Good news, oatmeal is suitable for all skin types. So let’s get started with a plethora of oatmeal-based face mask recipes for all skin types and issues.

7 Oatmeal Face Mask Recipes

1. Cucumber & Oatmeal Face Mask for Inflamed Skin

The combination of soothing exfoliation can be a difficult combo to get right. But the blend of cucumber with oatmeal addresses inflammation and sensitivity, while yogurt containing lactic acid is gently exfoliating. Sage helps naturally remove dead skin cells while providing vitamin A.

• 2 tablespoons plain, sugar-free yogurt
• 2 tablespoons pureed cucumber
• 2 tablespoons oatmeal
• 1 teaspoon chopped sage

Combine the yogurt, pureed cucumber, oatmeal and sage into small bowl. Apply with a facial brush or fingers, leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. 

2. Coconut & Oatmeal Face Mask for Dry Skin

Irritated skin can cause redness and often is accompanied by dry skin patches. This soothing mask not only addresses inflammation but also restores hydration. This mask can be prepared warm and will gently cool on the skin while you relax.

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil

Gently mix the ingredients in a facial bowl, forming a paste and apply to the face and neck. You can thicken the mask by reducing the water, or thin it out by adding more water. Once applied, let sit on the face for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar & Oatmeal Mask for Exfoliation

Apple cider vinegar provides gentle exfoliation for all skin types. This oatmeal and ACV combination helps draw out excess oil and remove any dead skin cells that may be sitting atop the surface of the skin. 

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup warm water

Mix ingredients well in small bowl and apply to face and neck. Leave on for 5 minutes and remove with warm washcloth.

4. Yogurt & Oatmeal Mask for Sensitive Skin

If you’re looking for a facial mask ideal for sensitive skin, this two ingredient mask is both calming and anti-inflammatory. You’ll want to make sure the oatmeal is not flavored or has any additives, instant oatmeal can even be used. Oatmeal has been a staple for sensitive skin recipes, especially when treating issues like eczema. 

• 1/3 cup cooked oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

Mix together 1/3 cup cooked oatmeal with 2 tablespoons plain yogurt. Apply with fingertips in a thick layer, leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with a soothing facial moisturizer or serum. 

5. Grapefruit & Oatmeal Mask for Glowing Skin

Plus it’s loaded with antioxidants to leave you radiant for the new year. The natural acids in grapefruit and milk gently exfoliate and brighten skin and clear out pores while oatmeal calms inflammation to soothe dry, winter skin.

• Juice from 1/2 ruby red grapefruit
• 1/2 cup cooked, cooled oatmeal (not the instant kind)
• 1/2 cup milk (full fat preferably)

Mix ingredients in a small bowl. Apply and leave on skin for 15 minutes, then rinse.

6. Egg White & Oatmeal Mask for Oily Skin

Egg whites are often used in masks to tighten and tone skin, which essentially means they are helping to dry out the skin. Ground oats absorb oil and exfoliate dead skin that can clog pores. Add a bit of honey for its skin healing benefits.

• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Ground oats or flour

Whip together the egg white and honey until well combined and a bit frothy. Add ground oats or flour until you have a paste. Apply to face (avoid the eyes) and massage paste gently into skin. Leave mask on for 10 minutes and remove with warm water.

7. Cinnamon + Oatmeal Face Mask for Pore Cleansing

This is a great mask for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The natural acids in the apples and yogurt naturally exfoliate skin while the oatmeal soothes inflammation. And cinnamon is an antioxidant as well as antibacterial and antifungal.

• 1/2 green apple, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons oatmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Puree the green apple and yogurt together until smooth. Add the oatmeal and give the mixture a couple of pulses. You want to break down the oatmeal but not puree it. Transfer to clean bowl and stir in cinnamon. Apple mask to face with clean hands or a facial brush. Avoid eye area. Let sit for 15 minutes and remove with warm water. Pat dry and follow with moisturizer.

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.