Easy DIY Natural Face Cleanser Bar Soap

Learn how to make your own DIY Natural Face Cleanser Bar Soap! This is such an amazing soap that lathers really well and makes my skin feel so smooth afterward. I definitely use it every day, and so will you!

If you’re tired of face washes full of hard-to-pronounce ingredients and plastic bottles cluttering your bathroom, a DIY face cleanser bar might be just what your skin—and your routine—needs.

Simple, effective, and completely customizable, these gentle bars are a great way to care for your skin naturally.

I’ve been using a charcoal bar soap on my face for a while and love using bar soaps, but I wanted a new option since I don’t want to use the charcoal every day.

So I am glad to have this new DIY face cleanser bar soap; and it lathers so well! My face is so smooth after using this, I may never turn back!

Let’s break down why switching to a solid facial cleanser makes sense, what makes them work, and how easy it is to make your own at home.

me holding up the diy face cleanser bar soap

Why Choose a Natural Face Cleanser Bar?

More and more people are ditching bottled cleansers in favor of bar soaps—and for good reason. Natural face cleanser bars are:

Eco-friendly: No plastic packaging, less waste
Minimalist: Fewer ingredients, fewer irritants
Travel-friendly: No spills or TSA drama
Gentle and effective: Nourish the skin while cleansing

Plus, when you make your own, you know exactly what’s going on your face.

What Makes a Cleanser Bar Work?

Unlike traditional soap bars that can dry out your skin, natural cleanser bars use a mix of moisturizing butters, gentle surfactants (foaming agents), and plant-based oils to cleanse without stripping away moisture.

It’s all about balance—cleansing the skin while leaving it soft and hydrated. It really does make all the difference for my skin! It stays hydrated a lot longer than other soaps I have been using.

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Ingredients + Their Benefits

Here’s a closer look at the natural ingredients that power this DIY face cleanser bar. These are all part of Simply Earth’s DIY Natural Face Cleansers Kit, which includes skin-safe ingredients that are beginner-friendly.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Helps balance oil production
Calms irritation and redness
Floral and uplifting for your senses

Frankincense Essential Oil

Supports skin healing and tone
Loved for mature or sensitive skin
Deep, earthy aroma that feels grounding

Mango Butter

Rich in vitamins A and E
Moisturizes deeply without clogging pores
Adds a creamy, luxurious feel to the bar

Cetyl Alcohol

A fatty alcohol that softens and conditions skin
Stabilizes and hardens the bar (not drying like the name suggests!)
Leaves a silky finish

SLSA Powder (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate)

A gentle, coconut-derived cleanser
Produces light, fluffy lather
Safe for sensitive skin types

DIY Natural Face Cleanser Bar Soap on the counter

SCI Powder (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate)

Known as “baby foam” for its ultra-mild cleansing
Derived from coconut
Leaves skin soft and never tight

Foam Boost

Enhances the lather
Makes the bar feel creamy and indulgent

Geogard ECT

Natural preservative to keep your bars mold-free
Protects against bacteria—important for facial products

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How to Make a DIY Natural Face Cleanser Bar

Now that you know some of the benefits of each of these ingredients, here is how to make your own natural face soap bar!

You can get all the materials and ingredients you’ll need from the Simply Earth Face Cleanser Bar Kit, which is super affordable and convenient! Plus, use code KATE10 to get 10% off!

You’ll Need

Cetyl Alcohol
Mango Butter
SCI Powder
SLSA Powder
Foam Boost
Geogard ECT
Essential oils (Frankincense, Rose Geranium)
Soap molds

Note: If you’re using powdered surfactants like SLSA or SCI, wear a face mask while handling them dry—they can become airborne and irritate your nose or lungs. Once mixed into the melted ingredients, they’re safe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a double boiler, melt Cetyl Alcohol and Mango Butter on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes.

adding the foam boast and SCI and SLS products

Gradually stir in SCI Powder, SLSA Powder, and Foam Boost. Keep the mixture on heat—these powders won’t fully melt but will soften into a dough-like texture.

Remove from heat. Add your essential oils and Geogard ECT. Stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.

Adding in the rose geranium essential oil

Press the warm mixture into soap molds. Once cool, remove and let them dry for 24 hours to fully harden.

Store in a cool, dry place or gift to a friend! Using the Simply Earth kit gives you these adorable wraps and labels so you can easily gift it to others.

How To Use

Wet your face and hands. Lather the bar in your hands or rub gently on a washcloth. Massage the lather onto your face, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with your favorite toner or moisturizer (like this DIY face serum).

Quick Tips & Customizations

You can melt Mango Butter and Cetyl Alcohol in the microwave (30-second intervals), but avoid microwaving after Foam Boost is added—it can bubble up quickly.

Try swapping essential oils based on skin needs:

Tea Tree: for acne-prone skin
Lavender: for calming redness
Chamomile: for extra sensitive skin

Learn how to easily switch out your products with more natural solutions with this Natural Living Made Easy Freebie!

Final Thoughts

Making your own natural face cleanser bar is easier than it seems—and your skin will thank you for it. With nourishing ingredients and a gentle, effective formula, this bar cleanser offers a simple and sustainable way to care for your face.

Once you’ve made your first batch, you might just find yourself hooked on clean skincare you can trust.