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Do you, or someone you know, suffer from acne? If so, you (or they) aren’t alone. In fact, according to Brown University, approximately 17 million Americans suffer from acne. Knowing you’ve got company probably doesn’t make you feel much better about your acne… am I right? Well, what if I told you there was an incredible homemade acne spot treatment that could zap your zits like that (imagine me snapping my fingers right there 🙂 )? This article details how to make the best homemade acne treatment around.
You may be asking “why should I care about good homemade acne treatments when I can just pick something up at the store?” It’s true. The store shelves are lined with acne treatments all claiming to be the best at zapping zits and soothing skin. However, not only are these store bought goods expensive, they’re filled with unpronounceable ingredients that can be pretty rough on skin.
This recipe for the best homemade acne treatment is a great solution for any acne sufferer. It zaps zits without exposing your skin to the harsh chemicals found in many store bought varieties. It is easy to make (just 3 steps!) and doesn’t require any expensive or difficult to find ingredients, which is great because you may have an unexpected flare-up where a homemade acne spot treatment is a must-have.
Go ahead, give it a try! You’ll quickly realize why I labeled this the best homemade acne treatment.
Best Homemade Acne Treatment
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INGREDIENTS
¼ cup coconut oil
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops tea tree/melaluca essential oil
4 oz Mason jars
DIRECTIONS
1. Choose an airtight, glass jar to hold your zit zapper, these 4 oz. mason jars are a perfect size.
2. Soften coconut oil just slightly in jar (10 to 15 seconds in the microwave should do it).
3. Stir in essential oils.
4. Place in refrigerator to set.
To use: dab a cotton swab in zit zapper and apply a dab to acne in the morning and evening after washing and drying your face well.
If coconut oil is in a warm room it may soften, it is still good. You can keep it in refrigerator if you prefer a solid mixture.
Do you know other good homemade acne treatments or is there another recipe you think is the best homemade acne treatment? If so, share in the comments (please)!
About Kelli
Kelli Bhattacharjee is the owner of Freebie Finding Mom. When she's not goofing around with her son, she's busy blogging, or just hanging out with the family which usually involves listening to music too loud and having dance parties.
Reader Interactions
Comments
April says
Can you use Shea butter in place of the coconut oil? I have Shea butter on hand along with the other ingredients.
Kelli says
I have never used Shea butter but I would imagine it would work. Let me know. 🙂
MrsGunsoul says
I didn’t have lemon or lavender, so I Googled around and substituted them with peppermint and cinnamon EO’s. Tea tree I had, luckily. Now my face smells like mulled wine and peppermint and I kinda love it 😀
Kelli says
Too funny! 🙂
April says
This is absolutely by far the BEST acne spot treatment I have ever used. I made it on Monday, started using it that evening, and the next morning I noticed a HUGE difference in the cystic pimple I had on my chin, the redness was reduced and the pain almost gone. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
April says
I ended up using coconut oil instead of Shea Butter. If I change it up, I’ll let you know. I’m absolutely loving it.
Christa says
Do you leave this on or wash it off after a certain amount of time ? Gonna try this!
Kelli says
I’m so glad, April! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Kelli says
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, April! 🙂
Addie says
What if you don’t have melaluca essential oil? Or the other one
shailyn says
I have a question: it does not matter the type of skin? Because mine is kind o mixed… Thanks.
Jewelry says
I have read that castor oil is also great at reducing cysts. I may add some into this recipe.
jen says
Can I use sweet almond oil instead of coconut oil?
Kelli says
Great idea! Please let me know how it turns out.
Kelli says
Hi Shailyn,
It shouldn’t matter. Please let me know how this recipe works for you. Thanks.
Kelli says
Hi Addie,
The essential oil component is very important to this acne recipe. I would purchase one of them. Learn more about the health benefits of tea tree here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/04/tea-tree-oil-benefits_n_4818635.html. Hope this helps.
Kelli says
Hi Christa,
I would use it just like you would a store bought acne treatment. I typically leave my acne treatments on over night. I would think at least a few hours would be beneficial.
Alexandra says
HEllo!!
I just wanted to ask.. for how long can be stored in the refrigerator??
Does it matter if the jar is plastic?
Thanks a lot!!Anne says
I can’t stand lavender. Could that be skipped or something else substituted? (I know I’m weird but at least I married someone who feels the same way about it!)
Mandy says
Why coconut oil? It’s still an oil right? I would think this would make acne worse, or even cause more breakouts
Megan says
Can lemongrass be used in place of lemon?
