Just because I’m a natural mama doesn’t mean that I don’t like quality beauty products. I may like to play in the garden and am often found wearing my apron in the kitchen, but I still like to pamper and take care of myself.
I used to spend $$$ at the local health food store on an all natural face oil that was like magic. Not anymore. I have finally found a face oil recipe that I can make at home that makes my face as smooth as silk. I’ve been using this oil blend for about 2 months now and love it. My skin is noticeably healthier and younger-looking. I’m noticing that my complexion is clear and even. I use it daily after I wash my face, massaging it gently into my face and neck.
WHY FACIAL OIL?
Now I know that some of you may be skeptical of putting oils directly on your face. You don’t need to worry. Face oils do not make your skin more oily nor do they make your skin feel greasy.
Face oils are a wonderful way to keep your face looking healthy and hydrated because they give your skin exactly what it wants: healthy oils. Natural oils absorb easily into the skin, protecting the skin’s lipid barrier and preventing moisture from evaporating out of the skin. The top layer of your skin, called the stratum corneum, is composed of dead skin cells held together by lipids (or oils.) Keeping this layer constantly supplied with healthy oils will protect your skin from the elements and will help your skin to have a beautiful healthy, moisturized glow.
Because they do not contain any added fillers, waxes, and chemicals like many facial creams and lotions, they are considered noncomedogenic, meaning they will not cause build up or clogged pores. This makes face oils perfect for all skin types. Be sure to check out THIS post on choosing just the right oil for your skin type.
WHAT’S IN MY HYDRATING FACIAL OIL:
The facial oil recipe that I use is definitely formulated for slightly more mature, drier skin. The oils absorb easily and are suited for thirsty skin. I have also added essential oils that have anti-aging and regenerative properties.
JOJOBA OIL:
I use jojoba oil
If jojoba oil doesn’t work for you, another great base oil is argan oil
OLIVE OIL:
Good old olive oil is high in oleic acid (a monosaturated fatty acid), making it perfect for drier skin. It is a heavier oil that dries a bit more slowly. Just be sure to get a good quality, cold pressed olive oil.
If olive oil doesn’t work for you, again you can substitute argan oil.
ARGAN OIL:
Argan oil is pressed from the nut of the fruit of the Argan Tree, which is only found in Morocco. Because of the high levels of vitamin E /tocopherols (antioxidants) and saponins (skin-softening agents), argan oil is a wonderful oil for anti-aging. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by restoring the skin`s hydro-lipid layer. It has also been shown to have a tightening effect on the skin. I love this oil because it absorbs so nicely into my skin and does not leave an oily residue.
ROSEHIP SEED OIL:
Rosehip seed oil
VITAMIN E:
Vitamin E
CARROT SEED ESSENTIAL OIL:
Carrot seed oil is known for it’s healing and regenerative properties. It helps reduce the appearance of aging and is said to be great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. You only need a small amount of this in your facial oil. (where to get high quality essential oils)
GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL:
Geranium essential oil
A word about quality:
Please note that I am only talking about good quality essential oils. There is no standard for essential oils, and many of the oils you find may be adulterated and can actually contain harmful ingredients.
My essential oil of choice is Young Living Essential Oils. They own their farms and they run a very tight supply chain. I trust their essential oils above all others because they are pure and unadulterated and are manufactured for therapeutic use not just for smell.
I am a wholesale member, meaning that I save 24% on all of my essential oils. Read more here about why I choose Young Living.
WANT TO LEARN MORE? Sign up for my FREE 10 Day Essential Oils E-Course. Get 10 lessons delivered right to your inbox. Sign up HERE.
DIY Hydrating Face Oil
Ingredients:
- 3 TBS jojoba oil
- 1 and 1/2 TBS olive oil or argan oil
- 2 tsp rosehip seed oil (where to buy)
- 1/4 tsp Vitamin E (where to buy)
- 4 drops carrot seed essential oil
- 8 drops geranium essential oil
- 2 oz. dark dropper bottle (like this)
Directions:
- Pour the jojoba oil into dropper bottle. Then add the olive oil, rosehip seed oil and vitamin E.
- Carefully add your drops of carrot and geranium oil.
