Description
Scientifically reviewed and endorsed by: Jacinta Meyers, Principal Scientist, The F.A.C.T.S. Group
Written by: Kacie La, Founder, N-Essentials
Sep 3rd, 2026 | 5 minute read
Cleansing the skin can often feel like a quick daily task. However, paying attention to how the skin feels at the end of the day—especially after wearing makeup or sunscreen—oil-based cleansing can encourage a more thoughtful cleansing routine. Discover how to do this by making and using our simple DIY Cleansing Balm.
Sep 3rd, 2026 | 5 minute read
Cleansing the skin can often feel like a quick daily task. However, paying attention to how the skin feels at the end of the day—especially after wearing makeup or sunscreen—oil-based cleansing can encourage a more thoughtful cleansing routine. Discover how to do this by making and using our simple DIY Cleansing Balm.
One useful feature of this cleansing balm is how it changes. Just take a bit out and it melts into your skin easily. It goes from being a balm to a smooth oil that feels really nice on your skin. You only need a few simple ingredients to make it. The mix we use contains oil, shea butter and beeswax. This makes a formula that melts when it touches your skin. It is easy to make. You can also change it to how you like it. Sometimes the best way to take care of yourself is by using ingredients that are specially customised for your needs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DIY OIL CLEANSING BALM RECIPE
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: PREP & DETAILS
LEVEL
Beginner
TIME
15 to 20 minutes
YIELD
One jar (approx. 100g)
Ingredients Needed
Supplies Needed
• Heat-safe glass bowl
• Saucepan (for double boiler)
• Stirring utensil
• Digital scale (measures in grams)
• Clean glass jar or suitable container with lid
Method
1
Melt your base ingredients: Place a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan 1/3 filled with water to create a double boiler. Add the beeswax, shea butter, and carrier oil to the bowl. Make sure no water comes into contact with the ingredients in the bowl. Heat until everything has melted, stirring gently. Do not overheat.
2
Stir the mixture: Once melted, mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined. This helps to create a smooth, uniform balm consistency.
3
Cool slightly and add optional Vitamin E: Carefully remove the bowl from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly while stirring, but make sure it remains completely liquid. If using vitamin E oil, add it now and stir thoroughly until evenly combined. Vitamin E should not be included in the initial heating stage because prolonged heat can reduce its antioxidant activity. Note that vitamin E oil helps to slow down oil oxidation but is not a broad-spectrum preservative.
4
Pour into container and let it rest: Carefully pour the mixture into a clean, dry jar or other suitable container. Let it cool for a few minutes, then place it in the fridge until completely set. Rapid cooling of the balm can help reduce the chance of the shea butter developing a grainy texture.
5
Application process: To use the balm, take a small amount out with clean, dry fingers. Use circular motions to massage onto dry skin to help loosen makeup and daily buildup. Remove the balm using a warm, damp face cloth. If desired, follow with a water-based cleanser. Your skin should feel clean, soft and refreshed after use. Note that this formula does not contain an emulsifier, so it will not turn milky or rinse away with water like an emulsifying cleansing balm.
STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
Store the balm below 30°C in a sealed container, in a dark place (unless the container protects the balm from light exposure). It is important to prevent excessive air and light exposure to maintain the integrity of the natural butter and oils. Keep water out of the container and use clean, dry hands or a clean spatula. Use within 6 months. Discard it sooner if its smell, colour or texture changes unexpectedly.
This recipe does not contain water. When it is prepared and used under clean, dry conditions, a conventional broad-spectrum preservative is not normally included. However, water introduced during use can affect product safety and quality, so it is important to keep the container and contents dry.
HOW TO CUSTOMISE IT
One of the benefits of this DIY cleansing balm is how easily it can be adjusted. Small changes can influence texture and overall feel.
When changing one ingredient, adjust another ingredient by the same amount so the finished batch still totals 100 g. Make small test batches because changing the proportions can affect firmness, spread and stability.
When changing one ingredient, adjust another ingredient by the same amount so the finished batch still totals 100 g. Make small test batches because changing the proportions can affect firmness, spread and stability.
For a Softer Balm
Reduce the amount of beeswax slightly. This creates a creamier texture that melts more quickly on skin contact.
For a Firmer Balm
Increase the beeswax slightly, especially in warmer climates. This helps the balm maintain its solid structure.
For a Different Skin Feel
Use a different carrier oil such as jojoba oil, Grape Seed or sweet almond oil. These provide a different skin feel. You could even experiment by using a combination of different carrier oils.
Note: Sweet almond oil may not be suitable for people with an almond or nut allergy.
For a Richer Texture
Increase the shea butter input slightly to create a creamier consistency. You could also try substituting the shea butter with mango butter.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The balm feels grainy
This can happen when the butter cools too slowly or experiences temperature changes during storage. To fix this, gently re-melt the balm, then place it in the fridge to cool and set quickly.