Silva says
Hi Kelli, I can’t wait for my 18 year old son to try this! His acne has returned after 18 months and he is now waiting for the specialist appointment…. Thanks for sharing this!
Sharene says
Shea Butter would not be a good option in that it is not considered a carrier oil. You will need a carrier oil to allow the skin to absorb the essential oils that are being used. Coconut oil is a pretty good carrier oil as well as sweat almond oil, jojoba oil and extra virgin olive oil. 🙂 Also, use caution when using citris essential oils like lemon and orange oil as they cause the skin to be more prone to redness if you are out in the sun directly after usage.
Kelli says
Great, Silva! I hope it helps him. 🙂
Kelli says
Nope, it doesn’t. Coconut oil is very good for your skin.
Kelli says
I’ve never tried another essential oil. Please let me know how it works for you. Thanks!
Kelli says
Not sure, but I know glass is typically recommended.
Kelli says
I’ve never used lemongrass, but you can give it a try. Let me know how it works out.
Kelli says
I have never tried and I don’t know how good almond oil is for acne so I can really say. Sorry I am not more help.
See AlsoCinnamon Bun Overnight Oatspureandnatural2 says
I just whipped up a batch for my 12 year old son…thank goodness he likes the smell. I hope it works, will let you know. 🙂
Kelli says
Great! Keep me posted! 🙂
Shayna says
Hi! I am very excited to try this recipe! One question about storage…. EOs are supposed to be stored in dark glass containers, correct? Does this matter when making this recipe?
Crystal says
Im allergic to lavendar and was wondering if I could use something different instead?
Holly says
I have a store bought (actually ordered from Melaleuca Company) and this stuff works on a lot of stuff! Not just acne. Try it on bug bites and any other skin irritation. I love the stuff, but may have to try making my own next time!
Ava says
I can’t wait to try this! My acne is terrible right now.
Melissa says
Have you tried this for more than spot treatment? My son is suffering from breakouts on his arms and legs and I’m looking for something that I can rub across a bigger area.
Jen says
Hi Kelli,
Thanks for the recipe. I’m considering pouring this into lip balm tubes for ease of use on freshly cleaned skin. My husband gets terribly painful acne on his back and begs my to pop them! Ick!!! I hope this will be MY answered prayer. 🙂
I know glass is best. But, maybe with the dilution ratio it will be okay.Heather Farrell says
How has this worked for you because i dont have Lemon and im in dire need of an acne treatment
Kelli says
I have not tried it for that other body parts. Please let me know how it works for you. Thanks!
Kelli says
Thanks for sharing, Holly! 🙂
Kaly says
Can we add in sugar or an exfoliate so we can use it as a a
wash insteadDanielle says
Um, shea butter is absolutely a carrier. Plus, much better for acne prone skin. Coconut oil rates a 4 on the comedogenic scale while shea butter is a zero. Sweet Orange oil is not a phototoxic oil, but lemon is. You also dont have to be directly in the sun for you to have a phototoxic reqaction. Any exposure to UV rays could cause a reaction. That includes tanning beds.
Danielle says
It very well may. Coconut oil is extremely comedogenic. It rates a 4 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. A better oil for acne prone skin would be jojoba, argan, grapeseed, tamanu, emu, or hemp seed. Coconut oil has its benefits, but def isnt recommended for acne prone skin.
Danielle says
Lemongrass does dont have the same chemical constituents as lemon and has a max dermal application of 0.7% You would have to modify the amount if you wanted to replace the lemon.
Danielle says
Please be careful using coconut oil if you have acne prone skin. It is highly comedogenic. Lemon should only be used at night as it is phototoxic. Better carrier oils to use would be shea butter, mango butter, jojoba, argan, emu, tamanu, grapeseed, and hemp seed. For essential oils, Lavender is ok at reducing redness, and tea tree is great for anti bacterial but it stinks!! Since most acne is hormonal, clary sage and geranium are wonderful for balancing. Blue Yarrow is a great one for fighting acne, as well as frankincense frereana. Also anything Calendula. I infuse calendula blossoms into grapeseed oil and use that as a base for all skin care. Its fabulous!
Anna says
Coconut oil is high on the comedogenic scale…. meaning it clogs pores. Wouldn’t another oil be better?
Christine says
We used lemongrass in a spray bottle with water and spray our dogs to ward off bugs. 🙂
Kelli says
Thanks for sharing, Christine!
