Honey For Oily Skin – 13 Best Ways To Use It Effectively

From scrubs to moisturizers - explore the easy ways to use honey to manage oily skin issues.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Gill, MBBCH, MRCP
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc
Fact-checked by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Be it pancakes, smoothies, sauces, or other beverages, honey goes well with everything, even your skin. This thick and rich ingredient can be used in various natural remedies for your skin care troubles. You can use honey for oily skin as it helps boost the health and wellness of your skin.

It can be your go-to solution for the issues faced due to oily skin. But how does honey benefit your skin? Let us find that out. This article discusses the benefits of honey and how you can use it. Keep reading!

Honey For Skin Care: Why Is It Good For Oily Skin?

Honey has been a part of skin care regimen since ancient ages. The Greeks and the Egyptians used honey for healing wounds. It finds mention in some of the oldest medical literature of the world for its great benefits. Here are reasons why honey is revered as an excellent medicine for your skin:

  • Natural and unheated honey is a great antibacterial agent. It kills a wide range of bacteria on your skin. Also, it has antimicrobial properties that help in alleviating many skin infections (1).
  • Honey can efficiently dehydrate the bacteria by drawing moisture out of the environment. Also, its high sugar content and low pH restricts bacterial growth (2).
  • Honey can inhibit the growth of dermatophyte Propionibacterium acne (3).
  • Honey regulates the pH balance of your skin and prevents wrinkle formation, giving you younger looking skin (4).

You can use honey in multiple ways.

How To Use Honey For Oily Skin?

As A Moisturizer

  1. Milk And Honey Face Wash
  2. Banana And Honey For Oily Skin
  3. Honey And Aloe Vera Face Mask

As A Scrub

  1. Honey, Sugar, And Almond Face Scrub
  2. Honey And Oatmeal Face Mask For Open Pores

For Rejuvenating Your Skin

  1. Honey And Olive Oil Face Mask
  2. Honey, Cucumber, And Milk Face Pack

As A Regular Face Mask

  1. Honey And Turmeric Face Pack
  2. Honey And Egg Face Pack For Oil Control

As A Natural Skin Brightening Agent

  1. Honey And Lemon Face Pack For Oily Skin
  2. Honey And Curd Face Pack

For Treating Acne

  1. Honey And Cinnamon Face Mask
  2. Honey And Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) Face Mask

While you can always use raw honey directly on your face, let’s check how exactly you can reap its full benefits.

Try The Below Honey Face Masks For Clear And Glowing Skin

As A Moisturizer

1. Milk And Honey Face Wash

Milk and honey face wash for oily skin
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • ½ cup organic honey
  • ½ cup milk
Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

5-10 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Mix the honey and milk in a bowl. Whisk it.
  2. Apply to your skin and let it dry.
  3. Wash with water.
How Often?

Once daily.

Why It Works

Milk and honey cleanse and nourish your skin. Both have a moisturizing effect on your skin and brighten it up.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Honey was the most popular Egyptian drug and is mentioned 500 times in 900 remedies. It is reported that almost all Egyptian medicines contained honey, along with wine and milk (5).

2. Banana And Honey For Oily Skin

Banana and honey for oily skin
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 ½ teaspoon organic honey or manuka honey
  • ½ banana
Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

10-15 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Mash the banana in a bowl.
  2. Add honey and mix.
  3. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  4. Wash with warm water.
How Often?

Twice or thrice a week.

Why It Works

Banana and honey have a hydrating effect on your skin and protect it from harmful free radicals. The antibacterial property of the honey prevents bacteria development on your skin.

3. Honey And Aloe Vera Face Mask

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of organic honey
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

5-10 minutes

What You Need To Do

  • Combine organic honey and fresh aloe vera gel in a small bowl.
  • Mix thoroughly to create a smooth paste.
  • Apply the mask evenly to your clean face. Avoid the eye area.
  • Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
  • Rinse it off with lukewarm water gently.

How Often?

Twice or thrice a week.

Why It Works

Both honey and aloe vera are both known for their skin-nourishing properties. Honey is a natural humectant, which allows it to draw and hold moisture in the skin (6). Aloe vera is rich in mucopolysaccharides that help bind moisture to the skin. It also stimulates collagen production and softens hardened skin cells (7).

