If you’re struggling with pesky pimples (ugh!) the potent combination of tea tree and clay makes the perfect face mask to banish breakouts. We’ll show you how to use the best power-packed essential oils for acne so you can say goodbye to blemishes with this handy collection of essential oil acne mask recipes.
This is one of my favorite face masks to use—ever. Aztec clay and apple cider vinegar are a potent combo for detoxing and improving the health of the skin, and adding a skin-supporting essential oil takes it to the next level.
This recipe was inspired by these simple homemade face masks for acne. But instead of using different pantry ingredients, here we’re using incredibly versatile Aztec clay to clear out pores and essential oils to zap zit-causing bacteria.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Tea tree essential oil — The purifying benefits of tea tree were first discovered by the indigenous people of Australia [source] so it’s a trusted favorite for a reason. And when it comes to treating acne and oily skin, we’re all about tea tree’s skin-supporting antibacterial properties [source].
Aztec clay — Clay is a potent ingredient for deep cleaning your skin and pores [source]. Using clay in face masks pulls out toxins, oils, and grime from deep in your pores and leaves your skin baby soft.
Apple cider vinegar — Raw ACV is the perfect thing to mix with Aztec clay, and here’s why: unlike filtered ACV, raw ACV has the ‘Mother’ included in it (the cloudy stuff floating around), and it’s amazing for your skin’s microbiome [source].
Yes, it is acidic, but when it’s combined with the more alkaline Aztec clay, they create a perfectly pH-balanced clay mask.
Activated charcoal — Its porous structure attracts and binds to impurities, toxins, and excess oil on the skin’s surface. Charcoal face masks draw out those impurities and unclog pores to help reduce acne breakouts.
Probiotics — Pimple prone skin often has an imbalance of bacteria, with an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria. So a dose of topical probiotics helps replenish beneficial bacteria to restore the skin’s microbiome and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Combine activated charcoal, clay, and probiotic powder in a small non-metal bowl.
Add apple cider vinegar and stir to make a paste.
Add essential oil and stir again.
With clean fingers, spread over your face and let sit until the clay dries, about 15-20 minutes.
Hint: While tea tree is a powerful zit fighter, it also has natural antifungal abilities [source], which is why it features heavily in anti-dandruff hair products—a couple of drops added to your weekly coconut oil mask is a great way to condition hair and cleanse your scalp. Who doesn’t love a multipurpose product?
Substitutions
Aztec clay — There are several natural clay options you can substitute, including kaolin, green clay, and fuller’s earth.
Apple cider vinegar — If the apple cider vinegar irritates your skin, feel free to water it down, or leave it out entirely and use tap water, a hydrosol, fruit juice, aloe vera, or witch hazel instead.
Essential oils for acne — There’s an essential oil for every skin type so you can switch out tea tree for a different essential oil appropriate for acne-prone skin.
Want to prevent breakouts? Use these essential oils to reduce excess oil and acne-causing bacteria:
- Bergamot — Bergamot has antibacterial and astringent properties that can help combat bacteria and excess oil on the skin. It can also promote a more balanced complexion.
- Clary sage — An antimicrobial oil with sebum-regulating properties that can help control oil production and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
- Lemongrass — This brightening oil contains potent anti-inflammatory [source] and antioxidant properties [source] that promote a more even skin tone. It’s also antibacterial [source] and astringent to help reduce excess oil.
- Grapefruit — An antibacterial oil that combats acne-causing bacteria to reduce breakouts. It may also assist in balancing sebum production.
- Juniper —Its antiseptic and astringent properties help control oil production, fight bacteria, and purify the skin.
Already have a zit? Use these essential oils to reduce inflammation and speed healing:
- Lavender — This gentle and calming oil soothes the inflammation and redness associated with acne. Research has found that lavender can help promote collagen synthesis [source], making it beneficial for wounds, acne, and more!
- Cedarwood — Cedarwood is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and may also assist in controlling sebum production.
- Frankincense — Frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the appearance of acne and prevent scarring.
