How to Make a Cleanser for Oily Skin: 2 Best DIY Recipes for a Clearer Complexion

Tired of battling greasy skin that never feels truly clean? Store-bought cleansers often strip away too much oil or don’t do enough. But what if your cleanser could balance oil without harming your skin barrier?

Discover two DIY recipes specifically crafted to tackle oily skin, backed by ingredients that work, not just hype.

Why Oily Skin Needs the Right Cleanser—Not Just Any Cleanser

Oily skin isn’t just about shine—it’s about clogged pores, frequent breakouts, and uneven texture. The right cleanser gently removes excess sebum while keeping your skin barrier intact. Natural DIY cleansers give you more control over what goes onto your skin, minimizing harsh chemicals and unnecessary fillers (1).

What Are the Benefits of Using a DIY Cleanser?

• Controls excess oil without over-drying
• Helps reduce acne and blackheads
• Nourishes skin with natural vitamins and antioxidants
• Customizable for your unique needs and sensitivities

Why These Ingredients Work: A Look into the Science

Let’s break down the key components in our DIY cleansers:

• Honey: A natural humectant and antibacterial agent. Studies show it helps reduce acne-causing bacteria (2).
• Aloe Vera: Soothes inflammation, hydrates skin lightly without clogging pores. Rich in polysaccharides that support skin healing (3).
• Tea Tree Oil: Proven antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (PubMed, 2006), making it ideal for acne-prone oily skin (4).
• Green Tea: Contains polyphenols (EGCG) that regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation (5).

When Should You Stop Using These DIY Cleansers?

Discontinue use if you experience:

• Persistent dryness or irritation
• Redness or inflammation
• Breakouts that worsen after a few days

Skin reactions may indicate sensitivity to one or more ingredients.

Can You Tweak the Recipe? Absolutely!

Yes—DIY cleansers are easy to customize:

• For dry patches, add a few drops of jojoba oil
• For extra oily days, increase lemon juice or tea tree oil slightly
• Use oatmeal instead of clay for gentler exfoliation
• Adjust water content for a thicker or thinner texture

Who Should Use These Cleansers?

Best for:

• Oily and acne-prone skin
• Combination skin with an oily T-zone
• Sensitive skin types (use a patch test first)

Avoid if:

• You have extremely dry or eczema-prone skin
• You are allergic to any listed ingredient

Are These DIY Cleansers Safe?

Yes, when made fresh and stored properly.

• Always patch test new recipes
• Use clean containers
• Store in the fridge (especially aloe or honey-based recipes)
• Discard after 7–10 days

2 Best DIY Cleansers for Oily Skin 

DIY 1: Honey & Aloe Balancing Cleanser

This gentle cleanser is ideal for oily, acne-prone skin. It soothes inflammation, balances sebum, and keeps your skin feeling refreshed and soft.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon raw honey (natural humectant and antibacterial)
• 1 tablespoon fresh aloe vera gel (soothing and hydrating)
• 1 teaspoon brewed green tea (rich in antioxidants and helps reduce oil)
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil (clarifies skin and fights acne-causing bacteria)

Directions to Use:

1. Brew green tea and let it cool completely.
2. In a clean bowl, add honey and aloe vera gel.
3. Stir in green tea and mix well until smooth.
4. Add tea tree essential oil and blend again.
5. Transfer the mixture to an airtight glass container.
6. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

How to Apply:

• Wash your face with warm water to open pores.
• Take a small amount of the cleanser and apply it to your face.
• Gently massage in upward, circular motions for 1–2 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Pro Tip: Use this cleanser in the morning to remove overnight oil buildup while keeping your skin calm and hydrated.

DIY 2: Clay & Green Tea Detox Cleanser

This detoxifying cleanser deeply cleanses pores, removes excess oil, and gives the skin a matte finish without stripping moisture.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon bentonite clay (absorbs oil and toxins from the skin)
• 2 tablespoons cooled brewed green tea (anti-inflammatory and oil-regulating)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (balances pH and exfoliates gently)
• 1 drop lavender essential oil (calms irritated or breakout-prone skin)

Directions to Use:

1. Brew green tea and allow it to cool.
2. In a non-metal bowl, add bentonite clay.
3. Pour in green tea and stir using a wooden or plastic spoon.
4. Add apple cider vinegar slowly and mix into a smooth paste.
5. Drop in lavender oil and stir again.
6. Transfer to a small airtight glass jar and store in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.

How to Apply:

• Wet your face with warm water to loosen debris in pores.
• Apply a thin layer of the clay cleanser evenly across your face.
• Let it sit for 1–2 minutes (do not let it dry completely).
• Rinse off with cool water and follow with a light moisturizer.

Pro Tip: Use this cleanser 3–4 times a week in the evening to detox your skin and keep oiliness under control without over-drying.

Final Thoughts

A cleanser made at home doesn’t mean sacrificing effectiveness. With the right ingredients, DIY options can match—and often outperform—store-bought cleansers for oily skin. Just remember: know your skin, keep it clean, and adjust when needed.