Aleppo soap, one of the oldest soaps in the world, originates from Aleppo, Syria, and is prized for its natural ingredients and gentle cleansing properties. Made using a traditional method, it combines olive oil and laurel oil, which work together to cleanse, moisturize, and support skin health.

Aleppo soap is like a little piece of ancient skincare magic! Made with nourishing olive oil and purifying laurel oil, this all-natural soap works wonders for your skin. Olive oil is packed with antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin E, which help keep your skin hydrated, strengthen its natural barrier, and fight off daily environmental stress (Weisberg & Baumann, 2021). Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin, making it a great choice for anyone dealing with eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis.

Laurel oil, on the other hand, brings its own superpowers to the mix! Known for its natural antimicrobial and antifungal effects, it helps cleanse your skin without stripping away its moisture, keeping everything balanced and happy (Nunes et al., 2021). Together, these powerhouse ingredients make Aleppo soap a gentle yet effective way to wash away impurities while leaving your skin soft, hydrated, and naturally glowing.

Struggling with breakouts? Aleppo soap might just be your skin’s new best friend! Thanks to the antimicrobial powers of laurel oil, this ancient soap helps fight acne-causing bacteria—especially Cutibacterium acnes, the main culprit behind pesky pimples (Subramanian et al., 2021).

But that’s not all! Laurel oil's amazing anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation without drying out your skin. Keeping skin hydrated is key to preventing future breakouts, and research shows that natural oil-based cleansers (like this one!) can help maintain moisture while reducing inflammation (Ardiana, 2021).

With its perfect blend of olive and laurel oils, Aleppo soap offers a gentle yet powerful way to cleanse, fight acne, and support a clearer, healthier complexion—naturally!

Wet the Soap and Face: Start by wetting both your face and the soap with warm water.

Create a Lather: Rub the soap between your hands to create a gentle lather.

Massage into Skin: Gently massage the lather over your face, focusing on areas that need extra cleansing.

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with warm water, making sure all soap is removed, and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Moisturize: Follow up with a light moisturizer if needed to keep skin hydrated.

Jojoba oil is basically liquid gold for your skin. This silky-smooth oil is actually a liquid wax ester, extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis shrub, native to the sunny deserts of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. What makes it so special? It’s nearly identical to your skin’s natural sebum, meaning it blends seamlessly with your skin’s lipid barrier (Ranzato et al., 2011). Because of its unique structure, jojoba oil is a favorite in skincare for being ultra-hydrating, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and even antimicrobial (Vaughn et al., 2018).

Ever heard of the oil cleansing method (OCM)? It’s based on the idea that like dissolves like—meaning oils can break down dirt, excess sebum, and makeup without stripping your skin’s natural barrier. Jojoba oil is a superstar for this technique because its wax ester structure allows it to penetrate deep into pores without causing congestion (Vaughn et al., 2018). Plus, studies show that it locks in moisture, soothes irritation, and offers gentle antimicrobial benefits—making it perfect for acne-prone and sensitive skin (Ranzato et al., 2011).

Balances Oil Production – Because jojoba oil is so similar to your skin’s natural oils, it may help regulate oil production over time. Research suggests it can reduce excess sebum in oily skin, leading to a more balanced, shine-free complexion (Lin et al., 2017).

Gentle Makeup Remover – Say goodbye to stubborn waterproof mascara. Jojoba oil effortlessly melts away makeup without irritating your skin. Unlike harsh cleansers, it keeps your face hydrated and supports the skin barrier (Vaughn et al., 2018).

• Massage It In – Apply a few drops of jojoba oil onto dry skin and massage in circular motions, focusing on areas with buildup or makeup.
• Optional Steam – Want an extra deep clean? Place a warm, damp cloth over your face for 30 seconds to open pores and soften sebum.
• Wipe & Refresh – Gently remove excess oil with a clean cloth, taking away all the gunk. For a finishing touch, swipe on some rose water to restore your skin’s pH balance.

Did you know that Jojoba Oil is also a wonderfull natural moisturizer? Check out our blog on How to Moisturize Your Skin Naturally to learn more about it!

Bentonite clay, formed from ancient volcanic ash, is packed with skin-loving minerals like calcium, magnesium, and silica. These powerhouse ingredients give it incredible purifying properties, making it a go-to for deep cleansing. Thanks to its high absorbency, bentonite clay pulls excess oil, impurities, and environmental toxins from the skin’s surface, leaving it refreshed and balanced (Moosavi, 2017). Research shows that its negatively charged particles attract and bind to positively charged toxins, helping to detoxify and unclog pores at a deeper level (Ghadiri et al., 2015). This makes it especially beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps regulate sebum production while reducing inflammation (Moosavi, 2017).

Because of its unique ionic charge and rich mineral content, bentonite clay works like a magnet for impurities, drawing out toxins and pollutants that can dull the skin. Studies show that clay-based masks not only detoxify but also strengthen the skin barrier and provide antimicrobial benefits, which may help with acne and other skin concerns (Carretero et al., 2021). Its absorbent nature also helps unclog pores and slough off dead skin cells, leaving your complexion smoother, clearer, and more balanced (Ghadiri et al., 2015).

