Raccoon eyes and irritated skin – these were my results whenever I used conventional makeup removers. In fact, I so much disliked using removers that I would sometimes go to sleep with my makeup still on. Come morning, my eyelashes would be stuck together with mascara and my pores would be clogged. I spent a good amount of time reading different recipes online and tried different things out and I know that others have struggled with finding a gentle but effective remover as well. So after finding a mix that I love I am happy to share this 3-ingredient, all-natural DIY (do-it-yourself) makeup remover!
BENEFITS FOR YOUR HEALTH:
Jojoba oil and vitamin E both have a myriad of health benefits. The name “jojoba oil” is very misleading. It is a liquid wax, not an oil, and it is pronounced “ho-ho-ba.” The structure of jojoba oil very closely resembles that of human skin sebum.1 Sebum is oil that our sebaceous glands produce to moisturize our skin and hair. During adolescence, sebaceous glands are enlarged due to androgens hormones and more sebum is produced. After age 20, the production of sebum decreases. When sebum gets trapped in pores, acne develops.2 Since jojoba oil is similar to sebum, it can be easily absorbed without clogging the pores or making skin feel greasy. In addition to moisturizing the skin, jojoba oil minimizes wrinkles and increases skin elasticity. Jojoba oil also contains myristic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin E oil is a strong antioxidant that is well known for preventing premature aging. To treat wrinkles, vitamin E boosts production of natural collagen—the tissue that keeps skin tight. Vitamin E also encourages new skin cell growth and cell regeneration. To treat scars and brown spots, vitamin E oil blocks free radicals from causing skin damage.3 Vitamin E oil also protects the skin from cell mutation in the sun and has anti-inflammatory properties, which help calm sensitive skin.4
BENEFITS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:
In order to ensure this makeup remover recipe is environmentally conscious, make sure the ingredients you purchase are made by companies that are dedicated to producing pure, high-quality products in sustainable ways. For instance, try to buy jojoba oil from companies that sustainably harvest jojoba seeds from organically grown jojoba shrubs. Currently, jojoba shrubs are commercially grown in Argentina, Australia, Mexico, Israel, and India.5 For vitamin E oil, make sure that the oil is pure. Many companies these days cut vitamin E oil with soy products, and most soy is and not sustainably produced.6 Lastly, choose an essential oil brand that sustainably harvests its plants and that does not add any unnatural chemicals to its products for your additional essential oil you choose to add a nice scent to your mixture.
BENEFITS FOR ANIMALS:
By making your own makeup remover, you avoid accidentally supporting animal testing. See this article for more information on animal testing: .
Cost: Medium. While the ingredients for this remover can be expensive upfront, you will be able to make many batches of remover from them. The jojoba oil, vitamin E capsules, and essential oils each usually run between $10-$20. The container will be under $10.
Time and Effort: Low. Once you have all of the ingredients, the remover only takes a few minutes to make!
Ingredients:
Additional materials: Dark-tinted glass container—all oils should be stored in dark glass in order to protect the oil from becoming rancid. You may also need a dropper for your oils if the containers you purchase do not include one.
Instructions:
- Insert the jojoba oil and vitamin E drops into the jar.
- Start by adding one drop of the essential oil of your choice to the jar. If you feel you need more scent add another drop to your mixture, maybe even add a third or fourth, it’s up to you! Choose an essential oil that you enjoy the smell of and that will be soothing for your skin.
- Stir the contents either with a metal utensil or just gently swishing the liquids around in the container.
- Start by pouring a dime size amount of your homemade makeup remover onto an organic cotton square or small wash cloth and lightly rub it anywhere on your face you have applied makeup. Apply additional remover as needed.
- When you’ve removed all of your makeup, use your favorite eco-friendly face wash and perhaps even try out a homemade facial mask !
