Homemade Face Moisturizer
December 8, 2009
I’ve been making this homemade face moisturizer for years and it has become so popular with other people. This makes an amazing gift!
Homemade Face Moisturizer
This homemade face moisturizer is easy to make and really effective. Just blend and seal in jars.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 (30ml) jars
Ingredients
- 1.3 oz (35g) apricot kernal oil
- 0.2 oz (5g) jojoba oil
- 0.5 oz (15g) cocoa butter
- 0.2 oz (5g) shea butter
- 0.5 oz (15g) vegetable glycerin
- 1 1/2 tablespoons emulsifying wax
- 1 cup (240ml) filtered water
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E
- 1 teaspoon grapefruit seed extract
- 1/4 teaspoon rosehip oil
- 5 drops carrot seed oil
- 30 drops essential oil (see notes)
Instructions
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Combine the apricot oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, glycerin, and emulsifying wax into a small saucepan. On very low heat, gently stir the ingredients for 2 to 3 minutes until the ingredients are just melted and the emulsifying wax has dissolved. (Don't use high heat, and never allow the mixture to boil.)
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Place the filtered water in a tall plastic jug, and place your immersion blender firmly on the bottom. Turn your blender on low, and slowly start pulsing the water. Gradually pour in the oil mixture in one steady stream while pulsing. Once you've added all of the oil mixture you should have a thin white cream. Increase the blender speed to medium-high, and pulse for 2 to 3 minutes further, until the mixture has thickened slightly like a thin whipped mayonnaise.
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Stop pulsing, and add in the vitamin E oil, grapefruit seed extract, rosehip oil, and carrot seed oil. *If you're making the entire batch for yourself, add in all of the essential oils of your choice now. However, if you're going to divide the batch for gifts, and want to add different essential oil blends to each container, hold off adding the essential oils, and instead, gently stir 6 drops into each jar once you've poured the cream into the jars.
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Pulse the thickened mixture on low for about 5 seconds just to gently mix in the additions. (Be careful not to overblend the cream or it will return to a thin runny consistency.)
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Pour the cream into individual jars, and allow the mixture to cool uncapped before sealing. (If adding different essential oil blends for gifts, add the 6 drops to each jar now, and gently stir to combine well.)
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Fasten the lids to each jar, and store them in the fridge overnight to thicken.
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The cream will keep in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Recipe Notes
Photo by Trent Lanz; styling by Alicia Buszczak
Comments 104
These make the best little stocking stuffers and thankyou presents. My friends love getting them and you can tailor the scents and oils to their personalities
these recipes all sound wonderful except for one very important fact: If you are using water to make these products, you need a preservative, otherwise it only lasts a few days in the fridge. Giving away your concoctions as gifts could be a real disaster if people keep them around for more than a few days and things start growing. Sometimes it can look perfectly good and even still smell good, but can be spoiled. You are on a slippery slope. If you don’t want to use any preservatives, it’s better to make anhydrous products. (water-free). These can get contaminated also, but less chance.
I’m pretty sure vitamin E is a preservative as well as an antioxidant moisturizer. As long as it’s the stable version, vitamin E acetate.
No vitamin E is not a preservative
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Patricia. I’ve been making this moisturizer with a ton of my friends for over 10 years and have never had an issue. It always lasts for 6 months in the fridge, and nobody has every complained. I feel confident sharing this recipe.
Great recipe. Thanks for sharing with the world. I read alot of the comments..and you are right vitamin a is an antioxidant not a preservative. But the fridge is the preservative. Positive and gram negative bacteria, yeast and mold only multiply at above 5deg Celsius. Holding the water phase at above 70deg for 20mins will additionally help destroy some existing bacteria as well. As will wiping out your glass jars with some isopropyl alcohol…or a bit of vodka. Oops.. I increase water to allow for evaporation the reweigh. As long as it is stored in the fridge, you should have no issues. Also hearing the water then letting them cool to around 50deg celcius should eliminate the runny emulsification problem. But as you correctly state..go easy with the stick blender.
Thanks for sharing. Great info.