- Cap the bottle and give it a good shake. You are all set to go.
NOTE: Facial oils are best applied to clean skin. Cleanse your face as usual, spray on your favorite toner, and gently massage about a 1/4 to 1/2 dropper full of oil blend onto your face and neck. Your skin will love this oil.
Be sure to also check out my recipe for Anti-Aging Face Serum. I use the hydrating face oil in the morning and the anti-aging serum before bed.
Click HERE to PIN THIS!
Do you have a favorite facial oil blend? Please share in the comments.
Photo credit: depositphotos.com / Melpomene
This looks awesome! I made some lotion for eczema with coconut oil, peppermint, and oregano oil. I’ve been mixing that with jojoba and vitamin E for my face to get through the crazy weather changes.
I love making my own beauty products. Is your cream helping?
I love this Katja! I make a facial oil that’s pretty similar, but mine usually has jojoba oil, tamanu oil, rose hip seed oil, carrot seed oil, and neem oil. Maybe there’s more, but I’m not remembering right now 🙂 I bet the geranium is amazing! The only problem with my oil blend it the stink factor, but it works so great, I can easily look past that…
Hey, Loretta! Hope you are having an awesome summer. My face oil smells really good. My sweetie always comments on how fresh I smell after putting it on. I wonder what you are using that smells weird? The jojoba and olive oil are pretty neutral in mine. And the rose geranium gives it a feminine smell. 😉
The Tamanu oil has an odor to it but it’s supposed to be so great for your skin
Neem oil smells really bad but it definitely a good oil and helps with eczema.
It’s the tamanu and neem .. these are the culprits to that unpleasant scent.. they are great benefiting oils though! Shikes the give and take when it comes to homemade diy stuff ??
Hello there.
Have just discovered you and wonder what Facial oils you would recommend for
deep wrinkles around the mouth area..
Much appreciated
Val
You note that jojoba oil closely resemblances the oil of our skin. What does that mean; can you elaborate on that?
This is the best explanation that I have found—> Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) oil is a botanical extract of the seed of the jojoba tree (Simmondsia chinenis). Technically it is not actually an oil, but rather what is called a wax ester. Why do we care? Because out of all of the compounds in nature, this wax ester is the most similar to human skin oil (sebum). It is theorized that applying jojoba to the skin can “trick” the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, thus balancing oil production. from here—> http://www.acne.org/jojoba-oil.html
Hope that helps 🙂
I want to make a batch of your skin oil but would like to incorporate some carrot oil for fine lines and wrinkles. Can you advise how much and if it should replace one of the other ingredients or just be an addition. Thank you so much
3 drops of carrot oil is what I use in the recipe. I love it!
I would like to try this with the carrot seed oil added for lines and wrinkles. Can you advise if I should add this in place of another ingredient or use in addition to your recipe. What would you suggest for quantity of the carrot seed oil?
Thank you
Hi, Mary! I use the carrot seed oil in this recipe. I use 3 drops. I love it! Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
You’ve given me a reason to try carrot oil now. I’ve wanted to use it for a while since it sounds promising.
Hi, I’ve just started playing with facial oils after recently going vegan. I also have sensitive eczema prone skin so cannot add any essential oils. I’ve tried mixing rapeseed, grapeseed and sweet almond oil. Should I try using a base of jojoba with smaller amounts of other oils, perhams some rosehip seed too? ANy advice would be most welcome!
Jojoba seems to be good for most skin types. You will have to experiment. Rose hip oil is very haling for skin. I would recommend trying both out and see how your skin reacts. Eczema can be a sign that there is an issue with the gut. I have seen MANY folks heal their eczema after doing some gut healing. Using high quality 100% pure essential oils has been shown to help as well. Just be sure they are pure. Lavender, Melrose, Melaleuca, and Frankincense come to mind. Also, a good quality probiotic to help the gut. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi Katja, Love your site. I’m in the process of developing my skincare line and have found some useful information here. Keep up the good work.
Question: Can you combine 2 or more carrier oil?
Awaiting your response.
Thanks much.
Yes! I combine carrier oils all of the time. I usually use a base of jojoba or avocado oil and then add another. I love to add rose hip seed oil and sometimes olive oil. You just have to find what works for your skin. Most people do well with jojoba.
