Homemade Facial Mask Ingredients
You’re the chef; so what’s on the menu?

You're the chef now, you're in charge of the menu. You can see this homemade facial mask ingredients list as a starting point, a first point of reference. From here research ingredients and get to know more about their properties and what they can mean to your (facial) skin; and carefully experiment, but always keep your skin type in mind

Our homemade facial mask basics will help the "natural newbies" to get a basic understanding of D-I-Y facial mask making. Together with our quick facial tips, which will make the whole experience run even smoother, and these ingredients you should be well on your way exploring your own home spa possibilities

A |B |C |D |E |F |G |H |I |J |K |L |M

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Acne (anti-) - Ingredients that have specific properties that may help fighting acne outbreaks: Aloe Vera, Apple, Apple cider vinegar, Baking Soda, Basil, Brewer's Yeast, Carrot, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clay, Comfrey, Cucumber, Egg White, Honey, Grape seed oil, Green Tea, Lemon, Mint, Nettle, Oatmeal, Orange, Papaya, Pineapple, Red wine, Rose water, Rosemary, Sea salt, Seaweed, Strawberries, Tea Tree Oil, Tomato, Turmeric, Willow bark. Acne mask recipes

Aging (anti-) - Ingredients that might have a positive effect on the signs of aging on your skin: Almond oil, Aloe Vera, Avocado, Banana, Buttermilk, Carrots, Comfrey, Coconut oil, Cream cheese, Cream (heavy), Cucumber, Egg, Egg white, Egg yolk, Grape seed oil, Green tea, Honey, Jojoba oil, Kelp/ Seaweed, Lemon juice, Lettuce, Milk, Oats or Oatmeal, Olive oil, Orange juice, Papaya, Pomegranate, Red wine, Shea butter, Strawberries, White tea, Whole wheat flour, Yogurt. Anti aging mask recipes

Almond meal or Ground almonds - Ground almonds are excellent natural abrasives and a gentle exfoliator

Almond oil (Sweet) – Good for all skin types and absorbs quickly. Mixed with ground almonds it helps replenish the oils lost from the skin during the cleansing process. Very gentle and soft, lubricates very well and can relieve itching and inflammation. Wonderful natural moisturizer that can heal very dry and chapped skin. Leaves your skin soft, supple and smooth

Aloe Vera – Ultimate skin soother, good against burns, sunburn, irritations, eczema skin, cuts and insect bites. It hydrates, moisturizes, softens and relaxes your skin. The Aloe plant and its juice are filled with vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents. The balance and combination of these ingredients seem to give it its healing properties. Aloe Vera mask recipes

Apple – It is said that the Granny Smith and the Red Delicious, are best for the skin. All apples are good but these two in particular contain a lot of collagen and elastin, both great for youthful skin. Braeburn apples contain ingredients that can protect you from harmful UV rays. Apples have great antioxidant benefits and fight free radicals and are said to also help you recover more quickly from sunburn. They can tone tired and stressed-out skin. Green apples, and the Granny Smith in particular, will give your skin a healthy, toned glow

Apple cider vinegar – A liquid containing acetic acid. works wonders in evening skin tone, it kills pimples and helps fade marks left by acne. Also closes pores and preserves or restores the skin's natural acidity (pH balance). Keeps both oily and dry complexions soft and fresh and can fight the ruins left by harsh alkaline soaps and make up. Only suitable for tolerant skins though

Apricot Oil – Apricots are a rich source of a variety of healthy oils and vitamin A which are effective for treating dry, flaky skin

Apricot kernel oil – Emollient similar in composition to almond oil. Has a softening effect on the skin. Can help to erase stretch marks and wrinkles

Aspirin – contains a very effective type of salicylic acid; the kind that gives the deep down cleansing to get or stay blemish free. In some people it even helped to quickly heal existing blemishes and kept them from coming back. Is also a great exfoliator, sloughing off dead skin cells and so preventing your pores from getting clogged. Makes your skin feel silky soft and smooth. All this, together with its anti-inflammatory properties make aspirin a unique and world-class ingredient in your acne treatment regime. Aspirin mask recipes

