Just like the foods that I put into my body, I am meticulous about the products that I put on my skin. That is why I make my own facial and beauty products. Here’s my favorite: DIY Anti-Aging Face Serum.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have beautiful skin. And you don’t have to rely on store-bought products that contain questionable ingredients. I have been making my own beauty products with simple, non,toxic carrier oils and pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. It’s super easy! You can read HERE why I prefer facial oils over creams and lotions.
Essential oils have wonderful benefits for the skin. They have been used for ages to tone, smooth, and protect the skin. And they are 100% natural and non-toxic.
Have you looked at the label of some of your skin care products? Your skin is the biggest organ in your body and readily absorbs all of those strange ingredients right into your bloodstream.
I have been using my DIY Hydrating Face Oil for quite some time now. I love how my skin looks and feels. I created this Anti-Aging Face Serum to add to my skin care routine. I now use the Hydrating Face Oil in the morning and the Anti-Aging Serum at night. I love the combination.
Why I make my own skincare products?
In the US major loopholes in federal law allow the cosmetics industry to put thousands of synthetic chemicals into personal care products even if those chemicals are linked to cancer, infertility or birth defects. At the same time as untested chemicals have been steadily introduced into our environment, breast cancer incidence has risen dramatically.
Only 11% of 10,500 chemicals in cosmetics have been tested for safety.
The average woman absorbs 5 lbs of make-up chemicals PER YEAR.
Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum coat the skin like plastic—clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins. They slow cellular development creating earlier signs of aging. They disrupt hormonal activity.
Parabens – implicated with cancer because of their hormone-disrupting qualities and traces of them have been found in breast tumor samples.
What do I put in my face serum?
Jojoba Oil:
I use jojoba oil
Rose Hip Seed Oil:
Rose hip seed oil
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E
Frankincense:
Frankincense essential oil is a valuable ingredient in skin care products for aging and dry skin. The ancient Egyptians used it in rejuvenation face masks. It has cleansing benefits to the skin, making it ideal for blemish-prone skin. It is also a natural toner, decreasing the appearance of pores and evening skin-tone.
Myrrh:
Myrrh is a very powerful essential oil from ancient times. The Arabian people used myrrh for many skin conditions, such as chapped skin and wrinkles. It is full of antioxidants, making it protective against aging skin.
Lavender:
Lavender essential oil is highly regarded for skin and beauty. It may be used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. It helps lighten the appearance of age spots and scars. It is wonderful for all skin types.
Patchouli:
Patchouli essential oil is especially beneficial for aging skin. It is used to reduce wrinkled or chapped appearance. It promotes new cell growth and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
NOTE: I have diluted this face serum to a less than 1% dilution. The essential oils that I use are potent and powerful. Be sure to spot test on a small area to see how your skin reacts. If your skin is sensitive, feel free to dilute it a bit more with carrier oil. I have relatively sensitive skin, and this dilution works well for me.
Remember: Not all essential oils are created equally!
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 Anti-Aging Face Serum
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp jojoba oil (like this)
- 1 tbsp rose hip seed oil (like this)
- 1/4 tsp vitamin E (like this)
- 2 drops Frankincense essential oil (where to buy good quality essential oils)
- 2 drops Myrrh essential oil
- 2 drops Patchouli essential oil
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
- one dark 2 ounce glass dropper bottle (like this)
Directions:
- Place jojoba, rose hip seed oil, and vitamin E into glass dropper bottle. Add essential oils, close top, and gently roll bottle to mix.
- Use 1/4 – 1/2 dropper full of serum nightly on clean face and neck to preserve, smooth, and protect your skin.
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So far, I have been using this oil for 2 months. And I LOVE it! I love that it is not super greasy. My skin just drinks it up. I have noticed a difference in the texture and feel of my skin. My skin seems more firm and toned.
I hope that you love it too!
photo credit: depositphotos @ Syda_Productions and @ Subbotina
Hi ,
Would you suggest combing the essential oils in your hydrating serum and those in your anti aging serum to just make one or is there a reason they are different? Thank you!
Julie-
You can definitely mix and match the oils however you like them. 🙂
Great, thanks. What
Dilution do you use, just so I know when combining?
