DIY Makeup Setting Spray Without Glycerin (Recipe for Oily Skin)

This DIY setting spray is made without glycerin for a matte, non-greasy finish that’s ideal for oily skin types. Thanks to a unique combination of ingredients, it creates a water-resistant film that keeps your makeup from melting, even during the summer! Read on to learn how to make homemade makeup setting spray with natural ingredients.

This is not your typical DIY setting spray recipe.

I’m not going to tell you to mix up some rosewater and glycerin and expect you to believe that it will set your makeup on a hot, humid summer day. It won’t!

Don’t get me wrong — a setting spray made with glycerin has its place. (I have a recipe for that, too.) I love vegetable glycerin for its hydrating, dewy finish, and it works well when the temperature is cold or mild.

But using glycerin setting spray under extreme weather conditions is akin to using a “light hold” hair product on a humid day. Plus, if you have oily skin, your makeup will likely end up melting off your face.

A long lasting DIY makeup setting spray for oily skin

Whether it’s a night out or just a really hot day, sometimes your makeup needs some extra staying power. (I would know — I use coconut oil-based makeup that needs a bit of help to stay put!)

That’s why I came up with a makeup setting spray recipe using vodka, neroli water, propanediol and aloe vera. It’s simple, but very effective.

The alcohol and water quickly evaporate after your spritz your face, leaving behind a film of aloe vera polysaccharides. These polysaccharides form a sweat, oil, and water-resistant film that sets your makeup in place.

Unlike my rosewater setting spray recipe, this formula leaves a matte finish. This is especially helpful when you’re sweating before you’ve even left the house.

The first version of this setting spray did not contain a humectant, but after further testing, I realized that the original formula may be too drying for some. That’s why the updated recipe includes a small amount of corn-derived propanediol for just the right amount of hydration.

The problem with store bought setting sprays

Notice how many top-selling makeup setting sprays use alcohol as the main ingredient?

There’s a reason for that. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind a film that prevents your makeup from budging. This film is usually comprised of a synthetic polymer or a natural polysaccharide.

The problem with conventional makeup setting sprays is that they are often irritating and heavily fragranced. They can also contain silicones and other synthetic ingredients that can be problematic for some skin types.

As well, most setting sprays use denatured alcohols as a base. These are alcohols with added chemicals that make them unsuitable for drinking — and it’s not always clear what this chemical is. According to CosmeticsInfo.org:

Denatonium Benzoate, t-Butyl Alcohol, Diethyl Phthalate, Methyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Salicylate, and Methyl Salicylate are examples of denaturants permitted for use by the TTB and concluded to be safe for use in cosmetics.

Salicylic acid is certainly not an issue, but some of those other ingredients are alarming. Regardless of who determines phthalates such as Diethyl Phthalate to be “safe” in cosmetics, personally, I’d rather avoid them — both for health reasons and for phthalates’ capacity to irritate the skin.

Alcohol already has the potential to be an irritating and drying ingredient, and a denaturing agent only increases that likelihood.

How do you avoid denaturants in your makeup setting spray? By making your own with the pure stuff, of course — vodka!

Homemade setting spray ingredients

Vodka

I used 50% vodka in this recipe. For reference, this is 100 proof in Canada but the classification may be different in your location.

For extra color and fragrance, I also used a splash of rose petal-infused vodka, following the same process as my rose petal vinegar recipe. But since most of us likely don’t have batches of rose petal vodka infusing in the pantry, regular vodka (or grain alcohol such as Everclear) will do just fine.

Note: witch hazel is not a substitute, as it doesn’t contain enough alcohol to be effective for this recipe.

200x Aloe Vera Powder

Instead of synthetic polymers, I used highly concentrated 200x aloe vera juice powder in this setting spray. This is what creates the water-resistant film that holds your makeup in place.

This type of aloe powder has been carefully freeze-dried as to not damage its delicate polysaccharides. It’s also 200x the strength of regular aloe vera powder, so you don’t need much for it to be effective.

Neroli Water

Also known as orange blossom water (or hydrosol), neroli water is known for its uplifting aroma, but it also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It makes this recipe (and your face) smell like a lovely high-end perfume without the synthetic, phthalate-laden fragrances found in store bought makeup sprays.

If desired, you can also substitute rose water or plain, distilled water. However, if you have particularly sensitive skin, distilled water is best. Even 100% natural ingredients can be irritating to some skin types.

Propanediol

Propanediol is a humectant made from renewable corn sugar. It’s the more natural version of petroleum-derived propylene glycol.

Not only is propanediol less sticky than vegetable glycerin, but it’s also less hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs less water from the air. As a result, it gives this setting spray recipe just the right amount of hydration without a greasy feel – perfect for summertime.

Makeup Setting Spray Recipe

2oz neroli water, rosewater or distilled water
2oz vodka or high-proof alcohol (such as Everclear)
1/2 tsp aloe vera juice 200x powder
1/2 tsp Leucidal Liquid SF
1/4 tsp propanediol

Equipment + Supplies

Fine mist spray bottle
Glass beaker for mixing

How to make setting spray for oily skin

1. Before you begin, please ensure your spray bottle and measuring tools are clean and thoroughly sanitized.
2. Combine neroli water (or distilled water), vodka, and propanediol in a glass beaker or another measuring container. (You can also mix your ingredients directly into your spray bottle, but a beaker provides more surface area for the aloe powder.)
3. Slowly sprinkle the aloe vera powder into the bottle, a small pinch at a time. (If you add too much at once, it will clump.) Stir as you go (or shake the bottle) after each pinch of aloe until it’s dissolved. Repeat until all of the powder is combined.
4. Add Leucidal Liquid SF and shake to combine. Your glycerin-free setting spray is finished and ready to set your makeup.

How to use this setting spray

To use this DIY setting spray, close your eyes and spray liberally over your makeup. Enjoy the matte finish and aloe vera-powered hold! This recipe is great for all skin types, but it’s especially beneficial for oily skin.

This setting spray can also be used throughout the day to mattify and refresh your skin while recharging your makeup’s staying power. For touch ups on the go, I like to throw it into my purse or beach bag in a tiny spray bottle (along with natural sunscreen and homemade tanning oil).

Recipe Substitutions

Can I substitute aloe vera juice?

I haven’t tested this setting spray recipe with aloe juice, so I can’t comment on its efficacy. I’m not sure it contains enough polysaccharides to be effective. The benefit of the 200x powder is that it’s highly concentrated.

Can I substitute regular aloe vera juice powder?

1 ounce of 200x aloe powder is equal to 200 ounces of regular aloe powder. So, I can’t guarantee substituting regular aloe vera powder will be as effective as the original recipe. But if you cannot source 200x aloe powder, it’s the next best option.

More DIY beauty recipes

Looking for more natural DIY skincare recipes? Check these out:

• Shimmer Setting Spray for a Pearly Glow
• DIY Makeup Setting Spray (Rosewater or Cucumber Mint)
• Natural DIY Micellar Water With Witch Hazel
• DIY Micellar Water Wipes
• DIY Cleansing Oil Recipe

Follow us on Pinterest for even more natural DIY beauty ideas! You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Pin it for later