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!
TOP 18 BEST KOREAN FACE MASKS FOR HYDRATED AND GLOWY SKIN
Dreaming of dewy, radiant skin? Look no further than Korean face masks! Packed with innovative ingredients and luxurious textures, these masks are a K-beauty staple for a reason. Whether you’re on the hunt for an overnight treatment or a quick pick-me-up, this list unveils the top 18 Korean face masks to quench your skin’s thirst and leave you glowing from within. Get ready to discover masks for all skin types and concerns, formulated to transform your complexion into a hydrator’s paradise.
THE ROLE OF REGULAR FACE MASKING
Adding face masks to your skincare routine can help with different skin problems like dark spots, wrinkles, and skin tightness. Regularly using face masks can give you these benefits:
Cleaning: Face masks get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and extra oil on your skin, making it cleaner and shrinking pores.
Less wrinkles: Face masks help reduce signs of getting older like wrinkles, crow’s feet, and uneven skin color by giving your skin important nutrients, making it softer and smoother.
Moisturizing: Face masks help your skin keep moisture and important nutrients, making it softer and more elastic. When you use a face mask, you’ll see that your skin feels smoother and more flexible.
Helping skin problems: Face masks can help treat different skin problems like oily skin, pimples, dark spots, and sunburn.
Relaxation: After a long day, using a face mask can help you relax and feel calm, giving your skin time to rest and improve its natural tightness.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A K-BEAUTY FACE MASK
Think about what your skin needs: Many K-Beauty masks focus on a couple of main ingredients that are meant to do specific things and work best for certain skin types. Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, suggests finding a mask that matches your skin needs. For instance, if you want to hydrate your skin for that trendy glass skin look, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
The material of the mask matters too: Many K-Beauty masks are sheet masks, but besides the ingredients, the material of the mask itself is important, says Chang. “Cotton masks are usually gentle and give a lot of moisture. Hydrogel masks feel cool but might tear easily, while cellulose masks help the ingredients soak in better.”
Think about how sensitive your skin is: Some masks are designed to be gentle on the skin, but others have strong ingredients that might irritate sensitive skin. If your skin gets red easily, you might want to avoid products with acids or essential oils and choose something soothing and hydrating instead, like a water-based option.
The REJURAN c-PDRN Intensive Rejuvenating Healing Mask is known for helping skin heal and reducing wrinkles. It’s a thin gel that soaks into your skin easily, giving great results. The main ingredient in this mask is C-PDRN, which helps sensitive skin heal, makes skin renew faster, and strengthens its barrier.
Also, the mask has Adenosine and hydrolyzed DNA, which boost collagen production. This helps skin renew faster, keeps it elastic, and stops it from aging too quickly, making it smoother and tighter. It’s best to use the Korean REJURAN c-PDRN Intensive Rejuvenating Healing Mask 2 to 3 times a week for the best results.
GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW SLEEPING MASK
Infused with the refreshing essence of summer, the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a cult-favorite for a reason. This bouncy, overnight treatment combines the power of watermelon extract with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) for a double dose of skin magic. The watermelon extract delivers a surge of hydration, while the AHAs gently exfoliate, buffing away dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion by morning. Perfect for all skin types, this mask also boasts hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, and niacinamide to help minimize the appearance of pores. With its playful scent and effective formula, the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a fun and fruity way to wake up to glowing, radiant skin.
MEDIHEAL TEA TREE ESSENTIAL MASK
Calling all blemish-prone pals! The MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Mask is your knight in shining (or should we say, mattifying) armor. This mask is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, with tea tree oil as its hero ingredient. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, making it a powerful tool to combat breakouts and soothe irritation. The MEDIHEAL mask doesn’t stop there. It also contains Centella Asiatica extract, also known as cica, to further calm and heal the skin. Plus, it helps regulate oil production, leaving you with a balanced, shine-free complexion. So, if you’re looking to calm breakouts, minimize redness, and achieve a clearer, more matte visage, the MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Mask is a mask worth masking about.
MEDIPEEL BIO-INTENSE GLUTATHIONE WHITE AMPOULE MASK
The MEDIPEEL Bio-Intense Glutathione White Ampoule Mask is a serum from the Medi-peel brand that deeply whitens and moisturizes your skin. It contains Glutathione, Niacinamide, and 12 powerful antioxidants that help your skin absorb nutrients better, make it brighter and more even-toned, stop melanin formation, and improve pigmentation.
