A serum is the power house of your skin care regime. Serums pack a powerful punch that delivers results. If you are new to making your own skin care, DIY face serums are really simple.
First, you pick a good base for your DIY face serum such as rosehip seed, macadamia nut oil, baobab oil, hemp oil, Marula oil or almond oil.
Once you’ve picked your base it’s time to add essential oils. Essential oils have been used in skin care for thousands of years. They are nature’s gift to you for optimal health. They are as strong and effective as chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid but with virtually no side effects like peeling, excessive dryness and irritation.
So, no matter what your skin type is, there is a DIY serum perfect for you!
I have chosen Sweet Almond Oil for the base of my serums. Sweet almond oil is full of vitamins D, E, B1, B2 and B6, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Vitamin E helps fight wrinkles and has a firming effect on the skin.
Almond Oil is light and absorbs easily. It helps to purge the pores of impurities therefore helping clear skin. It has anti inflammatory qualities which help to calm down acne.
Using sweet almond oil daily can greatly reduce dark circles under the eyes as well as scars and dark spots. It helps to renew skin cells and rev up circulation. It is wonderful at nourishing dehydrated skin. I believe it is one of the top carrier oils for reversing the signs of age.
In fact, it is said to be the closest to the oil found in a babies skin-who doesn’t need that, right?
Below are a list of 10 highly beneficial essential oils for the skin. Read on to find which one is right for you. Pick 1, 2 or 3 and add them in your DIY face serum. There are no rules here. Almond Oil + Essential Oils=Beautiful skin! It’s that simple!
1. Geranium–
- Reduces the appearance of scars
- helps bring circulation to the skin
- regenerates new skin cells
- speeds up healing of wounds
- promotes uniform distribution of melanin
This oil is great for someone who has scarring or uneven skin tone. It is a very healing oil that also will take care of the aftermath of any trauma to the face. Geranium is an excellent oil for all skin types-it is a very powerful oil that will facilitate cell turnover helping you have new, young radiant skin.
2. Cypress
- Tightens skin
- Helps varicose veins and broken capillaries
- Helps clear oily and congested skin
- Balances overly oily skin
- Antibacterial, Anti infectious, Antiseptic, Antimicrobial
Cypress oil’s main function in a skin serum is to firm skin. If you are dry but need tightening I would add Rose oil or Lavender oil to boost moisturizing benefits. This oil is wonderful for aged skin. This oil has such amazing tightening abilities that it is even used to tighten the bladder for people that find themselves urinating too often. Cypress oil’s secondary function is to balance oily skin. Oily and blemished types could use this as well, due to the antibacterial, anti infectious, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It will regulate oil production while clearing pores.
3. Rose
- Contains a large amount of antioxidants
- Moisturizing
- Antiseptic and astringent
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Controls skin diseases such as psoriasis and dermatitis
- Healing properties
Rose essential oil is very expensive. There is a reason for that-it is a powerful oil, especially for the skin. I would suggest this oil for dry, aged skin. By using this oil you will be making a very powerful serum. Because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties and healing properties it is recommended for people who need rejuvenation for their skin. You will see improvement almost immediately.
- Kills bacteria
- Antibacterial, anti fungal, and anti viral properties
Tea Tree oil is excellent for people trying to control oily, acne prone skin. It has the ability to destroy the bacteria that causes acne. It has been compared to benzoyl peroxide. The results were similar except that tea tree had no side effects.
5. Ylang Ylang
- Balancing over dry skin and over oily skin
Ylang Ylang is known as the aphrodisiac oil in the essential oil world. It has a very uplifting scent and an uncanny ability to bring balance to your skin no matter what the skin type. It also stimulates blood flow which causes your skin to look young and fresh. I would suggest ylang ylang to anyone who is experiencing combination skin.
6. Peppermint
- Soothing
- Cooling
- Increases blood flow and stimulates nerves
- Improves dull skin
- Evens a rutty, blotchy complexion
- Antiseptic, Antibacterial
Peppermint is wonderful for sensitive skin types. It is very cooling and stimulating to the skin. It feels wonderful due to the large amount of menthol in the leaves. It can brighten a dull complexion and even out blotchy skin. I would recommend peppermint oil for all skin types.
- Antiseptic, Anti fungal, Antibacterial
- Anti Inflammatory
- Healing
- Moisturizing
- Calming
- Pain Reducing
Lavender is a universal oil that is great for any and all skin types. No matter what is going on with your skin, lavender is always a good idea. I add it to everything. I love the smell and love how it works with other oils.
8. Carrot Seed
- Regenerating
- High in antioxidants
- Contains Vitamins A, C and K
- Moisturizing
- Healing
- Stimulate cell growth
Carrot Seed Essential Oil is used in many anti aging products. I use it in my DIY Eye Stick because of it’s regenerating qualities and the vitamins it contains. It is wonderful for aged skin. It has a strong smell of carrots so I would suggest you add some lavender oil to cut the smell.
- Calming
- Healing
- Replenishing
Chamomile is a gentle oil that has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. It can offer much relief for those suffering with eczema, hives, or dry skin. I would suggest this oil for sensitive skin types.
10. Frankincense
- Skin regenerating properties
- Diminishes the appearance of scars and spots
- Balances oil
- Astringent (balances pH)
- Moisturizing
- Evens skin tone
- Antiseptic
- Antibacterial
- Anti tumor
- Immune Stimulant
Frankincense is an extremely effective oil. As you can tell, it encompasses many skin issues from age to acne. It, like lavender, is an all in one oil. I would suggest adding this oil to your serum for all skin types. Not only is it amazing for the skin but it is also an anti depressant and has a powerful ability to lift the mood. This oil can be added to all serums because it actually helps the other oils penetrate deeper into the skin.
