With what do you wash your face? Soap? Buttermilk? Roses? Avocado? There are so many different recommendations from various times and cultures, each promising to perform some feat of beauty for your complexion.
Any or all of them may work, of course, but here’s one I can recommend wholeheartedly. This solution of castile soap, rose water, and essential oils is a gentle, natural alternative to expensive facial cleansers. It does not contain any harsh chemicals, preservatives, or stabilizers, so it’s wonderful for sensitive skin. There are no synthetic ingredients you can’t pronounce, only a few natural ingredients. If you prefer to use organic products, it’s easy to find organic versions of each of the ingredients.
But the best part? This homemade facial cleanser works well, and it smells like walking through a field of wildflowers on a midsummer’s morn. Now wouldn’t you like to wake up to the scent of dewy blossoms every morning? It always brings a smile to my face, and I don’t think any cleanser in the world could brighten my complexion more effectively than that!
Can you use castile soap on your face?
You may have heard that castile soap is very strong, and may not be the best for washing sensitive skin like your face. It is true that castile soap is concentrated, and should be diluted before putting it on your face. When it is properly diluted, though, castile soap makes a great addition to facial cleansers. It is made of natural ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about putting lots of chemicals on your skin. Pure castile soap is made of only vegetable-based ingredients, so it is not as harsh or drying as some other soaps.
Is castile soap good for oily or dry skin?
When you make your own castile soap facial cleanser, you control the amount of soap, so if your skin is especially sensitive, just add a smaller amount of soap to the bottle. On the other hand, if your skin is extra oily and this recipe doesn’t seem strong enough, go ahead and add a small amount of extra castile soap to the bottle. Don’t add more than a tablespoon at a time. Remember to shake the bottle well after any adjustments to the recipe.
If you are adding more soap, it’s best to patch test on a small area of skin, such as the inside of your upper arm, to make sure the solution doesn’t irritate your skin.
Can you use rose water in a facial cleanser?
Does the thought of using rose water to cleanse your face bring to mind ancient beauties in classical attire? Rose water has, indeed, been used for centuries in beauty rituals. And with good reason: research shows that roses have some incredible benefits for skin.
They soothe inflammation and redness, while inhibiting bacterial growth that may contribute to acne. Rose water helps your skin to retain moisture, which not only combats dry skin, but also makes it look plumper and softer, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Rose water is a natural toner, which means it reduces the appearance and size of pores in your skin. (Here’s a recipe for a natural rose water toner, too!)
It’s also a gentle natural cleanser, and helps to clean clogged skin pores and remove makeup residue. No wonder rose water has been a long-beloved cosmetic of women young and old! If you still need more reasons to use rose water on your face, read this article from Fleur & Bee.
Which essential oils should you use in a facial cleanser?
The range of essential oils is wide, but that doesn’t mean they can all be used interchangeably. Each essential oil contains different compounds that are bioactive: these are the “active ingredients” listed on your skincare products. But unlike most skincare products, these are entirely natural and plant-derived!
Some examples of these bioactive compounds are limonene (found in citrus oils), pinene (found in pine and fir oils), and citronellol (found in rose and geranium oils). Each essential oil contains several of these compounds, and the combination of bioactive compounds in a specific essential oil determines its uses. Some oils are nourishing and soothing for skin, others are good for toning or cleansing, and still others have antibacterial or antiviral properties.
Geranium Essential Oil Constituents and Uses
The three main bioactive compounds, also called molecular constituents, of geranium essential oil, are citronellol, geraniol, and linalool. Geranium essential oil has been used in skin care products for many years. It is said to promote bright, youthful-looking skin. It is beneficial for soothing minor skin irritations and decreasing redness.
Citronellol
Citronellol has several effects in the body. When it is used in skin products, it promotes clear and glowing skin. Rose and geranium essential oils are both good sources of this constituent. Citronellol is also a natural insect deterrent.
Geraniol
Geraniol has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties. It has a rose-like scent, and is used in perfumes, skincare products, natural flavors for food products, and as an insect deterrent. Geraniol is a known allergen, but when it is used topically, there is a fairly low risk of sensitivity, since it does not penetrate the skin readily.
The main benefits of geraniol for skin are: anti-inflammatory (soothing), antimicrobial (fights acne-causing bacteria), and antioxidant (fights free radicals which contribute to aging skin).
Linalool
Linalool has anti-inflammatory and insect-repelling properties as well as relaxing and stress-relieving effects. It is most commonly used in skincare products for its flowery fragrance. This compound is also a potential allergen to very sensitive skin, so we use it in very small concentrations. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to do a patch test before trying it on your face.
Ylang-ylang Essential Oil Constituents and Uses
Ylang-ylang essential oil’s main active components are linalool, geranyl acetate, and beta-caryophyllene. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and used to help wounds heal faster. It is also effective in treating acne-prone skin. Ylang-ylang oil combats excess oil on skin and scalp, so it is also beneficial for hair care. This essential oil’s most prominent feature, however, is its sweet scent reminiscent of jasmine. Ylang-ylang oil is used for its scent in many perfumes and skincare products.
Geranyl acetate
Geranyl acetate has strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is great for reducing skin irritation and redness, as well as treating minor burns, eczema, and dermatitis. This compound is very soothing for skin.
B-Caryophyllene
Beta-Caryophyllene is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. It helps to soothe skin and fight free radicals which cause skin cells to age.
Lavender Essential Oil Constituents and Uses
Lavender essential oil contains both cis- and trans-beta-ocimene, linalool, and linalyl acetate. It is regarded as a very calming, soothing oil that promotes sleep and relaxation. It is also used widely in skin and hair care products, as well as perfumes.
Beta-Ocimene
Beta-ocimene is a terpene which is most noted for its antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. This compound is found in many plants, and is considered soothing and healing for skin.
Linalyl Acetate
Linalyl acetate is particularly good for healing rashes and soothing sensitive skin. This compound, when combined with linalool, has an especially effective soothing effect. The anti-inflammatory effect is so strong that it has been researched for use in treating high blood pressure. This is one of the main reasons lavender is used in so many products that promote sleep or relaxation.
How to make castile soap facial cleanser
Making your own facial cleanser is very simple. All you need is a glass bottle with a soap pump.
- Mix the castile soap, rose water, and essential oils in the bottle.
- Screw the lid on tightly and shake well.
To use your homemade castile facial cleanser, pump a small amount of cleanser onto a dampened face cloth. Apply gently all over your face, avoiding the area around your eyes. Rinse with water.
That’s it! So simple, so refreshing, and only natural ingredients! You’ll never need to buy another fancy cleanser again. Let me know if you like this recipe!
Fields of Flowers Facial Cleanser
Equipment
- 1 glass bottle with soap pump
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Castile soap liquid
- 1/3 cup Rose water
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 20 drops geranium essential oil
- 7 drops ylang ylang essential oil
Instructions
- Measure castile soap and rose water in the glass bottle. Add essential oils. Screw the lid on tightly and shake well.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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