Get Glowing Skin with this DIY Chamomile Face Wash Recipe
How to make a natural face wash at home with chamomile essential oil. A gentle DIY recipe for soft, glowing skin, with safe use tips.
In this guide
To make a natural face wash at home, mix unscented liquid Castile soap with cooled chamomile tea, a little castor oil and 7 to 8 drops of chamomile essential oil. It takes ten minutes, it is gentle on sensitive skin, and it leaves your face soft, fresh and glowing. Here is the full recipe, plus the benefits of chamomile for skin.
Key takeaways
- This DIY face wash needs just four ingredients: Castile soap, chamomile tea, castor oil and German chamomile oil.
- Chamomile is one of the gentlest essential oils, so it is a popular choice for sensitive or easily irritated skin.
- Using both chamomile tea and chamomile oil gives the wash a double dose of soothing goodness.
- The finished wash is paraben free, sulphate free and made from simple, recognisable ingredients.
- It has no preservative, so keep it cool and dark and use it within two to three weeks.
What are the benefits of chamomile for skin?
Chamomile is one of nature's most soothing botanicals. Its pretty white flowers have long been valued for the gentle, calming qualities they bring, both inside the body and out.
Chamomile teas, tinctures and folk preparations have been enjoyed for centuries as part of evening wind-downs and gentle self-care. On the skin, chamomile is among the gentlest essential oils. Its soft, soothing character suits delicate complexions, and many people reach for it when their skin feels reactive or in need of a little calm.
Whether your skin is sensitive or not, chamomile leaves it feeling smooth, fresh and comfortable. Its soft, floral scent also makes washing your face feel like a small treat at the start and end of the day.
Why make your own natural face wash?
Each ingredient in this homemade face wash has a job. Together they make a cleanser that is gentle, nourishing and wonderfully affordable.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Liquid Castile soap | A 100% vegan, sulphate free and gentle cleanser |
| Chamomile tea | Adds soothing, flowery goodness and makes the wash lighter |
| Castor oil | A nourishing source of vitamin E, a well-loved antioxidant for the skin |
| German chamomile oil | Gentle, calming and softly scented |
Try to source the highest quality ingredients you can, as this makes a real difference to how lovely the finished wash feels. It is so easy to make that you may never want to buy conventional face wash again.
How to make a natural face wash with chamomile
1. DIY Chamomile Face Wash
Best for: gentle daily cleansing and sensitive skin
- 7 to 8 drops German chamomile oil
- ¾ tsp Castor oil
- ¼ cup Unscented liquid Castile soap
- ¼ cup Strong chamomile tea
This recipe uses chamomile twice, as brewed tea and as essential oil. The result is a mild, softly scented cleanser that leaves skin fresh and soothed.
Directions
- Steep one heaped teaspoon of chamomile tea, or two teabags, in ¼ cup of boiling water. Leave it until it is completely cool.
- Mix the castor oil, Castile soap and chamomile essential oil in a bowl.
- Add the cooled chamomile tea and stir until everything is fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into a pump bottle or any bottle with a lid.
- Shake gently before each use. Use it morning, evening or both for fresh, soothed skin.
Pro tip
A foaming pump bottle turns this runny wash into a soft lather and helps it last longer. One pump is plenty for your whole face.
How to use chamomile tea for your face
Chamomile tea is the heart of this recipe, and it is lovely on its own too. Brew it strong, let it cool fully, and never put hot tea on your skin.
- As a face rinse: splash cooled tea over your face after cleansing for a fresh, calm finish.
- As a soothing compress: soak a clean cloth in cool tea and rest it on your skin for a few minutes.
- In your face wash: use it in place of water in the recipe above, as we do.
Make fresh tea each time. Brewed tea goes off quickly, so do not keep a rinse for more than a day in the fridge.
How to use your chamomile face wash
Wet your face with warm water. Massage a small amount of the wash over your skin in gentle circles for about 30 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse well with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with your usual moisturiser, or try one of our DIY essential oil face serums or the frankincense and myrrh face cream.
Is a DIY face wash safe for sensitive skin?
Safety first
Essential oils are concentrated. Always keep them well diluted, as in this recipe, and never apply them neat to the skin.
- Patch test the finished face wash on your inner arm before you use it on your face.
- Keep it away from the eye area. If any gets in, rinse well with cool water.
- If you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, check with your GP before using chamomile.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a skin condition, check with a qualified practitioner first.
- Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children and pets.
FAQs
How do you make a natural face wash at home?
Mix ¼ cup of unscented liquid Castile soap, ¼ cup of cooled strong chamomile tea, ¾ teaspoon of castor oil and 7 to 8 drops of chamomile essential oil. Pour into a pump bottle and shake before each use.
Is chamomile good for your face?
Yes. Chamomile is one of the gentlest botanicals for skin, and it is popular for sensitive or easily irritated complexions. It leaves skin feeling smooth, fresh and comfortable.
Can I wash my face with chamomile tea?
Yes. Brew a strong cup, let it cool completely, and use it as a rinse after cleansing or as the base of this face wash. Make a fresh batch each time.
How long will this homemade face wash keep?
It contains brewed tea and no preservative, so use it within about two to three weeks and keep it somewhere cool and dark. Making small batches keeps it fresh.
Can I use a different essential oil instead of chamomile?
You can, though chamomile is chosen here for its especially gentle, floral character. Lavender is a popular swap. Keep the total at 7 to 8 drops and patch test the new blend first.
Is this face wash suitable for sensitive skin?
Chamomile and unscented Castile soap are popular choices for delicate skin, but everyone is different. Always patch test on your inner arm before regular use.
Can I use this around my eyes?
No, keep it away from the eye area. If any wash gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool water.
The bottom line
A homemade chamomile face wash is simple, gentle and kind to sensitive skin, with a double dose of chamomile from both tea and essential oil. Find chamomile and more in our essential oils collection, or explore our ready-made natural skincare.
