10 Powerful Natural Face Masks for Oily Skin

If you’ve ever felt like your face turns shiny just two hours after washing it, you’re definitely not alone. Oily skin is one of the most common skincare struggles and it happens when your sebaceous glands produce more sebum (oil) than your skin actually needs. The result? Clogged pores, blackheads, and those never-ending breakouts that seem to show up at the worst times.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need expensive store-bought products to fix it. In fact, most commercial “oil-control” products contain harsh alcohols or chemicals that can make things worse over time by stripping your skin and triggering even more oil production.

The good news? You can bring your skin back into balance naturally. Using Natural Face Masks for Oily Skin (DIY) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage shine, tighten pores, and keep your skin clear all without damaging your skin barrier.

In this guide, you’ll find 10 research-backed, easy-to-make DIY face masks for oily skin that actually work with your skin’s biology, not against it. These masks use natural remedies for oily skin, including clay, aloe vera, turmeric, honey, and multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth)  ingredients that help absorb excess oil, detox pores, and restore a healthy glow.

Understanding Oily Skin: The Real Reason Behind the Shine

Before you start mixing up your first face mask, it helps to know why your skin behaves the way it does. Oily skin isn’t necessarily bad, it just means your skin is producing more sebum than necessary. Sebum is actually useful; it helps keep your skin soft and protected. The problem starts when it becomes excessive and traps dirt or dead skin cells.

Common Causes of Oily Skin

• Genetics: Some people are simply born with more active sebaceous glands. If your parents have oily skin, there’s a good chance you do too.
  
• Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress can cause oil glands to go into overdrive.
  
• Dehydration: This one surprises people. When your skin lacks moisture, it compensates by producing more oil. So, skipping moisturizer can actually backfire.
  
• Climate: Hot, humid weather encourages oil glands to produce more sebum.
  
• Harsh Cleansers: Stripping your skin with alcohol-based products or sulfates might feel satisfying at first, but it signals your skin to make even more oil to “protect” itself.

Goal: Balance, Not Elimination

Here’s what most people get wrong: the goal of natural skincare for an oily face isn’t to get rid of oil completely, it’s to balance it. Your skin actually needs a small amount of oil to stay soft, hydrated, and protected. When you remove all the oil, your glands panic and overcompensate, producing even more.

So instead of fighting your skin, focus on calming and regulating it. Think of your skincare as training, not punishment, helping your skin learn to stay balanced on its own.

Try using ingredients that absorb oil without drying your face out, such as bentonite clay, kaolin clay, and aloe vera gel. These work gently to purify pores while keeping the skin barrier intact.

Tips for Using Natural Face Masks Safely

✅ Do:

• Apply to clean skin for better absorption.
  
• Moisturize after masking (use non-comedogenic ingredients).
  
• Use 1–2 times a week only.
  
• Always patch-test before applying new ingredients.
  

❌ Don’t:

• Let clay masks dry completely it can cause micro-cracks.
  
• Overuse lemon juice (too acidic for daily use).
  
• Mix too many actives in one mask.

(LSI: weekly skincare routine for oily skin, natural toner after face mask)

Common Mistakes to Avoid with DIY Masks

• Over-cleansing or exfoliating daily
  
• Using lemon undiluted
  
• Skipping moisturizer because of “too much oil”
  
• Ignoring patch tests before applying new ingredients
  

Remember: too much stripping = more oil later. You’re teaching your skin to protect itself.

(Healthline’s guide on oily skin care)

Benefits of DIY Face Masks for Oily Skin

So why go the DIY route instead of grabbing a pre-made mask off the shelf? Simple: control, customization, and cost.

1. Natural Ingredients

You control exactly what goes on your skin. No hidden preservatives, no synthetic fragrances, and no harsh irritants. Each ingredient serves a purpose, whether that’s soothing inflammation, absorbing excess sebum, or restoring hydration.

DIY masks also allow you to use fresh, active ingredients like turmeric, honey, or yogurt, which lose potency when processed commercially.

2. Customizable for Your Skin’s Needs

Not all oily skin is the same. Some people deal with acne-prone areas, others with enlarged pores, and some with uneven texture.
DIY face masks let you tweak the recipe, for example:

• Add tea tree oil for acne control.
  
• Mix in rose water for soothing and toning.
  
• Use gram flour (besan) if you need gentle exfoliation.
  This kind of personalization is nearly impossible with one-size-fits-all commercial masks.

3. Cost-Effective and Accessible

Let’s be honest, skincare can get expensive fast. But most of the ingredients for these homemade face masks for oily skin are probably already in your kitchen: honey, lemon, yogurt, turmeric, or aloe vera.
That means you can build an entire budget-friendly skincare DIY routine that’s effective and affordable no need to spend $40 on a tiny jar of clay.