Also- do you have a favorite
Between your anti-aging and hydrating facial serum? I’m an essential oil newbie and don’t have all of the oils yet so I’m trying to figure out what is best to order next without breaking the bank!
Hi, Julie!
I use both the face oil and the serum. You can totally mix and match the oils in them. So if you only want to get a few oil, you can make your own version. I LOVE the Frankincense and Geranium the best. Myrrh is amazing too. Let me know how it goes.
I usually use a 2-4% dilution rate for my face. Seems to work well. A 2% dilution rate is 1 drop of oil per tsp of carrier oil. 🙂
Thanks for your help! Do you have any tips or tricks for pouring and creating blends. Is a funnel or any other tools necessary?
Great question! I usually just carefully pour the drops into my bottles. But recently someone gave me these little funnels—-> http://amzn.to/17g3upY. They make it a lot easier.
Do you have any recipe for Hydrating Serum
Here’s the link tot he Hydrating Face Oil —-> https://www.savorylotus.com/diy-hydrating-face-oil/
One of my best friends is an oil freak (she buys the expensive stuff). I was over there tonight, she borrowed me a few and gave me the lemon oil. I think she said she dilutes hers with coconut oil. Just another option. ?
Katja, what percentage of myrrh do you use?
I use 2 drops of myrrh from this recipe.
Hi! May I add pomegranate seed oil? Also, does it have to be stored in a glass bottle? I only have plastic
I don’t have any experience with pomegranate oil. And I use glass bc essential oils will degrade plastic and the plastic will leach into the oil.
Would any Frankincense work? I have Frereana Frankincense.
Hi, there!
I checked with Young Living and Frereana Frankincense is also recommended for skin care. You can see their product details here—> http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/new-and-seasonal/2014-holiday-catalog/frereana-frankincense-5ml
Would love to here how you like the face serum. 🙂
Hi Katja! I’m very new to using essential oils and found your site when looking for info on a DIY face serum. I’ve read a lot and your recipe here is my first choice. I plan on making it soon, as well as your DIY hydrating face oil.
I just have a question, how long does this serum, once mixed, last in terms of time? Will it go rancid if not used within a certain period of time?
Thanks so much 🙂
I try to use my face oils and serums within about 3 months. 🙂
Thank you Katja 🙂
I’ve been using baobab oil (clean, without any added essential oils) on my face for a few weeks now and I’m hooked for life. I just came back to check your recipe here to make the serum, I have most of the oils now. Would you say one can mix different carrier oils with one another too?
Yes, you can mix different carrier oils. No problem. I haven’t tried baobab oil. Will have to check it out. 🙂
Katja,
Love your site I am buying oils for my face to make up some recipes , Iwant to make another recipe for antiaging using vitamin c and hylaronic acid powder, aany suggestions? I heard adding green tea and or vegetable glycerin ? Maybe I should make up a toner using the ingredients since i willalready have moisturizing/antiaging serums using my carrier/essential oils.
Hi, Meredith-
I haven’t used Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid powder before but know both are amazing for the skin. I have seen this Vitamin C serum —> http://www.primallyinspired.com/friday-favorites-homemade-vitamin-c-serum/ BUT have not tried it. Also saw this —> http://jenniraincloud.com/diy-hyaluronic-acid-serum/. Have not tried it either. It uses glycerin. I have seen green tea in many skincare products but have not used it myself. I would love to hear if you come up with a nice toner. I am always looking for new recipes to try. 🙂
I use witch hazel and rose water with essencial oils in, for a toner.
I made your recipe for the anti-serum face serum and it feels quite moisturizing. However, there is a lingering scent that doesn’t appeal to me. It’s either the myrrh or patchouli. Can you recommend something to tone that down? Thanks in advance.
Hi, Julie! Maybe try adding a bit of Lavender? Or you could make another batch and leave out those oils and then mix the 2 batches. You can store half in the fridge until ready to use. Hope that helps.
Good idea. Pure thanks.
The serum calls for lavender already, what about Tamanu oil?
Tamanu oil is recommended for acnr-prone skin. I haven’t used it in this serum, but you can definitely experiment if you like.
Hi Katja, for the anti-aging face serum recipe is it important to use 4 essential oils? I would like to cut down on cost. Thank you.