I am one of the lucky friends who have made this cream at xmas time with Tess. I can honestly say that this moisturiser is the best moisturiser I have ever used on my skin. Nothing surpasses it, no matter what the label or the cost. It is the best. I cannot recommend it enough. Make it!!! And make a few for yourself and store them in the fridge so you don’t run out…
Oh, you are so lovely.
That was such a FANTASTIC day making all of presents and eating all of the delicious food. I LOVE YOU xx
Hi Tess 🙂
I love your blog and all of the great recipes. I have newly embraced the world of healthy, organic, gluten-free and awesome food!
I love the fact that you are passionate about coconut (what would the world be without it – I was practically raised on this stuff), chocolate (nom nom nom) and cashews (omg… best nuts ever!).
I also love this recipe for body cream – I suffer from psoriasis and other skin ailments so have been trawling the stores for a good moisturiser. I’ve decided that I best make my own given all the nasties.
May I ask, how long does a 50ml tub/jar last? I am thinking of making them as gifts as well and thought it might be better to give someone the whole 300ml. Is that too much?
Sending you love, happiness and joy
Lily
Thankyou so much for your lovely comments.
Yes! LOVE coconut, avocados and chocolate! YUMMO!
This moisturizer makes fantastic gifts.
If you just use the cream on your face, a 50ml jar lasts about 3 months. If on your whole body, maybe a week or two.
So you could give the whole batch to someone if they are going to use it everywhere.
But it only lasts for 6 months and best to keep it in the fridge.
This is why I like to make 50 ml jars and share the batch around and make a fresh batch every couple of months.
Hope this helps.
Hi Tess,
I recently started thinking about all the nasties they put into all the cosmetics I use (which when you add them all up is alot). So I’m now looking for home made alternatives, but they arent so easy to find. This recipe looks great, can’t wait to try it 🙂
I’m just wondering, do you just measure the ingredients on a scale (they are in g’s). And the new directions site measures in ml, so what size would be appropriate to get to make this recipe?
What essential oils would you recommend for starting with?
I would love to hear of your other home made cosmetic recipes!
Thanks 🙂
You will be so happy when you make this recipe. It is easy and so easy to make with a hand blender. You do use scales to measure the ingredients. gms to mls is a 1:1 ratio so buy the 100ml apricot oil and keep the amounts as small as possible so your ingredients stay fresh. This mixture makes about 6 jars and should last you six months if you keep the mixture in the fridge in glass jars. If you have any other questions let me know.
I will post more natural skin care recipes in the coming months. I would start with lavender oil because it is soothing and calming. But I also LOVE geranium oil. Having said that, different essential oils have different effects on the body. Do a search for the ones you like to see if they are appropriate for you. Also, a little goes a long way.
Hey Piggy Ginger! Welcome!
Thankyou for your lovely message.
What a great connection. Everyone calls me Tessie too! I just LOVE that! xx
Just made my first batch of this cream and it is amaaaaaaazig! Had so much fun making it and cant wait to give it out as pressies to my friends! Thank you so much in helping me source the ingredients, it was invaluable. Can’t wait to do my 2nd batch! THANK YOU! x x x
I am SO pleased you loved that cream as much as I do and the people at New Directions were so helpful. I will post some more home made skin care recipes in the coming months.
So wonderful to have you here!
Where would be the best place to purchase these ingredients? Thanks!
Hey Kelsey,
I use New Directions. They have online stores in North America, Canada. UK and Australia.
They are a fantastic company and the link is below. You can get everything you need from raw ingredients to the glass jars.
http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/
This is so great! I was going to ask this question then thought I should see if someone else had asked it already. They sell in CANADA too!!! Woot woot!!! Super excited here. I suffer from psoriasis too and have yet to find a good cream and shampoo (have a recipe for that too?). Thanks a bundle Tess!
Yes! New directions sells in Canada!
I swear, this is the BEST website for your raw ingredients as well as jars etc.
The customer service is incredible.
I cannot wait to hear what you think of this cream. It is seriously unbelievable and SO easy!
I am going to take your advice and make this cream to give to my clients as Christmas presents. I got on the New Directions website and ordered all of my raw materials. I am excited!
Michelle!
I am excited FOR you!