The mask is thin and light, so it fits your face well and helps your skin absorb the nutrients evenly. It’s good for all skin types, especially if you have uneven skin tones. Also, the MEDIPEEL Bio-Intense Glutathione White Ampoule Mask reduces signs of aging, makes your skin look younger, and tightens your pores, giving you firmer, smoother, and more glowing skin.
MISSHA SHEET MASK
This skincare product is liked because it feels light and sticks easily to the skin. It offers three different types to choose from. However, some people find it doesn’t fit well around the eyes and nose. It softens and hydrates the skin and is suitable for all skin types. It’s a single-use mask made of rice paper and comes in five variations, each featuring different ingredients like aloe vera or green tea to address various skin needs. While it may not have as many active ingredients as some other masks, it leaves rough, dry skin feeling smoother with regular use.
INNISFREE PORE CLEARING CLAY MASK WITH SUPER VOLCANIC CLUSTERS
For those seeking a deep clean and minimized pores, the Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask with Super Volcanic Clusters is a powerful option. This mask leverages the natural absorbing properties of Jeju volcanic clusters, tiny volcanic particles that work like magnets to draw out excess oil, dirt, and impurities trapped within your pores. This Innisfree mask goes beyond simple pore clearing. It also contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) that gently exfoliate, removing dead skin cells and promoting smoother texture. The result? A clearer, visibly minimized pore appearance and a refreshed, shine-free complexion. If you have oily or combination skin and struggle with clogged pores, blackheads, or excess oil, the Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask with Super Volcanic Clusters might be your new best friend.
DR. JART+ DERMASK VITAL HYDRA SOLUTION MASK
The Dr. Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Mask is famous in South Korea for being the first capsule mask, resembling a large capsule on the outside. This mask is made of cellulose fibers that deeply moisturize the skin. When you put it on, it feels refreshing, has a light scent, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave any sticky residue. This mask is enriched with xylitol and aquaxyl extracts, which help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier by keeping it from getting dry. It also contains seaweed and Oligo-hyaluronic acid, which are good for keeping your skin moist for a long time and boosting collagen production. This makes your skin look younger, well-hydrated, and refreshed.
SATURDAY SKIN YUZU VITAMIN C SLEEP MASK
Brighten up your beauty sleep with Saturday Skin’s Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask! This luxurious overnight treatment harnesses the power of the antioxidant-rich Yuzu citrus fruit, delivering a potent dose of vitamin C to your skin. Vitamin C is a superstar ingredient for brightening and evening skin tone, leaving you with a radiant, healthy-looking glow. But the Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask goes beyond just brightening. It also boasts a cocktail of other beneficial ingredients. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, works to further minimize the appearance of pores and improve skin texture. Additionally, retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting overall skin renewal.
TONYMOLY I’M MASK
Tonymoly’s I’m Mask collection isn’t just one mask, it’s a delightful squad of sheet masks catering to a variety of skin concerns! Think of it like a K-beauty buffet for your face. Each mask within the I’m Mask line features a unique key ingredient, offering targeted solutions. For example, the I’m Honey Mask hydrates and nourishes with real honey extract, while the I’m Aloe Mask provides a surge of cooling moisture. If you’re looking to brighten and even skin tone, the I’m Lemon Mask is your pick. And for those with oily or acne-prone skin, the I’m Tea Tree Mask swoops in to combat blemishes and soothe irritation.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Tonymoly offers I’m Masks with ingredients like Red Wine for pore care, Rice for clear skin, and Seaweed for deep purification.
AHC PREMIUM HYDRA SOOTHER CELLULOSE MASK
The AHC Premium Hydra Soother Cellulose is one of the top Korean face masks that you shouldn’t miss. Developed by experts worldwide, it’s great for protecting and nourishing your skin. The mask fits your face well, feels soothing, and helps your skin absorb nutrients easily, making it comfortable to use. It’s made with Hydra Soother Cellulose, which moisturizes, rejuvenates, and repairs damaged skin, and vitamin B5, which soothes and keeps your skin moist. The mask also has Hyaluronic Acid to give moisture, leaving your skin smooth and revitalized. Plus, it deeply locks in moisture in every layer of your skin, making it soft and protecting it from the environment.
INNISFREE MY REAL SQUEEZE MASK
Innisfree, a renowned brand under the Korean beauty giant Amorepacific, offers a popular series of sheet masks known as My Real Squeeze Masks. These masks are available in three hydration levels, ranging from water-based to cream-based formulas, catering to different skin needs. Additionally, the extensive selection of key ingredients provides customers with a wide array of options to address specific skincare concerns. Featuring ingredients like Acai berry and Manuka honey, among others, the My Real Squeeze Masks offer a diverse range of benefits. During research, masks infused with Tea Tree, Rice, and Aloe were frequently highlighted as popular choices among consumers.
