DIY Emulsifying Cleansing Balm with Blue Tansy Oil

Learn to make a DIY emulsifying cleansing balm with blue tansy oil. This brilliantly blue cleansing balm recipe is a treat for your skin, helping to moisturize and soothe as it melts away makeup. It contains a natural emulsifier for effortless makeup removal. Plus, it’s inexpensive, all-natural, and easy to make in your kitchen, saving you money on expensive brand name cleansing balms.

If you’re a skincare connoisseur, you likely know that cleansing balms and blue tansy oil are two of the hottest trends right now. So it only made sense to combine the two for this luxurious emulsifying cleansing balm recipe.

I’m all for splurging on a good, non-toxic beauty product when I feel it’s truly worth it – just not on a product that ends up in the bathroom sink.

That’s why I prefer to make my own makeup removers, and to save the spending for products that really count.

But homemade doesn’t have to mean boring. All you need is a few natural ingredients to make a DIY emulsifying cleansing balm that looks and feels similar to an expensive store bought product.

I already have a simple cleansing balm, but this particular recipe contains a non-toxic emulsifier to truly emulsify your makeup. Blue tansy essential oil adds a beautiful colour and soothing properties, elevating this makeup remover to a spa-like experience.

Before we get into how to make this easy cleansing balm recipe, I’ll guide you through some of its benefits. And if you aren’t inclined to DIY, this multitasking blue tansy balm is the closest store bought alternative.

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DIY cleansing balm with emulsifier

Many homemade cleansing balm recipes contain simple mixtures of oils and waxes. And there’s nothing wrong with this if you’re looking for an easy, no-frills DIY makeup remover.

Oil and wax definitely work to emulsify and remove makeup. However, they tend to leave an oily residue behind.

When not followed by a second cleanser, this oily residue can lead to acne and other skin issues. This is why the oil cleansing method can cause problems for some people, which I go into more detail about in my post on DIY cleansing oil.

This cleansing balm is different from most recipes. It quickly and easily melts away makeup, and after cleansing, it wipes off clean with minimal residue.

This is made possible by one of my favourite naturally-derived emulsifiers, which I’ll reveal more about in a moment.

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Benefits of blue tansy essential oil for skin

From this soothing facial oil to this opulent skin balm, blue tansy essential oil is everywhere.

And for good reason – besides the gorgeous azure colour that it imparts to products, blue tansy oil has a multitude of skin benefits.

Of all the blue essential oils, such as yarrow, cypress, and chamomile, blue tansy is the bluest of all. This is because it has the highest concentration of the anti-inflammatory compound chamazulene.

Chamazulene is a potent antioxidant that helps scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation. It has also been shown to have anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activity.

In theory, this means that blue tansy oil could help skin conditions linked to inflammation, such as rosacea, eczema, and acne, according to dermatologist Dr. Yoram Harth. However, the evidence is not yet conclusive.

Aside from its uses for skin, blue tansy essential oil also has aromatherapeutic benefits. Its bright, herbaceous scent helps lessen anxiety and promote a sense of calm.

For this reason, using blue tansy products can help you relax while you care for your skin.

Some of the best skincare products with blue tansy oil:

• Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
• Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil
• Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Mask
• Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Solid Serum
• The Yellow Bird Balancing Blue Tansy Face Oil
• Laila London Healing Blue Tansy Beauty Balm

Ingredients for DIY emulsifying cleansing balm

Blue tansy essential oil

A few drops of calming blue tansy oil adds a soothing aroma and turns this cleansing balm a beautiful shade of blue.

To be safe, I kept the concentration of blue tansy oil in this recipe low. If you have very sensitive skin, you may even wish to omit it completely.

You should always exercise caution when using skincare products that contain essential oils. All essential oils have the capacity to irritate skin, even those that are purported to be soothing.

If irritation develops, always discontinue use and consult your doctor or dermatologist.

As well, always make sure to get your essential oils from reputable sources. I like this particular brand of blue tansy oil.

