How to Make DIY Cleansing Balms With Natural Ingredients: Easy Recipe + Benefits
Make your own personalized DIY cleansing balm using natural ingredients with our easy-to-follow tutorial - pamper your skin with a sustainable and fun DIY solution.
April 3, 2023 6 minutes readIn This Post
Skincare routines can be complicated; with so many products and options available, it's easy to get lost in the sea of choices. However, sometimes the simplest solutions can be the best, and that's where DIY cleansing balms come in.
Not only are they gentle on the skin and easy to make, but they are also incredibly effective at removing makeup and dirt while nourishing and hydrating the skin at the same time. And while there are plenty of high-end cleansing balms available on the market, making your own will give you the freedom to customize it to your specific skin type and needs.
In today's article, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your own DIY cleansing balm – from the ingredients you need to a simple recipe and tips for customizing it to your liking. So, let's dive in!
What Are Cleansing Balms?
Cleansing balms are a type of solid-form cleansers that is typically oil-based and used to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin. They work on the principle that oil best dissolves oil, breaking down dirt and oils on your skin and deeply cleansing the pores.
Cleansing balms are the favorite among those with dry skin prone to irritation as their main ingredients are usually moistruizing oils and plant-based butters, as well as gentle emulsifiers.
In addition to carrier oils and emulsifiers, cleansing balms may also contain other beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils, providing additional benefits beyond just cleansing.
Ingredients for DIY Cleansing Balms + How to Make
Before you get started, it's important to gather all of the necessary ingredients for your cleansing balm. Here are the key ingredients you'll need:
- Carrier oils: These are the base of your cleansing balm, providing most of the nourishing and cleansing properties. Their primary function is, however, breaking down makeup and dirt when you apply the cleansing balm to your skin. Popular carrier oils include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil.
- Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers, such as beeswax, candelilla wax or lecithin, are added to the balm to emulsify when it comes into contact with water. This allows the balm to be easily removed from the skin, along with any dirt or impurities it has picked up, leaving your skin barrier intact.
- Butters: Nut-based butters add extra nourishing and moisturizing properties to your cleansing balm. Popular options include shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter.
- Essential Oils: Our top picks would be lavender, tea tree, and peppermint oil.
- Antioxidants: Adding ingredients with antioxidant properties, like vitamin E oil, will nourish your skin and speed up its recovery from daily exposure to pollutants and UV radiation.
Now that you have all of the necessary ingredients, it's time to make your own cleansing balm. Here's a simple and customizable recipe:
Recipe for DIY Cleansing Balms
When choosing the right ingredients for the cleansing balm, have your skin type in mind. In essence, pick those ingredients you know your skin loves and will benefit from the most. However, if you have acne, avoid adding coconut oil to your homemade cleansing balm.
You'll need:
- ¼ cup carrier oil (such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil)
- 1 tablespoon emulsifying wax (such as beeswax, candelilla wax, or lecithin)
- 1 tablespoon butter (such as shea butter, cocoa butter, or mango butter)
- 5-10 drops essential oils (optional)
- 10 drops vitamin E oil
Preparation:
- In a double boiler or a heat-proof glass bowl set over a pot of boiling water, melt the emulsifying wax and butter together until fully melted and combined.
- Then in a separate bowl, heat up the carrier oil only briefly. This phase is necessary, as combining it with the butter and emulsifier will be easier if all the ingredients are of a similar temperature.
- Remove the mixtures from the heat and combine all the ingredients together.
- Let it cool for a few minutes.
- If using essential oils, add them next, together with the vitamin E oil, to the mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a clean and dry glass jar or container with a lid and let it cool and solidify.
This DIY cleansing balm can last up to a few months. You can store it in a fridge or in a dark, cool room to prevent it from melting in the jar.
Customizing Your DIY Cleansing Balm
One of the best things about making your own cleansing balm is the ability to customize it to your specific needs. Here are a few ideas on how you can adjust the formula:
- Carrier oils: Depending on your skin type, you may want to use a different carrier oil as the base of your cleansing balm or a combination of two carrier oils. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to use grapeseed oil and/or jojoba oil. In contrast, dry skin may benefit from the extra hydration of sweet almond oil or avocado oil.
- Add extra butters: If you have especially dry skin, you can add more butter to your cleansing balm for extra moisturization. Shea butter, mango butter, and cocoa butter, are all great options for dry skin types.