How to Make a DIY Face Serum:
Now that you have chosen which oil or combination of oils you are adding to your almond oil you are ready to create your custom serum! I like to keep my serums in small 1 ounce dropper bottles. You can find them HERE. You can also use your used 15mL(.5 ounces) essential oil bottles. The bottom line with your bottle is that it needs to be a small dark glass bottle in order to protect the essential oils.
In a 1 ounce bottle add your almond oil, leaving a small amount of room at the top. For easy transferring, I use THESE tiny funnels. Add a total of 7 drops of essential oil for a 1 ounce bottle. Use your serum nightly after cleansing and toning. If you are dry, wait about 10 minutes and then apply your moisturizer (dry skin moisturizer recipe HERE). If you are oily to normal skip your moisturizer at night.
If you are oily and prefer to not have an oil based serum, you can replace the almond oil with aloe vera gel. Aloe is wonderful for oils skin and has tightening and toning abilities!
xx, Jenni
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Hi Jenni, thank you for sharing all these great DIY beauty recipes. I was wondering if you could combine more than 3 of the essential oils you listed into one serum? Thanks!
You are welcome! Yes, you can use any amount you want!
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I really love your simple straight forward approach to making skin care. I am going to make an almond based essential oil for my aged face using your recommendations. Thank you.
Jeannie, Thank you so much! Good luck with your serum!
This is my first time seeing your blog, thanks to Camp Wander, but it won’t be my last. I like your style and approach. I’m new to essential oils, but am already reaping the benefits with a headache relief blend. Thanks for the post, I’ve signed up to receive your blog in my email and look forward to it.
This is my first time seeing your blog, thanks to Camp Wander, but it won’t be my last. I like your style and approach. I’m new to essential oils, but am already reaping the benefits with a headache relief blend. Thanks for the post, I’ve signed up to receive your blog in my email and look forward to it.
Thanks so much Audrey! Feel free to ask any questions that come along!
Jenni
Hi Jennifer. I love this post. I am going to concoct a serum for myself, but am requesting a little guidance. Based on your list, I think I want to use Rose, Ylang Ylang or lavendar, Carrot Seed, and Frank. I know you said to add 15 drops total, but could you assist me with how many of each of these you think is a good mix? Is this even a good mix, or is it too much in one? I’m 43, have some fine and deep lines around my eyes and forehead and am mostly dry skinned. Thanks!
Hi! Thanks!! It’s a great mix. The only thing I would do is leave out Ylang Ylang-Lavender would be a better choice. Rose and Frankincense are power pact and Carrot Seed is great for wrinkles, but it smells like a carrot! I would 7 drops of Rose, 4 drops of Frank, 2 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of carrot seed. Let me know how it goes!
Perfect! Thanks so much for the info. Once my orders come in and I get it all together, I’ll let you know. I’m pretty dern excited about it. 🙂
I am so excited to make this. I need a little help deciding which oils to use though. I know I definitely want Frankincense and Lavender. I was thinking of adding Melaleuca since I am prone to acne. I am 26 so I am just beginning the aging process and have combination skin. I will be mixing this in a 15 ml bottle since I the only 1 oz bottle I have is a spray bottle.
Leisa, Yeah!! Good choice with Frankincense and Lavender and Melaleuca would be a great oil to add in as well. Geranium is another one that is great for all skin types. 15ml bottles will work great. Good luck!
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Hi Jenni. Really enjoy your blog! I want to use this serum, but am not sure what the oil proportions should be. My skin is aging/combination/kind of dull. I am considering geranium, ylang ylang, carrot and frank. What amounts would you suggest for these oils, or do you have any suggestions for using one of the other oils? Thank you!
Hi Angela! Thank you! I’m assuming you are using a 1 ounce bottle-I would do 5 drops of Geranium, 5 drops of Frankincense, 3 drops of Ylang Ylang, and 2 drops of Carrot. Let me know how it goes!
Thank you! I will give this a try and let you know how it works.
Good luck!
I happen to have small lumps of frankinscense . Can I just add them to the serum to infuse into the other oils?
I also heard that I could add a little gulp of honey. Any views.
Thanks
Sophie-I am not so sure about lumps of frankincense-I tried to do some research and couldn’t find any info.? No help there-sorry! Honey is so good for the skin-add it wherever you can! Thanks!!
Hi Jenni! What are your thoughts on including lemon or rosemary essential oils to serums, and what are those good for? Right now I use lavender and peppermint with almond oil. In the winter, my skin gets a little drier, but I’m looking for something to help with age/sun spots, and wrinkles starting. Thanks!
Hi Jess! Rosemary is one of my favorites for the skin! It is great for circulation. It relieves puffiness and is great for oily skin types. Lemon is also great for cleansing and helps with oilier skin types. Rosemary feels really good on the skin and I’ve heard it helps with broken capillaries and varicose veins. The best thing to help with age spots is the Vitamin C serum or mask. I want to experiment with making a serum out of all citrus essential oils like lemon and orange to see if it might lighten age spots. Unfortunately, when oils are extracted from the plant the vitamin C potency is decreased greatly so it won’t be as effective as using actual Vitamin C(L. Ascorbic acid). Hope this helps!!
Hey Jess, very helpful, thank you. I’m thinking about making a serum with ylang ylang, frankincence and cypress. What do you think would be the best combination in amount of drops?
Miranda, thanks! I would do equal drops of each. (5 drops each) This will be a lovely serum! Great picks!
Hi Jenni, I love your site and love reading your recipes. I am sort of new at this. I have been toying with herbs and oils for 20 years. I would really like to make this serum. I have everything and if it was up to me I would use all these essential oils LOL. I am 56 with combination skin, very dull, with spider veins. I do have a few scars and need some tightening and to relieve the wrinkles. Told ya I needed help! If you could help me figure out how many drops and which essential oils I would really appreciate it.
Hi Jana! If you are using a 1 ounce bottle I would add 3 drops of rosemary, 2 drops geranium and if you are only going to use it at night you could add 2 drops of a citrus oil for the dullness! Citrus oils could cause you to be over sensitive to the sun. The Rosemary helps with circulation and veins. Carrot seed oil is also great for aging skin if you want to substitute the geranium. I wouldn’t add more than 3-I think less is more when it comes to skin! Thanks Jana!