Table: Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Ingredient	Key Benefit	Ideal For
Bentonite Clay	Absorbs excess oil and impurities	Deep pore cleansing
Aloe Vera	Soothes irritation, hydrates	Redness & inflammation
Turmeric	Antibacterial, brightening	Acne-prone skin
Gram Flour (Besan)	Mild exfoliation, oil control	Dull or congested skin
Rose Water	Natural toner, refreshes	Everyday hydration
Honey	Antibacterial, moisturizing	Balancing oily yet dehydrated skin

10 Best Natural Face Masks for Oily Skin (DIY)

Each of these DIY face masks is backed by dermatological science and traditional skincare wisdom. They help absorb excess oil, clear out pores, and revive your natural glow without harsh chemicals.

1. Clay + Aloe Vera Mask

Why It Works

This combo is a game-changer for oily and acne-prone skin.

• Bentonite clay for oily skin is rich in minerals and works like a magnet for dirt, toxins, and oil trapped in your pores.
  
• Aloe vera mask for oily skin adds lightweight hydration and helps calm redness or irritation.
  
• The optional tea tree oil boosts antibacterial power and prevents breakouts.
  

How to Make It

• 1 tbsp bentonite or kaolin clay
  
• 1 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel
  
• 2–3 drops tea tree oil (optional)
  

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients into a smooth, spreadable paste. Apply evenly on a clean face and let it sit for 10–15 minutes rinse before it fully cracks to avoid dryness.

💡 Pro tip: Use once a week as a natural detox mask for oily skin

2. Gram Flour (Besan) + Yogurt + Turmeric Mask

Why It Works

If your skin looks dull or greasy, this traditional Indian face pack is your best friend.

• Gram flour (besan) acts as a mild exfoliant that removes dead cells and controls excess sebum.
  
• Yogurt and turmeric face mask combo nourishes skin with lactic acid, reduces acne scars, and gives a natural glow.
  
• Turmeric adds anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, helping calm active breakouts.
  

Recipe

• 2 tbsp gram flour (besan)
  
• 1 tbsp plain yogurt
  
• A pinch of turmeric powder
  

Instructions:
Mix everything until you get a creamy consistency. Apply to your face, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

💡 Pro tip: Use this mask twice a week to reduce oily shine and maintain a clear complexion.

3. Multani Mitti + Rose Water Mask

Why It Works

This is one of the oldest and most trusted natural remedies for oily skin, and for good reason.

• Multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth) absorbs excess oil, unclogs pores, and removes blackheads.
  
• Rose water for oily skin balances pH levels, tightens pores, and leaves your skin refreshed and toned.
  

How to Make It

• 2 tbsp multani mitti
  
• Enough rose water to form a creamy paste

Instructions:
Apply evenly to your face and neck. Let it sit for 10–12 minutes, then rinse off gently before it becomes completely dry.

💡 Pro tip: Follow up with a natural toner after a face mask, like rose water or cucumber juice, to lock in hydration.

4. Oatmeal + Honey + Lemon Mask

Why It Works

This one’s a triple-action mask exfoliating, cleansing, and brightening.

• Oatmeal is perfect for gentle exfoliation for an oily face  it removes impurities without irritation.
  
• Honey acts as a humectant, pulling moisture into the skin and balancing oil levels.
  
• A touch of lemon juice helps fade dark spots and control sebum.
  

Steps

• 2 tbsp ground oatmeal
  
• 1 tbsp organic honey
  
• ½ tsp lemon juice
  

Instructions:
Mix ingredients into a paste and apply to your face in circular motions. Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

💡 Pro tip: Use once a week for a clear, glowing complexion without stripping your skin’s moisture barrier.

5. Cucumber + Mint Cooling Mask

Why it works:
Cucumber and mint are the ultimate summer combo for oily skin. Both ingredients have natural astringent and cooling properties that calm inflammation, shrink pores, and reduce excess oil production. The antioxidants in cucumber also help soothe irritated skin and restore a natural glow.

Recipe:

• ½ cucumber (blended into a smooth puree)
  
• 1 tbsp crushed mint leaves
  
• Optional: 1 tsp aloe vera gel for extra hydration
  

How to use:
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Apply the mask evenly across your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Pro tip: Store any leftover mixture in the fridge for 1–2 days  the chill boosts the cooling effect.

6. Green Tea + Clay Detox Mask

Why it works:
Green tea contains catechins and tannins natural compounds that reduce sebum production, control bacteria, and protect the skin from oxidative stress. When mixed with kaolin or bentonite clay, it creates a detoxifying face mask that deeply cleanses pores without stripping away moisture.

Recipe:

• 1 tbsp kaolin or bentonite clay
  
• 1 tbsp brewed (and cooled) green tea
  
• Optional: 1 tsp honey for antibacterial and hydrating benefits
  

How to use:
Combine the ingredients to form a thick but spreadable paste. Apply evenly on your face and let it sit for 10–15 minutes not until it cracks. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Pro tip: Use once or twice a week to keep oil and blackheads under control.

