DIY HOMEMADE LAVENDER LOTION RECIPE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
This DIY Lavender Lotion Recipe is Light, Creamy, and Made with Natural Ingredients like Shea Butter and Lavender Essential Oil.
Switching to all-natural skincare can feel expensive, especially when you see the price difference between Burt’s Bees lip balm and regular chapstick. I thought there was no way I could make it work long-term on a budget!
But here’s the good news: making your own beauty products like body butter, lip balm, and even baby wash is super easy—and often cheaper than store-bought versions!
Most commercial lotions are packed with chemicals, fragrances, parabens, and preservatives, which aren’t exactly the ingredients you want soaking into your skin. Making your own lotion with ingredients you know and trust is a much better choice!
I personally struggle with dry hands, especially in the winter (and all year since we don’t have a dishwasher). This lavender lotion has become a key part of my nighttime routine to help me unwind after a long day.
It’s also great for my kids—rubbing it on their legs and backs helps them relax and get ready for sleep, as the calming scent of lavender is perfect for sweet dreams.
Prefer a solid option? Check out my recipe for homemade lavender lotion bars!
What You Need To Make Homemade Lavender Lotion
Ingredients:
White Beeswax Pellets – Beeswax helps reduce the greasy feel of your lotion while still locking in moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Shea Butter – Known for its skin-softening, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter is a fantastic choice for homemade skincare. If you prefer, you can substitute it with cocoa butter for a slightly different texture and scent.
Almond Oil – This oil has healing properties that make it great for acne and skin blemishes. If you don’t have almond oil, jojoba oil or olive oil are good alternatives.
Vitamin E Oil (optional) – A teaspoon of vitamin E oil adds extra healing power to your lotion, making it great for dry or sensitive skin.
Lavender Essential Oil – The star of this recipe, lavender essential oil, provides a calming, natural scent perfect for a relaxing lotion. I recommend this particular brand for DIY skincare because it’s both strong and affordable.
Supplies:
Electric Mixer – You can use a blender, food processor, stand mixer, or a hand mixer with a bowl to blend the ingredients into a smooth, creamy lotion.
Double Boiler – Alternatively, you can create a double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a saucepan with an inch or two of water in it. Heat the water over medium heat, and add your ingredients to the glass bowl to melt.
Glass Container – Use a glass jar or container to store your finished lotion. Make sure it’s airtight to preserve the freshness of your homemade product.
How To Make This Homemade Lavender Lotion Recipe:
Melt – In a double boiler or a glass bowl placed over a pot with a few inches of water, heat the almond oil, shea butter, beeswax, and vitamin E oil (if using) over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until everything has melted and there are no solid bits left.
Whip – Once the oils have melted and cooled slightly, transfer the mixture to a stand mixer or use electric beaters. Whip the mixture on high speed. Slowly and gradually add in the water, continuing to mix until the lotion becomes light and creamy.
Add the Essential Oils – Once all the water has been incorporated and the mixture turns bright white and fluffy, add 30–50 drops of lavender essential oil. Continue whipping to fully combine the scent into the lotion.
Tips For Success:
To Use: This homemade lavender lotion is safe for most parts of your body, but it’s best to avoid sensitive areas like your face or eyes. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use immediately.
To Store: Store the lotion in a cool place, like the refrigerator, in an airtight glass jar for up to 3 months.
Variations: Lavender pairs beautifully with other essential oils like orange, lemon, vanilla, and grapefruit. You can experiment with a blend of these oils, but make sure the total amount doesn’t exceed 50 drops.
Substitutions: If you don’t have almond oil, you can easily substitute it with jojoba or olive oil in this recipe.
About This Lavender Body Lotion Recipe
All-Natural Ingredients This lotion is made with completely natural ingredients, making it a great choice for even sensitive skin types. No worrisome chemicals here!
Easy to Make You can make enough lotion to last your family all winter in just 15 minutes—no complicated steps required!
Super Cheap The ingredients cost only a few dollars, which is a fraction of the price of store-bought all-natural lavender lotion. And even if it seems a bit pricey the first time, you’ll have plenty of leftover ingredients to make multiple batches.
Plus, leftover beeswax can be repurposed to make baby lotion, beeswax candles, or lip balm!
Moisturizing Each ingredient in this lotion is naturally hydrating and healing, perfect for dry skin.
Creamy This homemade lotion is light and creamy, melting into your skin without any greasy residue.
Easy to Customize Lavender essential oil blends well with many other oils. Try adding a few drops of chamomile, vanilla, lemon, grapefruit, rose, geranium, or orange essential oils to create your own signature scent!
FAQ About This Homemade Lavender Lotion Recipe
How Many Drops of Lavender Oil Should You Put in Lotion? It’s generally recommended to use 12 drops of lavender essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil, body cream, or lotion. Since this recipe uses about 4 ounces of oils, I typically add between 30 and 50 drops of lavender oil to achieve a pleasant, fragrant scent.
How Should You Store Homemade Lotion? To extend the shelf life of your homemade lotion, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. When kept in the fridge, it can last up to 3 months. Plus, essential oils should be stored away from direct sunlight to preserve their potency, so the fridge is the perfect place to keep your lavender lotion fresh and aromatic.
Is This Lavender Lotion Safe to Apply to Your Face? This lavender lotion is made with all-natural ingredients, so it should generally be safe for use on your face, as long as you avoid your eyes and nostrils. However, to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of lotion to a spot on your cheek, and wait a few minutes to see if any redness or irritation develops before using it more liberally on your face. This will help ensure your skin reacts well to the ingredients.
CONCLUSION
Making your own lavender lotion is a simple, cost-effective, and natural way to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. With ingredients like shea butter, almond oil, and lavender essential oil, you can create a luxurious, moisturizing lotion without the worry of harmful chemicals. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable to suit your preferences, whether you want to add other essential oils or create a thicker or lighter texture.
By making this homemade lotion, you’ll save money in the long run, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in your skincare products. Plus, the soothing lavender scent is perfect for relaxation, making it a great addition to your nightly routine.
Store your lotion in a cool place, and it’ll last up to three months—so you can enjoy soft, nourished skin all season long.
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.