Hi Jenni,
This is my first time seeing your blog, and I am so excited to see such wonderful natural recommendations. Thank you so much!
I need a bit more guidance, though. I have been using a mid-range Vitamin C serum for a couple of weeks, and it does brighten my skin nicely. I had looked at your recipe for the vitamin c serum, but I like the sound of an almond oil based serum much better as my skin is young (I’m 26) but a little dry and ruddy, which makes it look dull without the l.asborbic. I’m wondering if it would be okay to mix some vitamin c into the almond oil serum in addition to the essential oils? Or is there an oil that would mimic the effects of the vitamin c? From your post, it sounds like peppermint might be the way to go, but am unsure.
Thank you so much,
Phoebe
Phoebe-Hi! The problem with vit. C is that it is very unstable and has a shelf life of only 3-5 days once it’s mixed with something else. There is no essential oil that is like vit. c because in the distillation process the vit. C is lost in the citrus oils. If you are just going for a brightening effect I would add citrus oils to your almond oil because they will still brighten. They don’t encourage production of collagen as much as straight vit. c does though. Peppermint is great for dull skin too. Hope this helps!
Thanks Jenni! That information definitely helps.
Just for clarification; you do not recommend I mix powdered l.ascorbic acid (like the kind you use in your vitamin c serum) into these serums? If I mixed a smaller batch and only used it for 3 or 4 days, would the powder mix well into these other ingredients?
Thanks again,
Phoebe
Phoebe-it would mix very well-I just didn’t think you would want to make a new batch every 3-5 days- ABSOLUTELY do it-it would make one hell of a serum!!!!
Thanks so much Jenni! If I get sick of making it so frequently maybe I will do your vitamin C mask instead, but I’ll give this a try first.
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Hi Jenni,
I just absolutely love, love, love your website. I started looking at essentials oils not long ago. I’m very excited to make my own serum and am thinking about Frankincense, Cypress and Carrot Seed. I’m 53 years young and would like to firm, diminish some wrinkles and age spots. Would you add anything else to this combination, I was thinking maybe a few drops of lavendar just for good measure. I was also thinking of using this mixture at night but a different one during the day. Would that be beneficial, or should I just concentrate on one serum for now? I ask because I would love to incorporate some of the other oils you mentioned above into my skin care regimen. Thanks so much for all the useful info!!!!!
Hi Patty! Thank you so much! I love your trio of oils-they sound great. I always like to add Geranium to my serums because it helps with circulation, healing and pigmentation. Just a thought. If I were you, I would make one serum and use it for a while by itself. You don’t want to confuse your skin, plus if you start to see great results, you’ll want to know what did it for the future. And on the flip side-if you have a reaction, you’ll need to know what caused it. Hope this helps!
Hi Jenni, I too have a question about what combo of oils to use. I have acne prone skin, larger pores and redness or blotchy uneven tone. I was thinking about using Geranium, tea tree, peppermint and frankincense. Is this a good combo and if so how many drops of each? I was also thinking of doing a combo of grapeseed and jojoba as my base instead of almond oil. What are your thoughts? Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated. It’s hard trying to find an answer to a specific question you have online…. You know?!?! 🙂 Thanks so much!!!
Kristy-Those are great choices for your serum! If you are making a 1 ounce serum I would use 2 drops of each. Jojoba is a great base, I’m not too sure about grapeseed-I haven’t done a ton of research on grapeseed but I’m not aware that it has too many benefits. If it were me, I would just use jojoba as a base with the essential oils-skin responds to simple. Thanks!
Hi Jenni! This is my first time making a serum, so it’s a bit exciting! I have a question for you. I have oily and acne-prone skin. I’m thinking of either using jojoba oil or coconut oil as a base. As for essential oils, I’m thinking of using tea tree, ylang ylang, cypress, and frankincense. Do this seem like a good combination?
Angelica-I’m glad your exited! It’s fun to make serums! I would skip coconut and stick with jojoba oil. I love your combo. of essential oils-excellent choice! Let me know if you like the results!!
I enjoyed your knowledge so i will be making my own serum soon.
Yvette-Thanks so much!!
hi jenny, i found your recipes by mistake. i have been looking how to make an anti aging facial cream, and i found your serum recipe. i like it lot and i am going to try to make one. thanks for sharing your secrets and knowledge with us.
Thanks Angela!!
How would you incorporate Immortelle oil in this? I just purchased some, and have heard great things. I am 50. I have combo, sensitive skin with on and off periroral dermatitis. I like the benefits described of Germanium, Frankensense, Cypress and Carrot. What would you suggest, and how many drops of each?
Diane-Hi! I wouldn’t use it with a carrier oil. It’s too beneficial without diluting it. If your skin is sensitive to it then yes, use a few drops of it with a small amount of almond oil or rosehip seed oil. From what I have read, you can apply it directly to problem areas like sun spots and wrinkles. I would do this daily. Let it penetrate for a couple of minutes then proceed with your moisturizer. Maybe you could make the serum with the oils you mentioned and use them in the evening while using the Immortelle oil in the morning. If you are using a 2 ounce bottle of almond oil, I would use 5 drops of geranium, 5 drops of frankincense, 5 drops of cypress and 2 drops of carrot. Thanks!
Thanks so much! Just one question – your orignal recipe states only 1 once of almond oil. But, this one states 2 oz. Is 2 better for my skintype? Also, can you substitute Rose Hip Oil, Borage or Jojoba? Oh, I guess that is two questions 🙂
Diane-I meant to say 1 ounce-I was thinking of my serums I make for Etsy-sorry! Yes, add that amount of essential oils for 1 ounce of almond oil. You could substitute any carrier oil you like. I like rosehip seed oil for anti aging. I haven’t worked with borage oil but I believe it’s great for dry and aging skin.
