The moringa tree is also known as the Miracle Tree and the Tree of Life. It’s considered a superfood because the leaves are packed with vitamins A, B, and C, manganese, and protein, and the seeds contain potassium, fiber, and magnesium. This DIY mask contains moringa seed oil and moringa leaf powder to create an incredibly skin-loving product.
This mask recipe was designed with combination skin in mind. The amount of kaolin clay creates a thick but spreadable texture. If you have dry skin, you can use less kaolin clay as shown in the DIY Lavender Clay Face Mask. If you have oily skin, increase the amount of clay as shown in the DIY Sea Clay Mask. Find all of our clay mask recipes below.
- DIY Rose Clay Face Mask
- DIY Sea Clay Face Mask
- DIY Turmeric Clay Face Mask
- DIY Lavender Clay Face Mask
This mask is lightly scented with the Spa Essential Oil Blend. It’s a complex blend of lavender fine essential oil, bergamot essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and more. If you have sensitive skin, you can omit the essential oil completely. Read more about recipe substitutions below.
A few notes about recipe substitutions and changes:
- Polawax Emulsifying Wax is a highly reliable and strong emulsifier. It could be substituted for the generic version, Emulsifying Wax, if you prefer, although this recipe was not tested with Emulsifying Wax. Due to the clay in the recipe, we splurged and used Polawax Emulsifying Wax to avoid any chance of separation.
- This recipe calls for avocado and moringa seed oil. Other oils can be used instead if you prefer; we recommend staying with liquid oils that absorb easily into the skin. Changing the total amount of oil in the recipe will change the overall texture of the mask.
- Because this recipe is essentially a lotion and contains a large amount of water, a preservative is necessary to prevent mold and bacterial growth. We chose Optiphen, but other water-soluble preservatives will work. Learn more about preservatives here.
- Increase the total amount of clay if you want it to be better suited for oily skin, or decrease the amount to make it better for dry skin. Decreasing the amount of clay may create a thinner product.
- If you prefer to use different clays, feel free to swap them. Clays have different absorbing properties, which will affect how it feels on the skin. Learn which clay is right for your skin.
- If you have very sensitive skin, fragrance and essential oils can be irritating. Omit from the recipe if you prefer.
- Green tea extract can be substituted with a different extract if you prefer. Find more extracts here.
Click below to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cartMoringa Clay Mask DIY
What You’ll Need:
Four 8 oz. Bail Jars
21.4 oz. Distilled Water
1 oz. Moringa Seed Oil
1.3 oz. Avocado Oil
1 oz. Polawax Emulsifying Wax
0.8 oz. BTMS-50 Conditioning Emsulifier
6 oz. Kaolin Clay
0.2 oz. Moringa Leaf Powder
2 mL Spa Essential Oil Blend
0.5 oz. Green Tea Extract
0.2 oz. Optiphen
Moringa Clay Mask Label Template
Find the supplies you need for this project below
EQUIPMENT PREP: Disinfect your utensils by dipping them in a 5% bleach water solution and allowing to dry. This includes mixing containers, your stick blender, and any spoons or spatulas that may come in contact with your mask. Your products must be as free of germs, bacteria, and microbes as possible. To be safe, bleach water all your utensils.
CLAY PREP: In a small container, add 6 oz. of kaolin clay and 0.2 oz. of moringa leaf powder. Mix together.
ONE: In a heat-safe container, combine 1.3 oz. of avocado oil, 1 oz. of moringa seed oil, 0.8 oz. of BTMS-50, and 1 oz. of Polawax. Heat the container in the microwave using 30-60 second bursts until the waxes fully melt. Be careful when removing the container as it will be hot. Set aside.
TWO: In a separate large container, heat 21.4 oz. of distilled water in the microwave until it reaches about 160-170 ° F. Some water may evaporate during this process. If necessary, remeasure and add more distilled water until you have 21.4 oz. of hot water.
THREE: Check the temperatures of both containers. Each container should be about 160° F. If the oil and wax has cooled, place back into the microwave until fully melted. Place the stick blender into the water, and burp it to help get rid of bubbles. Pour the oil and wax mixture into the water and use a spatula to make sure every little bit is added. Begin pulsing the stick blender. The mixture will take on a “milky” appearance once the water, oil, and waxes have started to emulsify. Continue to pulse and stir for about a minute.
