In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the simplest and most effective DIY face moisturizers. I’ll break down the basic ingredients you’ll need to effectively moisturize your skin, and guide you through the steps to apply them in the most beginner-friendly way.
This post won’t cover DIY oil-and-water emulsions, like creams or lotions. While making a cream is not particularly complicated, I wanted to create a beginner-level guide with recipes that anyone—regardless of experience—can easily follow (even if you can’t boil an egg).
Though creating a cream can range from simple to more advanced, it always requires some special tools, a proper emulsifier to mix the water and oil phases, and a preservative. Since creams can be more involved, and not everyone wants to deal with all of that (honestly, I don’t always either), I’ll save that for a separate post.
Here, I’ll explain the difference between hydration and moisturization (and why you need both!) along with an easy way to achieve both without making a cream. After that, I’ll share the 3 most effective hydrators, followed by a simple recipe for creating a customized nourishing oil moisturizer tailored to your skin type.
You’ll only need 3 ingredients (one of which might even be water!) for your DIY face moisturizer.
MOISTURIZING VS. HYDRATING (& WHY YOU NEED BOTH)
The terms moisturizing and hydrating are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things.
Hydrators are ingredients that add water to the skin (known as humectants). They help to plump the skin and keep it feeling supple. On the other hand, moisturizers are ingredients that provide emollients (oils) to the skin. These oils help smooth the skin and lock in hydration.
All skin types—dry, normal, and oily—need both hydration and moisture. Skin types are defined by the amount of sebum (natural oils) they produce, but regardless of sebum production, skin can still become dehydrated if it loses too much water.
Even if your skin is hydrated, if it lacks a proper protective barrier (meaning the skin’s natural oil production is insufficient), it can feel dry because the water will evaporate.
Hydrators and moisturizers can be separate products, or they can be combined into one. For example, a cream or lotion blends both water and oil phases, providing hydration (water) and sealing it in with moisture (oil).
However, you don’t need to go through the trouble of making a cream or lotion to create effective DIY face moisturizers.
HOW TO PROPERLY MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN
To properly moisturize your skin, you need to provide both water and oil. You can do this with a traditional moisturizer (a cream), or for a simpler approach, you can use a hydrating toner (water-based) followed by a nourishing face oil or fat to lock in that hydration, nourish the skin, and smooth it out.
Below is a list of the best and most convenient hydrators and moisturizing oils for creating easy DIY face moisturizers. To use, start by choosing a hydrator from the list to apply as a toner after cleansing your face. While your skin is still damp, apply the face oil of your choice (from the moisturizing oils section). Gently massage it in until fully absorbed.
For added benefits, you can use a quick lymph-draining face massage to help the oils absorb and boost circulation.
MOST EFFECTIVE DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS
THE METHOD
Step 1: Choose one of the hydrating ingredients from the list of hydrators below.
Step 2: Select your carrier and essential oils from the moisturizing oils list.
Step 3: Combine and mix both in your hands before applying to your skin.
Alternatively, apply the hydrator first and follow up with the oil mixture while your skin is still damp.
…and that’s it – easy DIY face moisturizers!
HYDRATORS
Hydrators are ingredients that draw water to the skin (humectants), helping to smooth out wrinkles and lines by plumping the skin. This is the first step after cleansing your face, ensuring your skin gets the hydration it needs.
Pick one of the following hydrators for your DIY moisturizer:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) HA is naturally produced by the body to retain collagen and boost hydration. It helps skin heal, prevents water loss, and plumps the skin. You can buy HA powder and make your own, which is often more cost-effective than store-bought products.
Basic HA Gel Recipe:
1g of HA powder (approximately 1/4 teaspoon)
100g/ml of distilled water (about 1/2 cup) Combine the two and let sit for several hours or overnight. Stir to create a gel, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Glycerin Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It also helps restore the skin’s barrier function, protecting against irritation and water loss. However, it should be diluted, as pure glycerin can have a drying effect.
Basic Glycerin Hydrating Toner:
1 tablespoon (15 ml) glycerin
100 ml distilled water Mix in a glass spritz bottle and shake well. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Aloe Vera Gel Aloe vera is both a humectant and a powerful skin healer, making it a great addition to your DIY moisturizer. It draws moisture to the skin and can be paired with other ingredients for deeper absorption.
