Looking for a gentle, natural cleanser for your skin, but unable to find the right one? Why not consider making a DIY cleansing milk?
Cleansing milks are a go-to for beauty lovers because they cleanse without stripping natural oils.

By making them yourself, you can control what goes into them, customise them for your skin type, and make them look incredibly natural.
This article will list various DIY cleansing milk recipes for dry, oily, and all skin types.
What is DIY Cleansing Milk?
DIY cleansing milk is a delicate, therefore a natural alternative to market cleansing agents.
It dissolves impurities and makeup without stripping the skin of its vital oils, leaving it soft and moisturised. Common ingredients are coconut milk, olive oil, honey, and rose water.
Benefits of Choosing DIY Cleansing Milk for Face
There are many benefits to making your own cleansing milk.
1. Free from Harsh Chemicals
By making your own cleansing milk, you can completely avoid the synthetic chemicals, harsh preservatives, and other artificial fragrances that commercial products are often laden with.
It is highly gentle for sensitive, allergy-prone skin and poses minimal risk of irritation.
2. Gentle & Moisturising
The homemade alternative washes your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Hence, it helps keep the skin soft, hydrated, and nourished, making it ideal for daily use to achieve an all-healing experience.

3. Customisable for Every Skin Type
The ability to customise the formula according to your skin type, dry, combination, or sensitive, is one of the biggest advantages.
For instance, rosewater can calm sensitive skin, while jojoba oil can deeply hydrate. The choice is entirely yours regarding the feel and fragrance!
4. Cost-Effective Skincare Solution
Homemade cleansing milk uses easy and inexpensive ingredients that one might already have at home.
This really saves on money alone compared to the expensive store cleansers, thereby giving you an expensive-looking skincare routine without going big on your budget.
5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Go eco-friendly and reduce the plastic and packaging waste that comes with consuming mass-produced items. This DIY cleansing milk promotes the reuse of containers while avoiding ingredients that are not natural or sustainable, helping ensure a healthier planet.
4 DIY Cleansing Milk Recipes for Different Skin Types
Here are some wonderful recipes to get you started addressing several skin concerns.
Coconut Milk Cleanser DIY for All Skin Types
This recipe promises to be very gentle and will give you the softest and most hydrated skin ever.

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
- 1/2 teaspoon almond oil (or olive oil)
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional, for extra hydration)
How to Make?
- Mix in a clean bottle or jar the coconut milk, castile soap, almond oil, and glycerin if you are using it.
- If you want, add the lavender essential oil.
- Before each use, shake it very well.
- Keep it in a cupboard that is cool and dark.
Homemade Cleansing Milk for Dry Skin
This recipe uses many ingredients to keep the skin moist and prevent dryness, making it softer and more elastic.

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or jojoba oil)
- 5 drops rose essential oil (optional)
How to Make?
- Warm the milk slightly (do not let it boil).
- Take a bowl, add the warm milk, and mix in the honey and olive oil.
- Stir until the honey completely dissolves.
- If you want to add rose essential oil, do it; mix well.
- Pour it into another clean container, let it cool down, and then store it.
Homemade Cleansing Milk for Oily Skin
This composition prevents excessive oil production while providing a refreshing cleanse that doesn't dry the skin.

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon grapeseed oil (or hazelnut oil)
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil (optional)
How to Make?
- In a clean bottle, first add distilled water, witch hazel, and aloe vera gel.
- Then add the grapeseed oil and tea tree essential oil (if using).
- Shake vigorously until everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Keep it in a cool and dark place.
How to Use DIY Cleansing Milk for Best Results?
Below are some suggestions to help you make the most out of your homemade cleansing milk.
Application Tips:
Take a small amount of homemade cleanser and apply it to a cotton pad or directly to your fingertips, then gently massage it into your dry face and neck in circular motions to dissolve makeup and impurities. Use lukewarm water to rinse or wipe off with a clean, damp cloth.
When to Use It:
Your DIY cleansing milk should be used every day and night as much as possible, especially after applying full-coverage makeup. It is highly effective as a second cleanser for removing heavy makeup.
Tips for All Skin Types:
Use more caution when applying to sensitive areas. If skin is prone to acne, the ingredients on the label should be non-comedogenic; consider adding a drop of tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making DIY Cleansing Milk
Avoiding these common mistakes ensures every homemade cleansing milk performs at its best and is safe.
1. Incorrect Ingredient Ratios:
Using accurate measurements is vital to achieving the consistency and effectiveness you want. Too much oil makes it greasy, and too little oil loses its cleansing power.
2. Using the Wrong Ingredients for Your Skin Type:
Cleansing milk is made to suit all skin types. In this case, oily skin requires lighter oils, as heavier oils can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Always pick ingredients that suit your skin to avoid easily preventable problems and gain maximum benefits.
3. Storage Issues:
The absence of preservatives in the homemade product makes storage conditions essential. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or refrigerate to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
FAQs - DIY Cleansing Milk

Q 1: Can I store DIY cleansing milk in a bottle?
Ans: Yes, ideally, it should be stored in an opaque container, such as a pump or squeeze bottle, to avoid light and air contact.
Q 2: How long does homemade cleansing milk last?
Ans: Usually, DIY cleansing milk lasts about one to two weeks with appropriate storage and keeping in a refrigerator due to the absence of any synthetic preservatives.
Q 3: Can I use DIY cleansing milk as a makeup remover?
Ans: Of course! It is gentle and oil-based, which means it dissolves all makeup, including waterproof makeup, with ease!
Q 4: Can I customise my DIY cleansing milk for specific skin concerns like acne or dark spots?
Ans: Yes, you can add specific essential oils and extracts, such as tea tree oil for acne and lemon essential oil for dark spots, but it's best to do a patch test first.
Q 5: Is coconut milk a good option for sensitive skin?
Ans: Coconut milk is calming and moisturising, thus making it appropriate for sensitive skin types.
Conclusion
DIY cleansing milk offers a thoughtful stance on non-harmful, mild, and customisable skin care, all while helping you avoid chemical preservatives.
Just keep your proportions right, select your ingredients for your particular skin type, and store them properly. Now try out all the other recipes and find that perfect cleansing milk for yourself!
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