3 Easy DIY Makeup Remover Recipes Using All Natural Ingredients (2025)

So, instead of inadequate drugstore options, we decided to make our own DIY makeup remover.

In fact, we made 3 customizable options for this very purpose (including removing that stubborn eyeliner).

These are our tried and tested recipes to effortlessly melt away makeup, even waterproof formulas, while soothing and hydrating your skin—including liquid or cream, and oil-based or oil-free formulas.

Each one is free from synthetic additives and completely customizable to your skin type, whether you need extra hydration, oil control, or a boost of calming botanicals.

1. Natural Aloe Vera Makeup Remover (With Or Without Oil) Jump to section
2. DIY Makeup Remover for Oily Skin (Liquid) Jump to section
3. DIY Makeup Remover Cream Jump to section
4. Cost Savings of Making Your Own Makeup Remover Jump to section
5. Why Make Your Own Makeup Remover? Jump to section

Natural Aloe Vera Makeup Remover (With Or Without Oil)

This gentle and refreshing natural makeup remover combines the soothing and hydrating benefits of aloe vera with the cleansing power of lightweight oils and witch hazel. Aloe vera is well-known for its ability to calm redness, moisturize, and provide a cooling effect, making this recipe perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Plus, it’s lightweight and non-greasy, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean rather than oily.

Ingredients:

• Aloe Vera Gel (1/4 cup): A natural moisturizer that soothes, hydrates, and refreshes the skin while helping to break down makeup.
• Witch Hazel (2 tbsp, alcohol-free): A mild astringent that helps remove excess oil and impurities while toning the skin.
• Distilled Water (1/2 cup): Ensures a clean, bacteria-free mixture for a longer-lasting formula.
• Jojoba Oil (2 tbsp, optional): A non-comedogenic oil that closely mimics skin’s natural sebum, making it great for all skin types, even oily or acne-prone. It’s not necessary but is recommended for more effective use as removing eye makeup.
• Vitamin E Oil (1/2 tsp, or about 7 drops, optional): Acts as a natural preservative while also nourishing and protecting the skin.

Skin Type Customization Options & Substitutions:

• For Dry Skin: Swap witch hazel for rose water to add extra hydration. Naturally anti-inflammatory and calming, rose water reduces redness and adds a light, fresh scent.
• For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Add a few drops of tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties. Be sure you’ve tested diluted tea tree oil on a small patch of skin behind the ear to ensure it will not irritate your skin first.
• For Extra Moisture: Increase the aloe vera gel or add a few drops of vitamin E oil.

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the aloe vera gel, distilled water, witch hazel, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and essential oil (if using). Stir well.
2. Transfer to a bottle. Pour the mixture into a clean glass bottle or reusable pump container. Shake before each use.
3. To use, apply a small amount to a sustainable cotton round or washcloth and gently wipe away makeup. Rinse your face with warm water if desired.

DIY Makeup Remover for Oily Skin (Liquid)

Many people prefer to avoid oil-based makeup removers. You might have eyelash extensions, for which oils may break down lash glue, causing extensions to fall out prematurely. You may have acne-proe skin and prefer something ultra-light that won’t risk clogging pores.

Whatever your reason, if you prefer a light, refreshing, and non-greasy way to remove makeup, this oil-free makeup remover formula is a perfect solution.

Ingredients:

• Cucumber Hydrosol or Rose Water (1/4 cup): Soothes, refreshes, and hydrates while helping balance the skin’s pH.
• Castile Soap (1/2 tsp, unscented or baby formula): A mild, natural cleanser that breaks down makeup without irritation.
• Aloe Vera Gel (1 tbsp, optional): Adds an extra layer of hydration and calming benefits.
• Distilled Water (2 tbsp): Ensures a clean, bacteria-free formula.

Instructions:

1. In a clean mixing bowl, combine Cucumber Hydrosol (or rose water), Castile soap, distilled water, and aloe vera (if using).
2. Transfer to a bottle. Pour into a clean glass or BPA-free plastic bottle with a tight lid.
3. To use, shake gently before each use, apply a small amount to a reusable cotton pad, and wipe away makeup. Rinse with water if needed.

DIY Makeup Remover Cream

If you prefer a creamy, ultra-moisturizing way to remove makeup, this DIY makeup remover cream will do the trick. Unlike liquid removers, this rich and nourishing formula provides longer-lasting hydrating and protection of your skin barrier.