How to Use: Apply a dollop of aloe vera gel directly to your skin, or use the inner flesh of a fresh aloe vera leaf to rub over your face and neck.
MOISTURIZERS
After hydrating your skin, you’ll need oils or butters to lock in that moisture and protect your skin’s barrier.
Basic Nourishing Face Oil Recipe:
30 ml / 1 oz dark glass bottle with a dropper
Choose one or more carrier oils (see list below)
Add 6 to 12 drops (1% to 2%) of essential oils Shake well and apply half a dropper onto damp skin. Massage until absorbed.
If you prefer butters, melt a small dollop between your hands and apply after the hydrator.
Which Oils to Choose According to Skin Type:
Oily or Combination Skin: Use lighter oils to avoid clogging pores. Good options include tamanu, jojoba, grapeseed, rosehip, linseed, apricot kernel. Essential Oils: Lemon, basil, lavender, rosemary, tea tree, thyme.
Normal Skin: Opt for oils that are balanced, like pumpkin, almond, sesame, argan, jojoba, sunflower. Essential Oils: Lavender, geranium, chamomile.
Sensitive or Irritated Skin: Use soothing oils like jojoba, rosehip, linseed, or apricot kernel. Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender, frankincense, geranium.
Dry Skin: Go for heavier, more protective oils and butters like olive, avocado, coconut, sweet almond, or any of the thicker butters (cocoa, shea, mango). Essential Oils: Chamomile, myrrh, sandalwood, clary sage.
Mature Skin: Focus on nourishing oils such as rosehip, argan, jojoba, tamanu, and pomegranate. Essential Oils: Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, cypress, neroli.
CONCLUSION
I’ve been using this DIY face moisturizer and it’s still my favorite. It offers endless customization and ensures that my skincare is always fresh and natural. I hope you find it as effective as I do!
15 BEST FACE OILS FOR DRY SKIN FOR MOISTURE BOOST
Dry skin can feel rough, flaky, and uncomfortable. It can also be more prone to wrinkles and signs of aging. If you’re looking for a way to boost your skin’s hydration and give it a healthy glow, face oil is a great option. Face oils are concentrated sources of nutrients that can help to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier and lock in hydration. They come in a variety of formulas to target different skin concerns, so you can find one that’s perfect for your needs. Here’s a look at 15 of the best face oils for dry skin.
IS USING FACE OIL BENEFICIAL FOR DRY SKIN?
Yes, using face oil is absolutely beneficial for dry skin! Here’s why:
Deep Hydration: Face oils can penetrate deeper into the skin compared to many creams and lotions, providing long-lasting moisture [Source: Benefits of Face Oil for Every Skin Type]. This is crucial for dry skin, which often lacks the natural oils it needs to stay plump and supple.
Strengthens Skin Barrier: Certain face oils are packed with ingredients that mimic and reinforce your skin’s natural barrier. This helps lock in moisture and prevent further dryness.
Nourishment: Many face oils are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that nourish and soothe dry skin. This can help reduce redness, irritation, and flakiness [Source: The Powerful Benefits of Face Oil for Every Skin Type].
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN FACIAL OILS FOR DRY SKIN?
Dry skin craves moisture and nourishment, and face oils can be a fantastic way to deliver both. But with so many options available, how do you pick the right one? Here’s a breakdown of key features to consider when selecting a face oil for dry skin:
Fatty Acid Powerhouse: Look for oils rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, like rosehip or argan oil. These fatty acids help repair and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, keeping it plump and hydrated.
Non-Clogging Champions: Dryness doesn’t have to mean clogged pores! Opt for non-comedogenic oils, which won’t block your pores. Sweet almond, grapeseed, and neem oil are all excellent choices.
Vitamin Boost: Give your skin a healthy dose of vitamins A, C, and E with face oils. Moringa oil, for example, is packed with vitamin E, offering antioxidant protection and promoting overall skin health.
Hydration Heroes: Some oils excel at locking in moisture, a lifesaver for dry skin. Jojoba oil, with its close resemblance to the skin’s natural sebum, helps retain moisture effectively.
