DIY Face Wash and Makeup Remover

Face wash is important. In fact, it's something that I think a lot about. You may think that it's weird to think about face wash, but it's really actually pretty hip/cool and I'm starting a new trend so you should start thinking about face wash too!  To get you started... here are some fun facts.

Face Wash Facts: Face wash is actually full of lots of chemicals and ingredients that aren't so great for the skin. In fact, skin conditions are becoming big problem because the body’s immune system reacts to the wide range of the chemicals that are in our beauty and cleaning products.

Here are some of the things that may be in your face wash....

1. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): you know that squeaky clean feeling you get after washing your face? That's SLS. But to clean, it strips the skin of the natural oils that it makes and it needs for protection. As a result, our skin tends to either make too much oil to compensate or pretty much shut off and stop making oil. Read more about SLS here
2. Parabens-- do you like having your hormones disrupted? I think not. In fact, there is some research stating that parabens could increase your risk of breast cancer. 
3. Phthalates: Dibutylphthalate and Diethylphthalate (DBP, DEP) are used especially often in medicated face wash to help with blemishes. Both the Department of Health and Human Services and The Environmental protection agency have expressed concerns that Phthalates are potential human carcinogens (AKA cancer), but there are still not regulations in place in the USA to protect consumers. Read more about Phthalates here
4. Fragrance-- who knows what this even means! It is "proprietary" so no one actually knows! Companies do not have to disclose what they put in their products because its a "trademark secret" and it can contain up to 300+ ingredients. Read more about how sneaky fragrance can be!
5. Cheap, Harmful Ingredients like Propylene Glycol, Parraffin, Mineral Oil, Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Alcohol and Petrolatum. These are CHEAP so companies like to use them instead of plant based oils which are healthier and better tolerated by the skin. In fact, products like alcohol are used to remove the protective layering on our skin! BAH! More disturbingly, these petrochemicals are often stored in the body within our muscle and fat tissue causing a host of problems. Here is more info on Petrochemicals.

Now you're thinking about face wash, too, aren't you? You're probably thinking "Whoa! This stuff is SCARY!" I totally know!! It's horrifying! That's a huge reason why I started making my own!

I have another recipe on my blog that I love. You can find it here: DIY Face Wash for All Skin Types. But I am going to be traveling soon and I wanted something more portable with multiple functions and less chance for a mess in my suitcase!!! And guess what?! Now I'm kind of falling in love with this new face wash! {dreamy sigh}

DIY Face Wash and Makeup Remover

• 1/4 cup distilled or filtered water
• 1/4 TBSP Organic Castile Liquid Soap
• 2 tsp liquid carrier oil (I like to use this one)
• 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel
• 2 drops of Vitamin E
• 1/4 tsp Vegetable Glycerin (optional to help lock in moisture)
• 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (Recommend this brand)
• 3 drops of Elemi Essential Oil (Recommend this brand)
• Optional: 1 drop of Tea Tree or Melrose (Recommend this brand)

You will also need some 4oz glass jars and some Organic Cotton Rounds. 

I use two of the glass mason jars. I put the cotton rounds in one mason jar and the liquid in the other. I mix the ingredients in the 2nd jar and then I pour them over the rounds, place the lid securely on top (this is important-- the liquid can evaporate) and store it in my bathroom. EASY PEASY!

How To Use The Face Wash:

I particularly like to use this wash after a long day, especially if I'm wearing makeup. I find that it helps to easily remove the makeup and it is very moisturizing and nourishing to my skin. 

Eye makeup? I have used this to remove light eye make up-- but be careful because the essential oils can be too strong for some people. If you get any essential oils in your eye, be sure to wash it out with carrier oil--- NOT water. For heavy eye makeup, I still use coconut oil on a cotton round-- it does great things! 

To use this face wash, I just take one of the cotton rounds out of the jar, wash my face and neck and throw it away. Then I just use water to rinse my face. Afterwards, I apply my toner and then my DIY wrinkle blasting moisturizer, toner and eye serum.