Hi, Jennifer! You can use any combo of the oils that you want. I just added what I love and what works for my skin. 🙂
Would you recommend using rose essential oil in this serum? Which skin type is it best for? And sandlewood? I have occasional oily skin in the t-zone but mostly it feels dry and tight now a days. Which oils would you recommend for the body?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE rose essential oil. It is wonderful for all skin. But it is quite expensive so I don’t use it in my recipes. Sandalwood is amazing for dry or aging skin. Would be great for that tight feeling you describe. Here’s some thoughts on what types of oils to for your skin type : https://www.savorylotus.com/best-essential-oils-for-your-skin-type/
We are all unique so you may need to experiment a bit. Here’s some ideas for carrier oils: https://www.savorylotus.com/7-best-carrier-oils-for-radiant-skin/
Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
Can I use this anti-aging serum under eyes as an eye cream? If not, how do you make eye serum? Also, is this anti- aging serum for every night, or just for some days then stop for some days then start using it again?
I am careful with essential oils right around my eyes. Some can be irritating if you get them in your eye. I do use my serums all over my face, but I am careful with my eyes. I use my serum every day.
Hi Katja, I am now learning about essential oils so I am happy I came across your page and thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙂 …I am writing to you from the Caribbean and I am wondering if there will be any difference in the recipes you share due to the difference in climate and by extension skin type…Thank you 🙂
Hi, Marsha! My experience has been that my skin is way more hydrated in tropical climates. My guess is that you would need less oils and moisturizers. But the essential oils for skin will be beneficial in any climate.
Hi Katja! Thanks for all your oil advice and recipes. I’m trying to cut all the chemicals out of my beauty products and make my own. Can’t wait to try your recipes. Just curious, what do you use to wash your face and what makeup brands do you use?
I use a brand called Beautycounter on my face. I use their cream cleanser and the gentle exfoliating cleanser. I also LOVE the charcoal mask. I alternate between putting a honey mask with essential oils on my face and the charcoal mask. I also use their make up. Best clean make up I have found. Stays on and works great. I love the mascara and tinted moisturizer. You can check Beautycounter out here—–> http://www.beautycounter.com/katjaheino Feel free to email me at katja@savorylotus.com if you have any more questions. 🙂
Hi , I am wondering how you know how much of everything to add? I want to use grapeseed,apricot kernal,rosehip and jojoba for carrier oils and frankinsence and orange peel essential oils, but how much?
Hi, Darlene! You will have to experiment to get the right blend for your own skin. I would add the most jojoba as the base and smaller amounts of the others. You can see that I use WAY less of the rose hip oil. One and half tsp is plenty for this amount. This recipe is a 1% dilution of EO’s to carrier oil. 1% = 1 drop of EO per teaspoon of carrier oil or 5-6 drops per ounce. Hope that helps.
was there a mistake in your recipe then, it says 1 and 1/2 tablespoons rosehip oil?
Hi, Sara! Sorry for the confusion. I’ve been reworking this recipe as I use it more and more. I originally only had 1 and 1/2 tsp of the rose hip oil. I changed it to 1 and 1/2 tablespoons to get more of the effect from that oil. I’ve settled on a 2:1 ratio of jojoba to rose hip seed oil. So 2 tbsp of jojoba to 1 tbsp of rose hip seed oil. I’m always trying new things and learning as I go. 🙂
Hello, Thank you for all the great information on your site. I am trying to make my own anti aging recipe. I would like to use jojoba, evening primrose, borage seed oil, rose, sandalwood, neroli, geranium, frankincense, clary sage, carrot seed, lavender, myrrh, patchouli, and vitamin E, do you think that is to many oils? I see that these oils all do great things for anti aging.
You can use as many oils as you like. There are no rules. The only thing with that is if you react to something, it’s hard to know which one it is. I usually like to stat with just a few. But if you know that you are OK with all of those, go for it!
Hi, love your site, everything is well explained.
My 12 y/0 son is prone to Acne. We’ve seen dermatologist already and he had used prescription anti acne but
nothing helps.
Can you pls what oils /carriers is best for acne considering his age.
Thank you.
May?
