Are you tired of that midday shine that appears like clockwork? Do you find yourself constantly blotting your face or reapplying powder throughout the day? If you’re nodding along, you’re likely one of the millions dealing with oily skin. The good news? You don’t need expensive products or harsh chemicals to manage it effectively. Nature has provided everything you need for balanced, healthy skin.
This article will explore the 14 best diy natural skincare routines for oily skin. These natural approaches not only help control oil production but also address the underlying causes of the issue. Best of all, they’re gentle, sustainable, and likely use ingredients you already have in your kitchen or can easily obtain.
Understanding Oily Skin: Why Natural Solutions Work
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin isn’t just an annoyance—it’s your skin’s response to its environment and how you’re treating it.
Your skin produces sebum (oil) through the sebaceous glands to naturally moisturize and protect itself. When these glands produce too much oil, you experience that familiar shine, enlarged pores, and sometimes acne.
Common causes include:
- Genetics (thanks, Mom and Dad!)
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Climate and humidity
- Over-washing or using harsh products
- Diet and hydration
- Stress levels
Here’s where conventional skincare often gets it wrong: many commercial products for oily skin strip away all oil with harsh ingredients, triggering your sebaceous glands into overproduction. This, in turn, produces even more oil to compensate. It becomes a frustrating cycle that’s hard to break.
Natural skincare approaches work differently. They aim to:
- Balance your skin’s natural oil production rather than eliminating it entirely
- Nourish with ingredients that don’t clog pores
- Protect your skin’s microbiome (the beneficial bacteria that help maintain healthy skin)
- Calm inflammation that can trigger excess oil production
Now, let’s explore the 14 best DIY natural routines that leverage these principles to transform your relationship with your skin.
14 Best DIY Natural Skincare Routines for Oily Skin
1. The Honey Cleansing Method
Raw honey isn’t just delicious in tea—it’s a powerhouse skincare ingredient, especially for oily skin. Honey is naturally antibacterial, making it effective against acne while also being gentle and moisturizing.
The Routine:
- Start with dry skin (important!)
- Take a teaspoon of raw, unpasteurized honey and warm it between your fingers
- Gently massage it onto your face using circular motions for 1-2 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Follow with a natural toner and lightweight moisturizer
- Use this method once daily, preferably in the evening
When you first try honey cleansing, you might be skeptical—putting something sticky and sweet on already oily skin seems counterintuitive. But after a week, you’ll likely notice your skin becoming clearer and, surprisingly, less oily throughout the day.
The key is using truly raw honey (look for “unpasteurized” on the label) as it contains natural enzymes that processed honey lacks.
Many people report that honey cleansing becomes the foundation of their natural skincare journey. It can provide that perfect balance of cleansing without stripping.
2. The Clay Mask Weekly Reset
Clay masks are like magnets for excess oil and impurities, drawing them out of your pores without harsh scrubbing. Different clays offer different benefits, but bentonite and kaolin are particularly effective for oily skin.
The Routine:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay with enough apple cider vinegar to form a paste
- Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eye area
- Let it dry for 10-15 minutes (but not until it cracks!)
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry
- Follow with a hydrating mist and light moisturizer
- Use once weekly for maintenance, twice weekly during breakouts
You might hear friends with oily skin call this their “vacuum cleaner for pores,” and for good reason. After using a clay mask, your skin will feel deeply cleansed but not stripped. The key is not letting the mask dry completely—when it starts to lighten but still feels slightly tacky, that’s the perfect time to rinse.
3. The Oil-Fighting Oil Cleansing Paradox
It sounds contradictory, but certain plant oils can actually help balance oily skin. The science behind it is simple: like dissolves like. The right oils can dissolve excess sebum and clear pores without disrupting your skin’s natural balance.