I’m in the process of experimenting with many different oils, as my face has become EXTREMELY sensitive to ALL commercial products. I have found (the hard way!) that oils with ‘regenerative properties’ wreak havoc on my skin. Oils like Rosehip Seed oil (used full strength) actually burn my skin. I think it may be the natural vitamin A in the oil causing the problem . So I’m leery of using anything like that, and have yet to try mixing them in a carrier oil. Olive oil doesn’t seem to agree with my skin, either. It doesn’t burn exactly, but it does seem to irritate already irritated skin. I am constantly dealing with affected areas of red, dry scaly skin patches on my face due to reactions from skin products, including certain oils, as mentioned above. My immune system is compromised (due to a medication I take) so those red patches take up to a month to heal and disappear. The oils I can use are marula, grapeseed, pomegranate and jojoba. Do you have any suggestions on a hydrating blend incorporating those oils? Thanks so much! Love your site!
Hi, Debbie! So sorry to hear about your skin sensitivities. That can be hard. I would just use the oils that your skin likes. Jojoba is a good one. I haven’t tried pomegranate but would love to. Everyone’s skin is so different. I would just use what works. Since you know that the 4 that you mentioned work, I would stick with those. you can experiment with different comb0s. I would use jojoba as the base and add a little of the others. As far as essential oils go, start very small and see how your skin does. The most gentle one is Lavender. How does your skin do with that? Geranium is quite healing too. Start with a test patch of very diluted to see how your skin reacts. Carrot seed can be strong so be careful with that one. Check out this post for other skin essential oil ideas—> http://www.savorylotus.com/diy-anti-aging-face-serum/
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have other questions.
I would like to develop my own serums can I add essential oils to serums. Also would like to develope masque, the basew would be a jell can I add essential oils to a jell
I am truly impressed w/your site
yes to both questions! 🙂
Hi Katja, do you apply a moisturiser/night cream after your serum or it is not necessary?
Thanks
Hi, Maria!
I do not apply a moisturizer after using my Hydrating Face Oil. I don’t feel like my skin needs it. 🙂
Thanks Katja for quick response.
I have another question, which bothers me a lot. I am planning to make face oil and eye oil and have limited number of oils: frankincense, carrot seeds, geranium, rosemary, orange, cypress and lavender. I thought about using first 3 definitely. What the difference in making face oil and eye oil?
Thank you
Hi, Maria! I tend to not make eye oils for myself with essential oils. Too close to the eyes. I use my face oil and anti-aging serum around my eyes but am super careful not to get it IN my eye. The first 3 oils on your list are all amazing for skin. You could just use those and be fine. Hope that helps.
Hi I’m planning on making my own facial oil and hair oil the ingredients I have are
Jojoba oil
castor oil
Almond oil
Baobab oil
Coconut oil
Wheat germ oil
Avocado Oil
Vitamin E
I don’t know how much of each to add and wondering if you can help u have extremely dry eczema skin which is sensitive to essential oils which is the reason I haven’t got any but wondering what you think I should add and how many drops.
Thanks
Hi, Nicole! You will have to experiment to see what your face and hair like. I haven’t worked with some of these oils so it’s hard to say. Please report back if you find a good ratio that you like. 🙂
Hey Katja,
This blog is quite helpful. I want to know can if i use Tamanu oil with this mixture and also what could be the replacement of Vitamin E oil. I have a lot of breakouts on my skin and with time there are many scars as well. I have read a lot about the healing power of tamanu oil. Please suggest.
You can use any carrier oils that you like. You just have to find the right ratio for your skin. You could sub the rose hip oil for the tamanu or just add the tamanu in small amount. The vitamin E (because it’s an antioxidant) is basically there as a preservative. You can leave it out if you don’y have it. But it does help the oil last longer. Hope that helps. 🙂
That’s kind of helpful Katja. I will try adding Vitamin E oil as well.
What would you recommend for roseacea? My mom has it, and based on your descriptions, I imagine the rosehip oil is best, but not sure what I should mix it with.