As A Scrub

4. Honey, Sugar, And Almond Face Scrub

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (fine white or brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon organic honey
Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

5-10 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Mix the sugar and honey in a bowl.
  2. Apply it on your face and massage in a circular motion.
  3. Wash with warm water.
How Often?

Once a week.

Why It Works

The sugar helps in removing all the dead skin cells from your face, and the honey nourishes it and makes it glow

5. Honey And Oatmeal Face Mask For Open Pores

Honey and oatmeal face mask for open pores
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 2 tablespoon oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon honey
Prep Time

3 minutes

Treatment Time

10 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Put the oatmeal in a blender and powder it.
  2. Take a bowl and mix honey and the oatmeal powder.
  3. Apply to your face and neck and gently scrub.
  4. Wash with warm water.
How Often?

Once a week.

Why It Works

Oatmeal and honey have great healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Both are full of antioxidants, nourish your skin, and keep inflammation at bay.

For Rejuvenating Your Skin

6. Honey And Olive Oil Face Mask

Honey and olive oil face mask for oily skin
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice
Prep Time

4 minutes

Treatment Time

15-20 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Heat the olive oil a bit. (Check if your skin can tolerate the temperature.)
  2. Add honey and lemon juice to it and mix.
  3. Apply the mask on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  4. Wash your face with warm water and then cold water.
How Often?

Twice or thrice a week.

Why It Works

Olive oil and honey work wonders in shrinking pores while lemon cleanses the skin and brightens it up.

7. Honey, Cucumber, And Milk Face Pack

You Will Need
  • ½ cucumber (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
Prep Time

5 minutes

Treatment Time

20-30 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Put the cucumber pieces in a blender and make a coarse paste.
  2. Mix milk and honey with the cucumber paste.
  3. Apply it to your face and neck.
  4. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash.
How Often?

Twice or thrice daily.

Why It Works

This face pack is especially beneficial for acne prone and oily skin. It calms the skin, treats inflammation, and cleanses it thoroughly.

As A Regular Face Mask

8. Honey And Turmeric Face Pack

Honey and turmeric face pack for oily skin
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon organic honey
Prep Time

1 minute

Treatment Time

15- 20 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Mix the two ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  3. Wash with cold water.
How Often?

Twice or thrice a week.

Why It Works

Turmeric is well known for treating acne, relieving inflammation, and brightening the skin. This face pack is an excellent home remedy for skin infections, wounds, and any other issue.

9. Honey And Egg Face Pack For Oil Control

You Will Need
  • 1 egg white
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Prep Time

5 minutes

Treatment Time

10-15 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Whisk the lemon juice and egg white in a bowl until it becomes frothy.
  2. Add honey to the mixture and apply it to your face.
  3. Let it dry and then wash off.
How Often?

Once or twice a week.

Why It Works

Lemon has astringent properties that clear your skin and shrink the pores, thus controlling excessive sebum secretion. Honey makes your skin smooth and egg white tones it.

As A Natural Skin Brightening Agent

10. Honey And Lemon Face Pack For Oily Skin

Honey and lemon face pack for oily skin
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon organic honey
  • ½ lemon
Prep Time

1 minute

Treatment Time

10-15 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Squeeze the lemon into the honey and mix it well.
  2. Apply it all over your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Wash with warm water.
How Often?

Twice or thrice a week.

Why It Works

Lemon removes the dead skin cells from your skin, and clears acne and blackheads while honey has antibacterial properties. This face pack brightens up the skin with regular use.

11. Honey And Curd Face Pack

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon curd
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • A pinch of cinnamon
Prep Time

3 minutes

Treatment Time

10-15 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Take a bowl, and put the curd in it.
  2. Mix honey, nutmeg, and cinnamon and blend well.
  3. Apply it to your face and neck.
  4. Leave it to dry and then wash off.
How Often?

Twice a week.

Why It Works

Curd contains lactic acid that exfoliates your skin and brightens your complexion. Honey hydrates your skin and kills all bacteria and germs. Cinnamon detoxifies your skin while nutmeg diminishes fine lines and wrinkles.