7. Aloe Vera + Tea Tree Oil Spot Mask

Why it works:
This combo is a powerhouse for breakout-prone skin. Aloe vera soothes irritation and hydrates lightly, while tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties fight acne-causing bacteria. Together, they reduce redness, swelling and prevent new blemishes from forming.

Recipe:

• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel (fresh or organic)
  
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
  

How to use:
Mix both ingredients well. Apply directly to pimples, blackheads, or oily patches. You can leave it on overnight for spot treatment or rinse after 30 minutes if you have sensitive skin.

Pro tip: Always do a patch test with tea tree oil before applying it to your entire face.

8. Egg White + Lemon Tightening Mask

Why it works:
Egg whites naturally tighten pores and reduce excess shine, giving a smoother, firmer texture. Lemon juice adds a mild bleaching effect that helps fade acne scars and pigmentation though it should be used sparingly to avoid irritation.

Recipe:

• 1 egg white
  
• ½ tsp lemon juice
  

How to use:
Whisk the egg white until frothy, then add lemon juice and mix well. Apply a thin layer over your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. Leave it on for about 10 minutes until it feels tight, then rinse with cool water.

Pro tip: Apply a light moisturizer afterward to prevent dryness. Avoid direct sunlight for a few hours after using lemon-based masks.

9. Tomato + Gram Flour Brightening Mask

Why it works:
This mask is a go-to for dull, oily, and acne-prone skin. Tomatoes are rich in natural acids like citric acid and vitamin C, which help reduce excess oil, tighten pores, and fade dark spots. The lycopene in tomatoes also provides antioxidant protection against sun damage.

Gram flour (besan) acts as a mild exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and absorbs surface oil — leaving your face visibly brighter and smoother. Together, these ingredients help balance sebum production and even out your complexion naturally.

Recipe:

• 1 tbsp gram flour (besan)
  
• 1 tbsp fresh tomato pulp (preferably from a ripe tomato)
  
• Optional: ½ tsp honey for added hydration
  

How to use:
Mix the ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply evenly on your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Let it sit for about 10–12 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow up with rose water or a natural toner for best results.

Tip: Use this 2–3 times a week to reduce excess oil and improve skin texture.

10. Activated Charcoal + Yogurt Detox Mask

Why it works:
Activated charcoal is a powerhouse detoxifier. It binds to dirt, toxins, and excess oil deep within pores, giving your skin that fresh, clean feeling. It’s one of the best natural detox masks for oily skin, especially if you struggle with blackheads or clogged pores.

Yogurt, on the other hand, is rich in lactic acid, which gently exfoliates dead cells and adds a layer of hydration. The combination of charcoal and yogurt helps detoxify without stripping away your skin’s natural moisture barrier a key step in preventing rebound oil production.

How to make it:

• 1 tsp activated charcoal powder (from capsules or cosmetic-grade charcoal)
  
• 1 tbsp plain yogurt
  
• Optional: 1 drop of tea tree oil for acne control
  

How to use:
Blend into a smooth paste and apply an even layer on clean skin. Let it rest for 8–10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Pat dry and apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Bonus Tip: Use this mask once a week as a deep-cleansing treatment in your skincare routine for oily skin to prevent buildup and breakouts.

Weekly Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Step	Product Type	Key Benefit
1	Gel-based Cleanser	Removes dirt without stripping oil
2	Toner (Rose Water)	Tightens pores
3	DIY Mask (Once/Twice Weekly)	Deep-cleans and balances oil
4	Lightweight Moisturizer	Keeps skin hydrated
5	Sunscreen	Prevents damage and excess oil

FAQs 

Q1. How often should I use a DIY mask for oily skin?
1–2 times a week. Overuse can dry out your skin and cause rebound oil production.

Q2. Can I use aloe vera every day for oily skin?
Yes, aloe vera is light and non-greasy  great for daily use or spot-treating acne.

Q3. Is multani mitti good for acne-prone skin?
Absolutely. It absorbs excess oil and clears pores naturally.

Q4. Can lemon juice damage skin?
Undiluted lemon can irritate or cause photosensitivity. Always mix it with honey or yogurt.

Q5. What’s the best time to apply a face mask?
Evening or before bed, your skin regenerates while you sleep.

Balance, Don’t Battle

The best Natural Face Masks for Oily Skin (DIY) are the ones that balance, not punish,your skin. Consistency, gentle care, and smart ingredient choices go a long way toward achieving that healthy matte glow.

Whether it’s multani mitti, aloe vera, or a turmeric face pack, the secret is listening to what your skin actually needs. Keep it clean, hydrated, and balanced and it’ll return the favor.