Thanks!! I plan on making this today. One quick question. Do you sterilize your bottles? Is so, how?
Hey i have a wheatish complexion and a combination skin type…my main problem is that i have a very very uneven skin tone…i have darkness in the area around my lips and on the forehead….i suffer from PCOD which is a hormonal disorder….can u please suggest me with an appropriate serum for my case (please specify the proportions of all the oils to be used)
Pooja-I would use Geranium for uneven skin and Lavender. In a 1 ounce bottle I would add 10 drops of geranium and 5 of lavender.
ok thankyou so much! will surely let you know the results!
Hi there….
I am planning on making one of your serums, but I have a question. I see that the link to the daily dry skin moisturizer is not working?? Would you use one of these serums in the morning after cleansing and before makeup? Or do you have another recipe for a daily moisturizer? and do you just use the serum at night?
Thanks so much,
Amanda
Amanda-I personally like to use a serum before bed. You could use it 2x a day but if you aren’t super dry you might end up feeling really greasy. It’s really what you prefer. You might just use this serum in place of your moisturizer. It works well under make up and helps give your skin more of a dewy look then a matte look. In the winter when my skin is crazy dry, I will use a moisturizer after the serum at night. Here is the link to the moisturizer I use in the winter-https://jenniraincloud.com/dry-skin-moisturizer-2/
Bottom line-Do what feels good for you-As long as you aren’t adding citrus essential oils to your serums, you can use the serum anytime and as often as you like!
Hi, thanks a lot for this post! I’ve been doing quite a lot of research and wanting to take the plunge into making my own blemish serum, since nothing I’ve ever bought could ever fully rid me of my problem skin. So could you please give me some advice on what I’ve chosen? Age 24, and I suffer from a few hormonal imbalances (probably my main cause of acne rather than innefective skincare regimes). My acne can react a lot to food or dust/bacteria. I eat quite healthily, I never let anything dirty touch my face, and I do my skincare routines religiously, so I don’t usually look too bad, but I can get some really angry pimples with pus and I’ve got bumps and acne scars as well, as well as redness on affected areas and a lot of visible blackheads on my nose.
So I was thinking of using evening primrose as my carrier, with niaouli, tea tree and frankincense carrier oils. Does it seem like a good combo? What quantities would you suggest? Also, do you think a bottle with a roll-on applicator would be a good idea or would the mix be too thick for it? Looking forward to your advice! Thank you! 🙂
Diana-I think your mix is great! Be careful with the evening primrose-if you are prone to break outs Aloe Vera Gel might be a better choice. If you know your skin reacts well to evening primrose then stick with it though. My skin clogs with random oils since I’m prone to break outs so I’ve had to figure out which ones I can use and which ones I can’t. I think a roll on is a great idea!! If you are doing a 1 ounce bottle, I would add 6 drops of tea tree, 6 drops of frankincense and and 4 drops of neroli. Hope this helps!
Hi! Thanks for your reply! I’ve actually already bought everything and have been using it for the last 3 days. I made my blemish treatment very essential oil heavy actually, as I read that you can apply tea trea and niaouli directly on the skin anyway (so it’s mostly those two, with a tiny bit of frankincense and some evening primrose). It seems to be tackling breakouts quite well, although I don’t have many at the moment. Still can’t assess the effect of the primrose oil yet. I’m using it straight up as a moisturiser as well mixed with a little frankincense to help regenerate the skin. At the moment, my skin is very uneven, with lots of bumps and reddish small blemishes and scars, rather than breakouts. Hopefully, I can tackle that, will keep at it and see how my mixes work on the long run.
Hi jenni,
This is a very informative …. I was searching some info about essential oils and base oils. Can you help me? last day I mixed 25 ml carrot carrier oil with 7 drops of carrot seed oil. Since both essential oil and base oil is of carrot and mine is a matured sensitive plus oily skin can you suggest me how well i can use these? Should i add sweet Almond to it or should i buy geranium …totally confused plus the smell of this carrot oil is very woody very strong!….but i want a good face serum..is it good to apply on hair too ….can you guide me in how to use it? Awaiting your reply.
bindu
Bindu-I can imagine the carrot smell would be very strong. I’ve never worked with carrot seed oil except for the essential oil. Using almond oil would dilute the smell and is great for most skin types. Sweet Almond Oil is a bit much for my easily clogged skin though, so be very aware of how your skin reacts. Geranium essential oil has a strong smell that I like-it’s awesome for evening skin tone-it’s probably my favorite to add to skin care-I would highly recommend adding a few drops of geranium to your serum. I don’t know if you could use it on your hair. I wouldn’t. Coconut oil is my go-to for hair care. I would use this serum on a nightly basis, after you have toned. Don’t moisturizer, just sleep in your toner. I hope I have answered your questions! Thanks!
Hi jenni… can u plz help me making pine gel serum. I’ve heard from somewhere about this serum.
Sehar-I’m not sure what you mean!
Hello, I thought your site was very informative but I need help with blending some oils. I am 28 years old with EXTREMELY dry skin. had a bad break out last month but now that i’ve been taking better care of my skin the break out is gone but left me some open wound and scars =( I’m thinking about using 75% sweet almond oil & 25% of jojoba oil as base and for essential oils i’m thinking of mixing Frankincense, Lavender, Rose, I also ordered Rose hip seed oil because there’s lots of positive reviews can i add some into the mixture as well? i also got Jasmine oil because it smells so good but not sure what benefit it gives? please advise how many drops of each oil i should add to the base. Thank you so much
S-Hi! If your serum bottle is 1 ounce I would use 100% Rosehip. As for the oils, if you have a high quality rose, this would be the best for dry skin. Rose essential oil that is undiluted is crazy expensive, so check to see if it’s undiluted and pure. Lavender and Frankincense are also great! I would use 5 drops of each oil, 15 drops all together. I can’t stress enough about how important the quality of your essential oils are. One quality oil is better than 3 that aren’t good. Hope this helps!!
