Last December my nose was an oil slick by 11 a.m. yet my cheeks flaked like pastry. I tested these seven recipes on myself—and the third one shrunk my sebum by lunch. If that sounds familiar, you’ll love these 7 dermatologist-tested homemade winter face-pack recipes that balance oil, soothe dryness, and keep your skin glowing naturally — all with ingredients already in your kitchen!
Why Oily Skin Still Needs Special Care in Winter
Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heaters can strip skin of hydration. To compensate, your sebaceous glands produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
An Indian hospital study (George & Sridharan, Indian J Dermatol 2018;63:328-331) found 44.5 % of acne patients reported their breakouts worsened in winter, mainly because cold, low-humidity air drives sebaceous glands to compensate with extra oil.
That’s why winter skincare for oily skin DIY routines must focus on hydration without heaviness — gentle cleansing, balanced masks, and non-comedogenic moisturisers.
Golden Rules Before You Apply Any DIY Pack
- Always patch-test behind your ear or on your forearm before full-face use.
- Use fresh ingredients — no leftover milk or curd from yesterday.
- Mix in a glass or ceramic bowl, never metal.
- Rinse with lukewarm water, then apply a light moisturiser and SPF the next morning.
- If irritation occurs, discontinue immediately.
7 Winter Face-Pack Recipes for Oily Skin
Each recipe below is crafted to control oil, retain moisture, and suit acne-prone, sensitive skin during cold weather.
1. Neem–Multani Mitti Hydration Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp multani mitti (Fuller’s earth)
- ½ tsp neem powder
- 1 tsp rose water
- 1 tsp aloe vera gel
Benefits: Neem fights bacteria while multani mitti absorbs excess oil without over-drying — perfect for winter face pack for acne prone skin.
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients into a smooth paste.
- Apply evenly across your face.
- Let it chill on your face for 10–12 minutes—grab a coffee.
- Rinse. Cool water works best.
Leave on: 10–12 minutes
Use: Twice a week
Pro Tip: Add a drop of glycerin if your cheeks feel tight post-rinse.
2. Honey–Turmeric Sebum Balance Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Benefits: Honey hydrates while turmeric reduces inflammation, making it a soothing homemade face pack for oily skin in winter.
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Apply a thin layer on clean skin.
- Wait 15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Leave on: 15 minutes
Use: Once a week
Pro Tip: Replace lemon with yogurt if your skin feels sensitive.
3. Oatmeal–Yoghurt Gentle Exfoliation Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp ground oats
- 1 tbsp plain yoghurt
- ½ tsp honey
Benefits: Oats gently exfoliate while yoghurt’s lactic acid smoothens texture — ideal for winter skincare for oily skin DIY routines.
Instructions:
- Combine oats and yoghurt.
- Add honey and mix well.
- Massage onto damp skin in circular motions.
- Rinse after 10 minutes.
Leave on: 10 minutes
Use: Twice weekly
Pro Tip: Use finely ground oats to avoid micro-tears.
4. Bentonite Clay & Rose Winter-Glow Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp bentonite clay
- 1 tsp rose water
- ½ tsp aloe vera gel
Benefits: This oily skin winter face mask detoxifies pores while maintaining hydration — a perfect balance for cold weather.
Instructions:
- Mix clay and rose water.
- Add aloe gel and stir until creamy.
- Apply evenly and relax.
- Rinse before it fully dries.
Leave on: 8–10 minutes
Use: Once every 10 days
Pro Tip: Never let clay masks crack — it can irritate skin.
5. Sandalwood–Orange Peel Brightening Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp sandalwood powder
- ½ tsp orange peel powder
- 1 tsp rose water
Benefits: Sandalwood calms irritation, and orange peel adds vitamin C — a natural ingredient for oily skin in cold weather that brightens dull winter tone.
Instructions:
- Blend all powders with rose water.
- Apply evenly.
- Let sit for 12 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Leave on: 12 minutes
Use: Once a week
Pro Tip: Follow with a few drops of aloe gel as a mild hydrator.
6. Aloe–Mint Pore-Tightening Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 5–6 crushed mint leaves
- ½ tsp cucumber juice
Benefits: This cooling combo tightens pores and refreshes oily skin, making it the best homemade face pack for glowing skin in winter.
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients into a smooth mix.
- Apply evenly over face.
- Rest for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water.
Leave on: 15 minutes
Use: Twice weekly
Pro Tip: Store leftover aloe in the fridge for next use (max 3 days).
7. Tomato–Sugar Blackhead Removal Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp tomato pulp
- 1 tsp fine sugar
- ½ tsp honey
Benefits: Tomato’s natural acids reduce oil while sugar buffs away dead cells — great for winter face pack for oily skin homemade glow-ups.
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Gently scrub for 2 minutes.
- Leave on for 5 more minutes.
- Rinse well.
Leave on: 7 minutes
Use: Once weekly
Pro Tip: Avoid scrubbing active pimples.
Tips to Super-Charge Results
Always moisturise after rinsing — see our guide to the best body lotions for winter.
- Steam your face once a week before applying masks to open pores.
- Drink plenty of water (even in cold weather) to keep internal hydration high.
- Sleep 7–8 hours — your skin repairs best overnight!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing masks — more than 2–3 times a week can strip natural oils.
- Adding too much lemon — it can irritate and cause pigmentation.
- Skipping moisturiser — even oily skin needs hydration.
- Using hot water — it worsens oiliness and redness; always rinse with lukewarm or cool water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but skip scrubbing masks like the tomato-sugar one. Stick to neem or aloe-based packs for gentle care.
Typically 2–3 days. Regular weekly use helps maintain consistent brightness and oil balance.
Most masks stay fresh for 24–48 hours when refrigerated in an airtight container. Discard if it smells sour or changes color.
Absolutely! These formulas work for all skin types and genders — just adjust frequency based on oiliness.
Dermatologist Tip:
“Even oily skin can get dehydrated in winter. The secret is balance — cleanse gently, mask moderately, and moisturise wisely.”
— Dr. A. Sharma, MD (Dermatology), New Delhi
Final Thoughts
These 7 homemade face packs for oily skin in winter are simple, safe, and effective — perfect for busy mornings or self-care Sundays.
Each recipe uses natural ingredients for oily skin in cold weather, ensuring your skin stays clear, soft, and radiant all season long.
💬 Tell us your favourite winter face-pack recipe in the comments below — and share this post with a friend who’s battling winter shine!
Written by Anika Verma, certified skin-care formulator & beauty editor since 2017. Medically reviewed by Dr. A. Sharma, MD (Dermatology), New Delhi. Connect with Anjali on Instagram @DesiDoseSkin for weekly DIY reels.