The Routine:
- Mix your cleansing oil: 3 parts castor oil to 1 part jojoba oil
- Massage a quarter-sized amount onto dry skin for 2-3 minutes
- Place a warm, damp washcloth over your face for 30 seconds to steam
- Gently wipe away the oil
- If needed, follow with a very gentle water-based cleanser
- Use nightly as your makeup remover and primary cleanser
You can customize your oil blend based on how oily your skin is:
- For very oily skin: 2 parts castor oil to 1 part jojoba oil
- For combination skin: 1 part castor oil to 1 part jojoba oil
- During drier winter months: Reduce castor oil and increase jojoba oil
Remember that quality matters with oils—look for cold-pressed, unrefined versions to ensure you’re getting the full benefit of their natural properties. You might also experiment with adding a drop of tea tree or lavender essential oil to your blend for additional antibacterial benefits (but always patch test first).
4. The Green Tea Toner Revival
Green tea isn’t just for drinking—it’s packed with antioxidants and has natural astringent properties that make it perfect for oily skin. Its anti-inflammatory benefits also help calm breakouts.
The Routine:
- Brew 1 cup of strong green tea and let it cool completely
- Transfer to a clean spray bottle or container
- After cleansing, apply the toner with a cotton pad or spray directly onto the face
- Allow to dry naturally before applying moisturizer
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week
- Use morning and evening after cleansing
For an enhanced version, you can add other beneficial ingredients:
- A teaspoon of raw honey for additional antibacterial properties
- A few drops of aloe vera gel for extra soothing effects
- A splash of witch hazel for increased astringent properties
Green tea contains catechins, which have been shown to reduce sebum production when applied topically. The caffeine in the tea also has mild astringent properties that temporarily tighten pores, giving your skin a smoother appearance.
5. The Yogurt and Probiotics Facial
Your skin has its own microbiome—a delicate balance of bacteria that helps maintain healthy function. Natural yogurt contains probiotics that can help restore this balance, while its lactic acid gently exfoliates.
The Routine:
- Apply 2 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt (preferably organic) to clean skin
- Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey for additional antibacterial benefits
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse with cool water
- Follow with a light moisturizer
- Use 2-3 times weekly
This can become your Sunday evening ritual during particularly bad hormonal acne flare-ups. The cooling sensation is immediately calming. Over time, you may notice your skin becoming more resilient and balanced. For an extra boost, you can occasionally mix in an opened probiotic capsule to supercharge the beneficial bacteria.
Greek yogurt works particularly well because of its higher protein content, which provides additional benefits for your skin. Just make sure to use unflavored, unsweetened varieties.
6. The Apple Cider Vinegar Balancing Act
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has natural alpha-hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate. Its acidity helps restore your skin’s natural pH balance.
The Routine:
- Mix 1 part raw, unfiltered ACV with 3 parts filtered water (adjust ratio depending on skin sensitivity)
- After cleansing, apply with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area
- Allow to dry—no need to rinse
- Follow with moisturizer
- Use once daily, preferably in the evening
- Increase dilution if you experience any stinging
This toner works particularly well after cleansing with alkaline products (like many soaps), as it helps restore your skin’s natural slightly acidic pH, which is crucial for maintaining your skin’s protective barrier.
Your skin’s acid mantle typically has a pH between 4.5-5.5, which helps prevent bacterial growth. Many cleansers disrupt this pH, and the ACV helps restore it.
You can start with a more diluted version (1 part ACV to 4 parts water) and gradually increase the concentration as your skin adapts. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree to help mask the vinegar smell while adding additional skin benefits.
7. The Overnight Kaolin Clay Spot Treatment
When you feel a blemish forming, this targeted treatment can help absorb excess oil and reduce inflammation before it develops into a full-blown breakout.
The Routine:
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon kaolin clay with a few drops of witch hazel to form a paste
- Apply directly to developing blemishes with a clean cotton swab
- Leave on overnight
- Rinse in the morning and continue with your regular skincare routine
- Use as needed for spot treatment
You can also add a tiny amount of raw honey or a drop of tea tree oil to the mixture. The honey provides antibacterial properties while maintaining moisture. Tea tree oil is a potent natural antimicrobial that can help address the bacteria that contribute to acne.
