DIY Makeup Remover for Oily Skin: Gentle, Effective & All-Natural (2025)

That’s why we created this DIY makeup remover for oily skin. We needed something that was gentle, non-comedogenic, and actually helped balance oils without throwing our skin into overdrive and aggravating our acne. No toxins, no trash, just a clean and simple formula.

And after a lot of trial and error, all it took was a handful of skin-loving ingredients and a few reusable cotton rounds (bonus points if you make your own DIY makeup remover pads!). Ready to cleanse without the chemicals and clutter? Let’s get into it.

1. DIY Makeup Remover Recipe for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin Jump to section
2. Cost Savings of Making Your Own Oil-Free Makeup Remover Jump to section
3. Why Make Your Own Oil-Free Makeup Remover? Jump to section

DIY Makeup Remover Recipe for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin

Many people prefer to avoid oil-based makeup removers for various reasons. You might have eyelash extensions, for which oils may break down lash glue, causing extensions to fall out prematurely. You may have acne-proe skin and prefer something ultra-light that won’t risk clogging pores.

Whatever your reason, if you prefer a light, refreshing, and non-greasy way to remove makeup, this tried and tested oil-free makeup remover recipe is the perfect formula.

Ingredients:

• Cucumber Hydrosol or Rose Water (1/4 cup): Soothes, refreshes, and hydrates while helping balance the skin’s pH.
• Castile Soap (1/2 tsp, unscented or baby formula): A mild, natural cleanser that breaks down makeup without irritation.
• Aloe Vera Gel (1 tbsp, optional): Adds an extra layer of hydration and calming benefits.
• Distilled Water (2 tbsp): Ensures a clean, bacteria-free formula.

Instructions:

1. In a clean mixing bowl, combine cucumber hydrosol (or rose water), Castile soap, distilled water, and aloe vera (if using).
2. Transfer to a bottle. Pour into a clean glass or BPA-free plastic bottle with a tight lid.
3. To use, shake gently before each use, apply a small amount to a reusable cotton pad, and wipe away makeup. Rinse with water if needed.

If you do want to try something more moisturizing then see our DIY makeup remover cream which contains shea butter and jojoba oil for lasting hydration.

Cost Savings of Making Your Own Oil-Free Makeup Remover

Making your own homemade makeup remover means you’re in control—choosing gentle, non-comedogenic ingredients that won’t disrupt your skin’s balance. And the bonus: it’s way cheaper.

So how much money are we saving by making our own oil-free makeup remover?

A typical store-bought remover runs $7–$16 per bottle, while our recipe clocks in at just $2–$5 depending on your ingredients. Plus, reusable containers cut down on waste and recurring costs. Let’s break it down so you can see just how much oily-skinned folks can save by going DIY.

Oil-Free DIY Makeup Remover Liquid

• Cucumber Hydrosol or Rose Water: $7 for a 5 fl oz bottle (~$2.80 for 1/4 cup)
• Castile Soap: $17 for a 32 oz bottle (~$0.04 for 1/2 tsp)
• Aloe Vera Gel: $12 for a 12 fl oz bottle (~$0.50 for 1 tbsp)
• Distilled/Filtered Water: $1 per gallon (~$0.01 for 2 tbsp)

Total for Batch: ~$3.35

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$7 for 4 oz bottle (e.g., E.L.F. Cetaphil, or similar makeup remover brands).

Savings per Batch: $3.65

Why Make Your Own Oil-Free Makeup Remover?

Besides saving money, making your own DIY makeup can save your skin (and health). Yes, store-bought makeup removers have that silky texture and sweet scent but if you have a quick look at the list of ingredients used in creating the formula, we’d bet you’ll find a cocktail of chemicals your face really doesn’t need.

Think drying alcohols that strip away natural oils, synthetic fragrances that sneak in hormone-disrupting phthalates, and sulfates that damage your skin barrier. Even mineral oil, though common, is a fossil fuel byproduct that may leave pores feeling clogged and heavy.

So we’d rather skip the mystery ingredients in favor of our own natural makeup removers that are kind to our skin and the planet—not to mention our wallet!

• Alcohols (e.g., Isopropyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol): Strips the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and premature aging.
• Fragrance & Parfum: Can contain hidden phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and skin sensitivity.
• Sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, SLS/SLES): Harsh detergents that can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation and breakouts.
• Mineral Oil: While effective at removing makeup, these are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels and while technically considered non-comedogenic, some find that mineral oil leads to clogged pores.