It’s especially recommended for dry or sensitive skin, removing stubborn waterproof makeup without stripping your natural oils.

Ingredients:

• Shea Butter (2 tbsp): Deeply moisturizing, shea butter softens skin while breaking down makeup without clogging pores.
• Jojoba Oil (1 tbsp): Closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it great for all skin types, including acne-prone.
• Aloe Vera Gel (1 tbsp): Soothes and hydrates while adding a cooling effect.
• Castile Soap (½ tsp, optional): Adds mild cleansing power to help lift makeup more effectively.

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water), gently melt the shea butter until smooth.
2. Remove from heat and stir in jojoba oil while the mixture is still warm.
3. Once cooled slightly, mix in aloe vera gel and optional Castile soap to create a creamy consistency.
4. Pour into a sterilized glass jar and allow it to fully set at room temperature.
5. To use, massage a small amount onto dry skin, then wipe away with a warm damp cloth or reusable cotton pad. Rinse if needed.

Cost Savings of Making Your Own Makeup Remover

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of making something yourself—especially when it’s skincare. DIY beauty products are not only better for your skin (you know exactly what’s going on your face), but they’re also much easier on your wallet.

But how do the costs of making your own makeup remover compare to those sleek bottles on the shelf?

A standard makeup remover costs $7–$16 per bottle, while our DIY versions cost around $2–$5 to make, depending on ingredient sourcing. Plus, you can reuse the same container from batch to batch, reducing both waste and costs over time. Let’s break it down by recipe so you can see just how much you could save by going DIY!

1. Natural Aloe Vera Gel Makeup Remover Liquid

• Aloe Vera Gel: $12 for a 12 fl oz bottle (~$2.00 for 1/4 cup)
• Witch Hazel: $8 for a 16 oz bottle (~$0.25 for 2 tbsp)
• Jojoba Oil: $7 for a 4 fl oz bottle (~$1.75 for 2 tbsp)
• Distilled/Filtered Water: $1 per gallon (~$0.01 per ½ cup)
• Vitamin E Oil: $6 for a 2 fl oz bottle (~$0.25 per ½ tsp)

Total for Batch: ~$4.26

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$7 for 4 oz bottle (e.g., e.l.f. Cetaphil, or similar makeup remover brands).

Savings per Batch: $2.74

2. Oil-Free DIY Makeup Remover Liquid

• Cucumber Hydrosol or Rose Water: $7 for a 5 fl oz bottle (~$2.80 for 1/4 cup)
• Castile Soap: $17 for a 32 oz bottle (~$0.04 for 1/2 tsp)
• Aloe Vera Gel: $12 for a 12 fl oz bottle (~$0.50 for 1 tbsp)
• Distilled/Filtered Water: $1 per gallon (~$0.01 for 2 tbsp)

Total for Batch: ~$3.35

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$7 for 4 oz bottle (e.g., E.L.F. Cetaphil, or similar makeup remover brands).

Savings per Batch: $3.65

3. DIY Makeup Remover Cream

• Shea Butter: $8 for an 8 oz tub (~$1.00 for 2 tbsp)
• Jojoba Oil: $7 for a 4 fl oz bottle (~$0.87 for 1 tbsp)
• Aloe Vera Gel: $12 for a 12 fl oz bottle (~$0.50 for 1 tbsp)
• Castile Soap: $17 for a 32 oz bottle (~$0.04 for 1/2 tsp)

Total for Batch: ~$2.41

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$9 for 6 oz jar (e.g., Ponds, or similar makeup remover cream brands).

Savings per Batch: $6.59

Why Make Your Own Makeup Remover?

Many commercial makeup removers contain harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, and unnecessary additives that can irritate your skin or even disrupt your hormones. Making your own ensures you’re using safe, natural ingredients while reducing waste and saving money.

• Alcohols (e.g., Isopropyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol): Strips the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and premature aging.
• Fragrance & Parfum: Can contain hidden phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and skin sensitivity.
• Sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, SLS/SLES): Harsh detergents that can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation and breakouts.
• Mineral Oil: While effective at removing makeup, these are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels and while technically considered non-comedogenic, some find that mineral oil leads to clogged pores.