For particularly stubborn or deep blemishes, you might add a pinch of activated charcoal to the mixture for enhanced absorption of impurities. This creates a powerful overnight treatment that targets multiple aspects of blemish formation—excess oil, bacteria, and inflammation.
8. The Oatmeal Balancing Mask
Colloidal oatmeal is renowned for its skin-soothing properties, but it’s also excellent for oily skin. It absorbs excess oil while calming irritation and providing gentle exfoliation.
The Routine:
- Grind 2 tablespoons of plain, unflavored oats into a fine powder
- Mix with enough warm water to form a paste
- Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey for antibacterial benefits
- Apply to clean skin and leave for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water, gently massaging as you rinse for light exfoliation
- Use 1-2 times weekly
This mask is perfect when your skin feels both oily AND irritated—a common combination during seasonal changes or high-stress periods. It’s incredibly gentle yet effective, leaving your skin feeling balanced rather than tight or stripped.
The compounds in oatmeal called saponins act as natural cleansers, removing dirt and oil from pores without harsh detergents. Meanwhile, the beta-glucan in oats forms a fine film on the skin, providing light moisture while helping calm inflammation.
9. The Witch Hazel Astringent Refresh
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that removes excess oil and reduces the appearance of pores without the harshness of alcohol-based products.
The Routine:
- Choose alcohol-free witch hazel (important!)
- Apply to a cotton pad and sweep across the face after cleansing
- Focus on the T-zone or areas that get particularly oily
- Allow to dry naturally
- Follow with moisturizer
- Use morning and evening
During your most oil-prone periods, you might carry witch hazel pads in your bag for midday refreshing. They remove excess oil without disturbing makeup and provide an instant matte effect. The alcohol-free part is crucial—traditional witch hazel often contains isopropyl alcohol, which can be drying and trigger more oil production.
Witch hazel contains tannins, which have natural astringent properties that help tighten pores and reduce inflammation. It also has the advantage of being generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
10. The Aloe Vera Hydration Balance
Oily skin still needs hydration dehydration can trigger more oil production. Aloe vera provides oil-free moisture while soothing inflammation.
The Routine:
- Extract fresh aloe gel from a plant or use pure, preservative-free aloe vera gel
- Apply a thin layer to clean skin
- Allow to absorb completely
- Use as your primary moisturizer or under a light lotion if needed
- Apply morning and evening
- Store fresh aloe in the refrigerator for up to one week
Dermatologists often point out that people with oily skin frequently confuse oil and hydration. Your skin can be simultaneously oily and dehydrated. Once you start using aloe vera gel, you might find your skin feels hydrated and comfortable without additional oiliness. The cooling sensation is also wonderful for calming irritated or acne-prone skin.
Aloe vera contains compounds called mucopolysaccharides that help bind moisture to the skin without adding oil. It’s also rich in zinc, which has natural astringent properties, and salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates.
If you’re using fresh aloe from a plant, you can mix in a drop of vitamin E oil or a few drops of rosewater for additional soothing properties and a pleasant scent. Just remember that fresh aloe without preservatives should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a week.
11. The Rice Water Clarifying Rinse
Rice water has been used in Asian beauty traditions for centuries. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals that brighten skin while its mild astringent properties help control oil.
The Routine:
- Rinse 1/2 cup of uncooked rice
- Soak in 2 cups of water for 30 minutes
- Strain the rice and keep the water
- After cleansing, use the rice water as a final rinse or apply with a cotton pad
- No need to rinse off—let it absorb
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Use daily or as needed
Rice water contains inositol, a carbohydrate that helps repair damaged skin and promotes cell growth. It also has a slight astringent effect that helps tighten pores and control oil production. The starch in rice water absorbs excess oil while leaving beneficial moisture behind—a perfect balance for oily skin types.