Krystal says
If I were to add Clary sage or geranium eo, as you suggested, how many drops would you recommend? Also, should I omit the lemon eo, or leave it in the recipe? Thank you for the additional information to this excellent article!!
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Erin says
I’ve looked on several websites and coconut oils is safe for acne prone skin as long as it’s organic extra virgin coconut oil.
Erin says
So I’ve been using this recipe on my combination skin. I have hormonal acne the surfaces as cystic and whiteheads and it’s been working great. I also have been using it on my chest and back acne. It seems to be working but the results don’t come as fast as they did on my face. Thank you!!!
Kelli says
Glad to hear it, Erin! Thanks for sharing! 🙂 Kelli
Rhee says
How long can this be stored for?
Shilo says
When I had really bad acne I stopped eating acidic food like oranges hot sauce and tomatoe sauces. Then I started just washing my face with water and coco butter after that I squeezed fresh lemon juice into my hand and rubbed it all over my face. In 2 weeks my acne was almost all gone. That was after 1000$ of medications and creams that just dried my skin and never worked.
Linda says
If I was to use geranium oil, how much? And would I still use lemon oil?
Ryanne says
You are actually BOTH correct…and mistaken regarding the citrus oils being phototoxic. 😉
It all depends on the way in which your oil was PROCESSED. For instance, cold-pressed lemon and lime essential oils contain furanocoumarins, and should be used with EXTREME CAUTION regarding sun exposure…while their steam-distilled versions are sun-SAFE!
Just do your research and be diligent to get the RIGHT ones!
Let a few minutes of research be your ounce of prevention! …
My sister used Bergamot oil that was NOT steam-distilled before getting into a tanning bed…and the next day had to be transported, naked, by LifeFlight to the University of Utah burn Center where she spent three weeks in excruciating pain having the scarring layers of skin SCRUBBED HARD with abrasive scouring pads as she SCREAMED FOR DEATH to consume her…THREE TIMES PER DAY.
The bergamot oil had CONTINUED to cause deeper burning down thru THREE LAYERS of skin for DAYS following the exposure!
It would have KILLED her, had they not done what they had to…but it was HELL watching her go through that!
Here is ONE source of information…but as is wise in ALL things, NEVER take ONE reference…and run with it! “In the MULTITUDE of counselors there is wisdom”. Proverbs
Ryanne says
Oops…here’s the reference:
http://www.usingeossafely.com/phototoxic-essential-oils-which-ones-to-avoid-when-out-in-the-sun/
Ula says
Can shae butter work ?
Laura says
Love it, I have been using it for a little over a week and it is awesome. I get hormonal acne mostly on my chin and love that this doesn’t dry out my skin like store bought. It smells great. I am making more but putting in lip balm tubes to give to people at work.
Kelli says
That’s great, Laura! I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 Kelli
Jessica says
Can you use this for all over your face or just for zits that pop up here and there?
Missy says
Yes o have heard Castor oil I said best to use for acne too!! So does anyone have proof or pics on how this cleared up your face??
I have a teenager we have tried EVERYTHING AND even meds and don’t want to do that route cuz it didn’t work eitherDes says
Consider a change in nutrition, starting with eliminating all dairy products, including eggs. Beyond that, no processed foods and minimal sugar. I am living proof this worked for my cystic acne. I have suffered with it for years, taken the drugs. I wish I knew more about dietary contributions as a teen. At least now I can help my own kids.
Kate says
I love it! I mixed up a batch last night because I broke out horribly on one cheek and nothing was helping. Last night it was super irritated and red. I put some of this mixture on it last night before going to bed. I woke up this morning and the red is almost completely gone. Can’t wait to see what 2 full days worth will do.
Amy says
Ive seen you post a similar response on another essential oil topic and i didn’t comment Because the thread was a few years old; and I’m aware that this one is as well, but I am impressed by the way that you Inform and explain incorrect information posted by others. I feel like you are not condescending and you not only educate but you post the sources of your information. I am new to essential oil usage and I am obsessed with it! But I imcan always hungry for information on correct dilution, benefits, etc. I am sure that you are well aware that there’s a lot of incorrect information out there. I see a lot of cyber bullying in a lot of different forms in my constant quest for knowledge so I wanted to take a second and tell you that it is refreshing to see someone who informs people in a positive way. I think people absorb the information better if they are not talked down to…thank you for being a good human🥰
Marie Ano says
So happy to hear it helped Kate! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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