sun hat with face cover

3-INGREDIENT DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

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!

DIY WATERMELON FACE MIST TO MAKE YOUR SKIN GLOW

Is there any fruit more refreshing than watermelon? It’s the ultimate summer snack, but this juicy treat does more than just quench your thirst—it can also soothe overheated skin. While fresh, in-season watermelon is a seasonal delight, you can enjoy the benefits of watermelon skin care any time of year. Instead of buying it, why not make your own?

Whenever you crave that summer vibe (or all year round), this refreshing mist recipe is here to help! While you may not be able to bottle the sensation of biting into a fresh watermelon, this mist comes pretty close. Read on to discover how to create this delightful mist!

BENEFITS OF WATERMELON FOR SKIN CARE

You might be wondering what benefits watermelon mist offers for your skin and whether watermelon skincare is more than just a trend.

The truth is, watermelon isn’t just a summer favorite; it’s a valuable addition to your skincare routine. This refreshing fruit is packed with lycopene, a crucial carotenoid that helps protect our skin from sun damage. In fact, some sunscreens are formulated using lycopene extracted from watermelon!

While the exact amount of lycopene in processed watermelon extract isn’t fully known, and nothing can replace a well-formulated sunscreen, watermelon still brings a wealth of benefits to your skin.

Beyond its carotenoid content, watermelon is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote healthy, radiant skin. And let’s be honest—a glowing complexion is what we all want, especially when it comes to achieving that coveted watermelon glow!

Other benefits of watermelon for skin care:

Watermelon is packed with vitamins, solutes, and amino acids that are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Notably, it’s particularly rich in citrulline, an amino acid that supports collagen production. This makes it a great choice for boosting skin elasticity.

Additionally, watermelon can help reduce inflammation and redness after sun exposure, making it a perfect post-sun treatment. Its high vitamin C content not only brightens the skin but also plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis. Plus, with its significant lycopene content, watermelon aids in repairing UV damage.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the skin benefits of watermelon.

It’s becoming increasingly clear why a watermelon facial mist (along with other DIY watermelon skincare products) can enhance your skincare routine.

WATERMELON EXTRACT IN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

The maximum recommended concentration for watermelon fruit extract in skincare is only about 0.5%. This is why many commercially available watermelon cosmetics often include added fragrance to enhance the scent. Without fragrance, these products would lack the appealing watermelon aroma that attracts consumers.

While products that smell like candy can be tempting, those of us with sensitive or reactive skin often avoid fragrances due to potential irritation. This caution can also apply to anyone conscious of the health and environmental implications of synthetic fragrances.

In my DIY watermelon face spray, even though I wish it had the same delightful candy scent that some commercial products, like Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow line, are said to have, it doesn’t. Instead, it offers a light, fruity aroma that is entirely natural and free from synthetic fragrances that could irritate your skin.

DIY WATERMELON FACE MIST RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • 91.5 ml distilled water (see notes)
  • 5 g vegetable glycerin or propanediol
  • 2 g Linatural natural preservative
  • 1 g aloe vera 200x powder
  • 0.5 g watermelon powder fruit extract
  • Pinch of pink beet powder

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

  • 1 g allantoin powder
  • 1 g panthenol liquid
  • 1 g sorbitan oleate

EQUIPMENT

  • Glass lab beakers
  • Cosmetic scale (0.1 g precision)
  • Pipettes for measuring
  • Mini stainless steel whisk
  • Small funnel
  • 4 oz fine mist spray bottle (see notes)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Sanitize Your Workspace: Ensure all tools, equipment, and your work area are clean and sanitized. Wash everything with hot, soapy water and then spray with 70% alcohol. Allow to dry thoroughly.
  • Mix Glycerin and Watermelon Powder:
    • Weigh the vegetable glycerin into a small beaker.
    • Add the watermelon powder and whisk to combine.
  • Incorporate Aloe Powder:
    • Gradually sprinkle the aloe powder into the glycerin mixture, whisking well to prevent clumping.
  • Add Beet Powder:
    • Stir in the pink beet powder until fully dissolved.
  • Include Optional Ingredients:
    • If using, add allantoin, panthenol, and sorbitan oleate at this stage.
  • Combine with Water:
    • Add the distilled water and gently whisk to blend all ingredients.
  • Add Preservative:
    • Finally, mix in the preservative gently.
  • Transfer to Bottle:
    • Pour the mixture into your fine mist spray bottle, and your face spray is ready to use!

RECIPE NOTES

  • Safety & Cleanliness: It’s crucial to ensure all tools and surfaces are sanitized to avoid bacterial contamination in homemade skincare.
  • Storage & Shelf Life: Store your watermelon spray in a cool, dark place or in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. It’s best to use the spray within six months to minimize contamination risks.
  • Batch Size: This recipe yields 100 ml of face mist, which fits perfectly in a 4 oz spray bottle. If you prefer a specific bottle type, the one shown in the photos is from Rail19, though they currently offer only larger sizes.
  • Measuring Ingredients: The total weight of your ingredients should equal 100 g. If you’re adding optional ingredients, subtract their combined weight from the water. Remember, 1 ml of water equals 1 g. For example, if you add 3 g of optional ingredients, reduce the water to 88.5 ml.
  • Ingredient Substitutions: You can use liquid watermelon extract instead of watermelon powder, allowing for a higher percentage (1 to 3%) compared to the powder’s maximum of 0.5%.

CONCLUSION

With this simple DIY watermelon face mist, you can easily incorporate the refreshing and hydrating benefits of watermelon into your daily skincare routine. This natural and affordable recipe is perfect for all skin types, especially those seeking a radiant and glowing complexion. So, why not give it a try and experience the transformative power of watermelon on your skin? Remember, a little natural care can go a long way in achieving a healthy and beautiful you.