Soothe and Calm: Dryness can sometimes lead to irritation. Look for oils with anti-inflammatory properties, like moringa oil, to calm and soothe your skin.
Absorption Matters: Consider the absorption rate when choosing your oil. Slower-absorbing oils, like avocado or olive oil, create a protective layer, ideal for dry skin. However, a mix can be beneficial. Sweet almond oil absorbs quickly, providing a good base for slower-absorbing oils.
Texture Preference: Choose an oil that suits your taste! Sweet almond oil offers a lightweight feel, while coconut oil provides a richer experience.
Natural Goodness: Whenever possible, select 100% pure, organic oils. This ensures they’re free from unnecessary fillers, fragrances, preservatives, and pesticides.
15 BEST FACE OILS FOR DRY SKIN
CHARLOTTE TILBURY COLLAGEN SUPERFUSION FACE OIL
The Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil is a product specifically designed to address concerns of dry skin, potentially ranking among the best face oils for dry skin. While the full list of ingredients isn’t publicly available, the brand highlights a “collagen matrix” and “potent plant extracts” as key components. This suggests it might combine ingredients that plump and firm the skin while delivering nourishing botanical extracts to combat dryness. It’s worth noting that Charlotte Tilbury claims this oil is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. If you have oily skin, you might prefer to use it only at night as the final step in your routine to lock in moisture without adding excess shine.
YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE SUPERBERRY HYDRATE AND GLOW FACE DREAM OIL
Packed with a blend of superfood extracts, Youth To The People’s Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil is a luxurious choice for dry skin. This oil boasts intense hydration thanks to prickly pear and squalane, which work together to lock in moisture. The star of the show is the “Custom Superberry Blend” featuring maqui, acai, and goji berry extracts. These antioxidant-rich berries are believed to combat free radicals, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving your skin feeling velvety soft and glowing. This oil is suitable for most skin types, including dry, normal, combination, and even oily skin, thanks to its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula.
SHEAMOISTURE OVERNIGHT FACE OIL FOR ALL SKIN TYPES 100% VIRGIN COCONUT OIL FOR DAILY HYDRATION 1 OZ
SheaMoisture’s Overnight Face Oil with 100% Virgin Coconut Oil offers a simple yet potentially effective solution for dry skin. While it contains just one key ingredient – coconut oil – this oil boasts some benefits for dry skin. Coconut oil provides hydration and is rich in fatty acids, which can help strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss. However, it’s important to note that coconut oil can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some people, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin. If you have dry skin and are curious about coconut oil’s benefits, SheaMoisture’s Overnight Face Oil might be worth a try, especially considering its affordable price point.
GHOST DEMOCRACY SOFTGLOW FACIAL OIL
Ghost Democracy’s Softglow Facial Oil is formulated specifically to deliver a healthy, radiant glow to dry skin. This plant-based oil utilizes lightweight, yet softening ingredients to deeply hydrate without feeling greasy. A key ingredient might be cloudberry oil, which is mentioned on some retailer sites but not confirmed by Ghost Democracy themselves. Cloudberry oil is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, and omega fatty acids. These nutrients are beneficial for dry skin as they help strengthen the skin’s barrier, retain moisture, and promote a healthy glow. Since Ghost Democracy prioritizes clean ingredients, this oil is free of common irritants like sulfates, silicones, and essential oils, making it a good option for sensitive skin.
DRUNK ELEPHANT VIRGIN MARULA LUXURY FACIAL OIL
Target plump, hydrated skin with Drunk Elephant’s Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil. This oil is formulated specifically to address dryness and lack of elasticity. The star ingredient is 100% unrefined marula oil, known for its richness in fatty acids and antioxidants. These fatty acids help replenish the skin’s moisture barrier, while antioxidants fight free radicals that can contribute to wrinkles and loss of firmness. Marula oil also absorbs quickly, leaving a lightweight, non-greasy finish. This makes it a good choice for those who don’t love the heavy feel of some facial oils. Drunk Elephant prioritizes clean, biocompatible ingredients, so this oil is free of harsh chemicals and potentially irritating ingredients like fragrance and essential oils. While Drunk Elephant markets this oil for all skin types, it’s particularly suited for dry and mature skin.