Mix the Clay – Blend 1-2 teaspoons of bentonite clay with water or apple cider vinegar until you get a smooth, spreadable paste.

Apply to the Skin – Evenly smooth the mixture over clean, damp skin, avoiding the delicate eye area.

Let It Work – Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes if you have normal skin or 5-10 minutes if your skin is more sensitive to allow for maximum absorption.

Rinse & Hydrate – Gently wash off with warm water, pat your skin dry, and follow up with a lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Manuka honey isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s a skincare powerhouse. Sourced from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium plant in New Zealand and Australia, this golden elixir is packed with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Its secret weapon? A high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a bioactive compound responsible for its powerful antibacterial effects (Cokcetin et al., 2016). Research shows that Manuka honey not only helps fight skin infections but also boosts hydration and strengthens the skin barrier, making it an ideal choice for gentle cleansing (Al-Waili et al., 2017).

Antibacterial and Acne-Fighting Properties

Manuka honey is a natural enemy of acne-causing bacteria—especially Cutibacterium acnes, which contributes to breakouts. By creating an environment where bacteria struggle to survive, it helps keep skin clear while calming inflammation (Cokcetin et al., 2016). Studies also suggest that honey-based treatments may speed up wound healing and lower the risk of bacterial resistance compared to traditional antibiotics (Al-Waili et al., 2017).

Hydrating and Soothing for Sensitive Skin

As a natural humectant, Manuka honey draws in moisture and locks it into the skin, delivering long-lasting hydration without clogging pores. Research shows it enhances skin hydration and supports epidermal repair, making it an excellent choice for dry or sensitive skin conditions like eczema and rosacea (Flanagan et al., 2017). Its anti-inflammatory properties also work to calm redness and irritation, promoting a more balanced, glowing complexion.

• As a Daily Cleanser: Apply a thin layer of Manuka honey to damp skin and gently massage in circular motions. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with warm water for a refreshed, hydrated feel.

• As a Nourishing Face Mask: Spread a thicker layer over your skin and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. This delivers deeper hydration and antimicrobial benefits, especially helpful for acne-prone or irritated skin.

• As a Spot Treatment: Dab a small amount onto blemishes and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing. This helps reduce redness and inflammation without drying out the surrounding skin.

Rose water isn’t just a luxurious beauty staple—it’s a skin-loving powerhouse with centuries of use. This delicate hydrosol, created through the distillation of rose petals, is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect choice for sensitive or easily irritated skin (Maruyama et al., 2017).

Packed with Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Rich in compounds like gallic acid, rose water offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support that helps protect the skin from environmental stress and signs of aging (Khan et al., 2018). The polyphenols in rose extracts also play a role in reducing oxidative stress, one of the key contributors to premature aging (Wang, 2023).

Hydrates and Balances All Skin Types

Rose water is widely used in skincare for its gentle hydrating properties. While scientific research on its ability to balance pH and regulate oil production is still emerging, traditional use and anecdotal evidence suggest that it acts as a mild natural moisturizer (Wang, 2023).

• As a Toner: After cleansing, apply rose water with a cotton pad or a spritz bottle for a refreshing boost. Its mild antimicrobial properties may also help maintain skin health (Maruyama et al., 2017).

• As a Makeup Remover: Mix rose water with a few drops of a carrier oil on a cotton pad for a gentle, nourishing way to remove makeup—especially beneficial for sensitive skin.

• As a Face Mist: Pour rose water into a spray bottle and mist your face throughout the day for an instant hydration boost. This is especially useful in dry or hot climates, where rose distillates are believed to enhance skin comfort and support barrier function (Khan et al., 2018).

Did you know that proper cleansing is the first step to glowing, youthful skin? From daily pollutants to excess oil, your skin battles impurities every day—but the right natural cleanser can make all the difference! Discover why cleansing is essential and how to choose the best ingredients for radiant, healthy skin in this must-read guide!

Natural cleansers offer a gentle yet powerful way to care for your skin, providing a cleansing routine free from harsh chemicals. From the antibacterial strength of Aleppo soap to the hydrating benefits of Manuka honey, each cleanser serves unique skin needs while promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. Incorporating these natural cleansers can help maintain a balanced, clear complexion by removing impurities, supporting skin hydration, and preventing common skin issues like clogged pores and irritation. Embracing nature’s best ingredients means that you’re not only caring for your skin today but also setting it up for long-term health and resilience. Start exploring these options to find the perfect natural cleanser that aligns with your skincare goals!

The best natural cleansers for glowing skin include Aleppo soap, jojoba oil, bentonite clay, Manuka honey, and rose water. Each of these cleansers targets specific skin concerns, from acne to dryness, while supporting a radiant complexion naturally.

Yes! Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, helping to balance oil production. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, making it suitable even for oily and acne-prone skin types.

For most skin types, using a bentonite clay mask once a week is effective for deep cleansing and detoxification. However, if you have sensitive skin, limit application time and consider using it every two weeks to avoid over-drying.

Yes, Manuka honey’s antibacterial, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, and dry skin. It provides gentle cleansing without stripping natural moisture.

You can make a DIY rose water toner by steeping fresh rose petals in distilled water, then straining and storing the liquid in a clean spray bottle. This natural toner can be applied after cleansing to hydrate and balance the skin.