Hi, there! The first thing I would say about rosacea is that it is usually connected to an imbalance in the gut. Working on healing the gut would be my first approach —> https://chriskresser.com/the-gut-skin-connection-how-altered-gut-function-affects-the-skin/
Here’s a list of carrier oils that I recommend. You may have to experiment to see what her skin likes and responds to. I think the rose hip oil is wonderful but you will need a lighter base oil to mix with it. Jojoba seems to work well for most folks.
http://www.savorylotus.com/7-best-carrier-oils-for-radiant-skin/
Hi. I have been using extra virgin olive oil on my entire body after showering while still wet. I am thinking of switching to coconut oil. Which would you recommend for the body only? And what essential oils would you add to help keep my skin moisturized and healthy? I have also been using evo on my face as a moisturizer. I cannot wait to try your serums.
Hi, Melissa! I love both coconut oil and olive oil for my body. I use both and love them both. For essential oils for skin, check this out —> http://www.savorylotus.com/best-essential-oils-for-your-skin-type/ Thanks so much for stopping by!
I made up your anti-aging face serum and like it. However, either the patchouli or myrrh leaves a lingering scent I don’t care for. What can I do to remedy this? Or do I need to start over with a different blend of EOs? Thanks in advance.
Hi, Julie! Smell is such a personal thing, isn’t it? I love the smell of all of the oils in this blend. You could try adding a drop or two of another oil that you really love the smell of. You may be able to cover up the smell that you do not care for. I have had to experiment quite a bit to learn what I like and what works for me. 🙂
I use a mixture of coconut oil, jojoba, almond, vitamin e and vitamin c
You support the use of Gelatin? That is kind of disgusting. Gelatin, of course, is made from the skin and hooves of slaughtered animals. There are so many other, better ways to maintain your health and beauty, and they don’t involve cruelty.
Hi, Suzanne! If you follow my blog, you know that I am an advocate for a real food, traditional diet. This does include consuming animal products. I always eat and recommend sustainably raised meats and eggs. And the gelatin that I recommend is from a a pasture-raised source. I understand that not everyone agrees with this way of eating, but I feel that it is the healthiest for me. I make ethical choices every day when it comes to how I spend my money and the farmers that I support. I am a big advocate for local eating, which is most sustainable when done in a closed farm system way. This includes the use of animals. And gelatin has been such a wonderful asset to my health. You can read more about the benefits here:
http://www.savorylotus.com/75-ways-to-get-more-gelatin-in-your-life/
I don’t have carrot seed oil. Is there another good substitution? I think I have everything else on your list of oils for aging skin. My WF simply didn’t have carrot seed oil and I haven’t had the chance to go somewhere else.
Thank you!
Hi, there! This face oil is super versatile. You can use any essential oil that is suited for your skin type. I have a good list here: http://www.savorylotus.com/best-essential-oils-for-your-skin-type/ 🙂
Hi Katja I would love to create my own face oil/serum and have found your article very interesting. My aim is to make one suitable for all skin types, that penetrates well into the skin – Would you recommend any specific carrier oils that would help me achieve this?
Is there a recommended % use of carrier oils in a formulation, I read this might be 2/3rds carrier oil – or is there no specific rule?
I would love your advice.
Hi, Susan! There are so many different ways to make a face oil. You can read about my favorite carrier oils here:
http://www.savorylotus.com/7-best-carrier-oils-for-radiant-skin/
Jojoba seems to be a universal one that is good for all skin types. You can definitely play around with adding tiny amounts of other oils that you like. I usually start with an 80% ratio of jojoba and 20% of another oil specific for my skin type. Hope that helps! 🙂
Thanks Katja very helpful – I will look to create a beautiful base using a combo of oils that suit all skin types then add in some extra special specific ones!
Hi Katja! What can you recommend essential and carrier oil mixture for xerosis (dry, scaly and itchy skin)?
Thanks a lot!
You can read what I recommend for each skin type here: https://www.savorylotus.com/best-essential-oils-for-your-skin-type/ AND here: https://www.savorylotus.com/7-best-carrier-oils-for-radiant-skin/
Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi Katya, thank you for sharing this amazing recipe. I would like to know if I can blend lavender, geranium and german chamomile essential oils and add them to my carrier oil? Thanks!
Yes, that sounds like a wonderful combo!
