Oatmeal Honey Face Scrub – Every now and again I feel like my face just needs a deep scrub when my daily cleanser alone can’t quite get the job done. One of my favorite homemade facial scrub recipes is so simple but OH SO GOOD! There are only 3 ingredients and you may already have them: oatmeal, honey and almond oil (or coconut oil or olive oil). These ingredients have wonderful healing qualities. Oatmeal is full of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds and is known for its skin-soothing properties including moisturizing dry skin, providing relief from itching, rashes and other minor skin irritations. Honey provides natural antibacterial and healing properties to soothe and clarify the skin. Almond oil is very light and not greasy at all. It cleans skin pores and helps moisturize and nourish it – and it’s especially great of acne prone skin.
I usually put the scrub on my face, give a quick rub around to make sure it’s covering everything, leave on for 4-5 minutes and then give one last good scrub before I wash it off. Your face will feel so amazing after you’ll want to do this everyday. This scrub is particularly great during the cold winter months when skin tends to get dry and irritated.
Oatmeal Honey Scrub Recipe:
- Two parts oatmeal (ground up finely in a blender or food processor)
- One part honey
- One part sweet almond oil (or coconut or olive oil – which ever you prefer)
Mix everything together until it’s a thick sticky mixture. Feel free to add a little extra oil or even a few drops of water if it’s too sticky or clumpy. Smooth onto face and rub into skin for a couple of minutes and then rinse off.
Kristy Hite
November 24, 2013 at 12:35 PM (8 years ago)Do you know how long this is good for after it’s mixed up? I want to make it as a gift, but I want to make sure it doesn’t go bad top quickly. Thanks
Jamey
November 24, 2013 at 2:59 PM (8 years ago)Hi Kristy,
I think as long as it was in a jar with a lid and you only used honey and oil and didn’t add any water to the mixture then it would have the same shelf life as the honey. I think it’s adding water to the mix that would cause it to go bad quickly.
~ Jamey
Name
November 26, 2013 at 2:56 AM (8 years ago)Honey is the only food that NEVER goes bad.
Anonymous
December 19, 2014 at 7:37 AM (7 years ago)Honey can go bad, but only in certain situations. If you put water in honey it causes its natural ability to ward off bacteria to deplete. Bacteria has a hard time living in honey because bacteria suffocate in it due to its density and low water percentage. Molasses is the only other food that comes close, but cannot last as long as honey. Leaving honey out can cause it to absorb too much water from the air for example, causing it to mold. Glass jars are best to store honey because plastic bottles are porous. Bees are the only ones known that can make honey, (man has yet to do so), into this amazing antibacterial, anti fungal, and antimicrobial food that can also be used and is used in many beauty products!
Anonymous
July 23, 2016 at 3:55 PM (5 years ago)Yeah honey can crystallize
Bonnie Kayser
April 28, 2020 at 3:32 PM (1 year ago)As a bee-keeper, honey does not go bad, even with water. Water is within honey. The crystallization of honey is the evaporation of the water content within the honey. You can set a crystallized jar of honey in a hot water bath and re-liquify it.Raw honey is the best to use. It maintains it’s proteins and natural antiseptic properties. If you can find it, Tupelo honey is the least likely to crystallize. If you are worried about the properties of honey, contact your local beekeeper association. They can give you all the facts of your local honey.
carolyn
September 6, 2015 at 8:45 AM (6 years ago)I think if you add some vitamin E oil that will also help it last longer. I see that in a lot of beauty recipes to help the shelf life.
Jamey
September 30, 2015 at 10:19 AM (6 years ago)Yes Carolyn, a great suggestion. I put vitamin E oil in most of my home made beauty recipes but also want recipes with a simple ingredient list. Absolutely use vitamin E oil if you have it.
~ Jamey
Zena
February 27, 2019 at 7:00 PM (2 years ago)I would also like to know could I add Castile soap in it?, would that affect shelf life?
margaret beard
December 2, 2013 at 4:03 AM (8 years ago)Thank you for this recipe. I am going to make some today!
Ashley
December 10, 2013 at 1:28 PM (8 years ago)How long will this keep? Do you think it will keep to be giftable?
Jamey
December 15, 2013 at 7:57 PM (8 years ago)Hi Ashley. As long as there isn’t any water in it it will keep a very long time. I am still using the container from the photos I took (every day in the morning) and it’s still like new. I believe this keeps for a very long time and would make a great gift…. hmm, maybe I should gift these too – great idea.
