DIY Face Mask for Clear Skin Using Clay, Honey & ACV

Face masks are a game-changer for clearer, calmer skin—but here’s the problem: most store-bought masks are either loaded with harsh chemicals, way too drying, or ridiculously overpriced for what’s basically a packet of scented sludge.

Flip one over and you’ll often find synthetic dyes, alcohols, and fragrance blends that strip sensitive skin of natural oils—not exactly the glow-up we were promised.

That’s why we started making our own DIY face mask.

We wanted something simple, affordable, and effective—no weird additives, no overhyped claims, and definitely no $7 single-use sachets. Just a clean blend of detoxifying bentonite clay, soothing honey, and balancing apple cider vinegar.

The result? A detoxifying mask that clears clogged pores, calms inflammation, and leaves your skin soft, fresh, and glowy. It’s helped a ton with balancing our skin’s pH and controlling acne. It’s also easy to whip up, customizable, and perfect for those moments your skin needs a little reset—without the drama.

This detoxifying face mask harnesses the power of bentonite clay to draw out impurities, unclog pores, and leave your skin feeling refreshed and balanced. Perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, this mask helps absorb excess oil while soothing inflammation.

Ingredients:

• Bentonite Clay (1 tbsp): A powerful detoxifier that removes impurities and helps control excess oil.
• Apple Cider Vinegar or Water for Sensitive Skin (1 tbsp or less depending on skin’s reactivity to ACV – start small to perfect the ratio): Balances skin pH, tightens pores, and provides mild exfoliation.
• Honey (½ tsp, optional) – A natural humectant that locks in moisture while soothing irritation.
• Tea Tree Oil (1-2 drops, optional) – Helps fight acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.

Instructions:

1. In a non-metal bowl (metal can reduce the clay’s effectiveness), mix the bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar (or water) to form a smooth paste. Warning: I you aren’t certain how your skin reacts to ACV, consider trying the recipe with half water, half ACV to start, as it can be quite potent and uncomfortable if you find your skin it not suited to it mid-mask. Even if your skin is not sensitive to ACV but you hate the smell of it, it’s recommended to use water, as you will definitely smell it until it dries.
2. Stir in honey and tea tree oil if using.
3. Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area, especially if using ACV. Even still, the ACV fumes may make your eyes water during the mask period.
4. Let the mask sit for 10–15 minutes (or until it starts to dry but isn’t fully cracked).
5. Rinse off with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer.
6. This recipe makes enough for several masks so store the remainder in an airtight jar and use within 2 weeks. If you do not plan to use it in that time, consider cutting the recipe amount in half or even in quarters.

We love skincare that’s simple, effective, and easy on your budget. Which is why we loving making our own homemade beauty products, and this DIY face mask is no different. It isn’t just good for your skin, it’s good for your bank account, too.

Made with just four natural skincare ingredients (all of which are easy to find and likely already in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet), each batch costs just over a dollar and makes multiple masks. That’s a huge savings compared to the $6+ price tag of store-bought clay masks.

Here’s the math.

Cost Savings:

• Bentonite Clay: $6 for a 4 oz bag (~$0.75 for 1 tbsp)
• Apple Cider Vinegar: $13 for a 16 fl oz bottle (~$0.40 for 1 tbsp)
• Honey: $11 for a 32 oz bottle (if not organic) (~$0.03 for 1/2 tsp)
• Tea Tree Oil: $7 for 1 fl oz bottle (~$0.01 for 1-2 drops)

Cost per batch: ~$1.19 per ~4 uses

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$6 for a 3 mask pack (e.g., L’Oréal Paris and similair clay mask brands)

Savings per Batch: $1.70 per single mask use

Commercial face masks are marketed as instant fixes for everything from breakouts to dullness—but a peek at the ingredients list often tells a different story. Even options labeled as “natural” or “gentle” often contain irritating preservatives, artificial colors, and pore-clogging fillers.

Here are just a few common skincare ingredients to avoid in conventional face masks:

Fragrance (Parfum): Often listed vaguely, synthetic fragrance can include dozens of undisclosed chemicals—many of which are linked to skin irritation, allergies, and hormone disruption (Source: EWG).

Artificial Dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5): These synthetic colors are derived from petroleum and can trigger allergic reactions or acne flare-ups, especially in sensitive skin types. They also contribute to heavy metal build up over time.

Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs): Used to improve texture and absorption, PEGs can strip the skin’s natural oils and may be contaminated with potentially carcinogenic by-products like 1,4-dioxane (Source: EWG).

Alcohol Denat or SD Alcohol 40: These drying alcohols are sometimes added to help products “dry down” faster, but they can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to redness or flaking—especially in acne-prone or sensitive skin (Source: Byrdie).

Silicones (e.g., Dimethicone): While they give face masks a silky feel, silicones can create a barrier on the skin that traps dirt and bacteria underneath, potentially worsening breakouts (Source: Healthline).

That’s one of the many reasons we’re swapping out conventional beauty with DIY hair masks, homemade face cream and more. You know exactly what and how much you’re using in your own formulas.