DIY Korean Jelly Ball Cleanser – A Fun & Gentle Face Wash
Korean beauty products are known for their fun and innovative skincare ideas, and one of the cutest trends is the Jelly Ball Cleanser. These bouncy, jelly-like face wash balls cleanse the skin gently while feeling like a spa treat! Here’s how you can make your own at home using natural ingredients.
DIY Korean Jelly Ball Cleanser
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp agar-agar powder (for the jelly texture)
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel (soothes and hydrates)
- ½ tsp glycerin (locks in moisture)
- 1 tbsp honey (antibacterial and moisturizing)
- 1 tsp green tea extract (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory)
- 5-7 drops of essential oil (lavender or tea tree for skin benefits)
- ½ tsp mild face cleanser or castile soap (optional for cleansing properties)
Instructions:
- Heat Water & Agar-Agar: In a saucepan, bring the distilled water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the agar-agar powder until fully dissolved.
- Add Ingredients: Reduce heat and add aloe vera gel, glycerin, honey, green tea extract, and essential oil. Stir well.
- Mold into a Ball Shape: Pour the mixture into round silicone molds or small balloons (inflate slightly before pouring).
- Cool & Set: Let the mixture cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm.
- Unmold & Store: If using balloons, carefully cut and peel them off. Store the jelly balls in a closed container in the fridge.
How to Use:
- Wet your face and rub the jelly ball between your hands to create a lather.
- Massage onto the skin in circular motions.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with your skincare routine
1. For Dry & Sensitive Skin
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp agar-agar powder
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- ½ tsp glycerin
- 1 tsp honey (hydrating and soothing)
- ½ tsp oat extract (calms irritation)
- 3-5 drops of chamomile or rose essential oil
Why? This blend provides deep hydration, soothes irritation, and prevents dryness.
2. For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp agar-agar powder
- 1 cup green tea (instead of water, for antioxidants)
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- ½ tsp tea tree oil (antibacterial)
- ½ tsp activated charcoal (absorbs excess oil)
- ½ tsp witch hazel extract (tightens pores)
- 3-5 drops of lemon essential oil
Why? This formula helps control oil, prevent breakouts, and reduce inflammation.
3. For Combination Skin
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp agar-agar powder
- 1 cup rose water (balances oil production)
- 1 tbsp honey (moisturizing yet non-greasy)
- ½ tsp apple cider vinegar (restores pH)
- ½ tsp jojoba oil (mimics natural skin oils)
- 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil
Why? It hydrates dry areas while controlling oil in the T-zone.
4. For Dull & Uneven Skin Tone
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp agar-agar powder
- 1 cup rice water (brightening and soothing)
- 1 tbsp vitamin C serum or powder
- ½ tsp turmeric extract (fades dark spots)
- ½ tsp licorice extract (evens skin tone)
- 3-5 drops of orange essential oil
Why? This blend enhances radiance and reduces pigmentation
5. For Aging & Mature Skin
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp agar-agar powder
- 1 cup hibiscus tea (natural collagen booster)
- 1 tbsp rosehip oil (anti-aging)
- ½ tsp vitamin E oil (nourishing)
- ½ tsp hyaluronic acid serum (plumps skin)
- 3-5 drops of frankincense essential oil
Why? It boosts elasticity, reduces fine lines, and deeply hydrates the skin.
How to Store & Use
- Keep the jelly ball cleanser in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Wet your hands, rub the ball to create a lather, apply to your face, then rinse.
Here are two special versions for extra hydration and intense brightening effects:
1. Extra Hydrating Jelly Ball Cleanser (For extremely dry skin)
This version deeply nourishes the skin and prevents moisture loss.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp agar-agar powder
- 1 cup coconut water (rich in electrolytes and hydration)
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel (soothing and moisturizing)
- ½ tsp hyaluronic acid serum (intensely hydrating)
- ½ tsp honey (locks in moisture)
- ½ tsp squalane oil (prevents dehydration)
- 3-5 drops of chamomile essential oil
Why?
This formula is deeply moisturizing, replenishing the skin’s barrier and preventing dry patches.
2. Intense Brightening Jelly Ball Cleanser (For glowing, even skin)
This version helps lighten dark spots and boost radiance.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp agar-agar powder
- 1 cup rice water (natural brightener)
- 1 tbsp vitamin C serum or powder (boosts glow)
- ½ tsp niacinamide (fades dark spots and brightens)
- ½ tsp licorice extract (evens skin tone)
- ½ tsp turmeric extract (reduces pigmentation)
- 3-5 drops of lemon essential oil
Why?
This cleanser helps brighten dull skin, fade dark spots, and even out skin tone for a natural glow.
Storage & Usage Tips:
- Store: Keep the jelly ball cleanser in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
- Use: Wet your hands, rub the ball to create a lather, apply it to your face, massage gently, and rinse with lukewarm water.
To preserve your jelly ball cleanser for months, you need to add broad-spectrum preservatives that prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Here’s what you should use:
1. Natural Preservative Option (Lasts 2–3 months)
- Leucidal Liquid SF (2-4%) – A natural, probiotic-based preservative
- Geogard ECT (0.6-1%) – A broad-spectrum eco-friendly preservative
- Grapefruit Seed Extract (1%) – Mild antimicrobial properties
- Vitamin E oil (0.5%) – Helps prevent oxidation
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a longer shelf life.
2. Stronger Preservative Option (Lasts 6 months)
- Optiphen (0.75-1.5%) – Broad-spectrum preservative (works best with oils)
- Liquid Germall Plus (0.5%) – Highly effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold
- Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin (1%) – A strong and safe preservative
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
For commercial-grade preservation (lasting 6–12 months at room temperature), you’ll need broad-spectrum preservatives used in the cosmetic industry. Here’s the best formula:
Commercial-Grade Preservation for Jelly Ball Cleanser
Preservative Options:
Liquid Germall Plus – (0.5%)
- A powerful preservative that protects against bacteria, mold, and yeast.
- Works well in water-based formulas.
- Use only in leave-on or rinse-off products (not lip products).
Optiphen Plus – (0.75-1.5%)
- A paraben-free preservative that works well in gel-like products.
- Effective against bacteria and fungi.
Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin – (1%)
- A widely used commercial preservative in skincare products.
- Helps extend shelf life up to 12 months.
Additional Stability Boosters:
- Sodium Benzoate + Potassium Sorbate (0.5-1%) – Inhibits microbial growth.
- EDTA (0.1-0.2%) – Prevents spoilage and boosts preservative effectiveness.
How to Use:
- Add preservatives when the mixture cools down to below 40°C (104°F) to prevent breakdown.
- Store in airtight packaging away from sunlight and moisture.
Disclaimer:
This DIY Korean jelly ball cleanser is for educational and informational purposes only. Always conduct a patch test before using any new skincare product to check for allergies or skin sensitivity. If you experience irritation, discontinue use immediately. These recipes are not a substitute for professional skincare advice. Consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or pre-existing skin conditions before using homemade formulations. Store the cleanser properly to avoid contamination, and discard after 7 days if not used.