Hi jenni, I loveee your blog… I have been researching a lot about using essential oils. I needs some help.. the information out there has only confused me further:)
I am in my 30’s, i have very dry , uneven skin and have started having fine lines on my forehead…Currently i am using the OCM with 1/3 castor oil and 2/3 avocado oil. It seems to be working quite well. Is this the right combo for my skin condition.
I also have started experimenting on oil serum. I am currently using jojoba with rosehip oil and want to start introducing essential oils but dont know which ones. From my limited research I have gather that I can use carrot seed, clary sage, frankincense, lavender, palmasora, rose wood, ylang ylang, geranium, rose ( trying to avoid this oil because it is so pricy), sandalwood , chamomile) As you can see I have too many oils … what is my best choice with the proportions?
I also am experiencing hair loss . Can I use essential oils for hair loss?
Thanks heaps
Hi Sandra! If you are experiencing dryness, you might need to reduce the amount of castor oil you are using to cleanse. Castor oil is very drying. Geranium essential oil is the best oil for your skin type. Frankincense and lavender are also great choices too. I think if I were you I would use 7 drops of lavender and 7 drops of geranium. Remember to buy quality essential oils-Most brands are useless. I have linked my preferred oil company in the post. As for hair loss, I really don’t know. I know Rosemary is great for hair and revs up circulation. Research coconut oil too-I think I’ve read somewhere that it can help. I hope this helps!!
Hello, I would like to ask you about oil blends I have purchased the following oils Frankincense, lavender, rose, rosehip seed, jasmine. I’m thinking of doing 75% sweet almond oild and 25% jojoba oil as base. What mixture of essential oils do you think best for my skin? I’m 28 with EXTREMELY dry skin. Just had a baby so my hormone’s all over the place i had a really bad break out. Now i have open wound from my skin being so dry & cracked and also the crazy break out due to dry skin. I was busy and didn’t have time to take care of my skin so now i’m trying to make up for it. Please advise on the mixture. I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Hello. I’m in my mid-forties with combination skin that is prone to breakout (cystic), wrinkles on the forehead and hyperpigmentation on the cheeks. My facial skin doesn’t do well with sweet almond oil or jojoba oil. I’m thinking of using rosehip seed carrier oil or carrot seed carrier oil (have read that it’s higher in linoleic acid which is better for acne prone skin) along with the following essential oils: carrot seed, geranium, frankinsence and lavendar. What do you think of this combination, and do you have any additional suggestions? Thank you!
TK-So sorry to take so long to respond-I’ve been on vacation! I am the same way-I have an issue with almond oil too-Rosehip oil is awesome and will work well for pigmentation and wrinkles. The oils you mention are also great for what you mentioned as well. Another oil to consider is Ylang Ylang-it is a balancing oil that will help with regulating oily skin. Good luck!!
Hi, I was wondering what would be the best essencial oils to add to my serum, I have a very oily T-zone and normal skin on the rest of the face, what would you recommend to control my oil. Thank you 🙂
Dasya-I would add Lavender and Ylang Ylang. Ylang Ylang is very balancing and lavender will help with clogging and will soothe any inflammation. I would do equal parts of each!
Hi.i just finished chemo.im 30.myskin is sensitive. I used to have oily skin before I got sick.. Now i have dry flakey skin around my nose.and my skin is really pale.what is the best brand to buy essential oils and carrier oils?
I’d like to make an oil face cleanser.
An oil based moisterizer.
And an oil body lotion that’s quick and easy to use when ur still wet in the shower.my skin is REALLY dry :(.. I use dry body brush and my skin keeps on shedding..
What recipes would u recommend?
And what’s serum for? Is it necessary?
If so- what do u think I should use.
Thanks heaps!
I want everything to be simple and quick and easy. But I heard there’s eo’s that aren’t good or are mixed with other things and ones that say they are 100percent pure, aren’t.. So I don’t want to put anything bad on my body as I’m trying to rid all the toxins from treatment..
Thanks!!
Hi! My preferred brand of essential oils is Spark Naturals. They are pure certified pharmagrade oils that are reasonably priced with FAST shipping. Use my coupon code JENNIRAINCLOUD for 10% off-Read more about Spark HERE.
I think you are on the right track to make oil based products-they will be easy to make and very nourishing for your skin.
Macadamia Nut Oil is great for very dry skin as well as Avocado oil. Olive oil is even a great oil for dry skin, it’s full of antioxidants!
I would keep things really simple-I would pick one oil to remove your make up-if you feel that it’s not cleansing enough you can add a small amount of castor oil. OR you could add some essential oils that are antibacterial like lavender.
For a moisturizer for your face and body I would use one carrier oil and add some essential oils. Sandalwood, chamomile, lavender, rose, and/or ylang ylang would be a great addition.
Get back to me when you decide what essential oils you purchase and I’ll give you exact recipes.
As far a serum-you are basically making a serum by just using oils. Serums boost whatever you are trying to accomplish. Because your body is going through a lot of stress, my advice is to keep everything very simple and nourishing.
I hope this has helped! Feel free to contact me via email. It’s at the top of my blog under CONTACT.
Thanks!
Hi Jenni, it’s Patty again!! So, wondered if I can make a suggestion? The other day I was looking at one of your recipes that called for Meadowfoam Seed Oil, I didn’t have any on hand, and while I know that I can and will order some, I’m kind of an instant gratification type of gal and wanted to make the recipe right away. I know that you’ve mentioned before that most carrier oils (ie, jojoba, sweet almond, avocado, etc) can be substituted for each other, but they all have their own “personalities” so I wanted to compare. Long story short, could you add a link under your Beauty Recipes that lists out all the carrier oils you recommend and their benefits, and perhaps your suggested uses. Thanks! As always, love your stuff….the anti wrinkle eye stick is the bomb!! 🙂
P.S. I have broken capillaries on my chin, any good spot treatment to diminish the appearance?