FOUR: Begin adding heaping spoonfuls of the kaolin clay and moringa leaf powder and pulsing the stick blender until combined. Continue to add the clay to the mixture and blend in small amounts until all the clay is added.
FIVE: Continue stick blending for about one to two minutes. Use a spatula to scrape down any clay that may be on the sides of the bowl. Check the temperature of the mixture. Once the mixture is about 130-140°F, add 0.2 oz. of Optiphen, 2 mL of Spa Essential Oil Blend, and 0.5 oz. of green tea extract. Stick blend (don’t forget to burp the stick blender) the ingredients until fully mixed.
SIX: Pour the mixture into the bail jars. If there are bubbles on the top, you can spritz with alcohol to help get rid of some of them. Allow the containers to cool for several hours with the lid open to prevent condensation.
Once fully cooled, the mixture will be a thick, lotion-like texture. To use, apply a medium layer to dry, clean skin. Avoid the immediate eye area. Allow the mask to sit on the skin for about 10-15 minutes. Use warm water to rinse off. There is no need to wash the skin after, but you can if you prefer.
- Four 8 oz. Bail Jars
- 21.4 oz. Distilled Water
- 1 oz. Moringa Seed Oil
- 1.3 oz. Avocado Oil
- 1 oz. Polawax Emulsifying Wax
- 0.8 oz. BTMS-50 Conditioning Emsulifier
- 6 oz. Kaolin Clay
- 0.2 oz. Moringa Leaf Powder
- 2 mL Spa Essential Oil Blend
- 0.5 oz. Green Tea Extract
- 0.2 oz. Optiphen
- Moringa Clay Mask Label Template
- In a heat-safe container, combine 1.3 oz. of avocado oil, 1 oz. of moringa seed oil, 0.8 oz. of BTMS-50, and 1 oz. of Polawax. Heat the container in the microwave using 30-60 second bursts until the waxes fully melt. Be careful when removing the container as it will be hot. Set aside.
- In a separate large container, heat 21.4 oz. of distilled water in the microwave until it reaches about 160-170 ° F. Some water may evaporate during this process. If necessary, remeasure and add more distilled water until you have 21.4 oz. of hot water.
- Check the temperatures of both containers. Each container should be about 160° F. If the oil and wax has cooled, place back into the microwave until fully melted. Place the stick blender into the water, and burp it to help get rid of bubbles. Pour the oil and wax mixture into the water and use a spatula to make sure every little bit is added. Begin pulsing the stick blender. The mixture will take on a “milky” appearance once the water, oil, and waxes have started to emulsify. Continue to pulse and stir for about a minute.
- Begin adding heaping spoonfuls of the kaolin clay and moringa leaf powder and pulsing the stick blender until combined. Continue to add the clay to the mixture and blend in small amounts until all the clay is added.
- Continue stick blending for about one to two minutes. Use a spatula to scrape down any clay that may be on the sides of the bowl. Check the temperature of the mixture. Once the mixture is about 130-140°F, add 0.2 oz. of Optiphen, 2 mL of Spa Essential Oil Blend, and 0.5 oz. of green tea extract. Stick blend (don’t forget to burp the stick blender) the ingredients until fully mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the bail jars. If there are bubbles on the top, you can spritz with alcohol to help get rid of some of them. Allow the containers to cool for several hours with the lid open to prevent condensation. Once fully cooled, the mixture will be a thick, lotion-like texture. To use, apply a medium layer to dry, clean skin. Avoid the immediate eye area. Allow the mask to sit on the skin for about 10-15 minutes. Use warm water to rinse off. There is no need to wash the skin after, but you can if you prefer.
It’s such a pleasure learning from you. Your blog post is always catchy and easy to read.
I made a mask with red clay in it and it would not thicken up or harden. I am not sure what I did wrong. Should I add more clay to the mixture or more melted emulsifying wax?
