The Best Homemade Honey Face Mask Recipes

There are some things that you almost can’t go wrong with when trying DIY skincare. And honey is definitely topping the list. This kitchen staple ingredient has been used in medicine and food since times immemorial. Here’s why your skin likes it, too.

Why Honey?

Honey(1) is a natural antibacterial agent, which helps to fight off acne. Rich in antioxidants, honey fights dangerous free radicals that harm your skin. It is a natural humectant that absorbs moisture from the air, making your skin smooth and moist.

And it can help break up excess oil (sebum) that might be clogging up your pores, which leads to those annoying pimples.

You’ll get the most benefits using unfiltered, raw honey. And if you’re willing to spend, you can’t beat Manuka honey. This honey is an antibacterial superfood with tons of wound care, and the immune system benefits from the Manuka trees in Australia and New Zealand.

With a jar around and dab the honey on chapped lips, acne, burns, and minor cuts. And if you’re feeling sick and especially if you’re coughing, it helps to take a spoonful or two. 

[Also Read: Benefits of Manuka Honey]

Raw Honey

Raw honey is just honey that hasn’t been pasteurized. Due to the lack of heating (pasteurization), raw honey is naturally rich in probiotics and antibacterial properties. Honey is also gentle for sensitive skin, but tough enough to remove other impurities and dirt.

Here are some masks that are great to try for an in-home facial. Begin with clean skin and, before applying the mask, lay a wet, warm, washcloth on your face to open up those pores. After rinsing off the mask, clean your face with lukewarm water, or use a toner to close the pores. Then apply good face oil.

Homemade Honey Face Mask Recipe

1. Honey face mask for acne-prone skin

Dermatologists love baking soda because it’s both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Combine it with soothing honey and exfoliating lemon juice, and you have an effective but gentle mask to help control acne.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon lemon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1. Add honey, baking soda, and lemon juice to a small bowl. Mix well and apply by gently rubbing it over the neck and face. 
2. Avoid the area near your eyes (honey and lemon juice will both sting). 
3. Don’t let this become a scrub by rubbing it into your skin. After 20 minutes, remove the mask first with warm water, then with cold water.

[Also Read: Benefits of Honey for Acne]

Caution when applying lemon juice

Although lemon has brightening and lightening qualities, it can also make the skin photosensitive. Rinse your face thoroughly and apply a zinc oxide SPF 30+ sunscreen if you’ll be out in the sun immediately.

2. Honey face mask for oily skin

Clay masks are fantastic for managing oily skin. Honey helps break up excess oil, and incredibly absorbent clay removes it while gently exfoliating. Moroccan Red and Bentonite are two of the best clay options for balancing the natural oils. And they both have antibacterial properties to combat acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Moroccan Red Clay or Bentonite Clay 
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Directions:

Combine honey, clay, and ACV (apple cider vinegar) in a small nonreactive bowl (do not use metal when using clay). Stir together and gently apply to the neck and face. After 20 minutes, remove the mask first with lukewarm water, then with cool water.

3. Honey face mask for sensitive skin (or inflammation)

Honey and green tea are two ingredients that each work anti-inflammatory magic on inflammation and skin redness. This soothing combination is gentle enough for sensitive skin (do a patch test if you’re concerned). Both ingredients are potent antioxidants that repair damaged skin and fight free radicals.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil or sweet almond 

Directions:

1. Combine honey, matcha powder, and oil in a small jar and mix well. (, use the leaves of a cut opened green tea bag and if you don’t have matcha powder.) 
2. Apply this to the neck and face and leave it for 20 minutes before washing off with warm water.

4. Honey face mask for dry skin

Avocado and honey are the perfect combinations of hydrating ingredients for dry skin. Ground almonds gently exfoliate, and their healthful fats leave your skin feeling super soft. If you want to make it even more moisturizing, add one tbsp of oil to the combo.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons honey (or 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp of oil like sweet almond or jojoba)
• 1/4 mashed avocado, 
• 2 tbsp finely ground almonds, 

Directions:

1. Add avocado and honey to a small bowl and mash together. Stir in the ground almonds.
2.  Spread over the neck and face, and after 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.

[Also Read: Benefits of Honey for Skin]

5. Honey mask for discoloration

Turmeric masks are generally used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and scars or dark spots and even out skin tone. Honey adds a slight bleaching effect while yogurt and lemon juice gently exfoliate to encourage new cell growth and eliminate dead skin. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

Directions:

1. Mix all of them well in a small bowl. Apply evenly over your entire neck and face. 
2. Rest for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. 
3. Use the mixture as a regular spot treatment by dabbing it onto discoloration areas or repeat the mask weekly. 
4. The results will take two to three months.

For more DIY honey skincare ideas, try cinnamon and honey and for brighter skin or honey with cream and cocoa to exfoliate.

Bottom Line

We all spend money on skincare products, but sometimes it is okay to skip those expensive serums and spend on pure honey. You can use it to cleanse your face, making a scrub, or treating your skin to a weekly in-house honey mask. Honey is an excellent complement to any skincare routine.