Patty
Hi Patty! Great idea for a post! There is a section in my tab bar that suggests where to buy different carrier oils-it’s under MY LIST. I will work on a carrier oil post!!
My mother has broken capillaries on her cheeks, I have not yet found a good remedy. Stay tuned though-she’s a good guinea pig!
Hey! Thank goodness I found your blog! I am in need of some help deciding what oils to use with this though. I kind of want to mix everything together lol but I’m gonna be practicle. I am 21 and have dry sensitive skin, I’m also trying to brighten it, and rid of some dark acne scars. What oils should I use and how many drops of each? My boyfriend is 22 and has oily skin (VERY acne prone), sensitive, and has dry patches . What should I use to make his? If be so appreciative if you relied back. Thank you so much.
-Layla
Hi Layla-A few oils for your skin are peppermint, geranium and lavender. A few oils for your boyfriend would be ylang ylang, melaleuca and lemongrass. I would add equal drops of each oil to 1 ounce of oil. Add 15 drops per 1 ounce of oil, so 5 drops each. For your bf you could do the same thing but instead of an almond oil base, I would look into aloe vera gel. Thanks.
Hi Jenni,
Like many here i am so excited that i found your blog. I would like your advice on an ideal combination for a serum for my situation. I have combination skin, with oily nose/chin/forehead, but dry/dull cheeks – and i get occasional cystic acne spots – the kind that hurt, can’t be popped and last for weeks leaving dark residual marks, and smaller less dramatic pimples – 99% of the time these are on my chin and occasionally nest to nose. I am in early 30s- very little sun exposure, so no deep wrinkles yet, but still want to start preserving the skin. Here is what i am thinking of using please advise if this will work to my at most benefit: Base – grape seed oil or almond oil or jojoba oil ( i wasn’t sure which one of those base oils to use knowing my chin breakout issues). Essential oils – a)Geranium; b)Tea Tree or Clove (whichever is stronger to combat cystic acne better); c)Frankincense or Lavender; d)Rosemary; e) Lemongrass. I am not sure how many drops of each would be needed to make the ideal combination. I don’t want to put too much of one and cancel out the benefit of another. Planning on using 1-oz essential oil bottles. My other idea was to make 2 serums, one to combat acme, and the other to get the rejuvenated, fresh, young skin. If you think combing all of the above into 1 is too much, please advise as to the ideal 2 I can put together. Thank you for any help you can give. – Blue
Blue-I understand your skin type because it’s similar to mine! First, know that oils on combo skin that is prone to break outs can be tricky-oils are great for combo. skin but you just have to find the right one. Rosehip would be the best oil-it will help with evening out your skin and great for preventing wrinkles. Jojoba is closest to the skin’s own oil so that would also be another possibility. Almond is another great one-I personally can’t do almond because it breaks me out-but that’s just me-everyone’s skin responds differently. As far as e.o’s I would use ylang ylang-it’s great for balance. That’s for sure what combo. skin needs! Lavender and geranium are also great! Melaleuca kills bacteria and would be a great spot treatment. Rosemary helps with circulation. It’s kind of up to you with what you really want to combat-If it were me, I would chose, Ylang Ylang (5 drops), Geranium (5 drops), and Lavender (5 drops).
Hope this has helped! Oh, and don’t do 2 serums-it’s just too much-I would do one at a time. If you don’t see the results you are looking for, move onto new oils!
Replacing the almond oil with aloe was a great tip! thanks!
I am 47 and have pretty good skin except redness and if course some elasticity issues . What combination do you recommend??
Hie Jenni ! 🙂
I am so happy,that I came across this blog of yours. Its amazing!
I need help regarding the serum, I am 23 and have oily skin, it almost turns into an oil well in the summers and stays oily in the winters as well. What combination shall I use ?Can I skip the oil base altogether?Can I use aloevera gel straight from the plant or shall I use one with organic preservatives?
Regards from India 🙂
Hi Shifa! Aloe would work as a base if you’re oily! The best oils for oily skin are Ylang Ylang for balance and Melaleuca for killing bacteria. If you only use it at night-Lemon would be a really great addition. Lavender is also a great idea. I would pick no more then 3 and in a 1 ounce bottle, do equal parts of each oil-15 drops per 1 ounce. So 5 drops each. Feel free to just pick one or two essential oils as well. Ylang Ylang is great for oily skin-it really helps to balance the skin and smells amazing!
I have acne prone skin(can not use jojoba or sweet almond, but can use pumpkin seed oil) with deep lines on my forehead and uneven skin tone with dark spots from acne scars-lovely huh? Should I stick with the pumpkin seed oil as the base of my serum, or switch to aloe vera gel? IS aloe vera also moisturizing? If aloe vera gel, can you recommended a brand?
Thank you!
B-Hi! It’s good that you know of an oil that works for your skin-if you need the moisture an oil provides, stick with the pumpkin seed. Aloe is great but it is not very moisturizing at all. I get my aloe from Mountain Rose Herb. You can find aloe HERE. I don’t know much about pumpkin seed oil so I’m not sure how effective it is with uneven skin. Aloe would not be very helpful with this. Geranium essential oil would be wonderful to add to a serum if you haven’t already! Hope this helps!
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Hi Jenni! I love your website! Thank you for sharing all your findings! I only have 1/2 ounce dropper bottles. Is it ok to use that size and cut down the EO’s to 7-8 drops total? Thanks for your help!
Sarah-Yes, no problem!
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My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking
for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write related to here.
Again, awesome weblog!
I really like this post, but feel like you are misleading people with your rose essential oil section. You might want to research if essential oils can contain vitamins or minerals.
Christa-You are right! I wrote this post a while ago and have no idea where that came from-That’s just an odd thing to say about an essential oil-lol! I’ve changed it. Funny that this is such a popular post and no one else has said anything! Thanks for pointing it out!!