Avocado – All natural and highly effective ingredient to smooth and moisturize dry skin. It's also an extremely rich source of vitamins and lecithin which is very helpful in restoring your skin back to health. The oil in avocado dissolves fat and dirt that clogs your pores. Also a natural skin firmer and works particularly well on the neck area. Avocado mask recipes

Avocado oil – Known for its deep moisturizing and healing properties. Powerful antioxidant rich in vitamins E, A and D. Also contains high levels of omegas 3 and 9 that increase your skin's health and strength. Helps reduce age spots, softens and moisturizes dry skin

Baking soda – Also called Sodium Bicarbonate. A natural, alkaline salt crystal. Naturally exfoliates and cleanses your skin while it softens it as well. Also absorbs odors. Very mild product for your hair and skin

Banana – One of the most nourishing fruits available because of their large quantities of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iodine, iron and vitamins A, B (folic acid), E, and F and much more. Moisturizes and soothes your skin, battles dry skin and wrinkles. Banana mask recipes

Brewers yeast – Rich in B vitamins, which are essential for healthy skin. Stimulates and improves circulation. Can help preventing and treating acne

Buttermilk (whole) – Richer in fats and emollients than whole cow's milk. Natural, soothing skin cleanser and softener

Carrot – Rich in vitamins, garden grown carrots are best. Rich in Beta carotene nourish the skin and help improve skin tone and color. Works as a natural antioxidant to fight free radical damage

Carrot seed oil - Rich in beta carotene and vitamins A & E, highly beneficial to skin. Promotes the formation of new cells and stimulates the production of sebum in dry, scaly skin

Chamomile – There are Roman and German chamomile. They are rejuvenating and relaxing and have soothing effect on burns and irritations. Are also slightly sedative

Chamomile oil – Can be used as a softening agent for rough or irritated skin. Has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Good against: allergies, acne, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, inflammations, insect bites, rashes, sensitive skin & wounds. Also have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system, are slightly sedative and have emollient properties. German chamomile has higher anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile oil has very low toxicity so it is good for children

Clay – There are a few useful clay types each with its own characteristics:

Rose Clay is a mild kaolin clay that can be used on normal to dry skin. Gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin while improving the skin's circulation

White Kaolin Clay or China or White Clay is the mildest of all clays. Suitable for sensitive skin and helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing. Great for insect bites and stings. Does not draw oils from the skin and can be used on dry skin types

French Green Clay is highly efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin. Is rich in important minerals and phyto-nutrients and is the most commonly used therapeutic clay. Suitable for oily skin. Don’t use this clay for dry or sensitive skin

Yellow Kaolin Clay is mild clay making it suitable for sensitive skin. Helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. Does not draw oils from the skin excessively and can be used on most dry skin types. This clay is suitable for dry, sensitive or normal skin types

Pink clay is rich in trace elements, used to detoxify and cleanse the face and body. Used to draw impurities and toxins through absorption. Great for insect bites and stings. Remove old sebum that is clogged in pores and also environmental poisons left on the skin

Bentonite Clay is a combination of clay and volcanic ash. Is a highly absorbent that pulls oils and toxins from the skin. Best suited for oily skin

Rhassoul clay has a high absorption capacity. Also smooths and improves dry skin

Fuller's earth clay or Multani mitti is widely used for skin lightening. Because of its enormous drawing capabilities it is the number one choice for oily skin and people with acne prone skin. It literally draws oil from the skin. Also very useful as a bulk ingredient for skin clay recipes

Coconut oil – Super moisturizing oil, a solid at room temperature but melts easily on the skin. Its consistency makes it very easy to mix and very useful in facial masks. Protects skin from the elements by forming a thin film which is not absorbed. Also useful as an after sun oil. Good cleansing properties and very mild