For an enhanced version, you can try fermented rice water (allowing the rice water to sit at room temperature for 1-2 days before refrigerating). Fermentation enhances the antioxidant and mineral content of the rice water, though the smell becomes stronger, similar to the ACV toner. The results, however, can be worth the temporary scent.
12. The Turmeric-Yogurt Inflammation Fighter
When oily skin becomes inflamed or breaks out, this powerful combination helps calm irritation while controlling oil. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent.
The Routine:
- Mix 1 tablespoon plain yogurt with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Apply a thin layer to clean skin
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly (turmeric can temporarily stain skin if left too long)
- Follow with your regular moisturizer
- Use twice weekly
This mask can be your rescue treatment during hormonal breakouts. Be warned—turmeric can stain washcloths and light-colored towels, so use dedicated linens for this treatment. Also, if you have very fair skin, do a patch test first, as turmeric may leave a slight yellow tint that fades within a day.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When combined with yogurt, it creates a comprehensive treatment for inflamed, oily, acne-prone skin.
13. The Essential Oil Dilution Technique
Certain essential oils have properties that help regulate sebum production and fight bacteria that can lead to breakouts. However, they must be properly diluted to avoid irritation.
The Routine:
- Choose oils beneficial for oily skin: tea tree, lavender, rosemary, or geranium
- Add 2-3 drops to 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil like jojoba or squalane
- Apply a few drops of this mixture as your evening moisturizer
- Alternatively, add 1-2 drops to your existing moisturizer
- Use nightly after cleansing
- Always patch test new essential oils
Each essential oil offers different benefits for oily skin:
- Tea tree oil: Powerful antimicrobial properties help combat acne-causing bacteria
- Lavender: Balances oil production while calming inflammation
- Rosemary: Regulates oil production and improves circulation
- Geranium: Helps balance both dry and oily areas of the skin
The carrier oil you choose is equally important. Jojoba oil most closely resembles human sebum, which can actually “trick” your skin into producing less oil. Squalane is another excellent option as it’s very lightweight and non-comedogenic. Grapeseed oil is also popular for oily skin types due to its astringent properties.
14. The Weekly Papaya Enzyme Exfoliation
Regular exfoliation is crucial for oily skin to prevent clogged pores, but harsh physical scrubs can trigger inflammation and more oil production. Papaya contains natural enzymes that dissolve dead skin cells gently.
The Routine:
- Mash 2 tablespoons of ripe papaya into a smooth paste
- Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey for binding and additional benefits
- Apply to clean skin and leave for 10-15 minutes
- Rinse with cool water
- Follow with toner and moisturizer
- Use once weekly
Chemical exfoliants can transform your skincare routine, but commercial products often irritate sensitive skin. This natural enzyme treatment provides similar benefits without the harshness.
Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that breaks down the proteins in dead skin cells, effectively “digesting” them without physically scrubbing. This makes it an ideal exfoliant for oily skin that’s also sensitive or acne-prone.
For enhanced effects, you can add:
- 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt for additional gentle exfoliation from lactic acid
- A small amount of finely ground oatmeal for very mild physical exfoliation
- A few drops of lemon juice for brightening effects (use caution with sun exposure afterward)
When to See a Dermatologist?
While natural skincare can be remarkably effective for managing oily skin, there are times when professional guidance becomes necessary. Consider consulting a dermatologist if:
- Your oily skin is accompanied by painful, cystic acne
- You’ve consistently followed a natural routine for 2-3 months without improvement
- You suspect your oily skin might be related to a hormonal condition like PCOS
- You experience sudden, dramatic changes in your skin’s oil production
- Natural remedies cause irritation or allergic reactions
When visiting a dermatologist, bring a list of all products and DIY treatments you’ve been using, including the specific ingredients in your homemade formulations. This helps them understand your current routine and make appropriate recommendations.