~ Jamey
Brenda
February 7, 2014 at 8:56 PM (8 years ago)I’ve got very dry skin on my face, and this recipe is the best!! Going to do this at least once a week. Thank you so much! btw…love your blog! 🙂
Anonymous
August 16, 2015 at 4:31 PM (6 years ago)Try with fresh lemon juice instead or with the coconut oil.
Hannah
August 26, 2014 at 6:13 AM (7 years ago)Just curious, how often should you use this scrub? Also, have you tried it on your legs? Thanks for the recipe, gotta love the simplicity of most health solutions! 😉
Jamey
November 24, 2014 at 9:45 AM (7 years ago)Hi Hannah,
Thanks for your comment. I use my scrub about 3 days a week but I think you just have to play with it and see how your skin handles it. I also think it depends on the weather where you live and the time of year you use it.
~ Jamey
Roxanne
September 28, 2014 at 8:14 PM (7 years ago)Great recipe! Is it safe to add Vitamin E oil and/or lavender essential oil to this recipe?
Jamey
November 24, 2014 at 9:41 AM (7 years ago)Absolutely, great idea!
Drinakoshi
January 9, 2015 at 10:09 AM (7 years ago)Hi,
I love this receipe and dying to try it! I am curious to know if this will make me break out? I have dry skin but hormonal acne. Wondering if I can add lemon juice or Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to this scrub?
Jamey
March 11, 2015 at 8:33 AM (6 years ago)I love to experiment so as long as it’s in relatively small portions then I say give it a go! I have acne prone skin myself and didn’t find that this made my skin worse, if anything my skin looked healthier. Have fun.
~ Jamey
Anonymous
March 16, 2015 at 4:28 PM (6 years ago)I have old lady hormonal acne. I make a honey oat scrub, it helps a ton. I do add lemon, but mostly to help fade age spots.
Iyania
January 10, 2015 at 10:31 AM (7 years ago)Love the recipe but how long should you leave it on your face??
Jamey
February 12, 2015 at 8:50 AM (7 years ago)Hi Iyania,
You don’t need to leave it on your face too long. I like to massage it into my skin in a circular motion for about 1 minute and then I rinse it off.
~ Jamey
Tania
January 17, 2015 at 9:24 AM (7 years ago)Do you recommend a good moisturizer for after using the scrub?
Jamey
February 12, 2015 at 8:46 AM (7 years ago)Hi Tania,
I like to add about 8-10 drops of sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil and 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil. Mix in my hand, rub together and smooth into my skin.
~ Jamey
Kayla
January 20, 2015 at 7:02 AM (7 years ago)Love this! Going to make some tonight and add my lavender EO in it! What do you use on the other days to cleanse?
carol
January 25, 2015 at 1:17 PM (7 years ago)I added tea tree oil and used used coconut oil. It smelt lovely! Followed it with whipped coconut oil and my skin hasn’t felt this good in a long time. Thanks for sharing!!
Jamey
February 12, 2015 at 8:40 AM (7 years ago)Oh, that’s a great idea!
~ Jamey
Oatmeal
January 27, 2015 at 11:41 PM (7 years ago)I like mixing oatmeal and honey for a face mask. It is easy and fast. And my face skin is clearer now
Martin
February 24, 2015 at 11:33 PM (6 years ago)Hi,
I love the recipe, just got my oats (Bob’s Red Mill Oats) and I wondered if I have to cook them before using for the scrub or not?
Thanks,
Martin
Jamey
February 25, 2015 at 4:55 PM (6 years ago)Hi Martin,
That’s too much work for me 😉 No cooking involved – the oats will soften once they’re mixed with the honey. Enjoy!
~ Jamey
Katie
February 25, 2015 at 4:10 PM (6 years ago)I have added a hint of lavender EO to this recipe and WOW. My face feels amazing after a shower (I use it in the shower, lol). I notice less acne, less dry skin, and much less oil from shower to shower everyday. I really appreciate this, thank you!
Jamey
February 25, 2015 at 4:53 PM (6 years ago)Thanks so much for sharing Katie and I love adding EO’s to DIY beauty products too.
~ Jamey
Erin
April 3, 2015 at 5:00 PM (6 years ago)I really like the combination of oatmeal and honey. It’s very gentle but still effective. Thanks so much for sharing!
