I’m a big fan of the oil cleansing method, and I’ve even been known to rub raw honey on my face. For those who are looking for a more traditional soap-based way to cleanse skin, I’ve been experimenting with this foaming face wash recipe. It has a rich lather and benefits every skin type.
This recipe is very similar to my foaming hand soap with a little added boost of skin nourishment from various hydrosols. While you can use distilled water as a more frugal option, hydrosols have a much longer shelf life than water and have extra benefits.
Hydrosols in Foaming Face Wash
Hydrosols are the by-product of essential oil production. While essential oils are highly concentrated, hydrosols are very gentle, but with many of the same properties.
One big difference to note: hydrosols are water soluble and essential oils are not. This makes mixing easier and takes away some of the worries about using essential oils safely.
Depending on how it’s made and what preservatives are used, hydrosols will typically last 12-18 months. This is a benefit to homemade skincare products since they typically don’t contain preservatives and can spoil earlier than shelf-stable commercial products.
How to Choose a Hydrosol by Skin Type
- Witch hazel hydrosol – This is different from the witch hazel found in most stores which contains alcohol. It’s an astringent and cleansing, making it good for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Rose hydrosol – This hydrosol is soothing and nourishing for all skin types, but it’s especially good for mature skin. Rose is hydrating and a humectant to lock in moisture.
- Chamomile hydrosol – Very calming to irritated skin. Chamomile hydrosol improves skin elasticity and is antiseptic, and antibacterial.
- Cucumber hydrosol – Useful for all skin types, this hydrosol cools and calms inflamed skin. It’s also very hydrating.
- Clary sage hydrosol– This is a more potent-smelling hydrosol, but it’s known to smooth and calm skin. It’s also slightly astringent so it’s perfect for oily skin.
- Geranium hydrosol – Geranium hydrosol is good for all skin types but particularly aging skin. It’s soothing, anti-inflammatory, and balancing.
Foaming Face Wash with Essential Oils
The beauty of a DIY face wash (pun intended!) is that you can swap out ingredients depending on specific skin conditions for a completely customized face wash. In a hydrosol the essential oils are diluted to about 2%, and the dilutions should be kept to 1-5% to avoid skin irritation. Keep this in mind if substitutions are being made.
A note on castile soap in recipes … different brands have different consistencies, so the amounts may need adjusting. The Dr. Bronners brand of castile soap is very thick, while some other brands are less so. Try reducing the hydrosol (or distilled water in the budget version) by half if the soap seems runny.
Foaming Face Wash for Oily or Acne Prone Skin
- 8 oz foaming dispenser
- 2/3 cup castile soap
- 40 drops tea tree essential oil
- 40 drops lavender essential oil
- 1/3 cup witch hazel hydrosol or clary sage hydrosol (OR distilled water)
- 2 tsp rosehip seed oil
Foaming Face Wash for Aging or Blemished Skin
Ingredients
- 8 oz foaming dispenser
- 2/3 cup castile soap
- 20 drops frankincense essential oil
- 40 drops lavender essential oil
- 20 drops lemon essential oil *see safety note below
- 1/3 cup rose hydrosol chamomile or carrot seed hydrosol (OR distilled water)
- 2 tsp avocado oil
Foaming Face Wash for Normal Skin
Ingredients
- 8 oz foaming dispenser
- 2/3 cup castile soap
- 20 drops patchouli essential oil
- 45 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 1/3 cup cucumber hydrosol or geranium hydrosol OR distilled water
- 2 tsp sweet almond oil
Instructions
- In the soap dispenser add the essential oil, castile soap, and carrier oil. Swirl the bottle until the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the distilled water or the hydrosol, leaving at least 1 inch of space at the top for the pump. You may not need a full ¼ cup to fill it. If the castile soap is thin, then reduce the hydrosol or water to 1/4 cup.
- Cap the dispenser tightly and gently tip it back and forth to mix everything. Don’t shake it too much though or there will be a bunch of suds!
Safety Note
Lemon essential oil is phototoxic if used above 2% in a leave-on product like a lotion. Just leave it out if desired, but you’ll miss out on its cleansing and age spot lightening benefits. I consider this recipe safe since it uses it at only 1% and it’s washed off. If there is any concern, use the face wash at night or at least 12 hours before sun exposure.
What is your skincare routine? Ever tried a foaming face wash? Share below!
Could you help me put together a forming body wash formula for a lady client of mine that has lymphedema in her lower extremities. Something that would boost her struggle to retain her femininity, as the areas involved exfoliate dead skin cells that create a less than pleasant odor. Most medical and commercial soaps only mix with the lymph fluid making the area sticky in a matter of a few hours after washing. Can hydrosols be purchased locally?
Can I substitute macadamia nut, or jojoba oil for the other oils?
You can but it may change the consistency.
I’ve been looking for a DIY face wash, and can’t wait to try this one!
Hi,
Thank you for the DIY recipe. I have a question, I already have lavender and orange castile soap do I still need the essential oils?
Thanks
You wouldn’t necessarily need them, but you could add them for additional benefit if you like 🙂
Wouldn’t this need a preservative? Hydrosols or water can start growing nasty microbes within a few days, I wouldn’t want to be rubbing those on my face!
The hydrosols act as a preservative. From the article: “Depending on how they’re made and what preservatives are used, they will typically last 12-18 months. Since homemade skincare products typically don’t contain preservatives, this keeps the homemade face wash from growing something nasty.”
What about if it is maid with distilled water? Would you need a preservative? and if so how much for this recipe and how long would it last
You will need a preservative if your cleanser contains distilled water or hydrosol. Some hydrosols are not preserved and even if they are preserved, that wont be strong enough especially to hold the mix. I would recommend for you add a preservative to be in a safe side. Ask your supplier if the hydrosol is preserved, then add preservative less than 1% and if not preserved , add 1%.
The face wash was very helpful, I love this site!
Could rose water be used in place of the hydrosol?
It could, but make sure the final product has some sort of natural preservative included so it doesn’t go bad quickly.
Im not sold on PET as its still plastic. I ll stick with glass.
As an Aromatherapy practitioner, I have to correct what you said about hydrosol and essential oils. The chemical constituents in hydrosol are very different from those in essential oils. Those in hydrosol are water soluble while the constituents in essential oils are not. Hope your readers understand the differences.
Agreed- I thought that was clear in the article but I’m updating it to make it more clear.
Katie: Thanks for this post. It is very interesting. I have never used a hydrosol. In terms of effects on the skin, what is the difference between using a hydrosol and adding essential oils of the same vein as the hydrosol (i.e. geranium hydrosol v. geranium oil)?
essential oils are not water soluble, hydrosols are, so they don’t have to be shaken each time. So just using essential oils in water won’t have the same long term properties or shelf life