Hi Katja,
I live this recipe. Do you know if there is a way to add a color tint this recipe? I was thinking of using color jobaba beads but wasn’t sure. Any advice?
Hi, Jasmine! I have never tried tinting this. Would love to hear if you give it a try.
Hello, Katja, thank you so much to share your face oil recipe, I was looking for, I was using plain rosehip oil on my face, but someone told me that can use it by it self, so I found your recipe… I have a silly question, well maybe is a silly question, because I new on diy natural skin products. Is the same carrot seed oil than carrot seed essential oil? because I started to make cold process soap and in some recipes call for carrot seed oil, just wonder if they are the same? and What can I use instead of argan oil and carrot seed esential oil? I know that we can use olive oil, but I feel olive oil too greasy on my skin and I don´t have on hand argan oil. Last question, can my teen daughter (15) use this face oil? Thank you soooo much for your help.
Carrot seeds oil and carrot seed essential oil are not the same thing. You can read more about that here: https://beautymunsta.com/difference-between-carrot-oil-and-carrot-seed-oil/
There are several carrier oils that you can use. You just have to find one that works for your skin. You can read more about that here: https://www.savorylotus.com/7-best-carrier-oils-for-radiant-skin/
And yes, your daughter can use this as well. Just remember that each person has different skin needs. Teenage girls may need different oils than us mamas who have more mature skin. Hope that helps.
Hi Katja, forgot to ask, what about sunblock? can you go outdoor with just this face hydrating oil? our you have to use sunblock? thank you.
I always recommend using a clean sunscreen on your face, My fav is from beautycounter ——> You can check it out HERE
Hi Katja
Loving your site. You mention the OCM, however, you then say that you put your DIY Hydrating Oil onto cleansed skin. I thought that the DIY Hydrating Oil can be used to cleanse your skin as well as a moisturiser. If not, how do you cleanse your skin beforehand.
Thank you.
Claire
I do not use this to cleanse my face. I apply it to my already clean face. I alternate between oil cleansing and using a cream cleanser that I get from Beautycounter.
Hello lovely! What a great combination of lovely oils! One thing though that I feel I should point out is the use of the word “hydrating “. These lovely oils are all anhydrous which means they are without water and hydration means with water. Oils cannot be hydrating. All the oils are emollients which means they provide a protective barrier to the skin to keep the water that is already In your skin, in. It is a moisturizer as opposed to a hydrator. Things like aloe, Hyaluronic acid or glycerin based products would be labeled as hydrating as they are all water based or humectant based. Just wanted to point that out as I feel it’s important to know! Thank you for the lovely moisturizer recipe!
Hello,
Is there anything that can preserve my mixture or is it not necessary? Thank you.
This face oil should be good for about 3 months. As long as you keep it in a cool, dark place.
Nice work! Katja, Please, would you be kind to tell me what to use in place of Rosehip oil and Geranium oil, I do not have both and what can I use in place of the dropper bottle? I do have carrot oil but can’t tell if it is An essential carrot oil or the normal carrot oil, plus the colour is light purple, I expected an orange colour since carrot is orange in colour. What do you think? Thanks
Hi, there! Without seeing your oil, I cannot say what it is. If you do not have rosehip oil, simply leave it out. Same with the geranium. 🙂
I am transitioning from my daily cream moisturisers to face oils…this is the closest recipe to what I am planning to make!!The difference is that I want to add more oils. Can I add both olive and argan oils? Is there a restriction in the number of oils I can use? I want to add jojoba, raspberry, marula, and frankincense oils. Is raspberry oil a carrier or essential oil? Apart from the essential oils, can I use the same amount of each carrier oil, this includes the vitamin E oil. For example: 1 teaspoon of each? How many drops of each essential oil will I need to add for each teaspoon of carrier oil
You can add whatever oils you like. I haven’t tried all of those oils so you will have to experiment with how much you like of each. If you double the amount of oil, I would double the amount of EO’s. Hope that helps. 🙂
Hi there, I have been using home made face serum for years now and love it! Just wondering if you have any recipes on facial cleansers using oils and essential oils? I can’t seem to find a clean homemade facial cleanser for aging skin. You or assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Cyndi