Homemade Face Scrubs for Oily Skin: Best DIY Recipes for Oil Control

Manya Makhija

Manya Makhija

06 Mar ‘25
Oily skin DIY skincare Face Scrub Exfoliation
Oily skin DIY skincare Face Scrub Exfoliation

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If you have oily skin, you know the struggle of dealing with excess sebum, clogged pores, and frequent breakouts. While store-bought scrubs may promise clear skin, they often contain harsh chemicals that strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to even more oil production. The best alternative? DIY face scrubs made from natural ingredients that gently exfoliate, unclog pores, and control oil without disrupting your skin’s balance.

Below, we explore the benefits of exfoliation for oily skin, the right ingredients to use, and some easy homemade face scrub recipes you can whip up in minutes.

Why a Homemade Face Scrub for Oily Skin is Essential

Oily skin tends to attract more dirt, bacteria, and pollution, making it more prone to blackheads, acne, and an uneven skin texture. Regular exfoliation helps:

  • Remove Dead Skin Cells: Prevents buildup that leads to clogged pores and breakouts.
  • Control Oil Production: Keeps sebum levels in check without over-drying the skin.
  • Refine Pores: Helps minimize the appearance of large pores.
  • Improve Absorption of Skincare Products: Allows serums and moisturizers to penetrate better.

 

However, exfoliation should be done only 2-3 times a week to avoid irritating the skin. The key is to use the right combination of oil-controlling and soothing ingredients to keep your skin balanced and clear.

Best Ingredients For a Homemade Scrub for Oily Skin

Not all exfoliating agents are suitable for oily skin. Here are some of the best natural ingredients to use:

  • Lemon Juice: Natural astringent that helps control oil and brighten skin.
  • Honey: Antibacterial and hydrating, balances the skin.
  • Clay (Bentonite or Kaolin): Absorbs excess oil and detoxifies pores.
  • Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants that help soothe acne-prone skin.
  • Yogurt: Contains lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and oil control.
  • Rice Flour: Fine exfoliant that removes excess oil without irritation.
  • Oatmeal: Absorbs oil and soothes inflammation.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: A natural toner that helps with oil regulation.

 

Now that we know which ingredients to use, let’s dive into some simple yet effective homemade face scrub recipes for oily skin.

Best Homemade Face Scrub for Oily Skin: Easy DIY Recipes

1. Green Tea & Rice Flour Scrub (For Oil Control & Glow)

Green Tea & Rice Flour Scrub (For Oil Control & Glow)

Green tea is packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and fight acne, while rice flour gently exfoliates and controls oil.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp green tea (brewed and cooled)
  • 1 tbsp rice flour
  • ½ tsp lemon juice

 

How to Use:

Mix the ingredients to form a paste. Apply to damp skin, massaging in circular motions. Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

 

Why It Works:

Rice flour acts as a mild scrub, green tea calms acne-prone skin, and lemon juice helps control sebum production.

2. Oatmeal & Yogurt Scrub (For Gentle Exfoliation & Oil Absorption)

Oatmeal & Yogurt Scrub (For Gentle Exfoliation & Oil Absorption)

Perfect for oily yet sensitive skin, this scrub absorbs oil while keeping the skin hydrated and smooth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp finely ground oatmeal
  • 1 tbsp yogurt
  • ½ tsp honey

 

How to Use:

Combine the ingredients into a thick paste. Apply to your face and gently scrub for 2 minutes. Leave it on for another 5 minutes before rinsing off.

 

Why It Works:

Oatmeal soaks up excess oil, yogurt provides gentle exfoliation, and honey prevents bacterial growth.

3. Bentonite Clay & Apple Cider Vinegar Scrub (For Deep Cleansing & Pore Refining)

Bentonite Clay & Apple Cider Vinegar Scrub (For Deep Cleansing & Pore Refining)

Bentonite clay is excellent at drawing out impurities, and apple cider vinegar acts as a natural toner for oily skin.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp bentonite clay
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp water

 

How to Use:

Mix the clay and vinegar, adding water as needed to form a paste. Apply to your face, gently scrubbing in circular motions, then let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing.

 

Why It Works:

Bentonite clay detoxifies, ACV balances pH levels, and the scrub action helps unclog pores.

4. Coffee & Honey Scrub (For Exfoliation & Brightening)

Coffee & Honey Scrub (For Exfoliation & Brightening)

Coffee grounds act as a natural exfoliant that removes dead skin, while honey ensures that your skin stays hydrated.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp coffee grounds
  • 1 tbsp honey

 

How to Use:

Mix the ingredients, gently scrub your face for 1-2 minutes, and rinse off.

 

Why It Works:

Coffee reduces inflammation and brightens the skin, and honey prevents excessive dryness.

5. Orange Peel & Sugar Scrub (For Acne & Oil Control)

Orange Peel & Sugar Scrub (For Acne & Oil Control)

Orange peel powder is rich in Vitamin C, which controls oil production and helps prevent acne.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp orange peel powder (or dried orange peels ground into a fine powder)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp yogurt

 

How to Use:

Mix all ingredients and scrub gently for a few minutes before rinsing.

 

Why It Works:

The Vitamin C in orange peels brightens skin, sugar exfoliates, and yogurt controls oil.

6. Baking Soda & Lemon Scrub (For Deep Cleaning & Oil Balance)

Baking Soda & Lemon Scrub (For Deep Cleaning & Oil Balance)

Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that helps control oil and blackheads, while lemon juice acts as an astringent.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp water

 

How to Use:

Mix to form a paste, gently scrub your face, and rinse immediately to avoid irritation.

 

Why It Works:

Baking soda absorbs oil, while lemon juice prevents acne. However, use this scrub only once a week, as baking soda can be harsh if overused.

Tips for Using DIY Face Scrubs on Oily Skin

  • Don’t Over-Exfoliate: Stick to exfoliating 2-3 times a week to avoid stripping your skin.
  • Always Moisturize: Even oily skin needs hydration. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  • Use Sun Protection: After exfoliating, your skin is more sensitive. Always apply SPF before going outside.
  • Patch Test First: If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test before applying any scrub to your face.

 

Homemade face scrubs are a natural, budget-friendly way to keep oily skin under control without the risks of harsh chemicals. Whether you need deep pore cleansing, acne prevention, or a glow boost, these DIY scrubs can be customized to your skin’s needs. Try them out and say goodbye to excessive oil and dull skin—naturally!

Exfoliation Benefits DIY Scrubs Natural ingredients Oil control
Exfoliation Benefits DIY Scrubs Natural ingredients Oil control
Manya Makhija

Manya Makhija

Manya Makhija is a fashion and lifestyle writer. You’ll find her either scuba diving or consuming fashion over a cup of coffee.