If you would like the mask thicker you may want to use a little more of the Emulsifying Wax. Depending on how much of the red clay you already used you could also try adding a bit more of that. We used 6 oz Kaolin Clay in this recipe.
Emulsifying Wax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Emulsifying-Wax-P4896.aspx
I just received all the ingredients to make this mask and am excited to get started! But…do I have to use a stick blender to make the clay mask or could I just use a hand mixer? Would it turn out the same?
Thank you!
We recommend using a stick blender in this recipe and other emulsifications to help keep the product from separating.
Stick Blender: https://www.brambleberry.com/Stick-Blender-P5245.aspx
Hello I love the mask of Moringa and clay. I have a preservative Phenonip so I’ll take the optiphen instead?
You can use Phenonip or Optiphen in this recipe, both work well.
Phenonip: https://www.brambleberry.com/Phenonip-P4038.aspx
Hello,
I just made four 8oz bail jars of Moringa clay mask and i was wondering if you could help me with an estimated suggested retail price on selling each jar for at a crafting show
Thank you
The retail price depends on a number of factors, including materials, labor, the market you’re in, etc. This post helps you break it down so you can calculate the cost: https://www.soapqueen.com/business/much-charge-products/
Hello
What is the difference between optiphen and optiphen ND?
For the mask can which one is better to use?
Thank you
Optiphen ND works well for water-based recipes like perfume or toner, while Optiphen works best for oil based or oil and water recipes. We recommend Optiphen for these masks because they’re a mix of both.
Optiphen: https://www.brambleberry.com/Optiphen-P3682.aspx
Learn more about preservatives here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/talk-it-out-tuesday-preservatives/
Haii, thanks for the information, i’m interested to make face mask and i cant wait to try the recipe. but i want to know, why you choose BTMS-50 and polawax as a emulsifier? do you have specific reason because almost the recipe you use both of them?
thanks before 🙂
Polawax and BTMS-50 are strong emulsifiers that help keep the oils and water mixed together, and BTMS-50 adds conditioning properties. We recommend that combination for best results.
Can I use only E wax ?
Can’t wait to try this! But I do have a question. I’m looking for a body cream I can make for myself that’s similar to Tree Hut’s Shea Body Butter. I love this product but some of the ingredients don’t seem skin loving. Since my skin is extremely dry OTC products seem to make my skin worse. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I’m not familiar with that product, but we have some great shea butter recipes. The Whipped Champagne Shea Butter is made with just a few ingredients and it feels super moisturizing on the skin: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/12-days-christmas-whipped-champagne-shea-butter/
If you prefer something a bit lighter, this Argan and Shea Lotion is an option: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/argan-shea-lotion/
As is this lotion recipe: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/make-lotion-scratch-soap-queen-tv/
Thank you so much for the information. I was browsing your lotion tutorials and came across the Sultry Jasmine Body Lotion and believe this one may be similar…Their’s is a smooth, thicker body cream. Can’t wait to try the Jasmine recipe..Thanks so very much foe all you do..
You’re welcome. The Sultry Jasmine Lotion is thicker – it feels really nice on the skin.
Sultry Jasmine Lotion: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/jasmine-lotion-tutorial/
So, another question that is probably quite stupid. How do I measure the different ingredients? The oils I assume are liquid measure, standard US ounces. How about the clay? Is 6oz measured with a dry measuring cup like you’d measure flour, or is it 6oz by weight? How about things like the wax? Measure by weight or by volume, or melt it and measure by liquid? I’m about to purchase mixing containers and measuring implements and I’m not sure what I need.
I can’t edit my comment, so: Could you recommend the tools I need? I’m guessing that I want a stick blender, an 8oz microwaveable container to melt the wax and such in, a 2 quart microwaveable bowl for the water and the eventual mask mixture, and implements to measure the various ingredients. And some spatulas. Is that about right?
When we say ounces in this recipe, we mean ounces by weight. So one of the tools you’ll need is a scale. Place your container on the scale, zero it out, and measure out each ingredient.