The balm feels oily on the skin
Try replacing some of the heavier oils with lighter, faster-absorbing oils. Add only a small amount at a time into the formulation so the balm keeps the right texture.
The balm does not spread easily
The balm may contain too much wax. Gently re-melt it and mix in a small amount of fractionated coconut oil to make it softer and easier to spread. Add the oil gradually so the balm does not become too runny.
FORMULATION OBSERVATIONS
The balance of wax, butter, and oils determines the balm's firmness, melting point, spreadability, and after-feel. Beeswax gives structure and helps the balm remain solid in warmer conditions; using less wax creates a softer balm that melts more quickly on the skin.
Shea butter contributes richness, body, and a smooth skin feel. It also helps to make the balm feel thicker. The choice of carrier oil influences how the balm feels on your skin. If you use light oils the balm will be thin and easy to spread. If you use heavier oils, the balm will be thicker and feel richer on your skin. You need to heat the shea butter and the carrier oils so they mix together properly and do not feel uneven when applied to the skin.
TESTING NOTES
Begin by testing the balm’s firmness, texture, and melting behaviour. A good cleansing balm should remain solid at room temperature but soften easily on contact with the skin. It should spread smoothly without feeling too hard, greasy, or heavy.
The balm should glide smoothly over the face and be removable with a warm, damp face cloth. Because the formula does not contain an emulsifier, it may leave a light oily residue. This depends on the oils that are in the balm and what you like. Check to see if the balm looks, smells or feels different over time. You should do this especially if you keep the balm in a place that does not have constant temperature. Check for stability over time by monitoring if the texture, smell, appearance, or viscosity (thickness) changes.
LESSONS LEARNT
Small changes in ingredient proportions can noticeably affect the balm's firmness, spreadability, melting speed, and after-feel. Keeping the formulation simple makes it easier to control the final result and identify the effect of each ingredient.
Storage conditions and temperature can also affect the balm's performance over time. For consistent results, use the same ingredients, measurements, heating method, cooling process, and storage conditions each time the balm is made.
SAFE USE AND WARNINGS
When making and using a DIY cleansing balm, it is important to handle ingredients carefully to maintain quality and support safe use. Do not apply the cleanser to broken skin or wounds.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
This is generally well tolerated. A patch test is recommended before full use, especially for sensitive skin. Apply a small amount to the inner arm and wait 24 hours.
Shea Butter
Shea butter may contain trace amounts of natural latex-like proteins. If you have a latex allergy, patch test before widespread application. Although shea butter is derived from a tree nut, allergic reactions are rare. If you have an extreme sensitivity, proceed with caution when using this ingredient.
Beeswax
Not suitable for vegans because it is of animal origin. If you are looking for a vegan substitute you can substitute this for a plant derived wax.
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS
• Store the cleansing balm in a dry place below 30°C and away from light and minimise air exposure.
• Use clean, dry hands when scooping out to use to avoid introducing moisture.
• Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
• Label the cleansing balm product clearly with the product name, ingredients and date made. Store them in sealed containers. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient.
• Avoid direct contact with the eyes. If the product enters the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water or saline and seek medical attention immediately. Flushing with water helps physically dilute and wash away residue from the surface of the eye. However, water alone won't totally remove the oil-based product, and as such, professional emergency medical care is advised.
• Do not use on broken or badly irritated skin.
• Stop use if redness, swelling, burning or persistent irritation occurs.
DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice. This DIY cleansing balm recipe is not designed to treat medical conditions. Always perform a patch test before using and seek professional guidance if needed. Bear in mind that a successful patch test does not guarantee the absence of a reaction.
First Published: 4 September 2026 | Last Updated: 8 September 2026
First Published: 4 September 2026 | Last Updated: 8 September 2026
Additional Details
FAQ's
What does a Cleansing Balm do?
What does a Cleansing Balm do?
It helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily dirt/impurity buildup by dissolving oil-based impurities on the skin.
Are Essential Oils required?
Are Essential Oils required?
No. This recipe is unscented and does not require essential oils. If you want to add an essential oil, use a separate formula that gives an exact, facially appropriate percentage and has been reviewed for safe use.
Why is my DIY Cleansing Balm too hard or too soft?
Why is my DIY Cleansing Balm too hard or too soft?
The ratio of beeswax to oils affects the texture. Adjust the balance according to the guidance provided in the “How To Customise It" section to suit preference.
Can I use this daily?
Can I use this daily?
Yes it can be used daily as part of a regular routine, but usage depends on individual preference.
Do I need a water-based cleanser after this?
Do I need a water-based cleanser after this?
Some people choose to follow up with a water-based cleanser after removing makeup or sunscreen. Shea butter is rich in fatty acids so if you have oily or acne prone skin, it may aggravate breakouts. Instead of using the oil based cleanser on your face, use it on dry body areas like on your feet or elbows.
- SKU:
- RCP-CLBM
