The winter can be a harsh time for your skin. As soon as summer comes to an end, my skin begins to change as quickly as the leaves outside. By the time Winter arrives, my skin becomes very dry. Lotions, creams, and balms become constant companions for my hands and feet. My face however, has a different ally. When the cool dry breezes of winter come along, I abandon the light facial creams that sustain my summer skin. Facial Oils are the only thing that can keep my skin happy from December on.
At first glance, using an oil as a facial moisturizer seems counter intuitive. Most people react to this idea with the concern that it will cause your skin to become too greasy. While that could be true in some extreme cases, most people’s skin actually reacts quite well to facial oils. After all, most creams and facial serums are oil based. Water and emulsifiers are added to give the product the cool feeling and pleasant texture that we are so familiar with. Unfortunately, the commercial versions of these products are almost always accompanied by chemical preservatives and other questionable ingredients. Facial oils can be made in small batches that can be used quickly, eliminating the need for a strong chemical preservative.
The key to a great skincare routine is making sure that it matches your unique needs. Creating a custom facial oil allows you to directly control the properties of your daily moisturizer. Since you’ll be using ingredients that have not been diluted with water and additives, you’ll be essentially (no pun intended) cutting out the middle man. You can be sure that the beneficial components of the oils you are using are reaching your skin at their full strength. You only need to apply about 3 to 6 drops of facial oil per application, but each drop will be packed with full strength natural ingredients.
When it comes to creating a blend for delicate facial skin all oils are not created equal. Even if your skin tends to be dry, your blend should be light, penetrating, and non-comedogenic. My favorite oil to use as a base for any facial blend is Rosehip Oil. With high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Rosehip oil is a champion in the world of natural skincare. It has been shown to help improve skin elasticity, regenerate skin cells, slow down premature aging, reduce the formation of wrinkles, and reduce scarring. While Rosehip Oil makes a wonderful base for most skin types it is especially suited to mature skin.
Evening Primrose Oil and Borage Oil are also great for facial blends. These oils are high in G.L.A. (or gamma-linolenic acid), an essential fatty acid that helps to balance the skins moisture and auto-immunity. This makes these oils especially beneficial to people who suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. G.L.A. is introduced during infancy through breastfeeding, but it is not otherwise produced by the human body. This particular fatty acid is rarely found in significant concentrations in plants, but Borage, and Evening Primrose are two of the highest sources of G.L.A. Their oils have been found to be very effective when used by people with severe skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or chronically dry skin, but are not limited to use in only those situations. Most skin types can benefit from the use of Borage and Evening Primrose Oil.
Jojoba, a liquid wax which is commonly referred to as an oil, is another classic ingredient for use in facial blends. Jojoba’s chemical composition is very close to sebum, a natural fluid produced by human skin. Sebum acts as the skin’s natural protective barrier. It also aids in regulating moisture. Jojoba is a smart addition to any facial oil blend, but sensitive skin blends may be particularly helped by the use of Jojoba. It contains a significant amount of myristic acid, a fatty acid that is known to act as an anti-inflammatory.
Fruit and Berry Seed Oils are some of the highest sources of antioxidants found in natural skincare today. Blueberry Seed Oil is at the top of this list. It is one of the most potent sources of antioxidants found in the natural world! Antioxidants and essential fatty acids are known for their amazing anti-aging properties and can also act as a barrier against allergens, free radicals, and even sun damage. Fruit and Berry Seed Oils are mild in aroma, light in texture, and penetrate the skin easily. Each Fruit or Berry Seed Oil boasts its own unique benefits. If you plan on including them into your blend it is worth reading up on which is the right oil for you. For example, Raspberry Seed Oil possesses natural anti-inflammatory effects, while Blackberry Seed Oil contains an impressive amount of Vitamin C. Please visit FromNatureWithLove.com to view these oils along with their individual descriptions. You can also refer to my earlier article on the benefits of Fruit and Berry Seed Oils.
Choosing between these fantastic oils can seem almost impossible. Fortunately, you are better off blending two or more of these carrier oils to use as your base than just choosing one. For example, my facial oil at the moment is composed of one quarter of an ounce of Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil and Pomegranate Oil. I also add one drop of Sandalwood Essential Oil, one drop of Chamomile Essential Oil and one drop of Carrot Root CO2 Total Extract. You must be careful to dilute your Essential Oils or CO2 Extracts very well in a facial oil blend, especially if you have sensitive skin. They can be beneficial additions to your oil when they are chosen wisely and used with care. Alternatively, essential oils can be extremely irritating or even damaging if not used properly. It is worth reading in detail about the benefits and warnings of any essential oil before adding it to your facial formula. Aromaweb offers detailed profiles of 90 different essential oils. You can also visit FromNatureWithLove.com to view our listing of essential oils along with their individual descriptions.
