Admit it – you don’t know what half of the things on your facial cleanser’s ingredient list are. When shopping around for a facial cleanser, however, you should take a page out of food writer and activist Michael Pollan’s book: If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it. Or, in this case, put it on your face.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need fancy or expensive, high-end beauty products for prettier skin. In fact, the solution to your skincare needs might be sitting in your kitchen cabinet right at this very moment. Here are some DIY facial cleanser recipes you’ll love.
Apple Cider Vinegar Cleanser
Apple cider vinegar is known as the miracle liquid for several reasons. It’s famous for its non-toxic acidic properties, which is great for cleaning bacteria-infested surfaces. This wonder ingredient also helps restore your skin’s natural pH levels. The pH level of apple cider vinegar is 5.5 — very close the pH of human skin and much lower than the market’s branded cleansers. If you use a facial cleanser with the right pH, you can improve the quality of your skin by preventing pores from clogging, soothing breakouts, and locking in the moisture on your face.
Recipe: Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with a cup or more of water (depending on your tolerance to the solution) and apply it to your face with a cotton pad. Massage your face and rinse off with water after you’re done.
Olive Oil Cleanser
A lot of Korean skincare gurus recommend using an oil-based cleanser as the first step to your nightly skincare routine. To substitute pricey oil-based cleansers, you can use olive oil to remove your makeup. Olive oil is an excellent natural moisturizer with antioxidants that soothe irritated skin, as well as remove impurities on the face.
Recipe: Add ¼ cup of vinegar into a cup of olive oil. The vinegar helps speed up the death of bacteria. Take a cotton pad and wipe it all over your face to remove your makeup before using your foam cleanser.
Honey and Lemon Cleanser
Both honey and lemon are natural antiseptics and moisturizers. Honey is an antibacterial solution filled with antioxidants, ideal for acne prevention and anti-aging. Lemon, on the other hand, contains citric acid and enzymes that brighten dark spots, as well as remove dead skin cells. Together, they work to soothe and clean skin when mixed right, making it a great complexion booster.
Recipe: Add 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into a cup. Mix them well and apply it all over your face. Massage until the solution feels a little dry. Rinse with water right after.
So, the next time you run out of facial cleansers at home, look no further for an alternative than in your kitchen. You can be kind to your skin and be thrifty at the same time. If your grandmother made do with it, then so can you.