DIY Face Masks: 7 Easy Homemade Recipes

• DIY face masks are inexpensive, easy to make and nourishing for the skin.
• You can make your own face mask with simple, natural ingredients found in your kitchen.
• Multiple types can be made, including bubble, charcoal, clay, cream and peel-off masks.
• Many natural ingredients used in DIY masks are scientifically proven to have skin-rejuvenating benefits. 

DIY face masks are a simple and effective approach to incorporate common ingredients into a revitalizing treatment for your skin. Some DIY masks are made with plant-based, natural ingredients. Others are made with common, inexpensive and easy-to-find ingredients such as glue.

Face masks penetrate deeply into pores, revitalizing and delivering a highly concentrated dose of nutrients to the skin. 

Homemade face masks can be designed to target specific skin concerns: They can clarify, exfoliate, balance, tighten, plump and hydrate the skin. For every skin type, there’s a mask you can tailor to address your specific needs.

What goes into a DIY face mask?

There are a number of common natural ingredients you can choose to create your own face mask at home. Most of these ingredients are readily available in your kitchen, or easily found at the grocery or health food store.

Common natural ingredients

Ingredients	Conditions	Contraindications
Aloe Vera	Dryness Dehydrated Sensitive Skin lightening	Possible allergic reactions
Activated Charcoal	Acne Clarifying Detoxifying Skin tightening	May cause dry skin, redness, sensitivity irritation
Argan Oil	Acne Hydrating	Possible allergic reactions Contact dermatitis Avoid if taking blood thinners
Avocado	Anti-aging Hydrating	Possible allergic reactions
Baking Soda	Antibacterial Anti-inflammatory Clarifying Skin tightening	Alters pH balance of skin Sensitivity/irritation
Banana	Acne Anti-aging Brightening	Possible allergic reactions
Bentonite Clay	Acne Anti-aging Hydrating	No known side effects
Coconut Oil	Antifungal Anti-inflammatory Hydrating	Possible allergic reactions May worsen acne
Coffee	Brightening Skin tightening	Possible allergic reactions May cause redness, sensitivity and irritation
Cucumbers	Anti-inflammatory Hydrating Sensitive skin	Possible allergic reactions
Egg White	Acne Clarifying Skin tightening	Possible allergic reactions May cause salmonella infection, skin irritation
Gelatin	Anti-aging Clarifying Moisturizing Skin tightening	Painful removal Possible allergic reactions May worsen rosacea  May cause sensitivity and irritation
Green Tea / Matcha	Anti-inflammatory Sensitive skin	Possible allergic reactions
Honey	Acne Antibacterial Anti-inflammatory Hydrating Skin lightening	Possible allergic reactions Could worsen acne
Lemon Juice	Anti-aging	Increased sunburn risk Possible allergic reactions May cause reaction to citrus, skin irritation Not appropriate for those with vitiligo
Olive Oil	Hydrating	Possible allergic reactions Could worsen acne May cause dermatitis
Sugar	Brightening	May cause redness, sensitivity and irritation
Tea Tree Oil	Acne Antifungal Anti-inflammatory	Possible allergic reactions
Turmeric	Acne Anti-inflammatory Antibacterial	Possible allergic reactions May cause staining
Yogurt	Anti-aging Hydrating	Possible allergic reactions

Other common ingredients

Some other commonly used ingredients for DIY face masks offer a number of benefits for the skin: 

• Apple cider vinegar combats acne and fights bacteria
• Glue clears pores and dead skin cells
• Mayonnaise hydrates 
• Milk hydrates and softens
• Mustard balances your skin’s pH
• Vitamin C brightens and evens skin tone
• Vitamin E hydrates and softens 
• Oatmeal absorbs excess oil and gently exfoliates
• Papaya brightens 
• Squash addresses acne blemishes
• Tomato juice brightens and rejuvenates the complexion
• Yeast smooths and gently exfoliates 

Many natural ingredients carry—at the very least—a slight risk for allergic reaction. And synthetic ingredients such as glue may be too harsh for certain skin types. To avoid adverse reactions, be sure to patch-test your skin before applying a DIY face mask.

Types of masks

Not only can you create your own unique mask using multiple ingredients, you also have a variety of types to choose from. There are several types of face masks you can easily make at home:: 

• Bubble masks boost circulation and brighten 
• Charcoal masks detoxify, firm and cleanse 
• Clay face masks remove excess oil, gently tighten the skin and help cleanse pores
• Cream masks deliver a soothing, moisturizing dose of skin-rejuvenating ingredients
• Peel-off masks clear pores, lift away impurities and remove dead skin cells. 

Tips and tricks to make the best homemade face masks

When making your own face mask recipes, keep in mind the importance of choosing the best ingredients for your skin type and condition. Being aware of the ingredients you use in your mask will help you avoid irritation and adverse effects. 

Aloe vera, gelatin and matcha peel-off face mask for acne

Aloe vera and matcha combine in this face mask to clear pores and soothe the inflammation associated with acne. The gelatin solidifies into a thin layer that can then be peeled away, removing dead skin cells, excess oil and surface impurities. Aloe and matcha have proven anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and help prevent future breakouts. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 3 tbsp plain gelatin powder
• 2 tsp matcha powder
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions: 

1. Bring water to a rolling boil
2. Slowly whisk in remaining ingredients until fully incorporated; let cool
3. Gently apply mask to your face
4. Wait 10–15 minutes
5. Carefully peel off 
6. Rinse skin with warm water

Peel-off masks can be mildly irritating, so avoid them if you have rosacea, eczema or other inflammatory skin conditions. Avoid peel-off masks that contain glue, as this could further irritate and damage skin.