Meenu
April 23, 2015 at 2:23 PM (6 years ago)I have a oily and a very sensitive skin with rosacea,there were these very tiny bumps all over my face and I wasn’t able to find any thing for them..these bumps are still there but have reduced in size .I add yogurt,oatmeal and honey .I am no more using any facewash or face cream…just this pack and I am happy with it.
Audrey
June 5, 2015 at 4:14 PM (6 years ago)Hi! I’m hopeless with recipes unless you give me measurements. One part, two parts mean nothing to me unfortunately. Could you give me a rough estimate on measurements please?
Jamey
June 18, 2015 at 11:21 AM (6 years ago)One parts and two parts can be complicated, I get it. So if you just wanted to make a small amount you could do 2 tbsp oats, 1 tbsp honey & 1 tbsp sweet almond oil OR if you wanted to do a large amount you could do 2 cups oats, 1 cup honey & 1 cup sweet almond oil. I hope this makes sense now. Enjoy!
~ Jamey
The Nova Studio
June 9, 2015 at 3:14 PM (6 years ago)Interesting recipe! I bet this would be great for legs & feet, too.
Anonymous
July 14, 2015 at 5:51 PM (6 years ago)This is great recipe thanks so much for sharing. I’ve just been getting into DIY body products lately, and I’m finding many recipes have some common pitfalls- separation, low shelf life, too oily etc etc.. This is so easy to make and makes my skin feel and look amazing. I added some rose and vanilla eo to mine and it smells amazing! Cheers
Justin
July 21, 2015 at 9:54 PM (6 years ago)I’m a young male college student and ran out of my normal expensive face Scrub I buy at macys, but money is tight as I’m sure anyone knows college is ha. Googled easy face scrubs and yours popped up. I eat oatmeal religiously, and since I’m in college it’s cheap, ha. Have tons of honey because of its allergy benefits. And do have olive oil in the pantry. I made this a while ago and came to say thank you!! Had to report back that this all natural oatmeal mast was brilliant. Was skeptical at first but don’t think I’d ever buy face wash from macys again ha. If you have the ingredients at hand you have to make this. I’m a guy and my face feels and looks real good. Even helped my red spots. My girlfriend even noticed it! Will make again! Thank you!
Jamey
September 30, 2015 at 10:27 AM (6 years ago)Oh Justin, thanks for taking the time to comment and letting me know how it worked for you. I’m so pleased!
~ Jamey
Angela
November 7, 2015 at 11:58 AM (6 years ago)this is awesome my skin feel great!! I just tried today I make it too glumpy(forgot to read the part u can a lil water jejeje) but still work, I splash my face with warm water and then use the scrub!! I did 2TB oatmeal with 1TB oil and 1TB honey and I used it for me face and my body!!! Crazy!!! Thank you again! I’m gonna start with this twice a week! Thank you again!! 🙂
gacheri
March 6, 2016 at 9:45 AM (5 years ago)whats the duration it should last
Karen
January 26, 2016 at 6:51 AM (6 years ago)This doesn’t need to be refrigerated?
Helen
February 6, 2016 at 8:32 AM (6 years ago)Found you on Pinterest and just made and used this wonderful face scrub. I’m 50 and just starting out with EO’s and homemade skin care (never too late to ditch pricey paraben filled skin care!) and this is just perfect. I added 10 drops of geranium oil and a teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Love it! Thank you!x
Brandy
February 14, 2016 at 4:38 PM (5 years ago)This looks great, I wonder though if I can leave out the essential oils? I don’t have any of that and it could make it pricey to go buy them. thanks!
Anon
March 6, 2016 at 3:33 PM (5 years ago)Should I refrigerate this?
Fabiana
March 20, 2016 at 10:44 AM (5 years ago)Hi, i made it two times already with coconut oil, and I just can’t get the right consistency.. I’m really sad, because in any of the comment sent it wrong
The mixture gets too oily, it doesn’t stikcs on the skin and
it keeps falling..
Do you know what I’m doing wrong??
thanks!!
Alex
April 1, 2016 at 6:11 PM (5 years ago)I have been using this scrub in place of my face AND face lotion! I used olive oil instead of coconut oil and it has worked wonders. After rinsing there is a bit of olive oil left on my skin which serves as a daily moisturizer and allowing me to cut out lotion. This came as quit a shock to be because normally I MUST have lotion after I wash my face.
When I switched I had numerous breakouts and all are seeming to dry up. Also, my skin feels and looks healthier. Thank you so much for this awesome receipe!