Hey Jenni!
This is such a great post! I’m hoping for a bit of guidance though- I want to make a skin lightening/clearing serum similar to Eminence organics with Licorice Root extract, Vit C, Green Tea Extract and/or chamomile, and maybe Willowbark Extract or essential oils, but can I add these all to rosehip oil? or should I use a base of tea/water and glycerin? Do these ingredients blend well and how much of each am I supposed to use for maximum scar-lightening benefits? I’ve really been wanting to make a serum like this for a long time now, do you by any chance have a recipe with the key ingredient being Licorice Root extract? Please help!
Roxanne-Honestly I don’t know! I believe you could but my only fear is bacteria. I’m not sure if extracts are water based or oil based. If they are water based you will have a bacteria problem. You might really study the ingredients in the Eminence serum-you can find a full list on their site. I’m almost sure they add a preservative but then again, their serums aren’t solely oil based.
You could drop the extracts and just use the oils you listed in your other question. You have come up with a great list of essential oils that would make a lovely serum!
Lightening the skin can be very tricky with DIYs. I personally would leave that to the Stone Crop Serum by Eminence-I have a post HERE on that. Vitamin C serums work well for that too. Go HERE for that diy!
Hope this helps!! Keep me posted!
One more thing! For this serum can I use rosehip oil? And I have acne-prone combination skin with scarring. I’d like to use Geranium, Cypress, Frankincense, and any others you’d recommend. Would you recommend a different carrier oil and how much of each would you recommend? Sorry for all the comments I just love this blog and always have questions!:)
i also have acne prone skin and woudl not suggest rosehip oil as it is high in oleic acid. i would use pumpkin seed oil or black cumin seed oil
Hey Jenni!
I was wondering if you could provide me with knowledge about a few things that I am curious about. I was wondering what the best essential oils are for Aging skin, Acne prone skin, oily skin, brightness, evening skin tone and dry skin. I’d like to use at least 4 different essential oils for each skin concern listed above. I was also wondering what the best carrier oil would be for each different skin concern listed above as well.
I already have a lot of notes on each essential oil and what they work best for, but there is so many different ones that do so many different things and I’d really like to focus and use THE BEST ones possible 🙂
Your help would be GREATLY appreciated 🙂
Best,
Leah
Leah-That’s a tall order! Let me see if I can help…
Aging Skin-Carrot Seed Oil or Rose
Acne-Melaleuca or Lavender
Oily-Ylang Ylang or Lemongrass
Brightness-Geranium
Evening Skin Tone-Geranium
Dry Skin-Rose or Myrhh
As far as carrier oils go, I always love rosehip seed oil. For oily skin you can skip and oil and try aloe or if you want an oil based serum I would suggest tamanu or jojoba.
Hope this helps!!
Hi Jenn
It is very nice of you sharing all these beauty tips. I’m excited about making my own serum. I chose frank, rosehip and geranium. Mostly I want it to work for wrinkles (42yrs old, not too bad yet) and spots. I only had one spot and learning to live with it but now I have two. Can you please recommend how many drops per oils should I use? Any other oil recommendation is welcome.
Pau-Hi! That is a great combo! If you are using a 1 ounce bottle, I would use 3-4 drops of each oil. Thanks!!
Hi Jenni. I have been trying to come up with a recipe using essential oils for weeks and found you on Pinterest. Thank you for all of the helpful information. I am 41 years old. I have combination skin with a saggy neck problem due to weight loss. I would like to concentrate on fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and tightening. I have sweet almond oil as the carrier oil along with Frank, Lavender, and Geranium. Is this a good selection? How many drops of each would you recommend? I am using a 1 oz bottle. Thank you so much!
Hi Melissa! I think you have a wonderful combo. of oils! I would use about 15 drops all together focusing more on the geranium. I would do 7 drops of geranium, 5 drops of Frank and 3 drops of lavender. Make sure you can take the smell of geranium. It’s very strong. Hope this helps!!
Hi Jenni,
I love your blog. Getting inspired from you I have started to use a few essential oils in my routine. And thanks to this serum coz I have been looking for something that I could apply on my face at night as I have oily skin. I am 23 years old and I have minor breakouts once in a while. Also, I have a few acne marks on my face and back. which oils should I use from geranium, frankincense, Rosemary, lavender, ylang ylang and tea tree? And in what proportion? Also, can I use this serum during the day time?
Thanks so much!
First off, I’ve come across your blog numerous times while searching for natural skincare on Pinterest, so I’m a confessed lurker! But this post was really informative and I felt the need to tell you that you’re awesome 🙂
I currently use a serum of sweet almond oil as a base, tea tree, and lavender, but I am still struggling with inflammatory acne and dry skin. I also suffer from dermatitis around my nose, which sucks! I want to create a new serum that will be anti-inflammatory for those annoying bumps that seem to pop out of nowhere, with a moisturizing component to help combat dryness. I’m thinking maybe Frankincense, Rose, and Lavender? Is the smell of Frankincense super overpowering? Also, any thoughts of Helichrysum? I’ve heard that can be a good anti-inflammatory as well. Let me know your thoughts, thanks!! 🙂
Hi Miranda! Thank you!! You’ve got complicated skin-Here is what I suggest-You need to really address they dry issue. The dry issue very likely is exacerbating the bumps and inflammation. Frankincense is a great oil for you. It is probably the most gentle oil you can use and it is one of the best oil for inflammation. I like Spark Natural’s Frankincense-I had Young Living’s and hated the smell. It just depends on the company-Most people love the smell. It’s light. Lavender is always a good idea. I think I would not put melaleuca in your serum and I would use it as more of a spot treatment on zits. Rose is excellent as well as Helichrysum I just don’t typically work with them because they are so expensive if you buy quality. You also might want to switch up your carrier oil. While almond oil is excellent-some people’s skin might not like it-mine included. I like Rosehip Seed-it’s a great anti aging oil that will help with dark spots. Hope this helps!