This cream is AMAZING. Your clients will be very happy 🙂
Great recipe & amazing ingredients. We at zaaina.com use aloe Vera gel in our products instead of water. Aloe Vera gel has great benefits on the skin & can be great substitute for the water.
Hey Purvi
THANKYOU for that amazing tip.
I am going to try that in my next recipe.
Your products are so wonderful.
Thankyou for sharing this with everyone.
How could have I missed your natural skin care lotion?! This *so* rings a bell, Tess! I’ve just decided a few weeks ago to start making more of my own skin care too –I find it so fascinating.
xoxo Magali
Magali!
That looks SPECTACULAR!
You are such an inspiration. Just amazing.
I cannot wait until your line of homemade skincare comes out on the market! He he he!
There is NOTHING you can’t do. I just LOVE it!
xxxx
Thanks for posting this. I was also wondering if you have any recipes for wrinkles around the eyes and mouth? Thanks so much !
Gina
I do have some anti wrinkle eye cream and lip recipe. I will post them next month.
But feel free to email me (email address in FAQ section of site) and I can send them to you sooner!
I am totally going to make this! I’ve been looking for a healthy moisturizer. Thank you so much! I’m going to try Frankincense EO as I’ve read its really good for fine wrinkles.
So we really need to keep this in the fridge – all the time??
Lynette
You are going to love this cream.
It is SO easy!
Yes, Frankincense is amazing in this cream.
My friend Beth made a blend using that and it was beautiful!
It is best to keep this cream in the fridge to preserve the precious natural oils.
But if you store it in a cool dark place that is good.
My mum doesn’t store her cream in the fridge and it is fine.
My hubby and 3 of our kids have psoriasis and I have been making all natural salves for them, as well as for for family & friends with skin issues for the past year. This seems a great recipe to add, thanks 🙂
Maile,
This recipe IS amazing and SO easy!
I really look forward to hearing what you think.
Hi, this looks awesome, I can’t wait to try it out. Is it good for the face too? Or would it be to oily? Thanks!
Hey Stephanie,
Yes, you can use this on your face and it is divine. My mum has been using this on her face for two years now and won’t use anything else. My friend Beth also uses it on her face and loves it. I look forward to hearing what you think 🙂
I can not wait to try this recipe. I would also recommend adding sacha inchi oil. The oil has a high concentration of Omega 3 and vitamin E and been used by women in the Amazon to take care of their skin for centuries. Clarins and other cosmetic companies are starting to use it in their products. If you are interested in learning more about sacha inchi oil you can check out http://www.sachavida.com.
Thankyou! This is such an AWESOME tip.
Yes! LOVE sacha inchi seeds. I make milk and it is WONDERFUL.
Thankyou for sharing.
I can not wait to try this, I am actually preparing my list to purchase these items tomorrow! My question though is once I have stored in the fridge and it has thicken can I take it out and use it reguarly out of the fridge…while the surplus waits in the fridge or must I use and then place it back in the fridge after every use?
Hey Ann
As long as you keep the surplus in the fridge and keep the container you are using in a cool dark place you are fine.
I like to recommend keeping it in the fridge to keep the mixture fresh and preserve the delicate oils.
But my mum and most of my friends don’t keep their creams in the fridge and it is fine.
I have given this cream to literally hundreds of people and they ALL love it!
I hope you do too 🙂
Hello! I made this not long ago and it had the consistency of a thin milkshake. While I definitely ended up over-blending, the mixture wasn’t thickening at all to begin with. Aside from reducing the amount of water, do you have other tips for keeping this on the thicker side?
Hey Shelley,
I am sorry to hear that your mixture isn’t thickening. If you let it stand at room temperature and then allow to set in the fridge it should thicken. If it still doesn’t, try reducing the amount of apricot oil, jojoba oil and glycerin just a tad.
Please feel free to email me about this (address in FAQ section of my blog) as I want to get this right for you. I have had many people make this and this has only happened once before. We can fix this, because it really is the BEST cream.
Hi Tess! Today I’m trying to find the recipe for homemade facial moisturizer because I just start to have some interests in carrier oil and essential oil, and find your blog coincidentally. You know what, your recipes is the only one that make me think “I really wanna use this recipe!” after I google all the day, as it looks not-so-hard, and “doable” for me.
