tamanu oil before after

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!

15 BEST DETANGLERS FOR CURLY HAIR

There will inevitably be some knots and tangles while working with curls, regardless of the type of hair you have. Furthermore, even while it can seem like the simplest solution to rake a detangling brush right through your matted mane, you don’t want to deal with the aftermath of possible hair loss, breakage, and damage. Alternatively, there are excellent detangling solutions available to assist you in completely preventing it. You have come to the correct site if you are ready to give up on your search for the best detangler for curly hair.

UNITE 7SECONDS DETANGLER LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

7Seconds Detangler is one of those unicorn products that works on all hair types because of its protein-based components. Panthenol and rice protein easily untangle fine baby hair, coarse curls, chemically treated hair, and even hair extensions. Not only does the product smooth knots fast, but it also seals the cuticle for softer strands. Adherents of hot style will value its safeguarding properties from heat and ultraviolet rays. It is also a multipurpose detangler for both adults and children because of its mild scent. If you ever consider finding the perfect hair products for curly hair, this conditioner is a must-have.

THE HONEST COMPANY CONDITIONING DETANGLER

For smoother, more manageable hair, this conditioning detangler spray helps to reduce knots and tangles. Because it is free of silicones, sulfates, dyes, parabens, and artificial perfumes, it is safe for little children and effective for the entire family. It is available in several formulas to address particular hair issues, such as dry hair and frizz-prone hair, and has enticing scents like sweet almond and citrus vanilla. Furthermore, it’s an excellent value at about $7 per bottle.

ORIBE RUN-THROUGH DETANGLING PRIMER

This opulent detangler costs about $40 each bottle, so it’s not a cheap purchase. However, the combination of its constituents yields certain advantages that justify the premium cost. Amla and hibiscus extracts hydrate and condition the hair for shine and softness, while pomegranate, apricot, and coconut oils separate and smooth the hair. An anti-static compound also keeps flyaways at bay for silkier, smoother strands. This spray not only detangles hair but also provides heat protection and primes it for style. Reviews also mention that a little goes a long way.

INNERSENSE SWEET SPIRIT LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Hydration is essential since curly hair is prone to dryness and frizz. With ingredients like aloe, tamanu oil, honey, and organic rice protein, this hydrating spray—technically a leave-in conditioner, but great as a daily detangler—delivers moisturizing and strengthening effects. Although Innersense was created with curly hair in mind, every hair type can benefit from this conditioning spray’s ability to detangle and hydrate without becoming heavier or more oily. Many reviewers laud the subtle aroma, and many believe it hydrates nicely with only a few spritzes. No donut, this is the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair.

AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

This light conditioning spray contains organic pomegranate oil that nourishes hair without adding weight, and stressed strands will absorb it. Aveda’s Nutriplenish spray not only smooths, softens and detangles hair but also provides heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. An additional benefit is that it contains sand ginger, a naturally occurring UV filter that protects hair from the drying effects of the sun.

AMIKA THE WIZARD DETANGLING PRIMER

This well-known detangler contains avocado and sea buckthorn oils to increase hydration and squalane to guard against moisture loss. It can do several tasks, including detangling, priming, protecting against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and eliminating frizz. Although it’s meant to be used after washing and before style to prep the hair, smooth knots, and even shorten blow dry times, reviews claim that it works really well on both wet and dry hair.

I.C.O.N CURE SPRAY

This solution-focused spray untangles and nourishes hair, leaving it feeling silky, light, and free of knots. Aloe vera to calm and hydrate, a combination of proteins to fortify, and panthenol to promote suppleness are some of the hero components. Apply a mist to any kind of hair to provide obvious softness, strengthen strands, and quickly smooth knots.

GARNIER FRUCTIS PURE CLEAN DETANGLER

You can untangle your hair for a few dollars thanks to Garnier. This spray uses chemicals like aloe and vitamin E to eliminate frizz, enhance shine, and smooth hair in addition to being gentle with knots. We also adore that it is entirely devoid of substances produced by animals and isn’t created with silicones or parabens. Wet or damp hair should be treated with the leave-in product, and then combed through.

THE MANE CHOICE SOFT AS CAN BE DETANGLER

For naturally textured and curly hair, this hydrating multipurpose solution was designed to provide both tangle prevention and relief. Although Soft As Can Be by The Mane Choice was designed with kinky, wavy, curly, and textured hair in mind, it is theoretically acceptable for all hair types. This incredibly hydrating product, which includes nutritious nutrients like biotin, avocado oil, castor oil, and aloe vera, may be used as a normal conditioner, co-wash, leave-in conditioner, or post-shower detangler. Although the packaging can be improved a whole lot more, this is still a good product for curly hair.

TGIN 3-IN-1 CO-WASH CONDITIONER AND DETANGLER

If you often tie knots, you probably know that the best place to start is usually the shower. Having said that, while you’re ironing out the kinks, you’ll be happy to have a bottle of TGIN Quench on hand. You may use this triple-threat shampoo to wash, condition, moisturize, and untangle your hair, and each time you can expect shinier, softer hair.

PATTERN LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Additionally, we adore Pattern’s Leave-In Conditioner. Known as one of the greatest leave-in treatments, the creamy solution works to release knots, relax matted hair, and lock in moisture by utilizing natural oils and honey. Apply it to drenched hair after taking a shower, and then rub it through to ensure it’s equally dispersed from root to tip. Although some individuals may find the fragrance overpowering, this detangler is well worth a try.

KINKY CURLY KNOT TODAY DETANGLER

This leave-in detangling treatment from Kinky Curly provides an additional choice. Though all hair types benefit from Knot Today’s excellent knot and tangle removal, the brand’s products are primarily targeted at those with curly or naturally occurring hair. In order to make detangling simple and painless, it also supplies moisture. Although the potent herbal aroma may not be to everyone’s taste, it does the job well.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE HAIRDRESSER INVISIBLE OIL

In certain cases, greasy fingers are required to loosen knotted hair. Bumble & bumble’s To unravel all the knots holding you down, Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is a hydrating concoction of coconut, safflower, grape, macadamia, argan, and sweet almond oils. The solution, which is lightweight and highly absorbent, also treats split ends and frizz. So if you are still wondering “Is argan oil good for curly hair?”, the answer is definitely yes.

BRIOGEO BE GENTLE, BE KIND DETANGLING SPRAY

Briogeo’s unscented Be Gentle, Be Kind product line may be ideal for you if you want simple products without overpowering scents. Aloe vera, oat milk, and green tea are the main ingredients in this organically derived detangling spray, which is strong on knots and gentle on stressed hair. Additionally, it provides a smoothing effect that aids in flyaway control. Before letting your hair air dry or blow dry, spray it on somewhat damp or towel-dried hair and comb it through.

IGK GOOD BEHAVIOUR PREP SPRAY

Numerous hair detangling treatments claim to provide the illusive “slip.” This basically means that they lubricate your hair to reduce friction, which makes matted portions release and knots easier to unravel. IGK Good Behavior Spray uses a mild blend of natural oils to accomplish the task. In addition to detangling, it smooths and adds gloss to your hair, protects it from heat, and controls frizz for up to 24 hours.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Even though yanking a brush through knotted hair might make you cry, you can be causing more harm than you realize. Despite the sensitivity of the scalp, vigorously brushing out tough knots can lead to hair breakage and loss. One easy fix is to use one of the best detanglers. Take a look at our list to simplify your hair care regimen.