Aireen, a makeup and skin care blogger, shares an important tip after trying a honey mask: “Honey is a natural antiseptic, and it can kill fungus/bacteria on our skin. Also, its sticky texture can trap all the gunks and blackheads embedded in our skin’s surface. Do not use this honey mask if you have dry skin though. It will make your skin even more dry. I personally rub some honey on my T-zone when I have the yogurt mask on (i).”

For Treating Acne

12. Honey And Cinnamon Face Mask

Honey and cinnamon face mask for oily skin
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey
Prep Time

1 minute

Treatment Time

10-20 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Mix the cinnamon powder with honey.
  2. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes maximum.
  3. Wash it off.
How Often?

Twice a week.

Why It Works

Both honey and cinnamon are antibacterial and help you get rid of acne and pimples. This is really beneficial for oily skin.

13. Honey And Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) Face Mask

You Will Need
  • ½ cup Fuller’s earth
  • 2 tablespoon honey
Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

15- 30 minutes

What You Need To Do
  1. Mix the multani mitti with honey. Add more honey if the consistency is too thick.
  2. Apply it to your face and neck and let it dry.
  3. Wash with warm water.
How Often?

Twice a week.

Why It Works

Fuller’s earth draws out all dirt from your skin, unclogging the pores. Honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that hydrate your skin, kill bacteria, and prevent acne and pimple.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can store honey in an airtight container for as long as you want as it never spoils. It has an eternal shelf life.

Infographic: 6 Ways To Use Honey For Oily Skin

Honey is liquid gold for the skin. This natural humectant has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that rejuvenate and heal the skin. When topically applied, it aids in reducing redness and puffiness. To make the best use of honey’s antibacterial and antiseptic properties on the skin, check out the infographic below.

6 ways to use honey for oily skin (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Honey for oily skin has been an integral part of skincare routines across different cultures since ancient times. Its antimicrobial properties inhibit bacterial growth on your skin and reduce skin infections. Honey also maintains the skin’s pH balance and keeps your skin looking young and smooth. Honey is such a versatile ingredient that it can be used with other ingredients such as lemon, curd, yogurt, or milk as a face wash, scrub, or moisturizer as part of your beauty routine. Be it oily skin, acne-prone skin, or any other skin issue, honey may be the answer to all your skincare woes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is aloe vera good for oily skin?

Yes, aloe vera is good for oily skin as it absorbs excess oil easily.

Can I sleep with honey on my face?

No, it is best to remove honey before you go to bed as it may attract dust and insects.

Can honey remove pimples overnight?

Honey can help reduce pimples, but it cannot do so overnight. It may take a few weeks of regular use to see the desired results.

Key Takeaways

  • Natural honey is a potent antimicrobial agent and may help prevent acne.
  • Honey’s low pH and high sugar content hinder wrinkle formation, giving you healthy-looking skin.
  • Natural and unheated honey may inhibit the growth of several bacteria on the skin as it is a great antibacterial agent.
  • You can combine honey with ingredients like milk, banana, turmeric, and cinnamon and use honey as a moisturizer, scrub, face mask, and acne treatment.
honey for oily skin

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Honey is great for oily skin. It helps to balance the skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. Watch this video to learn more!

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

    1. Antimicrobial effect of different types of honey on Staphylococcus aureus
      https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319562X16300870
    2. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
    3. Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/
    4. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review
      https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
    5. Traditional and Modern Uses of Natural Honey in Human Diseases: A Review
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758027/
    6. HONEY IN DERMATOLOGY AND SKIN CARE: A REVIEW
      https://www.irjmets.com/uploadedfiles/paper/issue_5_may_2023/39199/final/fin_irjmets1684399737.pdf
    7. A REVIEW ON ALOE VERA-THE WONDER MEDICINAL PLANT
      https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/230739652.pdf
  1. Antimicrobial effect of different types of honey on Staphylococcus aureus
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319562X16300870
  2. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
  3. Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/
  4. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
  5. Traditional and Modern Uses of Natural Honey in Human Diseases: A Review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758027/
  6. HONEY IN DERMATOLOGY AND SKIN CARE: A REVIEW
    https://www.irjmets.com/uploadedfiles/paper/issue_5_may_2023/39199/final/fin_irjmets1684399737.pdf
  7. A REVIEW ON ALOE VERA-THE WONDER MEDICINAL PLANT
    https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/230739652.pdf
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