But here I have some questions to ask you. I’m Southeast Asian and living in such a hot climate. I’m thinking that sweet almond oil causes my pore clogged. That’s so sad, but I’m not allergic to jojoba oil for sure. I never use essential oil before too. Can I change some of the oil ingredients? The only thing I afraid is if I change something, the texture of the cream will change -*-. Do you have any suggestions?
And is it possible if I want to add some titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide, for the UV protection?
Thank you in advance ^^
Hey BAMBIx,
Hmmmm……I have actually not experimented with switching the oils around with this moisturizer because it is so perfect the way it is, and hundreds of people love it.
I am thinking you could use another carrier oil in place of the sweet almond oil. You could also add in a little bit of titanium oxide or zinc oxide.
But yes, I am nervous about the texture.
It is already a delicate balance to get it right.
Check out Sophie Uliano’s home made sunscreen on You Tube.
I would make that and slap it on over the top of the moisturizer.
I hope this helps.
Emulsifying wax isn’t natural. What can I replace it with?
You can use natural emulsifiers. Start with a combination of Beeswax, Liquid Lecithin, and Borax. These ingredients create a stable emulsion of fats and waters. 80% Beeswax, 10% Borax, and 10% Liquid Lecithin should work.
Hi, I am new to the world of home-made skin care products (forced by developing eczema and rosacea at 40) and I’m ready to take the plunge with your recipe. However, I have read conflicting opinions about E-wax. I’ve tried it on another recipe and it works beautifully but I would prefer to move to the beeswax, lecithin and borax alternative. How does this work? Do I just mix the ingredients in the oil phase instead of the E-wax? You just gave the ratio for the emulsifier itself, but how much of the mix should I use for the quantity listed in your recipe?
Thanks for sharing, I really look forward to trying your moisturiser, it looks wonderful!
I haven’t tried this option yet, as I’ve been travelling, and I wouldn’t want to advise you of quantities in case it didn’t work. I don’t want you to waste your ingredients. I’m sorry I can’t help you with exact quantities at the moment.
Estimated elements body lotion products! Our body lotion is made with extra whipped body butter so it absorbs quickly into your skin without leaving a sticky residue. That makes your skin moisturized and soft.
Thanks for sharing your product.
Hi Tess, I tried making the lotion via your instructions but my result was very hard for some reason, and it takes some time for the butter matter to melt (via hand-rubbing) before I can apply it on my body. Is this meant to happen? Thank again Amdeep
Sorry to hear you are experiencing problems. You may need to keep it in a dark cupboard at room temperature. As long as it’s not really hot, the cream will be fine.
Hi tess , it sounds amazing am looking forward to trying it out. Do you mean carrot seed the carrier oil or carrot seed essential oil? Thank you
Sorry for the confusion Sally. I mean the essential oil.
Demand cruelty free products! These products are really latest natural products. It makes you amazing philosophy and it will change your life. Get holds animal ingredient free products!
Thanks for posting again. We get it.
Has anyone tried this with aloe vera gel instead of the filtered water? Just wondering how it turned out!
Linda, I have not tried using Aloe Vera Gel. I am sorry, I can’t guarantee the cream will turn out. If you tried it, please share your experience.
Yes, I actually did go ahead and use aloe Vera instead of water. Since it was the first time I made it, I was unsure exactly how long to blend it. I ended up blending for probably less than 2 minutes. It never did firm up after refrigeration, although I wasn’t sure how firm it should get. I would say it is the consistency of a lotion. It’s actually very nice, but I think I was expecting more like a body butter. Sorry to be so clueless about this, but it was my first attempt. I’m excited to make it again and may try blending it longer.
Don’t be sorry. I would actually blend for a lot less time. The moment it turns into a mayonnaise-type consistency you stop blending. It is not very long at all. Blending for longer thins out the texture. Thanks for sharing your experience. I am going to try it with the aloe vera now!
Yikes! Thanks for that information Mallory. I already have autoimmune issues, I don’t need more chemicals.
Thanks for sharing this information. I am going to look into this further.