Awesome post 🙂
Hi Jenni,
First I have to say I really love your site. I made some of your recipes and I just love them and they work great for my skin. Some products you make I would like to buy, because some of the ingredients you use are not available in Europe and I don’t know what to use as a replacement. Unfortunately you don’t ship to Europe.
I can make the serum for my face and I have a question about the base oil. I don’t see you using any jojoba oil (or I haven’t seen everything yet) and I was wondering if there is a reason for you not to use it very often. I like Almond oil as well, but I’m out of stock and I do have Jojoba oil. I want to know from you if I can use Jojoba oil as a base for my serum and why it would be good.
Thank you so much!
Bianca-Hi! Thank you! I love jojoba oil-it’s a wonderful carrier oil-Feel free to use it in place of sweet almond oil anytime!
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Wyszperałam w google dobry plan na odchudzanie, wygoglujcie sobie – xxally radzi
jak szybko schudnac
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Hey Jenni
How are you? I posted my questions couple days ago but it seems like it’s vanished!so will try again.
Am so excited to make my serum..I am a forty something with very sensitive light wheat Indian skin. I am allergic to exposure to sunlight and break out into red blotchy rashes.
I gave oily skin with dry forehead skin.am unable to use most make up and cosmetics as I get breakouts.
Would a combination of Frank and rose be good for me? What Other Oils Would u recommend?
Please do let me know..
Thanks so much for all that you do to spread gentle skin care. Bless.
Ramya
Hi Ramya-You’ve got very tricky skin! Frankincense would be excellent as would Rose, I think all you need to do is add a carrier oil to them. I would choose one like Rosehip Seed, Sweet Almond or Apricot Kernal Oil. You will have to figure out which one won’t break your skin out though. As for an 8ml bottle-I would add 2 drops of each essential oil and fill the rest with your carrier. I hope this helps!!
Hi
Me again. Forgot to say…I have only 8ml bottles. ..that is 0.27 oz.Diff to source ounce bottles in India. Would it work as measurement for making the serum.? How much essential oils would I add ?
Sorry for the bother Jenni!
Thanks a ton Jenni. I have only Jojoba to hand…would that do at all ?
Thanks
Ramya
Hi I will like to know which combinations to use my Face is slightly oily is ylang ylang lavender and frankincense okay?
Zainab-That is an excellent combo. It should be gentle for your skin as well!
Hello Jenni! I just found your site and have been reading several of your posts. I’m new to the DIY and essential oils world but have been obsessively researching and wanting to try new things. I’m loving your posts so far!
Before talking about what my skin is like and what you would recommend for me I wanted to ask which type of Geranium do you mean for the serum? I’ve read there are two kinds but am unsure what the differences are and what people name them in order to distinguish between them.
Secondly I am a 28 year old with uneven skin tone, blemish prone all over but especially the chin (even to the neck) and forehead. I have combination skin and also a lot of allergies which makes certain parts of my face really dry. I’m not really prone to dry skin though just my sinuses and allergies dry me our especially around my nose (for obvious reasons). I do have sleeping troubles so my eyes have lovely dark circles (I’ve been looking at your DIY recipes for that as well) and it makes me look a little puffy and dull. I would really appreciate your help.
Hi Emily! Thank you so much! I have linked the geranium essential oil I use. I’m not aware that there are 2 types.
I would look into jojoba oil. It’s a very versatile oil and a great base for DIYs. It’s great for combo. skin. Geranium is a great choice. I would also recommend carrot seed essential oil and lavender is always a good idea. Have you thought of trying the Oil Cleansing Method? It might really help with balancing your skin.
What ingredient would you suggest for skin lightening of sun spots. Is there something I can add to a serum or lotion to do this?
Hello,
I’m so glad that I stumbled upon your website. For a person like me who loves to go completely natural your DIY are like godsend.
I am a 21 year old with combination skin and prone to a lot of blackheads and easily scars and uneven skin tone. I was thinking of sweet almond oil or jojoba oil base and geranium oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil and frankenscence oil with some ascorbic acid powder as I saw in one of your comments. I’m willing to make it every few days. What are your thoughts on it?
Sindhu! Hi! I think your combination of ingredients is great for your skin type. I’m not sure I would add the L.Ascorbic acid though unless it is oil soluble and stable. They are usually only water soluble and will oxidize within a week.
Hi Jenni,
I am so happy to have found your website! I’ve recently started experimenting with homemade skincare but am getting a bit confused because of an overload of information out there, and your website has really simplified things for me! That said, I’m hoping you can suggest a serum for blemish-prone skin (not acne) with clogged pores, and that’s on the drier side? Also, would you suggest using a witch hazel toner, or something like that? Thank you!!
Stephanie! Hi! I would suggest looking into THIS DIY. A toner would also be a great idea. I have loads of them and you can find them listed by product HERE. I would look into using rhassoul clay for clogging. It’s gentle on drier skin types yet helps pull impurities out of the skin! Hope this helps!
Jenni, I am 49. My skin is oily,and I am trying to help with wrinkles and dark circles under my eyes. What EOs would you recommend in my serum? And do you have something specifically for under-eye dark circles?
Thanks!
Anisah
How much would a 2 oz. dropper bottle of this last?
Hi!
Thank you so much for all of this information. It is so helpful and I am so glad I came across your site. What oils would you recommend for rosacea? I am 35 and live in Minnesota so my skin is not naturally dry, but battles dryness during our very long, cold winters. My rosacea is always worse in winter. Thanks!
Hi Emily! You are so welcome!! Unfortunately I’m not super familiar with treating rosacea. From what I’ve found tamanu, rosehip, jojoba and camelia oil are good options. If your rosacea is triggered by dryness, avocado oil is a good idea as well. I’ve heard you should go very light with essential oils but helichrysum is a good one. If I ever find some share worthy information on rosacea, I will for sure do a post. Best of luck!