- Experiment with essential oils: Essential oils can add a pleasant scent and provide additional benefits for your skin. For example, lavender essential oil is excellent for calming and soothing the skin, while tea tree essential oil is known for its antibacterial properties beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Customize the texture: Depending on your personal preference, you can adjust the texture of your cleansing balm by adding more or less emulsifying wax. If you prefer a thicker, more solid balm, use more wax, and if you prefer a more liquid consistency, use less.
How to Use Your DIY Cleansing Balm
It would be best to use your DIY cleansing balm as the part of your evening skincare routine when you need a double cleanse to dissolve and remove makeup. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
Step 1. Apply: Scoop out a small amount of the balm and warm it up between your fingers. Apply it to dry skin and gently massage the balm onto your face in circular motions, covering all areas of your skin. Spend extra time on areas that tend to be more prone to buildup, such as the T-zone or around the hairline.
Step 2. Emulsify: Once the balm has been massaged onto your skin, wet your hands with warm water and continue to massage your face. This will emulsify the balm, creating a milky texture that will better lift and remove any impurities.
Step 3: Remove: After emulsifying the balm, it's time to remove it. Take a warm, damp cloth and gently wipe away the balm, making sure to remove all traces of the product. You may need to repeat this step a few times to ensure that all of the balm has been removed.
Step 4: Rinse: Next, rinse your face with warm water to remove any remaining product traces. Then, cleanse your skin once again using a gentle face cleanser.
Step 6. Hydrate: After you've rinsed your face, follow up with a toner to remove any remaining traces of dirt. Then apply your serum and moisturizer to further hydrate and nourish your skin.
Benefits of Using a DIY Cleansing Balm
There are many benefits to using an all-natural homemade cleansing balm, but here are some of the key perks:
- Provides a deep cleanse: 'Like best dissolves like,' meaning that oil-based cleansing balms can penetrate deep into the skin and is very effective at removing excess oil, dirt, and makeup stuck in your pores without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin: Many cleansing balms contain ingredients rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, providing the skin with all the necessary nutrients.
- Gentle on the skin: Unlike some traditional cleansers that can be harsh on the skin, cleansing balms are free of soaps and surfactants and are less likely to cause dryness and irritation. This makes them a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
- Customizable: DIY cleansing balms are highly customizable, so you can tailor them to your specific skin type and needs. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or acne-prone skin, you can adjust the ingredients in your cleansing balm to suit your needs.
- Environmentally friendly: Many commercial skincare products come in single-use packaging, creating waste and harming the environment. By making your own cleansing balm, you can reduce your environmental impact and help minimize waste.
Takeaway...
Making your own DIY cleansing balm is a fun and cost-effective way to take care of your skin, with the added benefit of allowing you to customize your skincare routine to your specific needs. With just a few ingredients and some creativity, you can create a luxurious and practical cleansing balm that will leave your skin feeling soft, clean, and refreshed.
So if you have sensitive or dry skin and love to wear makeup daily, you'll surely benefit from incorporating a cleansing balm into your nighttime skincare routine. So try it out and give your skin the nourishment and hydration it craves!
FAQs
What ingredients are in a cleansing balm?
Cleansing balms usually contain a combination of different carrier oils, plant-based butters, emulsifiers, and antioxidants. These are meant to remove makeup and dirt from your skin while leaving it hydrated and soft.
How do you make emulsifying cleansing balm?
To make an emulsifying cleansing balm, add a natural emulsifier, such as lecithin or beeswax, to shea butter, cocoa butter, or any other butter you want to use. In the first phase, melt these together over medium heat and then add in other ingredients.
How do you make natural face balm?
Melt the butters you're using together with an emulsifier, such as lecithin or an emulsifying wax, in a double boiler dish. Then, in a separate bowl, warm up the carrier oils you're using just slightly. Combine everything together and mix in essential oils. Finally, let your balm solidify at room temperature.
Is cleansing balm oil or water-based?
Cleansing balms are oil-based, as they are usually made with plant-based oils and butters as the main ingredients. Because of this, they are very effective at dissolving sebum, makeup, and dirt accumulated on your skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
Can I use oil as a cleansing balm?
You can use an oil to dissolve makeup and dirt on your face instead of a cleansing balm. However, oils don't contain any emulsifiers and are, therefore, harder to rinse off your skin.