DIY Detox Face Bar
Last updated on February 5, 2026 by Jess Healey
Originally published on January 3, 2020
Our skin does a lot for us. It’s exposed to the elements every day — weather, sweat, makeup, sunscreen, and whatever the world throws our way. For many of us, a simple, consistent cleansing routine goes a long way toward keeping skin feeling balanced and comfortable.
This DIY detox face bar was originally created as a gentle, once-a-week addition to a regular skincare routine. It’s not about “stripping” the skin or promising dramatic transformations — it’s about using simple, familiar ingredients in a thoughtful way to help skin feel clean, calm, and refreshed.
Why a Face Bar?
Clay-based cleansers and masks have been used for generations across many cultures. When paired with nourishing oils and soothing ingredients, they can offer a balanced cleansing experience that doesn’t leave skin feeling tight or uncomfortable.
This recipe combines finely milled clays, ground oats, and rich carrier oils into a solid bar that’s easy to use, easy to store, and long-lasting.
Key Ingredients (and Why They’re Here)
DIY Detox Face Bar
Equipment
- 1 Double-boiler I make my own with a glass bowl over a simmering pot of shallow H2O.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz shea butter
- 0.8 oz beeswax
- 0.8 oz argan oil
- 0.8 oz tamanu oil
- 0.5 oz vitamin E oil
- 3.8 oz French green clay
- 1.5 oz kaolin clay
- 1.5 oz finely ground oatmeal
Instructions
- Melt the shea butter and beeswax together using a double boiler over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in argan oil, tamanu oil, and vitamin E oil until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the clays and finely ground oatmeal.
- Slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick, uniform paste forms.
- Press firmly into molds and smooth the surface.
- Refrigerate for about one hour, then unmold. Allow bars to fully set before use.
Notes
How to Use
Use once weekly to start. With damp skin, gently massage the bar over the face using light circular motions, avoiding the eye area. A thin layer will form on the skin. Allow it to sit for up to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
Follow with your usual toner and moisturizer. Might I suggest our DIY Acne Fighting Toner?
Storage & Shelf Life
Store homemade face bars in a cool, dry place between uses. Because this recipe does not contain water, the bars can last up to one year when stored properly. Discard if you notice any changes in smell, texture, or appearance.
Your FAQs Answered
Visual Reference (Highly Recommended)
These short videos show the texture you’re looking for before pressing the mixture into molds.
- This is what the face bar mix looks like when you initially add liquid into the powders
- Here is what your mix looks like when you are almost ready for molds
I’m hooked! I have become a total convert to the simple bar of soap.
Interesting to use serum after moisturizing. Most skincare companies say use before moisturizing. Has there been a change in skincare industry or ddoes it have to do with all natural ingredient layering?
Hi Teresa! Great question…with the formulations of my facial care line, it works best to put the serum on at the very end so it remains where it should be (only in “laugh lines” and “life lines, if you will…aka wrinkles) and doesn’t spread over the rest of your face, which is what would happen if you put it on before the moisturizer. I hope this helps. 🙂
I love the ingredients in this! It sounds so easy to make, and effective!!
Thank you! Yes, they are easy and fun to make, and so rewarding. Let us know if you whip up a batch!
I love this idea! I have gotten out of the habit of doing a detox mask, so this detox bar is perfect!
I have made sugar scrubs that left my skin smooth and bright but I have never crossed over this detox bar. It is definitely on my “to do” list.
I think you’ll love it!
This looks so interesting! I know that natural, not so pink and overly perfected items tend to be the best though. I really need to make this!!
Thank you! Yes, keeping it natural is best, and easy once you know how. Come back and let us know if you give this face bar a try!
Do you have any recommendations for a sub for oats? I’m allergic to them. 🙁
Ahhhh, yes…you’ll definitely want to leave out oatmeal if you are allergic! You could try adding .5oz of finely ground sugar as a replacement. I haven’t tried it, but I think it will work well. I’d love to know if you try this out. Please come back and let me know. Happy DIYing for you! 🙂
Thank you!
I’ve never seen a recipe like this before. I’m so interested in trying it out at home. I always look for something super calming on my skin, and this looks like it could detox without irritating. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, exactly why I created this recipe the way I did…detox, yet calming. Let us know if you give it a try!
I love the ingredients that you’ve used in this recipe. It seems like it will be very soothing to skin while aiding detox. I’m definitely pinning it to try later!
Yes, soothing, but hard hitting in the detox area! I hope you’ll give it a go. 🙂