MCT oil (Capric/caprylic triglycerides)

You might know MCT oil as a ketogenic diet aid, but a lesser known fact is that it’s a great skincare oil, too.

MCT oil is derived from coconut or palm oil. However, MCT oil does not have the same comedogenic qualities as those oils.

The fractionation process, which separates fatty acids, reduces MCT oil to only two fatty acids: capric acid and caprylic acid.

Not only does fractionation make MCT oil liquid at room temperature, but it also makes it tolerable to a wider range of skin types.

That’s why capric/caprylic triglycerides are used in so many dermatologically-approved skincare products.

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Capric and caprylic acid have antibacterial properties, so they’re unlikely to exacerbate acne. Yeast on the skin also won’t eat them, making topical MCT oil safe for those with fungal acne and issues like seborrheic dermatitis as well.

I like using MCT oil in DIY skincare products because it’s completely saturated. It lacks unsaturated fatty acids, meaning it has a very long shelf life.

MCT oil also won’t oxidize in the presence of heat, which is important since I recommend removing this emulsifying cleansing balm with a hot, wet washcloth.

White beeswax

Beeswax is a great alternative to texture-enhancers such as petroleum and silicones, which can be problematic for some skin types.

In this recipe, beeswax helps emulsify while creating a smooth and velvety consistency. But aside from its thickening properties, it also helps moisturize and nourish skin.

Even if you have sensitive skin, beeswax can still work for you. I used triple-filtered white beeswax for this emulsifying cleansing balm, which is far less allergenic than regular yellow beeswax.

If you’re severely allergic to bee products or simple wish to avoid them for ethical reasons, candelilla wax or sunflower wax are good vegan alternatives.

Olivem 1000

Olivem 1000 (also called olive emulsifying wax) is a PEG-free, naturally derived mild surfactant and emulsifier.

True to its name, it’s made from olive lipids, and its high fatty acid content helps to nourish and condition the skin.

I like Olivem 1000 for many reasons, one being how simple it is to use. It’s made of waxy flakes that are easily melted and incorporated into a product, helping to thicken and enhance texture.

Olivem 1000 has a rich, silky skin feel, but it’s also very viscous. As a result, you’ll need a hot washcloth to remove the balm.

Vitamin E oil

Adding vitamin E is optional, but I chose to include it for its potent antioxidant properties.

Chamazulene is unstable and begins oxidizing when exposed to air. Over time, this process causes blue tansy oil to turn from bright blue to green. Vitamin E’s antioxidant capacity helps slow down this process.

It’s important to watch your essential oil’s colour. Once blue tansy oil turns green, it’s been oxidized, meaning it’s no longer safe to use.

Spoiled essential oils can cause a host of unpleasant effects, including skin rashes and burns. For more information, see this article on oxidized essential oil dangers.

Blue spirulina powder

To deepen this cleansing balm’s azure colour without adding too much essential oil, I opted to add blue spirulina powder.

I chose blue spirulina solely for its colour, but it turns out that the pigment responsible for its bright hue, phycocyanin, also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

How to make DIY emulsifying cleansing balm

For detailed instructions and ingredient measurements, please consult the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. In a small double boiler or Turkish coffee pot, begin by melting Olivem 1000 and your wax of choice on medium heat.
2. Then, add the MCT oil. Once the mixture is completely liquified, turn off the heat.
3. Whisk in the blue spirulina powder and let the balm cool for a few minutes.
4. Add the vitamin E oil and blue tansy essential oil and whisk to incorporate.
5. Pour the cleansing balm into a glass jar. (A Turkish coffee pot’s lip makes this easy.) Replace the lid on the jar and place the balm into the refrigerator to harden for about 30-40 minutes.

How to use your emulsifying cleansing balm

To use your balm, start with dry skin.

Scoop out a generous amount with a clean cosmetic spoon. If using your fingers, make sure they are clean and dry, as introducing water into your balm can cause bacteria and mold to grow in the jar.