My Honeys Produce
April 7, 2016 at 10:50 PM (5 years ago)Pure honey is the only natural food that doesn’t go bad. I have never seen honey left out mold or otherwise. I make my facial scrubs with honey, almond oil, and essential oils. In ten years never once has it gone bad and I leave it in the shower.
My Honeys Produce
Beekeepers
Kat
May 3, 2016 at 6:32 PM (5 years ago)I just made it. I must have gotten the ratios wrong but it slid right off my face lol. Oatmeal wouldnt stick. The honey and coconut oil stayed though. Its smells good:)
Homemade Coffee Face Scrub Recipe
July 7, 2016 at 3:46 AM (5 years ago)That article was amazing, I am very much impressed with your thoughts. I got the best information from this site of the blog, It’s very useful to all and us. Thanks for sharing this post.
andrea
August 9, 2016 at 2:13 AM (5 years ago)Awesome!
Nina
November 17, 2016 at 4:13 PM (5 years ago)I love it! I couldn’t get the oats fine enough so it was a bit rough but I needed oat flour anyways and used that now instead. Added a couple drops of chamomile EO and use it every day. My skin just feels so nice and soft…
BewtyPie
December 4, 2016 at 8:15 AM (5 years ago)Best natural exfoliating scrub. Ever.
Thank you Jamey!
Caryn
December 19, 2016 at 8:32 AM (5 years ago)I made some of this on Saturday and used coconut oil. I put in jars, sealed them, gave one to my friend. The next day she calls and tells me it’s hard as a rock. I got home and grabbed my jar, also hard as rock. What can I do? or what didn’t I do?
Thank you
M
January 5, 2017 at 4:45 PM (5 years ago)Could I add essential oils like lemon because i have acne on my face
GM
January 5, 2017 at 4:46 PM (5 years ago)Could you add lemon essential oil?
Steve
January 15, 2017 at 5:08 PM (5 years ago)I’m very interested your recipe, and going to try tonight, but I have one question is that can I using instant oatmeal to do the mixture?
maame kay
February 15, 2017 at 10:37 AM (4 years ago)can i add water instead of the almond oil?
Laura
April 12, 2017 at 1:45 PM (4 years ago)Hi, I am wondering if I use coconut oil, and make sure it is mixed well with the other two ingredients, will it solidify a lot more than if I just used olive oil? Or will the honey keep the coconut oil fairly liquid?
Pauline
April 14, 2017 at 8:56 AM (4 years ago)How long will it last if i have water on the oatmeal together with honey?
Kathy
May 16, 2017 at 10:34 AM (4 years ago)Can anyone suggest me a smooth and gentle body scrub for my face available in the market?
Pat
January 27, 2018 at 7:43 PM (4 years ago)I love this face scrub, I use it every day. My skin looks so much better, and feels great. I highly recommend this skin scrub, it’s awesome!
Pat
February 11, 2018 at 4:15 AM (4 years ago)Jamey,
I love this scrub, have been using it for quite some time. I use it everyday, and love the way it makes my skin feel, and look. I am, however, having a problem with it the last 2 times I have made it. I use the same ingredients as shown, but it’s too oily. When I put it on my face it’s all oil. Is there a way to fix this? I’m so disappointed.
Thank you!
kelly
July 20, 2018 at 1:54 PM (3 years ago)Can I use instant oatmeal?
Helena
August 28, 2018 at 3:44 AM (3 years ago)Hi JAMEY,thanks for your receipe,will make the preparation this afternoon when arrived at home,am at work.Have only Castor oil and vitamin E oil,,will try the receipe with,I like to use natural thing because have a sensitive skin and live in a tropical Island,excuse my poor English.
LizzReviews
September 18, 2019 at 3:34 AM (2 years ago)I use honey and oatmeal mixture which keep the skin soft and supple all day. I use it twice a week. Thanks for sharing.
Bonnie Kayser
April 28, 2020 at 3:33 PM (1 year ago)As a bee-keeper, honey does not go bad, even with water. Water is within honey. The crystallization of honey is the evaporation of the water content within the honey. You can set a crystallized jar of honey in a hot water bath and re-liquify it.Raw honey is the best to use. It maintains it’s proteins and natural antiseptic properties. If you can find it, Tupelo honey is the least likely to crystallize. If you are worried about the properties of honey, contact your local beekeeper association. They can give you all the facts of your local honey.