Easy Homemade DIY Facial Oil for any Skin Type

Over the past few years, I have become very fond of using organic and natural DIY Facial oil as a moisturiser, it’s so easy to make. It’s been a life-changing experience as there is an oil for any skin issue and if you learn to blend these yourself it can be a wonderful clean skin and even a money-saving tool. 

I started using oils as a moisturiser simply because my skin is very temperamental and don’t always work well with commercially produced skincare products. I’ve had my share of acne, irritations, reactions and bacterial infections so started to research using oils as a moisturiser a few years ago and have been pleasantly surprised. I have combination skin with extreme variations from very oily parts to very dry parts, this is emphasised whenever I visit a dry climate. 

There are so many decadent blends of oil to suit all skin types. Mix that with active essential oils and you can gain massive benefits to your skin including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial benefits. Oils can help to reduce sun and environmental damage, healing and repairing even sensitive skin. 

Benefits of DIY Facial Oil

There are many shop-bought oils, ready-made and blended that you can buy. However, if you’d like to try your hand at making your own DIY facial oil, you’re in the right place. It really is an easy process if you do your research. Watch out as essential oils are quite strong and can burn your skin if you’re not careful.

The benefits of making your own oil are big:

• You can control what goes into your oil
• Making your own oil blend is easier on the wallet
• You can customise your oil blend for your skin type or skin concern, using the oil lists below
• It makes a great gift

What is in Facial Oil?

Facial oil is a blend of oils used to moisturise the face and decolletage, it usually contains carrier oils (the main ingredient) that are blended with essential oils. A carrier oil is normally odourless, cold-pressed and made from nuts or fruits. Carrier oils have varying abilities to penetrate and nourish the skin and are used as a base for your skincare oil.

Essential oils, on the other hand, are concentrated plant extracts that retain the essence of their source and is used in small quantities. Some store-bought facial oils will contain other ingredients and even chemicals that are not oil. We’d recommend trying to avoid additives wherever possible.

A good natural facial oil will contain 100% pure oil and won’t list mineral oil as an ingredient, as mineral oil is made from petroleum-derived ingredients. On the other hand, facial oil serums are likely to contain other ingredients on top of the oils used as a standard.

Choosing The Best Carrier Oil for your Skin Type

When you start to experiment with making your own DIY facial oil or body oil you can start with carrier oil blends on their own before adding essential oils. This makes the process a bit simpler to start as you can build from the carrier oil onwards.

The carrier oil will make up the largest part of your oil blend as you will only add 15-20 drops of essential oil to the carrier oil. When choosing your oils always make sure that they are unadulterated i.e. does not contain any additives or have potentially been diluted as that will make it less effective. 

• Jojoba oil is thought to mimic sebum, the skin’s natural oil so won’t block your pores. It’s great for acne-prone skin and anti-ageing. It can cause a purge but will clear within a few weeks. Use for dry, ageing, normal and acne-prone skin. 
• Sweet almond oil is suitable for dry, irritated, acne-prone and sensitive skin. It’s a great emollient, softening, revitalising and nourishing to the skin.
• Argan oil contains high levels of Vitamin E, which makes it great for ageing skin. It can reduce wrinkles by restoring the skin’s water lipid layer and can smooth inflammation. It has anti-oxidant properties and can help to neutralise free radicals. Appropriate for most skin types including oily skin.
• Apricot Kernal oil is a light oil rich in linoleic and oleic acid. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and easily absorbs into the skin. Use for irritated, sensitive and ageing skin.
• Grapeseed oil is a lighter oil rich in Vitamin E, it reduces inflammation and redness so is great for acne-prone skin. It helps to balance sebum production so works for all skin types, especially oily skin.
• Hemp seed oil is packed with benefits and has been clinically proven to alleviate dry skin, minor skin abrasions, acne, eczema and psoriasis. It has a high content of Vitamin E and can compensate for lower ceramide levels associated with ageing which makes it great for ageing skin. This oil is also one of the best options for oily skin but can be used for all skin types. Make sure to store hemp oil in the fridge away from sunlight.
• Evening primrose oil is good for eczema, rosacea, acne-prone, oily and ageing skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can combat dry skin very effectively.
• Rosehip oil is believed to be one of the best oils for skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing. It contains Vitamin A and works for all skin types including dry and oily skin. It reduces redness and can be used to reduce the appearance of scars. It has a luxurious, silky smooth texture.
• Tamanu oil has been shown to stimulate collagen production helping healing, regeneration and minimising wrinkles and stretch marks. Works well for ageing, oily and acne-prone skin.
• Sea buckthorn oil is the richest oil on earth. It’s rich in natural minerals and vitamins and works to revive, renew, replenish and protect the skin. It works for all skin types but is specifically good for ageing and oily skin.
• Marula oil is an anti-oxidant rich and lightweight oil. It hydrates your skin, minimizes dark spots, has anti-ageing properties and protects against UV rays. This oil contains vitamins C and E and can neutralise free radicals. Use for dry and ageing skin.

