The oil cleansing method is the best skin cleanser I have ever used.
While I was pregnant with OG I started to get acne on my face, which was strange for me because even in high school I didn’t have a big problem with blemishes. While searching for a solution I started to see how toxic some commercial face cleansers are (particularly ones containing salicylic acid) and realized that they weren’t safe to use while I was pregnant. Of course, I also wondered if it’s not safe to put on my face when I’m pregnant why is it safe for me when I’m not?
Which is why I started looking for more natural products that would help eliminate breakouts without all of the harmful chemicals.
That’s when I stumbled upon the oil cleansing method. Since then I’ve started making many of my own health and beauty products like no melt deodorant, natural neosporin, and rosemary hair rinse.
I started by using this recipe: 20% Castor Oil to 80% Sunflower Seed Oil. This worked great and I saw results almost immediately (after the initial adjustment period). But then I read that castor oil is toxic (ugh!). Jennifer at 20 Something Allergies (in a guest post on Mommypotamus) writes:
There are a plethora of health benefits associated with it, but I can’t promote using it when its main toxin, ricin, causes severe allergic reactions and permanent nerve damage to many of the workers who harvest the seeds to make it. Bad business Big Ag.
Ricin is removed during processing, so the oil we use is deemed safe. There’s no need to run around chucking your supply into the trash. I would however consider looking to other sources when replacing it.
So I used up my castor oil and switched to hazelnut oil.
The oil cleansing method works because like dissolves like. Which means the best thing to remove the build up of oil in your pores is oil!
Here are my recipes:
Oil cleansing for “normal” skin
- 1 oz hazelnut oil (or other astringent oil)
- 3 oz moisturizing oil (such as coconut, olive, jojoba, sunflower or other moisturizing oil)
- 12 drops lavender essential oil
- 12 drops geranium essential oil
(I buy high quality oils at Mountain Rose Herbs)
Mix all ingredients in an opaque glass bottle (like these). I use a plunger type dispenser but you could use a dropper too.
Oil Cleansing for “trouble” skin
I use this one when I start getting blemishes.
- 1 oz hazelnut oil (or other astringent oil)
- 3 oz moisturizing oil (such as coconut, olive, jojoba, sunflower or other moisturizing oil)
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- 6 drops geranium essential oil
- 6 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 6 drops tea tree essential oil
How to use the oil cleansing method
I have two ways that I cleanse my face using the oil cleansing method.
- At night: Apply a small amount of oil to your entire face and massage into your pores. Wet a washcloth with hot water (as warm as you can get it without being scalded) and apply to your face. Let it sit for as long as you can. Then wipe off the oil.
- In the morning: apply the oil to your sin before getting into the shower. Let the steam of the shower help the oil do it’s thing and then rinse the oil off when you feel it’s been steamed enough.
I don’t use both of these methods each day. If I remember to wash my face at night I will just rub a wet washcloth on my face in the morning or use a bit of witch hazel if I feel greasy.
Notes:
If you are trying the oil cleansing method for the first time start with a blend for “normal” skin even if you are sure that you have oily or dry skin. You may find that by not stripping the natural oils away everyday (like commercial cleansers do) your skin doesn’t overreact by become greasy or dry.
If you have used this method before or decide that you still do have greasy or dry skin you can adjust the blend. The recipes above are 25% astringent oil to 75% moisturizing oil. If you have greasy skin (or its summer) you may need to increase the astringent oil. If you have dry skin (or it’s winter) you may need to increase the moisturizing oil.
Do you use the oil cleansing method? What is your favorite blend?
This post is shared at Party Wave Wednesday, Frugal Days Sustainable Ways, Fabulously Frugal Thursday, Small Footprint Friday
I was wondering if you could replace geranium oil in the oil cleansing method with some other kind, like grapefruit. I don’t particularly like the smell of geranium but love citrus.
Thanks!
Absolutely! From what I’ve read Grapefruit is a great choice for skin health.
A few questions: 1)What are you using to measure the oz. of oils; 2) How do you keep the coconut oil (if you use that) liquid; 3) How do you launder your washcloth? Is there a problem with the oil getting into the rest of the wash and not coming out with normal washing?
Great questions! 1. I don’t really measure them. Since I always fill a 4 oz bottle I just pour the astringent oil in to fill about 1/4 of the bottle (so about 1 oz, more or less if needed) and then fill the rest with the other oil. It’s not very exact but works for me :)
2. I don’t use coconut oil in my oil cleanser because, as you know, it would be hard in cool temperatures. If you wanted to use it I would recommend mixing it when it’s warm and then storing it in a container where you could scoop a bit out with your fingers. Then the heat of your hand would melt it and you could use it that way.
3. I haven’t found a great solution for greasy washcloths. I try to use the minimal amount of oil necessary to do the job which helps but, the washcloths do get greasy after many uses with oil. It doesn’t really come out with normal washing either. I usually just wash my face in the shower (rinsing the oil off instead of wiping it) but I do still use washcloths. If you’re worried about ruining washcloths I would suggest using a specific set just for oil cleansing. I haven’t had problems with washcloth oil getting on the other laundry but I usually wash all towels together instead of with clothing so maybe that’s why. Hope that helps!
If your not opposed to bleach or ammonia, soaking with either of those (never both) and water helps. I also will hand wash (old-fashioned style with rubber gloves, a washboard, and a big bar of Zote) anything that gets excessively oily. ( I use oils – and vinegar and baking soda- for of all my skin care). The hand-washing method gives me the best clean I have ever gotten.
Coconut oil, when mixed with a more liquid oil becomes softer and even more liquid itself. Depending on your ratios, it could become pour-able just by mixing them together.
Also, I use a frankincense/myrrh essential oil blend from my local natural health store. Both are supposedly wonderful for skin – wrinkles, acne, dryness, scars, etc. and I have had nothing but good results. I also like the four thieves blend and lavender/tea tree.
Thanks Anna!
What would be another type of astringent oil? Sorry, I really have no idea. I don’t know where I could get hazelnut oil. I have never even seen at at health stores. I have coconut oil,jojoba, sweet almond, olive, & castor oil. I also have many essential oils. Thank you.
Castor oil is an astringent oil. Also, Borage and Grapeseed oil.
Hi, I just found this article and will be passing it onto my daughter. I was wondering what type of bottle you use to keep your cleansing oil in.
Thank you
I use these: http://www.purposefullysimple.com/Bottleandpump
Hy friends l have been wondering if can use hazenult oil alone for face cleansing
I wonder the same thing! I love hazelnut but dont want to end up with clogged pores if it shouldnt be used on its own.
You probably can but it might make your skin tight.
Is there an alternative to the hazelnut oil? My son is severely allergic to all nuts, so I avoid having any food or products containing nuts.
I believe linseed, poppyseed, sunflower, and safflower oils are drying oils.