Emmy, Thanks for the interesting and informative article. I’m going to try some Jojoba with the Rosehip Oil. I have sensitive skin and Rosacea, and oils usually make the rosacea worse. I’ll let you know if the jojoba makes a difference.
You’ll have to let us know how the oils work out for you, Mary. Flax Seed Oil and Kukui Nut Oil may also be good candidates for your facial oil. Both have been reported to help reduce the effects of Rosacea in some people.
This is good stuff.
I made a whipped oil cream out of some oils, butters, and just a few other natural ingredients that were specific to my needs in early December and it works wonders for my face and hair.
I thought for sure it would be too oily for my skin even though they were penetrating oils/butters, but no, they absorbed right in.
I had the same concern the first time I made a body oil. It’s hard to believe that it won’t leave your skin overly greasy, but if you choose the right oils it will feel great!
It sounds like your whipped butter came out perfectly. It’s so satisfying when you get a formula just right on the first shot!
Hi Emmy! Do you think you might be able to come up with something specifically for around the eyes? I notice in the winter that my age lines show up a lot more around the eyes when my skin is a bit drier. Thanks!
I will have to put some thought into that one, Mary. I usually use my facial blend around my eyes as well, but formulating an oil specifically for that area is a challenge I would gladly accept!
Hi Emmy,
I mistakingly bought a large quantity of the Rose Hip Oil. Do you have a recipe I could use with the Rose Hip Oil? Could I just put some scents such as Lavender, Rose Geranium, Rose Absolute in it? This is the content of my cream with Rose essentials. LAVENDER, Lavendula angustifoliu: ROSE GERANIUM, Pelargoonium graveolens: ROSEWOOD, Aniba rosaedora: ROSE ABSOLUTE, Rosa centifolia in a lotion base of LOTION CONTENT: Aqua, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vitis vinifera (grape) Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Silk Amino Acids, Tocopherols, Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid
Could I just add the Rose Hip oil to this? There is roughly 1% perservatives in the base lotion. Sorry this is so long but I really would like your help to decide how best to use this oil up… thank you very much for your time and consideration ..Denise
Hi Denise,
Luckily, Rosehip Oil is light, penetrating, and very good for you skin. While it is usually reserved for facial oils and creams, it can also be used to make salt scrubs, facials, creams, lotions, balms, body butters, or almost any other standard bath and body product. It is a very versatile oil. As for adding it to a pre-made base, I would only do so in very small increments. Depending on your base, the oil has the possibility of separating very quickly. I would try adding a teaspoon of Rosehip Oil to a cup or so of Base and see what happens.
If I want to make a custom facial cream blending the fruit seed oils, can you recommend the proper base material and rations? Or point me to an article on this?
Thank you!
If you are interested in creating your own fresh cream or lotion recipes, I would highly recommend reading “Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions” by Donna Maria Coles Johnson. This is one of my favorite natural skin care books, and in my opinion, an essential text for the beginning formulator. In this book, Donna Maria provides the background information, basic emulsion proprtions, and technique you need to create your own unique recipes. You can find this book in our online bookstore at the following page:
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/bookstore/product.asp?product_id=bookmakecream
It’s so interesting to create your own moisturizing facial oils, and your blog is a big help; very informative.
vee
Hi, I have just stumbled on your blog and think that it is fantastic. I was wondering what you thought of using organic coconut oil with organic rosehip? Do you think that this would be too much? Find my skin a bit dry and sometimes breaks out. has been slowly calming down as I use a oilve oil, baking soda and lemon essential oil scrub once a week.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
A
Organic Virgin Coconut Cream Oil would probably work nicely for you in
a facial oil blend. This particular Coconut Oil is light,
moisturizing, but slightly astringent, a good combination of properties
for dry skin that occasionally breaks out. Rosehip Oil is another good
choice. It is very mild and non-greasy, but is packed with skin loving
components. It would certainly be worth blending the two ingredients
together and giving the facial oil a try. Pay attention to how your
skin reacts to the recipe, and change the blend or your routine
accordingly.
Hi Emmy,
This was such a great article, thank you! I am out of Rosehip Oil at the moment, but I currently have Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Squalene, and Virgin Coconut Oil. I’d like to incorporate these oils together if possible to create a synergistic effect, without any of the oils interfering with the other. Is this possible, or a bit too much?
Thanks!
Heather
Just found this site and love it. Have been making my own hair and skin products for my daughter and myself and just started venturing into facial products for me. Great success with my version of your winter facial oil, but curious about the facial cream you mentioned in your article. Would you please share one of your recipes for that? All the best and Happy 2013!
Hi Dawn. Im so glad to hear that you are enjoying our blog! Its always a treat to hear from someone who has been using our recipes. We actually have an article on facial creams in the works. Keep an eye on the blog. Im hoping to have it up in the next month or so. In the meantime, here are some links that can help you experiment with facial creams on your own.