Which Essential Oils to Use

You only need a few drops of essential oils as it’s concentrated. There are many essential oils that you can try, but here are a few of my favourites to get you started:

Peppermint is great for oily and acne-prone skin but you have to use this sparingly as it can tingle. Also, don’t use topically on children under the age of 6. Blends well with Lavender and Rosemary in the list below.

Lavender works well for oily, acne-prone, sensitive, ageing and dry skin. It has healing properties and is very aromatic. Blends well with most essential oils.

Bergamot is a citrus-based oil that works very well for acne-prone skin. Citrus oils are best to use for nighttime as they can cause photosensitivity. Blends with other citrus oils and Sandalwood, Rosemary and Frankincense.

Rosewood is great for ageing, dry and normal skin. Brightens dull skin and supports skin cell rejuvenation for a younger-looking complexion. Blends well with citrus and wood-based oils, often bringing them together

Chamomile is known for increasing moisture and reducing inflammation, but should be avoided if you have ragweed allergies. Blends with most floral and herbaceous oils as well as Bergamot and Frankincense.

Sandalwood can reduce inflammation while promoting moisture and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Blends with Frankincense, Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon and Rosewood in this list.

Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to keep excess sebum at bay making it great for oily skin. Blends with most spice and citrus oils including Frankincense, Chamomile, Tea Tree, Geranium, Bergamot, Lemongrass and Peppermint.

Frankincense can help to alleviate oily and acne-prone skin and is thought to provide lipids for ageing skin. It can also be used for sensitive skin. Blends with Bergamot, Chamomile, Rosemary, Geranium, Lavender and Sandalwood.

Geranium is said to balance skin oils and is helpful in evening out hydration levels. Blends with most other essential oils.

Lemon oil can help to fight inflammation and free radicals that can contribute to acne and ageing. A tad of lemon oil blends with most other essential oils.

Cinnamon has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and may help severe acne. When blending your DIY facial oil this oil blends well with Frankincense, Tea Tree, Lavender and Rosemary.

Lemongrass can help fight acne, has antimicrobial properties and can help to remove excess dead skin. Blends with Lavender, Frankincense and Tea Tree.

Tea tree is known for its anti-septic properties in alternative medicine and can help fight inflammation and bacteria. It is widely used to help prevent breakouts and alleviate acne, but it can sting if used in high concentrations. Blends well with Cinnamon, Lavender and Rosemary.

Blending your Own DIY Facial Oil

Once you have selected your oil combination by skin concern/type and blending notes you can start to put your oil together. I’d recommend using a bottle of no more than 60ml like this, especially if it’s your first attempt a smaller batch is always better so that you can adjust if you’re not happy with the result.

Before we start please avoid nut-based oils if you have a nut allergy, also avoid using essential oils during pregnancy.

• Fill your bottle up to 2/3rd of your selected carrier oil blend
• Then add 15 – 20 drops of essential oil per 60ml, a little less if you are using peppermint oil
• Replace the cap and shake the bottle until the oils have combined. You should be able to smell the essential oils but it shouldn’t be overpowering
• Complete a patch test by applying a small amount to your wrist before applying using to make sure you don’t have a reaction to any of the oils. If you don’t have a reaction within 24 hours it should be safe to use on your face
• Apply 3-5 drops of oil as part of your daily skincare routine after cleansing at night and/or in the morning to your face, neck and décolletage. Note that when using makeup it’s best to let the oil sink in for a bit before applying. For toxin-free results, we would of course recommend using natural or zero waste makeup and natural and organic lipstick along with your oil blend. This will make sure it sits well on the skin as oil can be a makeup remover if it’s not fully absorbed.

How to use Facial Oil

Before using a facial oil, you can apply your usual toner if you have one. Using oil as a moisturiser means you can use a few drops to cover a lot of ground, or skin should we say. You only need a few drops.

Warm the oil between your fingertips for a few seconds and then apply in the same way you would a moisturiser. Leave the oil to absorb into your skin for a few minutes before applying makeup in the day.

You can use different oil blends for morning or night if you choose. Or apply a heavier oil in the evening only, whichever you prefer.

Can you use Oils on Oily Skin?

The simple answer is absolutely you can. As mentioned there is an oil for every skin type, but equally using the wrong oil can cause breakouts, blocked pores and inflammation so it’s very important to choose the best oils for your skin type. 

Storing Your Oil

It’s best to use a dispenser option such as this dark glass pump bottle or dropper bottle like this as it helps to dispense just the right amount without letting bacteria into the bottle. The dark glass will protect your DIY facial oil from light exposure. I don’t recommend using a plastic bottle as it can affect the oil and leach chemicals into your oil. The oil will last a long time so as mentioned making them in smaller batches is a good idea as the oil will eventually start to deteriorate when it’s exposed to air. A 60ml bottle should last a few months. If you are using hemp seed oil remember to store it in the fridge.

Related: DIY Dry Shampoo

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