If you’d prefer to purchase a mask for acne, select one that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Aloe vera and lemon juice face mask for acne scars

Aloe vera and lemon juice are ingredients purported to help lighten the appearance of acne scars, and have been shown to lighten skin hyperpigmentation. 

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1 tbsp raw honey 
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl
2. Gently apply mask to your face
3. Wait 10–15 minutes
4. Carefully peel off 
5. Rinse skin with warm water

Some people experience sensitivity and redness after applying citrus to their skin, and using citrus juices on your face can raise your risk of sunburn. If your scarring is severe, you would be better suited to a minimally invasive procedure such as a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser skin resurfacing.

Bentonite clay and coffee exfoliating face mask for oily skin

Bentonite clay gently removes excess oil, dirt and impurities while moisturizing and firming skin. Adding coffee grounds to a bentonite clay mask could help gently exfoliate and invigorate the skin. Some people report that coffee brightens and firms their skin, temporarily minimizing the look of enlarged pores and dark circles. 

Ingredients:

• 1bsp bentonite clay powder
• 1/2 tbsp coffee grounds
• Water to soften clay powder

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine clay and a small amount of water to form a paste
2. Stir in coffee grounds
3. Gently apply mask to your face
4. Wait 10–15 minutes
5. Carefully peel off 
6. Rinse skin with warm water

If your face remains excessively oily, one solution is to add over-the-counter (OTC) products to your skin care routine, such as medicated pads or blotting paper. Pads contain ingredients such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid to control a shiny or greasy appearance; blotting paper absorbs excess oil.

Avocado and banana hydrating face mask for dry skin

An avocado and banana face mask is a quick and easy way to deeply moisturize your skin.

Avocados can help replenish skin’s moisture, while avocado oil has been demonstrated to stimulate collagen metabolism. Bananas have been shown to contain a high amount of phenolics, which have strong antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics. 

Adding coconut oil to the mix boosts this mask’s anti-inflammatory and protective benefits. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 avocado
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions: 

1. In a small bowl, mash banana and avocado together to form a paste; add coconut oil
2. Gently apply mask to your face
3. Wait 10–15 minutes
4. Carefully peel off 
5. Rinse skin with warm water

If you’re prone to acne breakouts, avoid using coconut oil on your face, as it could worsen your condition. Instead, purchase a cream mask with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C to hydrate and soothe your dry skin.

Cucumber, turmeric and honey soothing face mask for sensitive skin

For a soothing, hydrating natural face mask, combine cucumber, turmeric and honey. Cucumber is a popular, calming ingredient in natural skin rejuvenation treatments; it’s also 96% water, so it lends extra hydration to the skin. 

The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is a well-known anti-inflammatory agent. Honey also fights inflammation and bacteria. 

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1–2 tsp raw honey

Instructions: 

1. Purée cucumber
2. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients
3. Gently apply mask to your face
4. Wait 10–15 minutes
5. Carefully peel off 
6. Rinse skin with warm water

Alternatively, you could try an OTC gel mask that contains cucumber extract and niacinamide to calm inflammation.

Clay, charcoal and argan oil anti-aging face mask

Masks made with clay and charcoal are well known for their firming and skin-tightening effects. Both ingredients help promote a youthful radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Argan oil has been shown to have anti-aging properties, making it a beneficial addition to your anti-aging face mask.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp bentonite clay powder
• 1 tsp activated charcoal
• 5 drops argan oil
• Water to soften clay powder

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine clay and charcoal
2. Add a small amount of water to form a paste; add argan oil and mix well 
3. Gently apply mask to your face
4. Wait 10–15 minutes
5. Carefully peel off 
6. Rinse skin with warm water

Argan oil is appropriate for many skin types and may help moisturize the skin. If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to avoid adding topical oil to their skin care regimen, as excess oil can worsen acne. 

Sheet masks are an appropriate alternative to anti-aging DIY face masks, and available for purchase. They provide a firming, plumping effect to promote a more youthful appearance and brighter skin tone.

Bubbling charcoal skin brightening face mask for glowing skin

Bubble masks have gained popularity in recent years due to the tingly, bubbly sensation they provide. Mixing baking soda, citric acid, glycerin and honey will carbonate this DIY clay and charcoal bubble mask.

Ingredients: 

• 3 tsp bentonite clay powder 
• 1 tsp activated charcoal powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp powdered citric acid
• 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin
• 1 tsp raw honey
• 2 tbsp filtered water

Instructions:

1. Combine all powdered ingredients in a small bowl
2. Add glycerin and honey; stir to incorporate
3. Add water and stir; mixture will begin to bubble
4. Gently apply mask to your face
5. Wait 5 minutes
6. Rinse skin with warm water

Many people enjoy the sensory experience of using a bubble mask, although it’s unclear whether they are any more effective than other kinds of face masks. In addition to DIY recipes. bubble masks are also available to purchase.

Takeaway

Making face mask recipes at home is a cost-effective way to obtain a concentrated dose of nutrients for your skin. Be sure to choose ingredients suited to your particular skin type and the issue you want to address. 

There are different types of masks to suit all skin types and skin issues. Common natural face mask ingredients include aloe vera, lemon juice, honey, turmeric, bentonite clay, banana, turmeric, yogurt and coffee. Synthetic ingredients like glue are also often used to make a peel-off mask, but glue should be used with caution, as it could damage skin.

If you prefer not to make your own mask, there are multiple face masks available for purchase.

Before you apply any mask to your face, perform a patch test on your upper arm and watch for any signs of sensitivity or allergic reaction.