Comfrey – Contains allantoin, an ingredient that promotes healing, and is known for its regenerating and soothing properties. The extract of the Comfrey plant is anti-inflammatory, astringent and emollient. It can help the healing of open wounds, cuts, burns, and bruises

Cornmeal – Natural abrasive or scrub and effective and safe for your skin

Corn starch – Absorbs moisture and oils very effectively. Makes your skin feel really soft

Cottage cheese – Useful for lightening your skin tone

Cranberries – Gives your skin a healthy glow, exfoliates and even helps to shrink large pores

Cream – Whipped cream and sour cream contain proteins, fat-soluble vitamins and milk acid that are easy digestible by skin oils. They all soften your skin, make it smooth and improve blood circulation and metabolism. Whipped and heavy cream make a good natural moisturizer for dry skin; the lactic acids in it exfoliate your skin

Cucumber – Hydrates, softens, relaxes, it strengthens your connective skin tissue, prevents water retention and reduces swelling, relieves you from irritations, soothes sunburns, cools you down, cleans and feeds your skin. Good against dark circles under the eyes, sunburns, dermatitis / eczema, dry skin & lightens skin and minimizes freckles. Cucumber mask recipes

Dead Sea salt – Salt obtained from the Dead Sea in Israel. Sea salt with a magical composition. They are famous for their reviving, toning and purifying qualities

Dry skin - Ingredients that might help you against dry skin: Almond oil, Aloe Vera, Apricot & Apricot oil, Avocado & Avocado oil, Banana, Chamomile, Cream Cheese, Coconut oil, Cornmeal, Cucumber, Egg yolk, Ginkgo Biloba, Honey, Jojoba oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Oats or Oatmeal, Olive oil, Peanut oil, Shea butter, Sunflower oil, Apricot Kernel oil, Peach Kernel oil, Soy Bean oil, Safflower oil, Sesame oil, Wheat Germ oil. Dry skin mask recipes

Egg – Combination of egg white and egg yolk... ;-) See egg white & egg yolk. Whole egg mask recipes

Egg white – Is protein, vitamin, and mineral rich so it nourishes your skin. Is especially known to cleanse, exfoliate and lighten the skin. But it is most famous for being a very effective astringent which means it tightens and firms your skin. This makes it a very potent wrinkle remover. Egg white mask recipes

Egg yolk – Mostly consists of water and fats, this makes it a great emollient and water binding agent; means supple, smooth and soft skin. It nourishes and can also help healing blemishes. Egg yolk mask recipes

Flowers (Dried and crushed) – Chamomile, lavender, rose or calendula flowers all smell wonderful soothe your skin and give it that little exclusive touch

Fruits – You can use one or some of the next: Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Banana, Grape, Kiwi, Mango, Melon, Nectarine, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pineapple, Peach, Pear, raspberries, Strawberry, and Watermelon. Fruit acids are excellent for evening skin tone and exfoliating. Fruit mask recipes

Fuller's earth - See clays, Fuller's earth clay

Gelatin – Made of animal collagen, helps build your collagen when you take it as a food but also helpful when applied to your skin. It will bind with the dead skin cells and oil that clogs your pores, clearing your skin when you peel it off. Also softens, firms and tones your skin. Break out the Jell-o! Gelatin mask recipes

Glycerin – Is a natural by-product of soap making and an effective humectant, which means it attracts moisture to your skin, it even absorbs water from the air. Many things will dissolve into glycerin easier than they do into water or alcohol, so it’s a good solvent. Diluted with water, it will soften your skin

Grapefruit – Grapefruit juice contains citric acid, exfoliates and tones. Citric acid warning

Grapes – have an excellent moisturizing effect on your skin

Grapeseed oil – Rich in vitamin E, C, D and Beta-carotene. Also contains all kinds of skin healthy essential fatty acids. These help repair damaged skin, wrinkles around the eyes, stretch marks, varicose veins and spider veins by penetrating the skin with their moisturizing properties. Also ideal for moisturizing oily skin. Keeps skin supple and healthy