Hi, I’ve been making a lot of homemade skincare products for myself recently and am wanting to make more complex ones and also make more for gifts. There are plenty of great recipes out there and this one looks amazing, so I’m defiantly going to try it.
My question is what are the benefits of each ingredient? I’d like to understand why each ingredient is used and how I can alter recipes to different people.
Do you any any information on why you use those specific ingredients in this recipe? or other good ingredients to use in other skin care products and why?
thanks so much!
Thanks Rebecca,
I haven’t written up that information on this website. But, there are lots of great natural skin care sites and books out there with that info. Nature Purity has some good info about these ingredients:
http://www.naturepurity.com/holistic/sheabutter.html
Ms. Crys
OMG! I totally filled that out wrong! Hahah Anyways, I was wondering if you would be able to ship a jar to me? I face is rather sensitive and lately I’ve been doing a lot of research on natural and organic Korean facial products and somehow landed on your page. I really want to try out a small jar without having to make a whole patch or ordering all the ingredients and making it just to find it, it’s not for me. I really would like to try it out 🙂
I’m willing to pay for all cost of the moisturizer and shipping as well 🙂
Hey Crystal, I don’t ship or sell products just because of legal reasons. Sorry.
how long do homemade moisturizers typically last? i made my own moisturizer a week ago, with coconut oil, vitamin e liquid, & lavender essential oil. how long will it be good?
That combo should keep in the fridge for months. This recipe keeps in the fridge for 6 months.
I’m thinking of adding some pearl powder (from finely crushed fresh water pearls) in it. Do you think that would work?
I haven’t tried that so I’m not sure. But I love Pearl Powder. Why not!
Hi, I’m going to make a batch of your moisturizer and I wondered where you get the nice glass containers and what size to get? Can they be put in the disgwasher between uses? Thank you.
I get all of my ingredients and the jars and the lids from the New Directions Aromatics website. They have incredible customer service and have never let me down. The jar size is up to you. I get the Boston Round Jars. Click on the packaging tab. Make sure you buy the lids!
Also, yes, you can put the jars in the dishwasher or steralize them in boiling water.
http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/
Okay, so I made this cream without grapefruit seed extract and only put a few drops of essential oil (patchouli, lavender, and chamomile). I use it for my face, neck, and body in the morning and at night before bed, it’s amazing, very moisturizing! I like how it feels on my skin and absolutely LOVE how it looks: fresh dewy face. The BEST part is, I also applied this moisturizer on my daughter’s arms and wrists where she suffered from eczema for the past 3 years, within just one week, her eczema cleared up! Completely gone! I couldn’t believe it! I have a few small jars to give to my mother-in-law who suffers from psoriasis, my sister-in-law, and my best friend. Pretty sure they will love this stuff! THANK YOU for sharing the recipe. This is the best moisturizer ever!
Oh!!! That is just SO wonderful. Thankyou so much for sharing your story Maria. I am just so delighted this was such a hit and so effective with the eczema. Awesome!!
I have used every expensive lotion for the face from Kinerase to Clarins but the Made from Earth Vitamin Moisturizer really is the best. It has the crucial ingredients, collagen and elastin and really replenish my skin and make it look and feel like I am 20s again (I am 41). The scent is also very light and very pleasant as I am trying to avoid heavy, perfume laden creams and lotions.
Great. Thanks for sharing Melissa.
Can I purchase this already made?
No, sorry, I don’t sell it pre-made.
Hi! Where do I get the ingredients??
I get all of my ingredients from New Directions Aromatics. The link is in the post. I get all of my glass jars and lids from them as well. It’s a fantastic website with great quality products and fantastic customer service. And, the links are not affiliate links. I just love the website.
I completely agree with your philosophy. I can somehow picture you dancing around your kitchen with all these ingredients on your face. Hehehe 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful post!
LOL! Thanks.
