I’ve shared before how I wash my face with oil and how that has been the best skin care routine I’ve ever used. Some readers commented that they still hadn’t found the right combination of oils for their skin type, so I wanted to share another natural face wash I recently found …
Honey …
Sound strange? So does cleansing your face with oil, but it turns out that they are both natural and effective ways to cleanse skin naturally.
Honey Face Mask (or Wash)
For this method, raw honey must be used. Raw honey has natural antibacterial properties and contains enzymes and probiotics that are good for skin. This method can be especially good for acne-prone skin as it doesn’t stop moisture from the skin but does reduce oils and bacteria. (Acne is usually in internal problem though, so it is important to look at diet too!)
Honey is gentler than soaps, which strip the skin of beneficial oils, and it gently nourishes skin. I know a local vet who has even used raw honey to speed skin healing on animals as it helps reduce bacteria and speed healing while protecting the skin from outside disturbances. This idea appears to have some scientific backing, as there are now medical-grade ointments (like this one) that use honey for wound and burn healing in humans.
What Kind of Honey
I’ve personally tried two different types of honey for facial cleansing:
Both seem to work really well. Manuka honey is considered more cleansing and antibacterial (and has health benefits when used internally) but from what I found, either one works great for skin care (and raw honey is cheaper). I normally use a slightly lesser quality honey for face cleansing than I use with food. As long as a honey is raw and preferably organic, it is great for skin use.
Typically, I wash my face at night with the oil cleansing method since it also removes makeup, and use the honey face mask in the morning before showering. I keep a small jar of honey and a spoon on my bathroom counter for this purpose.
Bonus Ingredients
A friend of mine also recommended adding a tiny bit of vitamin C powder (which is also great for skin) to the honey face mask, along with some essential oils for extra antibacterial and acne-fighting power.
Since then, I’ve been experimenting with variations of this honey face mask and cleanser. Different variations seem to work for different skin types.
Personally, I mix a few drops of lavender and frankincense oils into the honey I keep in my bathroom. I also sometimes add a dash of cinnamon or vitamin C. I just spot test on my inner arm before trying anything new on my face and I recommend the same for anyone trying these DIY methods.
Some “bonus” ingredients to try:
- Cinnamon – For oily or inflamed skin, add a tiny amount (less than 1/2 teaspoon) of cinnamon powder to the honey before massaging onto your face. (This is too strong for some skin types as it may be drying.)
- Lemon – For age spots or dark patches on skin, try lemon. Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to honey before massaging onto skin helps clean pores and lighten dark spots. Vitamin C powder also works for this.
- Lavender – To balance skin, try lavender! Add 2 drops of organic lavender essential oil to a teaspoon of honey and massage into skin.
How to Use Honey as a Face Mask
Creating a natural face mask using honey is incredibly easy (and works amazing too!).
- Wet face with warm water.
- Place a small amount of honey in your hands (usually less than a teaspoon is plenty) and rub your hands together. I use this honey.
- Massage into skin in a circular motion to get all areas.
- Leave on for 10-15 minutes for deep pore cleansing.
- Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
- Enjoy soft, balanced skin!
How to Use Honey as a Facial Cleanser
To cleanse with honey without doing a face mask, just massage a teaspoon of honey into damp skin using circular movements. Wash well with warm water and pat dry.
Have you ever washed your face with an unusual ingredient? Tell me below!
I sometime use egg yolk as a mask. Put it on, let it dry, and wash it off. It leaves my face feeling tight and soft; I’m assuming it has cleansing properties too, because things get a little sudsy when I wash it off
Honey is actually good for sensitive skin, too, if your skin can’t tolerate other skincare products plus it has some exfoliating properties that help with keeping skin younger looking. Question, do you think honey can be used as a mask? We do have a Honey and Oats Cleanser to wash the face but I was wondering if you’ve tried using honey as a mask. Looking forward to your response!
can I use organic theme or black seed honey please,,actually I failed to find any Manuka honey in my country??
Hi Katie!
I noticed in another post about blackheads that you only recommend filtered honey for the face as the beeswax can clog pores. In this article the recommended honey goes to a link for unfiltered honey. Can you please clarify?
Love your website and podcasts and use them both weekly
Liz
Thank you for this idea for a face mask! I did have a question for filtered honey versus non-filtered. On one page you state to use filtered honey so the beeswax is taken out. For this facemask it only states for it to be raw. Should it also be filtered honey?
Thanks again!
Donna
Hi I’m vegan so don’t use honey but need a good face mask for the roseacia I have on my face. Is there anything I can use instead of honey ? Please and thank you
I am a huge fan of wet ground flaxseed! Keep it there and it’ll make your skin nice and soft!!
I have lumpy face skin and next and think it’s oil build up. Do you think washing with honey and using doing the ocm will break down these lumps? Any advice would be greatly appreciated….. I love this site!
if the honey gets into the eyes will it damage the eyes or vision?
Has anyone used black honey for a face wash?
I looked and did not see if there is a resipe with amounts I would line tomale this in a small mason jar so i can use a small spatula to scoop it out. Can you give a resipe for making 4-6 oz?
Thank you
Vera
Hi, new to this site and I am really liking all the different ideas I find here! have been using the oil cleansing routine and occasionally am in a real hurry, so just use Micellar water on a gauze pad instead. I am amazed how little dirt comes off on the gauze pad now…before I was just using the Micellar water or shower soap and always had a lot of dirt coming off on the gauze. Hard to believe the oil cleansing can be that effective but there it is! Just a question: have you ever used lemon essential oil in any of your recipes? I have some and haven’t used it for anything, but was wondering if it could be used in place of lemon juice in the honey facial cleanser/mask?
I use raw organic honey with tea tree oil to cleanse my face and I love it. I will try the lemon or lavender next time ??
Great tips! I always find useful info on your blog!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I have extremely acne prone, sensitive skin and and I can only use natural/organic products. The Made from Earth Control Acne Wash is amazing! After using it for just 3 days my skin looks beautiful! Make sure to moisturize after too!
Hi! how long will this honey mask last (shelf life) if we have room temparature of around 22-29 deg. (i’m from the hot country Philippines 🙂 )
I use raw honey every morning, helps wake up my skin (and my mind a bit I like to think!); I get very affordable organic raw honey at Trader Joe’s. Lasts me for months for only about $6. ? I keep meaning to try it with a little “boost” as a mask, sounds like it would be a lovely way to relax for a few minutes. Thanks for the reminder on that!