- Geranium — The anti-inflammatory oil reduces redness, promotes skin healing, and also combats acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch up your acne face mask routine, here are a few ways to incorporate essential oils into your masking ritual. Follow the same instructions as with the recipe above:
1. Citrus Oily Skin Face Mask
- 2 tablespoons kaolin clay
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon witch hazel
- 1 teaspoon grapefruit juice
- 1 drop bergamot essential oil
- 1 drop grapefruit essential oil
2. Clary Sage Fruity Face Mask
- 1 tablespoon kaolin clay
- 2 teaspoons fresh apple or pineapple juice
- 1 drop clary sage essential oil
3. Lemongrass Rose Mask
- 2 teaspoons fuller’s earth
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- 1 drop lemongrass essential oil
4. Lavender Witch Hazel Mask
- 2 teaspoons bentonite clay
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
5. Exfoliating Cedarwood Mask
- 2 tablespoons oat flour
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt or honey
- 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
6. Lavender + Frankincense Acne Face Mask
- 2 teaspoons bentonite clay
- 1 tablespoon lavender water
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 drop frankincense essential oil
7. Skin-Soothing Geranium Mask
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon clay
- 3 drops geranium essential oil
Usage
Spread the mask paste over clean skin. If the consistency is too runny, add more clay. If it’s too thick, add more liquid.
You can apply the face mask to your entire face (avoiding the eye area) or just on acne-prone areas. Relax and let the clay dry, which will take 15-20 minutes.
Rinse mask off with cool or lukewarm water. Pat dry and apply an oil-free moisturizer or a serum for acne. If using an mask with a citrus essential oil, stay out of the sun or use extra SPF afterward.
Repeat mask 1-2 times a week.
Storage
This recipe yields one treatment and is meant to be used immediately. However, if you have any leftover mask mixture, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Top tip
Don’t limit yourself to using just one essential oil! Choose the one that fits your skin’s current needs. Or use a multitasking essential oil: Geranium, lavender, lemongrass, and tea tree essential oils banish zit-causing bacteria while also soothing inflammation.
FAQ
Essential oils can be safe to use on acne-prone skin, but it’s important to dilute them properly and perform a patch test before applying them to your face. Some essential oils may be too strong for certain individuals, so it’s best to test for any potential allergies or skin reactions beforehand.
Essential oils should be diluted before applying them to the face. A safe dilution ratio is typically around 1-2% concentration, which means adding approximately 4-8 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil or other base ingredients in the face mask recipe.
Light and non-comedogenic carrier oils like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and rosehip seed oil are often suitable for acne-prone skin. These oils have a low likelihood of clogging pores and can help moisturize the skin without exacerbating acne.
It depends on your skin’s tolerance and the specific essential oil, but using an essential oil face mask 1-2 times per week is recommended.
Yes, you can mix different essential oils together in a face mask. However, it’s important to consider their individual properties and potential interactions. Start with a small amount of each oil and gradually increase if desired, keeping the total concentration within the safe range.
No, we don’t recommend leave an essential oil face mask on overnight, as it may lead to skin irritation or sensitization.
Yes, it’s recommended to moisturize your skin after using an essential oil face mask, especially if you have dry or combination skin. Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to maintain hydration without clogging pores.
Essential Oil Remedies
More ways to use essential oils for skin and haircare:
Melaleuca & Clay Acne Mask
A clay mask with our favorite acne-fighting essential oils.
Yield: 1 mask
Cost: $5
Instructions
-
Combine activated charcoal, clay, and probiotic powder in a small bowl.
-
Add ACV to make a paste. It’s okay to use more when needed to get a smooth paste.
-
Add essential oil and stir. With clean fingers, spread over your face and let sit for 15 minutes.
-
Rinse with cool water and apply moisturizer.
Notes
If you have any leftover mask, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Want to prevent breakouts? Use these essential oils to reduce excess oil and acne-causing bacteria:
- Bergamot
- Clary sage
- Lemongrass
- Grapefruit
- Juniper
Already have a zit? Use these essential oils to reduce inflammation and speed healing:
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Frankincense
- Geranium
1. Citrus Oily Skin Face Mask
- 2 tablespoons kaolin clay
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon witch hazel
- 1 teaspoon grapefruit juice
- 1 drop bergamot essential oil
- 1 drop grapefruit essential oil
2. Clary Sage Fruity Face Mask
- 1 tablespoon kaolin clay
- 2 teaspoons fresh apple or pineapple juice
- 1 drop clary sage essential oil
3. Lemongrass Rose Mask
- 2 teaspoons fuller’s earth
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- 1 drop lemongrass essential oil
4. Lavender Witch Hazel Mask
- 2 teaspoons bentonite clay
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
5. Exfoliating Cedarwood Mask
- 2 tablespoons oat flour
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt or honey
- 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
6. Lavender + Frankincense Acne Face Mask
- 2 teaspoons bentonite clay
- 1 tablespoon lavender water
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 drop frankincense essential oil
7. Skin-Soothing Geranium Mask
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon clay
- 3 drops geranium essential oil