MELE SKINCARE NO SHADE SUNSCREEN OIL SPF 30 BROAD SPECTRUM
Mele Skincare No Shade Sunscreen Oil SPF 30 Broad Spectrum is a multi-tasking product that offers both sun protection and hydration for dry skin. This oil-based sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB rays, helping to shield your skin from sun damage and premature aging. While it is an oil, it’s formulated to be non-comedogenic, so it shouldn’t clog pores. It also contains ingredients like marula oil and sea buckthorn oil, which are both rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that can help nourish and hydrate dry skin.
OMOROVICZA MIRACLE FACIAL OIL
The Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil is a luxurious option designed to target multiple concerns of dry skin, promoting a revitalized and youthful appearance. While the complete ingredient list isn’t available, the brand emphasizes Hungarian thermal water as a key component. This mineral-rich water is believed to nourish and hydrate the skin. Omorovicza also highlights a unique blend of vitamins and fruit acids. Vitamins like A, C, and E offer antioxidant protection to combat free radicals and potentially slow signs of aging. Fruit acids may gently exfoliate, encouraging cell turnover and a brighter complexion. This oil is suitable for all skin types, including dry skin. However, due to the potential exfoliating effects of fruit acids, it might be best to start with a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin.
HERBIVORE PHOENIX ROSEHIP ANTI-AGING FACE OIL
Looking to revive dry, mature skin? Herbivore’s Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Face Oil might be your hero. Made with rosehip oil (packed with vitamin C and good fats), this oil helps brighten and plump your skin. It also helps keep moisture locked in, which can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. On top of the rosehip oil, Herbivore adds other goodies like sea buckthorn oil (great for extra moisture) and chia seed oil (rich in another good fat). This all adds up to super hydrated, smoother, and glowing skin that feels younger. Plus, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin since it’s free of fragrances and other harsh ingredients.
JUNO ANTIOXIDANT + SUPERFOOD FACE OIL
Sunday Riley’s Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil is another strong contender for dry skin. This oil is packed with a blend of cold-pressed seed oils derived from superfoods, making it a feast for your skin! These antioxidant-rich oils, like blackberry seed oil and blueberry seed oil, help fight free radicals and environmental damage, which can contribute to dryness and wrinkles. Juno oil also boasts a good balance of omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, thanks to ingredients like cranberry seed oil. These fatty acids help replenish your skin’s natural moisture barrier, keeping it plump and hydrated. Overall, this oil is designed to deliver a radiant glow and restore a healthy look to dry skin.
PEACH & LILY PURE BEAM LUXE OIL
Packed with all-natural, plant-powered goodness, Peach & Lily’s Pure Beam Luxe Oil is a great choice for dry skin. This lightweight oil absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel. Key ingredients like squalane, jojoba oil, and sea buckthorn oil work together to deliver a powerful punch of hydration. Squalane mimics your skin’s natural sebum, helping it lock in moisture and prevent dryness. Jojoba oil, another star player, offers similar benefits while also fighting off bacteria. Sea buckthorn oil adds a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, further nourishing and protecting your dry skin. Overall, this oil is designed to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it feeling supple, soft, and radiant.
DERMA E VITAMIN C GLOW FACE OIL
Derma E’s Vitamin C Glow Face Oil is great for dry skin that needs a hydrating boost and a radiant glow. It’s like a superhero for your skin because it does two important things at once. Firstly, it has Vitamin C, which helps make your skin brighter and more even. Plus, it has special ingredients that focus on tackling dryness. Imagine seabuckthorn oil and red raspberry oil teaming up to give your skin a big drink of moisture! And even though it’s an oil, it feels light on your skin and soaks in quickly. That means you won’t feel all oily and gross after putting it on. It’s gentle too, so most skin types, even sensitive ones, can use it without any problems.
BIO-OIL SKINCARE OIL
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is like a Swiss Army knife for your skin, even though it’s not made specifically for dry skin, it can still help a lot. It’s famous for helping scars and stretch marks look better, but it’s also good for hydrating dry skin. How does it work? Well, it’s packed with different oils like sesame seed oil and lavender oil that help keep moisture in your skin. Plus, it’s got vitamins A and E, which are like superfoods for dry skin, helping it stay healthy and strong. But, be careful, because for some people with oily or acne-prone skin, it might clog pores. If you have dry skin, give it a try, but maybe test it out on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any problems.