Green tea – Contains tea polyphenols which have protective effects against free radicals, infections, toxins and in some degree skin cancer. Has water binding properties for our skin, improves elasticity and is astringent which might help diminishing wrinkles and sagging skin. Can effectively reduce sun damage, pigment and dark spots, and freckles. Helps fighting acne and eczema

Honey – Is very rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals; is a natural humectant, which means it will attract and keep moisture inside your skin. This hydration makes that your skin becomes supple, elastic and silky soft. Also has anti-oxidant properties which play an important role in protecting your skin against damage from UV (ultra violet) sun light. (Just that you know, the darker the honey the stronger the anti-oxidant effect.) Is antimicrobial and anti bacterial. Battles dry skin, wrinkles, acne and acts as an anti-irritant. Very suitable on sensitive skin. Honey mask recipes

Jell-o - See Gelatin

Jojoba oil – An extraordinary balancing oil, helps to regulate under-activeand overactive oil glands. Natural humectants, that attracts and keeps moisture under your skin; absorbs quickly into the skin to moisturize. Very mild

Kitty litter – Unscented kitty litter is nothing more or less than Bentonite clay grains. The same clay that is used in clay masks you pay big money for when you buy it in a store or spa! When you add water to kitty litter or Bentonite, the clay starts to swell like a sponge and an electrical charge attracts toxins into the mixture and once they are drawn, they stick to the clay because of it. Besides this it also absorbs oils from your skin. This is why a Kitty Litter mask is best suited for oily, dirty and large pores skin. Kitty litter mask recipes

Also see: Clays, Bentonite clay

Lavender –Soothes and calmes your skin, has antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Can relieve muscle tension, speeds healing and reduces scarring. Also works as anti depressant, stimulates circulation, is a mild sedative and reduces nervous tension

Lavender oil – Has sedative and antiseptic properties. Relieves and heals skin irritations like, acne, abscess, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis. Also very effective against burns, sunburns, wounds and insect bites. Calming; antidepressant, promotes clarity, enhances intuition, soothing, balancing. Helps normalize all skin conditions. Good for headaches and sinuses and is an effective insect repellent. Suitable for oily & combo skin

Lecithin oil – See vegetable oils

Macadamia Nut oil – Preserves your skin's essential oils and replaces the oils that are lost throughout the day. An effective antioxidant which easily absorbs into your skin and protects skin cells from aging. Revitalizes with essential nutrients which makes your skin supple, smooth and glowing. Effective in treating dry, flaky and cracked skin

Mango – Contains Retinol (Vitamin A), which can penetrate the skin's outer layer and when it is deep inside your skin it stimulates the production of elastin and collagen which results in a smoother and more elastic skin. Contains high amounts of vitamin A and is also filled with Vitamins B, C and minerals

Milk – Skin soother; helps soothing sunburn, windburn, chapping, eczema or dermatitis, and other skin irritations. Contains fat, proteins, amino acids, lactic acid, and vitamins A and D, all of these can calm your dry, upset skin

Milk or Buttermilk powder – The gentle acids make your skin feel smooth; also excellent for toning

Mint – Has anti-inflammatory properties and a cleansing, soothing and cooling effect, suitable for most skin types. Skin will become softer, suppler and clearer. Very helpful in fighting infections, insect bites or stings, blackheads, pimples and acne. Mint mask recipes

Mustard Oil – Contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and is rich in proteins, vitamin B complex, vitamin A, and vitamin E and minerals. Moisturizes; draws blood to the surface, might reduce black and blue spots of bruises, heal sores, ulcers and wounds. Also promotes cell growth. Not for sensitive skin; irritant, needs to be diluted

Multani Mitti – See clays, Fuller's earth clay

Oats, Rolled oats, Ground oats or Oatmeal – Absorb and remove surface dirt and impurities, they deep cleanse your pores, they scrub and gently exfoliate, and finally hydrate and soften your skin. Can be effective against many skin conditions, like oily or dry skin, acne, zits, blemishes, sunburn, razor burns, and even chicken pox. Is clinically proven to heal dry, itchy skin; and its gentle nature makes oatmeal also perfect for sensitive skin. Oatmeal mask recipes