Hi, May! The first thing that I think of with acne is “what is happening in the gut?” The skin is a reflection of what is happening on the inside.I would recommend doing some gut healing with your son. Finding a good practitioner who knows gut health could run some simple tests to see if there is an imbalance or infection going on. Bone broth and fermented foods are a good places to start. Hope that helps. 🙂
May – did you find something that worked? I have a 14 year old daughter. I get that the gut can be an issue but I want to make changes to the skin care routine. I am new to all of this. I bought jojoba and tamanu oils and will create a blend of those to start before adding in any oils. She is using Clearity by Primally Balanced for now. Just curious if you found something you/he like. Thanks.
Hello!
IrI can’t access pure jojoba oil here in Nigeria so I wanna know if I can replace it with Sweet almond oil.
Yes, you can.
Hi azeezat…please where did you get your sweet almond oil. I’m in Nigeria as well.
This looks like a recipe for performing your face; I don’t see any ingredients proven to help with signs of aging (Niacinamide, ferulic acid, Vitamin C, ceramides, etc). Because skin is so easily sensitized to fragrances, it seems like you’re taking a big risk putting these scents on your face.
Hi, Lucie! Yes, I agree that we must be careful with our skin. And if you know that you are sensitive to fragrances, then this recipe is probably not for you. I have taken care to keep the ratios pretty small and diluted. But it’s important to test your own personal skin before using any new products. I love Vitamin C for my skin. Would be great to be able to incorporate it into my serums.
*perfuming, not performing. Please excuse my English.
Loved the serum recipe! I want to make a water/ aloe gel based green tea serum using matcha green tea as I’m trying to create a dupe for innisfree green tea serum which was really good but expensive. Want to ask you for my diy serum’s guidelines? What should I put in it? I have a few essential oils, matcha tea, Argan oil, pomegranate seed oil and some other as well but just don’t know how I go about it. Please help!
I am not familiar with that serum. I checked out the ingredient list- which is pretty long. It’s hard to say without trying it what the consistency is. You wold just have to experiment with the ingredients that you love and see how it goes. 🙂 Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Hello! What if the oil is too ´greasy´? Any ideas what i can add? And even if I feel it’s greasy my skin feels dry?!?
Face oils are definitely based on personal preference and skin type. You may need to experiment with different carrier oils to find the best oils for your skin. You can start here—-> https://www.savorylotus.com/7-best-carrier-oils-for-radiant-skin/
Hope that helps. 🙂
HI! HOW LONG OF A SHELF LIFE DOES THIS SERUM HAVE?
It is best used within 3 months. 🙂
I’m so happy to find your blog. A few weeks ago I read something online about oils and started to add Palmarosa Oil to my regular moisturizer. I got pretty good results. So then I started using a Vit. E oil with my Palmarosa added. I’ve only been doing the oil and Palmarosa for about a week and am amazed by the results. I’m 75 and my skin absolutely glows. Today I found a product line called S.W. Basics. Their products contain 3, 4 and 5 ingredients, all oils. One is a rosewater spray. I was impressed. Your serum recipe sounds delicious. Am going to gather the oils and add as I acquire them. Just recently I added some Tea Tree Oil to my Vit. E Oil for itchy skin on my legs. Itch totally gone after one night. Do you know anything about Aura Cacia? My local market carries that brand. I buy the organic. Thanks for all your great information!
Hi, Jez! So great that you are finding things that work for your skin. I love that your skin is glowing.Life goals for me as I age. 🙂 I am not familiar with that brand so cannot speak to it. Thanks for stopping by.
One more question. I bought some Aura Cacia Rosehip Oil today. I notice you recommend Rose Hip Seed Oil. Mine says “Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil”. Does that function more or less the same as the Rosehip Seed Oil? Thanks. BTW, I love the questions and replies in the Comments.
This brand of rose hip oil that you have says it is made from the seeds of rose fruit. I would contact the company and see if that is the same thing as rose hip seed oil. It may be. But I cannot say for sure. 🙂
How can you incorporate Vitamin C for facial products? Also what do you use for a SPF on your face if you don’t anything besides the serum?
thank you!
I haven’t found a good vitamin C that I like yet. Still hunting. I apply a separate sunscreen on my face when I’m in the sun and I wear a hat. This is what I use for sunscreen —> https://www.beautycounter.com/katjaheino?goto=skin-care%2Fsunscreen%2Fprotect-broad-spectrum-spf-30-all-over-sunscreen.html
Hope that helps! 🙂
What a great recipe! Thank you. I didn’t know what blend to make. Do you have a recipe for a body oil that won’t break the bank? I would like to make both a face and body oil
I know many people who just use coconut oil or olive oil for the body. Or you can play around and mix with jojoba oil. It all depends on what type of skin you have and what your skin likes.
