How to Make a DIY Oatmeal Face Mask

I love making natural face masks, and this Oatmeal Face Mask is one of my favorite recipes. This easy face mask is simple and nourishing and made with oats, yogurt, honey, and water. It’s the perfect addition to any natural skincare routine.  

The simple mask calms and naturally exfoliates the skin, giving dull skin a smooth, refreshed appearance without harmful ingredients. 

Benefits of Using a DIY Oatmeal Face Mask

• Natural Ingredients – Made with pure, natural ingredients.
• Cheap – You’ll find all the ingredients for this skin-softening mask in your pantry and fridge.  
• Great for Acne-Prone Skin – The ingredients used to make this oatmeal mask are anti-inflammatory and soothing, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
• Great for All Skin Types – You don’t need an acne flare-up to use this mask; this recipe is suitable for all skin types: dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, oily skin, and combination skin. 
• Gentle Exfoliation – The oats, honey, and yogurt all provide a gentle exfoliation, sloughing away dead skin cells and leaving behind a wonderful glow.

Reader Reviews

Before You Get Started: Ingredients You’ll Need

• Old-fashioned rolled oats – Oats are such a versatile ingredient. Use them to make overnight oats, baked oatmeal, or as a potent skincare ingredient. They contain antioxidants, micronutrients (like zinc and vitamin E), and fatty acids, which add exfoliation and anti-inflammatory properties. Oats calm irritated skin, may help reduce redness, and relieve itchiness or inflammation. 
• Honey – Honey is the perfect choice for acne-prone skin. Honey hydrates the skin and is soothing. It’s also an exfoliator; it helps balance the bacteria on your skin and can speed up the “healing process” (source). 
• Yogurt – Provides fatty acids, beneficial bacteria, lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid), and vitamins and minerals that can soften the skin and provide a glowy, rejuvenated appearance. 
• Water – Use enough water to create a paste, making an easy-to-spread homemade face mask. Alternatively, you may use witch hazel, aloe vera gel, or hydrosol (like rose water). 

How to Make a Homemade Oatmeal Face Mask: Step By Step

• Step 1 Grind the Oats – You’ll want to use ground oats for this recipe. Grind the oats in a coffee grinder or spice grinder for about 30 seconds until they resemble flour. Alternatively, buy ground oats (oat flour) at the grocery store. 
• Step 2 Combine Ingredients – In a small bowl, combine oats, honey, yogurt, and enough water to make a paste. 
• Step 3 Apply to the Face – See the next section for how to apply. 

How to Use This Mask 

• First, start with a clean face. Use a natural face cleanser/wash to remove makeup, excess oil, and debris. 
• Next, use your fingertips to massage the mask on your clean skin: the entire face, neck, and chest. Avoid the eye area. 
• Then, let the mask rest on your skin for 5-10 minutes (or go a bit longer if desired, around 15-20 minutes). Unlike a clay mask, this mask will stay hydrated and won’t dry out as it sits on the skin. 
• Finally, use a warm, wet washcloth to remove the mask. Rinse the washcloth before using it on your face again to clear more of the mask. 
• Once all the mask has been removed, use your favorite natural moisturizer. 

Expert Tips 

• Use in the Shower – I love to use this mask in the shower (or bath), as the steam will help open up the pores, and you don’t have to worry about a mess.
• Shelf Life – This recipe makes enough for one application. Due to the shelf life of the ingredients and the potential for bacterial growth, I recommend making the mask before application. 
• Mask Storage – If you have any extra mask, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. 
• Suitable for Any Skin Type – This mask should not cause skin irritation due to the calming, soothing ingredients. It’s ideal for all skin types. If you’re concerned about this mask irritating your skin, do a small patch test on the back of your hand or a small area of your face first. 

FAQs

• How often can I use this mask? You can safely use this mask 2-3 times a week. 
• Can I skip the yogurt? ​Yes, you can. If you skip the yogurt, add more water to create a paste-like mask that’s easy to spread. 
• Can I skip the honey? Yes, you can. Add enough water to compensate for the lack of honey, just enough to create a paste-like consistency. 
• Can I add an essential oil? Yes, I love lavender or tea tree essential oil. Add 1 drop to the mask before application. Check out my podcast about using essential oils safely. 
• How do you make a basic oatmeal mask? In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground oats, 2 teaspoons of honey, and enough water to make a paste.

More Natural Face Masks for Your Beauty Routine 

I love making DIY face masks as part of my skin care routine. Here are my favorite masks to make.

• How to Make a Clay Mask
• Winter Mocha Mask
• Avocado Oatmeal Mask
• Spirulina Honey Mask
• Yogurt Honey Mask