The only ingredient that’s measured by volume is the essential oil. You can use these droppers to measure it out: https://www.brambleberry.com/Droppers-With-Suction-Bulb-P3802.aspx
As for the other tools, your list is right on. You’ll need a stick blender, an 8 oz. container, a larger bowl for the entire mixture, and you can also have a small cup for the clay (or just melt the oils and wax in the large mixing container). Spatulas will help you get all the mask into the jars.
Excellent, thank you. Kitchen scale, stick blender, 8oz container, spatulas, dropper, bowl. I have a 2 and 1/2 quart bowl — the four bail jars hold about a quart of mask by volume, and even though we’re measuring by weight, I don’t think it can possibly be more than double that quart. The recipe would specify more or bigger jars if it were. …I hope.
One last question, I’m so sorry. I assume the Optiphen is also measured by weight? Will it mess something up if there’s a little bit more than the 0.2 ounces? Scales that measure that small of an amount accurately are pretty expensive. The one I have at home does measure in tenths of an ounce, but when you only put one or two tenths of weight on there, the weight is so slight it sometimes doesn’t register accurately.
You can convert the Optiphen to mL and measure it with the dropper to make it a bit easier. The .2 oz. is about 6 mL.
This is probably a dumb question, but… it says that I could leave out the essential oils. Could I use a different oil instead? For this mask or any of the other clay masks? I’m interested in making my own because, while my skin probably wouldn’t notice if I attacked it with steel wool, I’m very sensitive to scents. The drugstore mask options seem to be limited to things like cucumber and avocado or have no particular scent. I’d like to be able to choose my own, maybe something like vanilla or chocolate, or honey.
Absolutely, you can add any skin-safe essential or fragrance oil to our recipes. That’s one of the benefits of making it from scratch.
Essential oils: https://www.brambleberry.com/Essential-Oils-C157.aspx
Fragrance oils: https://www.brambleberry.com/Fragrance-Oils-C161.aspx
We recommend using the light usage rate on our Fragrance Calculator because the scent can be pretty strong right by your nose: https://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
Can I use only BTMS 50 in this recipe and how much do you recommend ? I don’t have polawax on hand.
Thank you !
Yes, you can use all BTMS-50, just add 1 more ounce to cover the Polawax. It will make the mask feel slightly different. I’d recommend making a small test batch to see what you think of the consistency.
I do not have a microwave. Can I use a double boiler instead?
Since not everybody have a microwave, it would be helpful if Brambleberry Inc or SoapQueen provides alternative methods in recipes.
Thanks!!
Yes, a double boiler will work for this recipe and any others that call for a microwave.
Could you make this a dry face mask? You would take some of the powdered mask in your hands mix with water and apply it to your face. Would you use the same ratio 6oz Kaolin clay and .2oz Moringa Powder?
Thank you
Yes, you can just mix the powders together and add water to use. You can use the same amount as the recipe above. You may also like this dry Silky Coconut Milk Face Mask: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/soaks-and-scrubs/silky-coconut-milk-face-mask/
Excited to try this! I don’t have btms 50 on hand, can I sub it with something else or leave it out completely? I understand that may change the product feel.
You can use all Polawax in this recipe. It won’t have the conditioning properties BTMS-50 does but it should get the water and oil emulsified.
What are the consequences of optiphen on health? Glands? Hormones? I am curious and new to DIY products and wish to know the ingredients I use. Thanks 🙂
Our Optiphen is skin-safe and approved for use in products by the FDA. It is a necessary ingredient in this recipe as it helps prevent mold and bacteria.
Learn more about preservatives here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/talk-it-out-tuesday-preservatives/
Where should the mask jar be stored? Room temperature or refrigerator?
How long does it last in both cases? Thanks
These masks have a shelf life of 3-6 months. They store best in a cool, dry place like a garage or basement. You can store them in the fridge if you like. Learn more about storing products here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
This recipe looks really good but, I wanna know if it’s possible to have a mix of moringa and turmeric in one clay mask? I really want to give that a try. What do you think, pls?
Yes, you can add turmeric if you like. We used 0.2 oz. in this recipe: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/diy-tumeric-clay-face-mask/
I would recommend adding the same or less in your mask. Too much may transfer to the skin.
Turmeric powder: https://www.brambleberry.com/Turmeric-Powder-P6742.aspx