LANEIGE CICA SLEEPING MASK
The LANEIGE CICA Sleeping Mask, part of the Laneige brand, is specially made for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin. It has a thick, creamy gel texture and comes in a white color. When you put it on your skin, it feels refreshing and soothing, and it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy feeling. This mask contains wild forest yeast extracts, which have strong antioxidant properties and are even better at calming the skin than centella asiatica. It also has tea tree essence, known for fighting bacteria, deeply hydrating the skin, calming red and inflamed acne spots, and protecting the skin. Moreover, the LANEIGE CICA Sleeping Mask includes pine tree extracts, which help repair the skin, improve its elasticity, and make it firmer.
COSRX ULTIMATE NOURISHING RICE OVERNIGHT SPA MASK
Craving deep nourishment and a touch of brightening power? Look no further than the COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask. This pampering mask, suitable for most skin types (especially normal to dry), is a nighttime treat formulated to deliver a multi-pronged approach to a healthy complexion. The star ingredient is rice extract, formulated at over 65% concentration. Rice extract is a gentle yet effective ingredient known to brighten skin tone, even out texture, and provide a surge of hydration. The COSRX mask also boasts niacinamide, a superstar for minimizing pores and refining skin texture. This overnight mask goes the extra mile by offering multiple uses. While designed for nighttime pampering, it can also be used as a heavier moisturizer for those with extra dry skin or as a gentle cleanser for a touch of morning refreshment.
ALL NATURAL 365 GREEN CENTELLA ASIATICA MASK SHEET
Calling all sensitive skin warriors! The All Natural 365 Green Centella Asiatica Mask Sheet is your calming hero. This fragrance-free sheet mask boasts a gentle formula ideal for those with easily irritated or reactive complexions. The key ingredient is Centella Asiatica extract, also known as cica, at a concentration of 60%. Cica is renowned for its soothing and calming properties, helping to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation. This mask is perfect for calming breakouts, soothing sunburns, and promoting overall skin recovery. The All Natural 365 mask also keeps things simple with a minimal ingredient list, focusing on gentle hydration and nourishment. It contains green tea extract, packed with antioxidants to protect the skin, and adheres comfortably with a nature-derived, vegan fabric.
ABIB HEARTLEAF STICKER GUMMY FACE SHEET MASK IMPROVE SKIN ELASTICITY
The Abib Heartleaf Sticker Gummy Face Sheet Mask for Improved Skin Elasticity is a product from Abib, a cosmetics brand. This mask is lightweight and thin, making it easy to fit onto the face and allowing the skin to absorb nutrients effectively. It’s made mostly from Houttuynia Cordata extract, which is known for its skin-soothing, sebum-controlling, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for acne-prone skin. Additionally, the mask contains powerful amino acids with antioxidant effects, which help prevent signs of aging and leave the skin feeling firm, plump, and refreshed.
NATURE REPUBLIC ALOE MASK SHEET
This sheet mask stands out for its soothing effect on the skin and its various hydrating formulas. It’s praised for softening the skin and contains key ingredients like aloe leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen, which are beneficial for balanced and dry skin types. However, some users note that it may not fit as well as other masks. Dermatologist Dr. Chang recommends it for its high concentration of aloe, which not only soothes the skin but also provides long-lasting hydration. She also highlights the brand’s diverse range of options, catering to different levels of hydration needs.
DERMAL COLLAGEN ESSENCE MASK
Dermal’s Collagen Essence Masks stand out for offering an extensive selection of 24 varieties, featuring diverse ingredients such as rose, apricot, gold, and pearl. These masks combine vitamin E and collagen with essential ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol. When applied, these Korean facial masks effectively soothe redness, moisturize the skin, and diminish age spots. Users appreciate that they don’t leave a sticky residue after use, and the sheets are made of 100% premium cotton. Notably, these masks come with eye flaps for added relaxation. Simply let the flaps cover your eyes to fully enjoy the healing experience.
CONCLUSION
With such a wide range of options available, you’re bound to discover the ideal mask or masks to target your unique skin concerns and revitalize your complexion. Keep in mind the importance of consistency! For optimal outcomes, integrate these masks into your daily skincare regimen to achieve radiant and healthier-looking skin. It’s important to note that face masks have expiration dates, so be mindful of that. Prepare to immerse yourself in the wonders of K-beauty and witness the transformation firsthand.