Olive oil – Very effective and rich moisturizer, especially helpful against dry skin because it penetrates real deep. especially when warmed up slightly. Soothes, softens, heals and lubricates your skin as well. Also good natural sunscreen. Good for sensitive skin. Often used as a carrier oil for stronger essential oils

Orange – Orange juice Contains citric acid, exfoliates and tones. Useful against zits. Read our citric acid warning

(Sweet) Orange oil – Reduces puffiness and discourages dry wrinkled skin. Both the oil and the peel are used to stimulate circulation. It clears blemishes, and increases perspiration, helping the release of toxins from dull or blemished skin. The peel is used as a natural exfoliator

Papaya – Contains powerful fruit enzymes, especially papain. This is a gentle exfoliator, can speed up your skin’s healing process in cases of acne. Can reduce age spots and skin discoloration by the sun, and pain from insect bites or stings. Also nourishes the skin with vitamins A & C and stimulates elasticity

Parsley – Full of vitamin C, minerals, essential oils and natural whitening enzymes. Very effective in whitening both skin and teeth. Can also reduce swelling and redness, regulates sebaceous glands to keep skin from drying out, tones your skin, helps reducing black heads & can prevents wrinkles

Peach – Rich in alpha-hydroxy fruit acids which help to slough off dead skin cells, and also in vitamins A & E which stimulate growth of new ones. Reduces wrinkles, unclogs pores, lightens age spots, and fights blemishes. Gives your skin fresher, re-energized and more vital appearance

Peach Kernel oil – See vegetable oils

Peanut oil – See vegetable oils

Pineapple – Is crammed with vitamins but most of all a very skin friendly enzyme called Bromeliad. With these it fights the damage done to your skin by free radicals, lifts dirt and dead skin cells. It hydrates and is also known to reduce age spots and fine lines and leaves the skin supple and leaves you with a the softest skin. Pineapple or a pineapple facial mask can also be a powerful ally in your quest against acne. Pineapple mask recipes

Pomegranate – Has powerful antioxidant properties. They are said to promote the regeneration of cells in the two most important layers of healthy skin, the epidermis and dermis. According to researchers from the University of Wisconsin, it’s also a promising agent against skin cancer which needs some more studying

Red wine – Contains high levels of antioxidant polyphenols, which are beneficial in keeping your skin healthy. Fights free radicals, stimulates blood circulation, rejuvenates, increases skin elasticity, eases the nerves, firms, whitens, and leaves your skin bright and glowing. These stimulating properties make that red wine softens wrinkles and fine lines and is altogether very useful in battling the effects of aging skin. Also red wine is considered to be good for detoxifying the skin and in this way helping to fight cases of acne and eczema. Red wine mask recipes

Rose or Rose water or Rose oil – Everyone of course knows the wonderful smell roses give to any skin care recipe. Roses simply make it all smell so delicious. But rose petals or rose oil can make your skin look younger because of its toning effect; it will leave your skin soothe, soft and supple and takes care of an even colored complexion. Besides all this it is also has antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. Because of its gentle nature, rose water is also a helpful ingredient in all natural skin care recipes when you have sensitive skin. Rose mask recipes

Rosemary – Rosemary is a physical and mental stimulant, and an astringent. Also heals and is used to treat muscle soreness. Stimulates cell renewal, and is used to clear acne and blemishes. Improves circulation

Safflower oil – See vegetable oils

Sage – Natural antioxidant, has astringent, and soothing properties. But also stimulates skin tissue circulation. Sage oils are often used as a fragrant component in lotions

Sandalwood – Sandalwood powder is wonderful for toning skin and fighting zits

Sandalwood oil – One of the oldest known perfume materials. It helps reduce tension and anxiety, and is moisturizing to dry skin. It is believed to be an antidepressant and aphrodisiac

