In a world filled with increasingly complex beauty products, the proposition from essential oils and natural cosmetics expert Enrique Sanz Bascuñana is almost a rarity: a homemade facial cleanser crafted with two ingredients that mix in seconds and that work for virtually all skin types.
His recipe blends traditional soap-making, aromatic knowledge, and a deep understanding of how skin hydration functions. The secret, he explains, lies in uniting a high-quality rose hydrosol with the right amount of vegetable glycerine. With this, one obtains a product that cleanses, tones, prepares the skin to absorb subsequent treatments more effectively, and, moreover, can be stored for months without artificial preservatives.
Why the blend works so well
The success of any natural cosmetic formula owes as much to the properties of each ingredient on its own as to the synergy created by combining them.
Besides being effective, it is very economical. “Vegetable glycerine is very inexpensive, and the hydrosol is as well,” he notes. This makes the recipe an attractive alternative to commercial toners and cleansers, which often include drying alcohols or potentially irritating fragrances.
Why rose hydrosol for a facial cleanser
The first point Enrique emphasises is the role of the rose hydrosol, which is the aromatic water obtained when distilling rose petals (usually Rosa damascena or Rosa centifolia) to extract their essential oil. During that process, steam carries the flower’s compounds, and when it condenses, two products separate: the essential oil and the hydrosol, which is the aqueous portion commonly known as “rose water.”
Unlike rose essential oil, the hydrosol is much gentler but retains aromatic molecules and active constituents of the rose.
It is gentle, calming and suitable for all skin types, provided it is of good quality. Sanz states that it “causes no harm to any skin type” and that its function is to impart freshness, balance, and a delicate scent.
What glycerine does
The second key ingredient is vegetable glycerine, a natural polyol that appears during saponification, when a fat, such as coconut, soy, or palm oils, reacts with an alkali to form soap.
The result is a clear, colourless liquid with a faint sweetness, possessing a strong humectant effect capable of drawing moisture from the environment and keeping it on the skin’s surface.
How glycerine acts on the skin
Enrique recalls something that is often forgotten: “the skin does not absorb water,” but it can retain moisture either from within or from external humectants. When used in the correct proportion, glycerine helps to maintain that moisture in the epidermis, softening the skin and improving comfort.
That said, it warns that “if you overdo it, it will dehydrate you,” which is why it is vital to adjust the dosage according to skin type.
Moreover, he emphasises that this blend is both cleansing and tonifying. It removes dirt, sweat residue, or light makeup while improving superficial blood circulation. And as it stimulates microcirculation, when a cream or serum is applied afterwards, the skin will absorb it more efficiently.
Proportions by skin type
Sanz offers a clear guide on how much glycerine to use for each case:
- Oily skin: up to 50%.
- Combination skin: around 40%.
- Dry skin: between 20% and 30%.
- Sensitive skin: approximately 10%.
The remainder of the mixture is completed with rose hydrosol. Since glycerine acts as a natural preservative, the blend lasts for months provided there is no fungal growth or odour change.
How to apply it for the best results
Enrique notes that it can be used in several ways: as a spray or applied directly to the skin with a cotton pad or with the hands. After application, the skin is left clean and prepared.
The cleansing-toner is suitable for daily use and can even remove light makeup. For heavier makeup, he recommends a more specific pre-cleanse, but insists that his blend works surprisingly well for day-to-day wear.
Practical tips for using the cleanser in your routine
These two ingredients, when well combined, can be integrated into any facial routine, but there are several handy recommendations:
- Always apply to skin free of heavy makeup.
- Let the product act for a few seconds before spreading it.
- Massage gently to activate circulation.
- Finish with a moisturiser or serum suited to your skin, which will be absorbed more readily thanks to the toner-like effect of the hydrosol.
- Store it in an opaque bottle if possible, to protect the hydrosol from light.
How to make your own cleansing-toner at home (step by step)
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Choose a rose hydrosol that is pure and of good quality.
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Add the glycerine amount appropriate to your skin type.
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Mix by shaking gently.
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Transfer the preparation to a clean bottle, preferably with a spray top.
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Use it morning and night.
A homemade product that transforms your routine
Crafting this DIY cleanser is not only about saving money, but also about reclaiming a more mindful relationship with what you put on your skin.
By keeping to the correct ratio, you can tailor the blend to what you need at different times of the year, with the reassurance of knowing exactly what it contains and how it works.
