News

Sep 20, 2023

7 Recipes for Eco

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic Removing makeup is a crucial step to keep our faces

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Removing makeup is a crucial step to keep our faces clean and our skin glowing. However, finding the right way to do so isn't always easy.

Face cleansers don't always clean off the makeup completely, leaving dark smudges beneath your eyes. Many store-bought makeup removers have nasty chemicals or undesirable additives like alcohol, preservatives, and fragrances, to name a few. They also may leave an oily trace on your skin, cleaning your makeup off while also clogging your pores.

What's the solution, then? Natural products are your best bet to ensure that you are cleaning your face with the respect it deserves. Rather than breaking the bank on expensive natural cleansers though, why not make your own remover from a few simple ingredients that are friendly to both the environment and your skin?

Here are seven recipes for DIY makeup removers that will elevate your beauty routine and leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and glowing.

The combination of aloe vera with a few other ingredients can easily wipe away makeup while cleansing and nourishing the skin. The honey has a healing touch thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which help clear oily skin while locking in moisture.

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small container. Use an immersion blender to fully blend together the ingredients until a paste forms.

To remove makeup, use a small spoonful of cleanser and massage it into your skin for 1-2 minutes. Then, rinse clean with cool water.

Store the makeup remover in an airtight container in the refrigerator if it contains preservative-free aloe vera.

This simple makeup remover combines ingredients that are great for sensitive areas— such as around the eyes—and effectively cleanse the skin. Olive oil helps remove makeup easily while hydrating your skin. Witch hazel is known for removing unwanted oil from the skin while keeping it nourished.

Mix the olive oil and coconut oil together until you get a smooth mixture. Then, add in the witch hazel and the vitamin E oil.

Use about a quarter-size amount of the oil mixture and massage it on your face. After you've massaged the cleanser on your face for about a minute, remove with lukewarm water and a wet washcloth to wipe your face clean.

Store the makeup remover in a glass jar that you can reuse and refill when needed. Using a glass bottle with a pump will ensure ease of use.

This blend of ingredients will effectively remove makeup, while also keeping your skin well-being in mind. Sunflower oil is great for sensitive skin, while jojoba oil offers both anti-bacterial and moisturizing benefits.

Mix all of the ingredients together and combine well. Pour the concoction into a glass bottle with a pump.

Rinse your face with water and then use about a quarter size amount of the oil mixture to massage on your face and around your eyes. Remove the oil with warm water and a damp washcloth until the makeup is completely gone. Finish by using a gentle face wash and toner of your choice.

If you store the makeup remover in a glass bottle away from sunlight, it can last for up to a year.

This potion made from rose water and aloe vera won't just leave your face feeling fresh and clean, it will also leave your skin smelling floral and feminine.

Combine all the ingredients together thoroughly and store the concoction in a glass bottle with a pump.

Add a squirt of the botanical gel into clean hands or a damp washcloth and gently massage over your face until it is clean. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

This simple and easy-to-mix makeup remover centers around the wonderful properties of lavender essential oil, which gently moisturizes the skin while killing off bacteria.

The carrier oil you choose will depend on your skin type and personal preference. Jojoba oil is a popular choice, as it helps to clear the skin and is rich in fatty acids and vitamin D. Rosehip oil is another strong contender because it is a powerful antioxidant and contains vitamin C, which supports collagen formation. Rosehip oil can also help brighten your skin tone.

Mix the ingredients in a reusable glass jar and store in a dark place.

Apply a few drops to a washcloth or to organic cotton makeup removing pads and carefully wipe away your makeup until your face is clean.

This simple, two-ingredient makeup remover recipe is the key to your optimal skincare. The properties of honey simultaneously draw in moisture while targeting bacteria in the pores. Meanwhile, calendula oil acts as a gentle moisturizer that also soothes the skin.

Combine the honey and oil in a small bowl and then apply directly to your face. Massage the mixture in circular motions on your face to break down the makeup on your skin. Wipe away with a warm, damp washcloth and pat your face dry.

This cleansing balm is perfect if you are looking for something light, effective, and moisturizing. Shea butter is incredibly moisturizing, while tea tree oil cleanses the skin and pores. And the good news? It requires only two ingredients.

Measure the shea butter and place it in the top pot of a double boiler. Heat over medium heat until the shea butter is completely melted. Remove from heat, stir in the tea tree oil, and pour into an airtight container. Close the container and let it sit for 2-3 hours before using.

When you're ready to use the balm, scoop a spoonful into the palm of your hand and rub it between your fingers to warm up. Massage the makeup remover onto your face to carefully eliminate any product. Rinse to wash off any makeup and cleanser residue.

Mandal, Manisha Deb, et al. "Honey: Its Medicinal Property and Antibacterial Activity." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, vol. 1, no. 2, 2011, pp. 154-160., doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6

Chularojanamontri, Leena, et al. "Moisturizers for Acne." The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 7, no. 5, 2014, pp. 36-44.

Gad, Heba A., et al. "Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity." Polymers, vol. 13, no. 11, 2021, p. 1711, doi:10.3390/polym13111711

Mori, Hiroko-Miyuki, et al. "Wound Healing Potential of Lavender Oil by Acceleration of Granulation and Wound Contraction Through Induction of TGF-β in a Rat Model." BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 16, no. 144, 2016, doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1128-7

Marmol, Ines, et al. "Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 18, no. 6, 2017, pp. 1137., doi:10.3390/ijms18061137