Thanks for this!
Pls I want to know if the face oil is okay to be applied on the face directly from shower with water on the face or the face should be dry before applying?
I usually apply to dry skin.
I add a couple of drops of sweet orang or bergamot to brighten the scent a little.
Hello hello! So I’ve decided to follow this recipe for my first ever homemade face serum (yay!) but the process of finding a good quality carrier oil is overwhelming! For example, The Ordinary’s Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil is only $10. But then most other companies selling organic rose hip for the same amount of oil is charging around $30. So what are the discrepancies? How do I really know what oil is the highest quality? There doesn’t seem to be any regulations in place to validate the quality of an oil. Please help! The links you attached to the oils you purchase once upon a time aren’t valid anymore. Thank you!
HI, Becky! I totally get it. It is hard to wade through all of the different brands. I try to pick companies who focus on organic. I read reviews. Sometimes I just pick one. It definitely takes research and time to find what I like. Sorry I can’t be of more help. 🙂 I updated the rose hip oil link with a brand that I have used and liked. You can see it here: https://amzn.to/2BhSQ3X
My skin is dry and at times sensitive and I’m middle aged. Do you need to add essential oils to make a serum or can you make serum just by using a variety of carrier oils?
Hi, Monica! You can definitely just use carrier oils. They are wonderful and hydrating all on their own.
Does this serum work on wrinkles? Would like to know how to diminish my wrinkles..Thanks
There are so many factors that affect wrinkles : genetics, sun damage, moisture in skin, diet etc. And wrinkles just happen as we age. Yes, this serum will help soften and smooth the skin over time. Staying hydrated, eating a clean diet with lots of healthy fats, getting enough sleep, and protecting our skin from too much sun can help keep our skin looking it’s best. Hope that helps.
Hi. your site is so informative and useful yo someone like me who is novice on facial oil. May I ask your best advice if its good to combine jokoba oil with almond oil, grapeseed oil and rosehip oil together. Is this combination works best for my oily sagging skin? Thank you and more power.
You will have to experiment and see what works for your particular skin. We are all so different. 🙂
Have you looked into Rocky Mountain Oils? I would like to know your thoughts on that company. Thank you!
I don’t have any experience with that company. 🙂
For how long can I store this serum and use?
I try to finish mine in 3 month. 🙂
Hi I have two questions
I made your anti aging and hydrating serums. I used the 2 oz bottles but the recipes only fill halfway or less. Why use a bigger bottle than needed?
Also can I add Vitamin C face serum to either or both of the recipes?
If so how much?
Thank you and I appreciate your help.
I use a 2oz because it just doesn’t fit into a 1 oz. It’s a bit more. I haven’t experimented with Vitamin C, so it’s hard to say. But I’d love to hear if you try it. 🙂
Is there anything that can be used as a replacement for frankincense? It’s quite expensive!!
You could just leave it out and add a titch more of the other oils. 🙂
And also thank you greatly for your website!!!!
Hi, i am using ur diy serum but can i add hyaluranic acid serum 2% water based and vitamin c in it?
Yes, you can add whatever add ons you want. May I ask which hyaluranic acid serum you are using? and what vitamin C? I’m always wanting to learn more. 🙂
Would you recommend this serum when using a dermaroller?
Hmmmm… I don’t think I would use a serum with so many essential oils when dermarolling. Might be a bit much for the skin. Just my opinion. 🙂
Katja, I am having trouble getting the myrrh to mix with the other EOs D/T its thick consistency. I see blobs of myrrh floating in the serum. Any ideas?
The only thing I can say is to keep stirring it. Maybe close the bottle and try to shake it so it mixes in better. Myrrh can be a little thick.
I have recently stumbled upon this recipe. Gave it a go and I love it! Woah it is perfectly hydrating and leaves your skin feeling so refreshed.
Can I add pomegranate seed oil? Also, does it have to be stored in a glass bottle? I only have plastic
You can add whatever oils you like. And you do not want to store anything with essential oils in plastic. They will degrade the plastic.