Massage the cleansing balm into your skin with gentle, circular motions until your makeup is milky and emulsified.

This is also a great opportunity to give yourself a facial massage to encourage circulation and lymphatic drainage. You could even use a gua sha tool at this time, as the cleansing balm provides a slick surface for it to work.

To remove the balm, soak a washcloth in hot water and place it over your face for a few moments. Then, gently glide the cloth across your skin to remove all traces of makeup.

You may need to repeat this step more than once. Be gentle and don’t tug, especially around the delicate eye area.

Once your skin looks visibly clean, follow it up with a second cleanser to remove any residue.

I recommend a gentle one such as this ceramide cleanser or natural micellar water. You could even make your own micellar water with my DIY recipe.

Or, if you’re looking for a homemade cleanser that rinses clean with no residue, you might like my emulsifying cleansing oil recipe.

I recommend using this balm at night to remove makeup, not as a morning cleanse. In the morning, a gentle cleanser or splash of water is likely enough.

It’s important not to disrupt your skin’s moisture barrier any more than you need to. But even if you don’t wear makeup, this cleansing balm is a great way to nourish dry, sensitive skin while giving yourself a bit of extra self-care.

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DIY Emulsifying Cleansing Balm Recipe

This DIY emulsifying cleansing balm recipe is a treat for your skin, helping to moisturize and soothe as it melts away makeup. It contains a natural emulsifier for for effortless makeup removal. Plus, blue tansy essential oil calms and soothes sensitive skin.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: DIY Skin Care

Cuisine: DIY Beauty

Servings: 1 jar

Author: Kyla

What You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup capric/caprylic triglycerides or MCT oil
• 2 tbsp white filtered beeswax pellets see vegan substitutions below
• 1 tsp Olivem 1000
• 10 drops blue tansy essential oil
• 1/4 tsp vitamin E oil optional
• 1 tsp blue spirulina powder optional

Instructions

• In a small double boiler or turkish coffee pot, begin by melting Olivem 1000 and your wax of choice on medium heat.
• Once the two have melted, add the MCT oil. The wax may re-solidify at this point, so whisk until any clumps have dissipated. Once the mixture is completely liquified, turn off the heat.
• Whisk in the blue spirulina powder and let the balm cool for a few minutes.
• Add the vitamin E oil and blue tansy essential oil and whisk to incorporate. If the mixture begins to harden, place it briefly over the lowest possible heat and mix until liquified. Only use low heat as to not damage the fragile essential oil.
• Pour the cleansing balm into your glass jar of choice. (A Turkish coffee pot’s lip makes this easy.) Fasten the lid on the jar and place it in the fridge to harden.

Notes

Storage & shelf life

This emulsifying cleansing balm can be stored at room temperature. No preservative is required since this recipe is free of water.

MCT oil has a very long shelf life of 2 years or more. However, blue tansy essential oil will begin to oxidize as soon as it’s exposed to air, changing the chamazulene from blue to a mossy green.

It’s important to watch your cleansing balm’s colour. Once blue tansy oil turns green, it’s been oxidized, meaning it’s no longer safe to use.

Spoiled essential oils can cause a host of unpleasant effects, including skin rashes and burns. So, you should discard your blue tansy balm when it turns green.

For more information, see this article on oxidized essential oil dangers.

Substitutions

For a vegan option, you can substitute 1 tbsp of candelilla wax or sunflower wax for the 2 tbsp of beeswax, as both waxes are more dense.

More cleansing balm recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like these other homemade cleansing balms:

• DIY Exfoliating Cleansing Balm with Papaya Enzymes
• Lavender Cleansing Balm Recipe
• Simple DIY Makeup Remover Balm
• DIY Chocolate Cleansing Balm at Soap Deli News

And if you’re looking for more makeup removers that you can make at home, check these out:

• Natural DIY Micellar Water with Witch Hazel
• 2-Ingredient Cleansing Oil Recipe
• Green Tea Cleansing Oil

For even more natural DIY skincare recipes, follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

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