If you’ve ever opened your kitchen cupboard and thought whether some of those everyday ingredients could double up as skincare, you’re certainly not alone.
I really enjoy finding simple beauty treatments that don’t cost the earth and one of my favourite combos has to be the humble honey and cinnamon face mask.
Now before I go any further I want to say that natural doesn’t always mean good for everyone.
Cinnamon can irritate sensitive skin so I always recommend doing a patch test before you try it on your face. If your skin begins to burn, sting, or become very red, wash it off immediately.
That said, when my skin is behaving a honey and cinnamon mask can leave my skin feeling soft, clean and glowing.
This is one of those old beauty remedies handed down through the generations and there are actually some good reasons why people still use it today.
View our Face Masks Collection >
5 Advantages of Honey Cinnamon Face Masks
Here are five big advantages I have seen in using honey cinnamon face masks.
1. It Helps Soothe Blemishes
Whenever I see an annoying spot cropping up, my first instinct is usually to leave it alone. I know, easier said than done! Instead of picking at it, I reach for a simple honey and cinnamon mask.
Honey naturally has compounds that may help keep skin clean, and cinnamon has properties that may help reduce the bacteria involved in acne. Together, they create a mask that many include in their blemish-fighting routine.
I don’t expect overnight miracles. No face mask can clear up acne in one application. But I’ve found that using it regularly as part of a good skincare routine can help my skin look calmer and less congested.
The real key is consistency, not expecting to be perfect from day one.
How honey works
Honey is a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture into the skin, not out of it. This is important because many acne treatments can leave the skin tight and flaky.
Why cinnamon helps
Cinnamon contains naturally occurring compounds that have antimicrobial properties. It’s popular among DIYers to use in face masks for oily or blemish-prone skin, although more research is needed.
2. My Skin Feels Softer & More Hydrated
I think the biggest surprise when I first tried a honey face mask was how moisturised my skin felt afterwards.
Some clay masks make my face feel like it is shrunken two sizes but honey leaves my skin feeling comfortable and nourished.
Hydration is so important. Healthy skin needs moisture to keep its protective barrier intact. Oily skin still needs to be hydrated properly.
Usually after rinsing off the mask, my skin feels:
Soft
Smooth
Supple
Comfortable
Fresh
I still use my normal moisturiser afterwards but it always seems to sink in beautifully after the mask.
3. It makes my skin look healthy.
When my skin starts to look dull after a stressful week or too many late nights I love to treat myself to a little home spa session.
Honey contains natural enzymes that gently refresh the surface of the skin and cinnamon, when used with care, stimulates circulation. Together they often make my face look brighter.
I wouldn’t call it an instant makeover but I do see a difference in my skin looking more healthy after using the mask.
It’s a glow that comes from skin that looks well looked after rather than caked in make-up.
That’s always my kind of best beauty treatment.
4. Surprisingly Affordable
Okay, let’s face it.
Some skincare products are a complete bomb to purchase.
I love trying new beauty products but I don’t think you need to spend a lot of money to get great skincare.
A single jar of honey can make dozens of face masks, and a small container of ground cinnamon will last forever.
This DIY treatment is very low cost per application compared to many commercial face masks.
And that’s one of the reasons I keep coming back.
If I want a pampering skincare night but don’t want to buy new products, everything I need is usually already sitting in my kitchen.
5. Turns Skincare Into Self Care
Perhaps my favourite benefit isn’t even skin-related at all.
It’s about going slower.
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to rush through a skincare routine in less than 2 minutes.
I always have to slow things down whenever I make a honey cinnamon mask.
I wash my face.
Mix together.
Put on the mask.
Sit quietly for ten or fifteen minutes
Take a book.
Listen to the music.
Or just do nothing.
Those few moments of peace become part of my self care routine and I always feel more relaxed afterwards.
Sometimes that’s just what I need.
How I Make a Simple Face Mask with Honey and Cinnamon:
The thing I love most about this mask is how simple it is to make.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp raw honey
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to use:
Combine the ingredients until smooth.
Spread a thin layer over clean skin, avoiding eyes and lips.
Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Use warm water to rinse off gently, then apply your favorite moisturizer.
Tips for Achieving the Best Results:
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make the experience even better.
Patch test to begin with
This is especially important if you have never used cinnamon on your skin before.
Put a little behind your ear or on your inner arm and wait 24 hours.
Don’t leave it for too long
More is not always better.
Usually 10 to 15 minutes is enough.
Use a mild cinnamon
If you have sensitive skin you may decide this mask just isn’t for you, but ground cinnamon from the supermarket works for many people.
Follow with a moisturiser
Honey is wonderfully hydrating but I always finish off with my normal moisturiser to lock everything in.
Don’t go overboard
Most skin types usually require it once or twice a week.
Who Should Not Use Honey Cinnamon Face Masks?
Many people like this natural remedy, but not everyone can use it.
If you have the following, I’d stay away:
Sensitive skin (very)
Rosacea
Eczema, active
cracked skin
Known allergy to honey or bee products
Allergy to cinnamon
When in doubt, it is best to consult a dermatologist before trying out any new skincare treatment.
FAQs
1. Can honey cinnamon masks get rid of acne?
Unfortunately not.
Acne is affected by hormones, genetics, oil production and so many more factors. Honey cinnamon mask can help promote healthy skin but it’s not a cure for acne.
2. Is raw honey good to eat?
I prefer raw honey myself because it is less processed and has more of the naturally occurring compounds.
3. Can I use the mask every day?
I wouldn’t.
Because cinnamon can irritate the skin, I think once or twice a week is a much safer approach.
4. Can I store leftover mask?
It’s so quick to make, I’d rather mix up a fresh batch each time than store leftovers.
5. Does it lighten dark spots?
It can help to improve the overall appearance of skin that has become dull over time, but it is not a proven treatment for pigmentation or dark spots.
Honey and Cinnamon Face Mask Recipes
Classic
Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 teaspoons of honey in a small bowl until the cinnamon blends thoroughly into the honey.
Apply the mixture to your face using your hands until you get an even coverage for your face.
Leave the mask on your face for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Cinnamon can irritate the skin if you use it to treat it too often, so don’t repeat this process more than twice a week.
Nutmeg Variant
For a stronger face mask, add one teaspoon of nutmeg to a mixture of 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Stir everything until you get an even paste and then spread on your face.
Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
This mixture is excellent for soothing burns, redness, swollen places, and acne scars.
You will get double the effects if you also cleanse your face after the application of the face mask with some lemon juice.
Lemons make excellent natural toners and with the intense properties of honey and cinnamon, you don’t even need all the chemical cleansers.
Wrap-up
I think honey cinnamon face masks are one of those wonderfully simple beauty rituals that never seem to go out of style. I love that they are inexpensive, easy to make and leave my skin feeling soft, refreshed and hydrated after a long week.
That said, I also think it’s important to have realistic expectations. Natural ingredients aren’t miracle cures and everyone reacts differently to their skin. Honey can be very soothing but cinnamon tends to irritate some people so patch testing is a must.
If your skin responds well to this mask, it might be a good addition to your skincare routine. I love to use it as a form of self-care – time to pause, relax and pamper my skin that little bit more. There are times when the simplest beauty rituals are the ones I most look forward to and this is certainly one I will be revisiting.