Emulsion, the Magic Trick to Creams and Lotions:
https://naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2011/05/emulsion-the-magic-trick-of-creams-and-lotions.html
Cream Recipes in the FNWL Database:
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/recipe/recipes.asp?category=4
Make Your Cosmetics Recipes:
http://www.makeyourcosmetics.com/recipes/index.asp?cat=facial
JUST FOUND THIS SITE BY ACCIDENT!WOULD LOVE TO BUY A BOOK WITH ALL OF THE RECIPES IN ESPECIALLY THE OIL ONES ANY RECOMENDATIONS?
CAROLINE
Hi Caroline. Were glad to hear that your like our site and recipes so much. We dont have a book of our own recipes available right now, but you can check out our selection of books by other authors at the following link. You might especially enjoy Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles. http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/bookstore/default.asp
Thanks for sharing so,I’d information and luscious recipes. I also enjoy making facial oils and have had great skin ever since I started.
My request is to ask if you could please add a Pinterest button to your share options. Thanks.
Hi… You wrote that your facial oil at the moment is composed of one quarter of an ounce of Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Red Raspberry Seed Oil and Pomegranate Oil plus some essential oils. Is that 1/4 ounce of those oils combined or 1/4 ounce of each oil (total 2 ounces)?
Hi Nora. The facial oil I describe in this article is made of 1/4 ounce each of the oils I mentioned, totaling in a 2 ounce batch. You could certainly adjust those ratios to suit your own taste, or swap out any of the oils included with another that you prefer.
Goodmorning. I love doing oil treatment on my face. I always feel better when I take the time to do it.
Love the information on the different fruit oils :-).
My son has acne and I’m trying to make something g that would work for him. Do you have any recommendations for acne prone skin. I was having him use jojoba. I made a cucmber face soap. Not sure it’s helping. What do you think about using rice bran oil for it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!!
So glad I came across your site today. Very informative and helpful!!! Thanks
We have an article on our blog that I think might come in handy for you. It lists some of the best ingredients we carry to help with acne prone skin.
Taming Troubled Skin, Naturally: https://naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2009/07/taming-troubled-skin-naturally.html
In general, my favorites for acne-prone skin are oils that carry both antiseptic or antibacterial qualities and anti-inflammatory qualities. Perilla Seed Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil, and Andiroba Oil are a few great examples.
Hi there! I have been all over this site and LOVE it! I have recently been trying more natural facial care recipes. I’m prone to acne and oily (forehead) yet dry (nose and chin) skin. Would this be a good combo for a moisturizing oil mixture: grapeseed oil, witch hazel, and rose absolute? I’ve heard of using xanthum gum as well to bind the water/oil.
Hi Alicia. I’m so glad you are enjoying the site! For a facial oil it’s best to stick to oil-based ingredients only, so I’d leave out the Witch Hazel. If you’d like to make a facial cream instead, you can certainly use those ingredients as a base, along with an emulsifier like emulsifying wax or a beeswax, lecithin, borax combo. Xanthan Gum can be used to thicken creams, but it won’t bind the water and oil on its own.
We have some instructions for creating handmade creams here: https://naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2011/05/emulsion-the-magic-trick-of-creams-and-lotions.html
And we have some recommendations for ingredients to use with acne prone skin here: https://naturalbeautyworkshop.com/my_weblog/2009/07/taming-troubled-skin-naturally.html
Hey!
What is one wants to combine Rosehip Oil with Maracuja Oil?
Any thoughts…
Thank you so much for this information! I’m 51 years old with very dry, sensitive, severe Rosacea skin. I was thinking of making a beauty oil blend of Rosehip, Evening Primrose carrier oils, with Blackberry, Blueberry, Red Rasberry, Carrot Seed, and Chamomile oils to address my sensitivity, very dry, wrinkles, inflammation and redness. Do you think this will work or would it be too much on my very sensitive skin? Also I’m unsure of what ratio of fruit oils to carrier oils to use. I would so appreciate your help on this. Thank you.
Rose Hip Seed Oil and Maracuja would make a lovely blend, Rosie. I’d recommend giving it a try!
Hi Cindy. Since I’m not an esthitician or a dermatologist I try not to give too much specific advice to an individual’s skin care issues, but I can tell you that as a general rule of thumb it is always wise to perform patch tests on sensitive skin. That would mean trying a very small amount of each carrier oil on an inconspicuous patch of skin to see if there is any negative reaction. (Just be sure to dilute any essential oils before using them this way as they should not be used at full strength.) From a formulator’s standpoint the blend you mentioned sounds lovely, but until you try it out you won’t know how your own skin will react! Keep track of how it feels on your skin and how your skin reacts after using it. As for ratio, I’d recommend starting with a good amount of Rose Hip and Evening Primrose – using them as your base oils. They could make up around half of the recipe and the other fruit and vegetable oils could be combined to make the other half. The essential oil should be added at a maximum of 1-3%. Start there with a very small batch of facial oil and adjust further batches as needed. Keep notes as you go and you’ll soon end up with a blend you love. Good luck!