Seaweed – Stimulates and improves blood and lymph circulation and have been traditionally used by the Japanese to detoxify the body both internally and externally for generations. Rich in nutrients which help to both tone and nourish the skin. The vitamins and minerals in seaweed help to keep the skin nourished and moisturized. The seawater in the seaweed is very similar to human plasma, so it is easier for your skin to get all the nutritional benefits it needs, all which in turn can help to smooth fine lines. Well known seaweeds are: Kelp, Dulse, Irish moss & Bladderwrack

Sesame oil – See vegetable oils

Shea Butter – A natural fat extracted from the seed of the karate tree. It's a highly effective treatment for dry, flaky skin, and helps reduce scars and smooth out wrinkles

Sea salt – Concentrated mineral salt from the sea. Softens skin and acts as a detoxifying cleanser that draws impurities out of the body through the skin

Soy Bean oil – See vegetable oils

Strawberries – They cleanse, exfoliate and refresh your skin because the salicylic acid gets rid of your dead skin cells; it tightens your pores and brightens up your face making it look shinier. They refresh, remove impurities, reduce swelling and redness and slightly whiten your skin. Because of the cleansing and exfoliating capabilities a strawberry facial mask is a very looked after recipe by people who have oily or acne prone skin. Strawberry mask recipes

Sunflower oil - See vegetable oils

Tea tree oil – Is antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic and germicide. Relieves muscle aches and pains, minimizes most skin irritations, like acne, cold sores, and herpes. Uplifting, purifying, regulating. Read our tea tree oil warning

Tomatoes – Rich in anti-oxidants, fights off free radicals which counters the aging effects on the skin. Re-hydrates, absorbs surplus oil and also battles pimples and acne, might lighten your complexion

Turmeric – Is known to slow down the aging process of your skin. It fights dry skin by stimulating your blood flow which helps your skin to keep healthy and fight the formation of wrinkles and creases. A well known use of it in India is to make your skin glow and make you look radiant. There it is also used to reduce hair growth on the body. The main use of turmeric in a facial mask in western countries however is somewhat different. The turmeric's antiseptic, antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties, can help in the fight against psoriasis, acne and blackheads. Turmeric mask recipes

Vegetable Oils – Rich in unsaturated Fatty Acids, vitamins and minerals. Very important for keeping our skin tissue healthy, moisturized and lubricated. Especially good against dry skin. The most well known are: Almond, Apricot & Apricot Kernel, Avocado, Coconut, Jojoba, Lecithin, Macadamia Nut, Olive, Peach Kernel, Peanut, Safflower, Sesame, Soy Bean, Sunflower & Wheat Germ oil

Wheat Germ oil – See vegetable oils

Witch Hazel – Natural astringent so helps improve skin tone. Aids to restore circulation; also often used to treat skin irritations, inflammation, insect bites and burns. Good for infected, oily, dry, dull, sluggish and tired skin

Yerba Mate – See green tea

Yogurt – Plain unflavored Yogurt, with active cultures works best in face masks. It is great for softening the face and neck. Simply feels divine on your skin, excellent in evening out skin tone. Helpful against acne and skin rashes, gives a healthful glow by reducing dark circles and closing pores. Can also soothe painful sunburns and prevents blistering. Oily skin typically responds best to yogurt because it cleanses and nourishes

Caution

Citric Acid and Essential oil

Lemon, Lime, Orange and Grapefruit contain citric acid, this is by itself a helpful skin care ingredient but can cause irritation or even acid burns in some. If you’re not sure do a patch test

There are concerns about the use of essential oils on children and pre-teens, so it’s better not to use it on them

Also pregnant and nursing moms shouldn’t use essential oils and tea tree oil in particular, just to make sure. Also DO NOT swallow tea tree oil, it is toxic!

Some people are more sensitive to some ingredients; always do a patch test on a small piece of skin e.g. behind the ear to see how your skin reacts

Final note

These are just the beginning of the sheer infinite possibilities available out there, but hopefully it’s enough to get you started. Do some research, find out what you like, what works for you and carefully experiment...but most of all find your genuine smile and Have FUN!