I’m doing this research to help my wife with her Acne problems… After reading this it only reinforces my decision to avoid using moisturizers at all… I realize however women need/want to use them so I will hopefully convince my wife to stray from anything un-natural and either make her own or purchase from someone we trust that makes them… geez… this also reinforces my conspiracy theories about the US and it’s dependency on health issues to make money off of us in the form of medical treatment for cancer and other sicknesses derived from unhealthy products. Once we are educated it is up to us to stop using the crap that these Large companies produce and stock our shelves with. It is so sad that we need to be so careful with what we eat and put on our skin. It’s sad to know there are people out there causing health issues for the general population with no regard for human life just to put some money in their pocket. Sorry to rant on this blog, but dang… just sad.
I was given the Made from Earth Vitamin C Moisturizer as a gift – and I wasn’t disappointed – it lives up to all the claims the company makes!!! My skin was smooth, soft and brighter after just a couple of uses – I use it @ night – no unpleasant odors, or greasy feel. LOVE it!!!
Fantastic. Thanks for sharing!
Hi!
Is it safe to add aroma oil into homemade beauty products (body wash/scrub/shampoo/cream etc) for added fragrance?
I am a huge fan of adding high-grade essential oils to home-made skincare. They are very powerful, so a a little goes a long way, and please do your research about the oils before adding them. They are potent, and some oils are not suitable for use during pregnancy or for people with certain health issues.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and advertising your store here.
I agree.
hi – where do you get the filtered water?
I use bottled water.
Hi, so looking forward to making this moisturiser. Which emulsifying wax do I use? The O or N? Many thanks.
I hope you enjoy it. I use the wax in the link in the recipe. It works great.
I am sure I will, thank you.
I live in the UK and for some weird reason this link to the emulsifying wax doesn’t work on my pc system. As a newbie to homemade products, I’m trying to get my head around the different formulations of emulsifying wax, and why/how to use them. I’m not sure where to start with a UK alternative to the wax in your link, but I do need one to bring the cream together. Any help here, what I should be looking for etc. would be really appreciated.
Yes, I understand. I really love the New Directions site. They sell all of the ingredients used in this recipe and fantastic dark glass jars to put the cream in. I believe they have a UK site.
https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/
I have just made this cream for the first time. I used distilled water because I’m just not sure what the tape water, even filtered, is like in our area. Followed the recipe exactly and it worked perfectly with a nice texture. It’s now sitting in the fridge in 60ml jars. The pot I’m using got fragranced with ylang ylang, frankincense and rosemary and for me this combo is lovely. I love everything about this recipe. Ease of making; The ingredients (I used organic wherever possible) are nourishing and good for you. It’s planet friendly; feels gorgeous on the skin, sinks in well and feels fabulous on. Planning to make a batch near Christmas for gifts. Thank you so much for sharing.
Oh, I am so pleased this worked out so well for you Ros. Thanks for sharing your experience. I love your essential oil blend, too!
I perused the comments but didn’t see this so I hope I’m not asking something that’s already been answered.
What size jars are you pouring the moisturizer into? You’re saying about 6 drops of essential oils per jar, but didn’t state the volume of the containers you’re using and I wouldn’t want to put too much EO in and ruin the balance of the lotion.
Please and thank you! 🙂
Oh oh also!
Is your rosehip oil the same as rosehip seed oil and is your carrot seed oil the same as carrot seed essential oil?
Yes to rosehip seed and carrot seed essential oils. You are quite right to point out the confusion in my recipe instructions. It absolutely does depend on the jars and the portion sizes as to how much essential oils you add. I’m using jars that are about 1/4 cup in size. I would start by adding 5 drops to any jar, and add gradually to your preference. They are very powerful. Enjoy.
Hi! I am looking on the New Directions Aromatics website and was wondering if I should get self-emulsifying wax or regular emulsifying wax to create this recipe? Thanks in advance for the help!
I use regular emulsifying wax.
do you sell this moisturizer? I’d love to try it before buying all of the ingredients
I’ve been using this moisturiser blend for a while now and have tried adapting it in various ways, like using rose or orange water, and different oils. I’ve even made in smaller quantities using a milk frother. It’s never ever gone wrong and lasts ages if kept in the fridge. The latest adaption was to use regular emulsifying wax with a palm free emulsifer (called BioGreen) in a 50/50 ratio. It made the final result feel lighter, even more luxurious and in just sinks into the skin.