UMA OILS UMA ABSOLUTE ANTI AGING FACE OIL FOR WRINKLES & DRYNESS | 100% NATURAL, NON-TOXIC, AND FREE FROM ALL SYNTHETICS | DAILY AYURVEDIC MOISTURIZER FOR YOUTHFUL SKIN (1FL OZ | 30ML)
Uma Oils’ Absolute Anti-Aging Face Oil is like a magic potion for dry skin and wrinkles. It’s made from natural stuff and follows Ayurvedic ideas, so it’s gentle and safe for most skin types. This oil has ingredients like frankincense and juniper berry oils that work together to hydrate your skin and make it look younger. It’s like giving your skin a big drink of water while also smoothing out those pesky wrinkles. And because it’s all-natural, it’s perfect for sensitive skin too. So, if you want to tackle dryness and aging without harsh chemicals, this oil could be your new best friend.
ERE PEREZ AUSTRALIAN BLUE CYPRESS FACE NECTAR
Ere Perez Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar is a special oil for your face. It’s made with natural ingredients, like Australian blue cypress, camellia, and jojoba oils. These oils work together to make your skin feel really hydrated and soft. The best part is, it’s not oily or sticky at all – it soaks right in! And because it’s made without any harsh chemicals, it’s gentle on your skin. So, if you want to give your face a nice, moisturizing treat without any fuss, this nectar is a great choice.
CARTER + JANE THE EVERYTHING OIL
Carter + Jane’s The Everything Oil might not be made specifically for dry skin, but it’s still packed with ingredients that can really help hydrate your skin. It’s got grapeseed oil and apricot kernel oil, which are both great at soaking in fast and giving your skin a big drink of moisture. Plus, it’s all made from natural stuff, so it’s gentle on your skin, especially if it’s sensitive. And the best part? You can use it all over – on your face, your hands, your hair ends, and even to take off your makeup! Just remember, since it’s not made only for dry skin, you might need to use a moisturizer too if your skin is super dry.
HOW SHOULD YOU INCORPORATE FACE OIL IN MY SKINCARE REGIME?
Here’s how to incorporate face oil into your skincare routine for dry skin:
Step 1: Cleanse your face
Begin your routine by washing your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for dry skin. This removes dirt, oil, and makeup, allowing the oil to penetrate better.
Step 2: Apply toner (optional)
Toner can help balance your skin’s pH after cleansing. However, it’s not essential for everyone, especially those with dry skin. If you do use toner, choose an alcohol-free, hydrating formula.
Step 3: Serums and Treatments (optional)
Apply any lightweight serums or treatments you use before your face oil. Since oils can create a barrier, it’s best to layer thinner products first for better absorption.
Step 4: Apply face oil
Here’s where the magic happens! Take 2-3 drops of your chosen face oil and warm it up by gently rubbing it between your fingertips.
Pat or gently press the oil onto your face, focusing on dry areas. Start from the center and move outwards towards your hairline and neck.
Avoid the delicate eye area unless your oil is specifically formulated for that region.
Step 5: Moisturizer (optional)
This step depends on your oil’s consistency and your skin’s needs.
If your face oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly, you might still need a moisturizer for additional hydration, especially for very dry skin.
If your oil is quite rich and leaves your skin feeling well-hydrated, you can skip the moisturizer at night.
Here are some additional tips:
Use face oil at night for maximum absorption while you sleep. You can also use it in the morning, but allow it to fully absorb before applying makeup.
Apply a light touch. A few drops are usually enough, and more isn’t necessarily better.
Patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it all over your face, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Be consistent! Regularly using face oil can significantly improve the hydration and overall health of your dry skin.
By following these steps and considering your skin’s specific needs, you can incorporate face oil effectively into your routine for a healthy, glowing complexion.
CONCLUSION
Look for products with good qualities like fatty acids and vitamins. Some are light and good all the time, while others are richer and better when it’s cold. Using a facial oil can make your skin feel really nice and soft, no matter the season. Besides, combine toner for dry skin and moisturizer. Wishing you soon have soft, smooth, shiny skin.
