If you’ve read any of my skincare posts you know how much I love my oils. They help clear up my skin, as well as provide a subtle glow. However, it’s not always enough and heading into fall/winter weather I feel like my skin just needs something more lately. So, I decided to make my own DIY face lotion. And this one, in particular, I call my DIY face lotion for sensitive skin.
Easy DIY Face Lotion for Sensitive Skin
(This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here. )
Backing up, why do I make my own lotion?
Do I have too much time on my hands? No. I make my own beauty products because:
1.) I have very sensitive skin that seems to break out when I come near chemicals/pizza/chocolate/kids, etc. My skin is just that sensitive.
2.) I care about what goes into my body. I’m a bit of a health nut, but in reality, God gave us a digestion system so even if I eat something not-so-good for me, it will go through a process and hopefully eliminate some of the bad stuff. Our skin, however, has no protective digestive system. In fact, everything we put on our skin gets absorbed immediately into our bodies and blood streams. While scientists are working out what’s harmful or not to our health, I prefer to err on the side of caution.
With that in mind, I wanted to create a lotion that would moisturize well, not make me break out, fight wrinkles, and of course, be free of chemicals. I am so excited to share with you what I came up with because I think no matter your skin needs, you too will love this cream.
RELATED: My Minimalist Skincare Routine
First, a disclaimer. The type of ingredients you use in this lotion will directly affect the quality. I used raw organic Shea butter and high-quality essential oils. Note: I would never use oils I bought at the drugstore, or from Amazon on my face. I get mine from a company called Youngevity but I’m sure there are other great companies out there as well. A good indicator that it’s a good oil is the price. For instance, the rose essential oil I use in the below lotion costs around $50. Ouch, I know. You can also buy a frankincense and lavender blend for around $40, which is exactly a steal!
Yes, these are expensive, but if we’re dabbling in making our own products I think it’s a necessary step to ensure quality outcomes. Okay, now that that’s over – let’s get to making it!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 2 TBS jojoba oil
- 3 TBS aloe vera juice
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- 6 drops frankincense oil
- 6 drops rose oil
- Glass jars
How to Make DIY Face Lotion
STEPS:
1. Combine shea butter and jojoba oil in a glass jar and place in a large frying pan. Pour one cup of water into frying pan (or more, just not overflowing) and turn on medium-high until completely melted.
2. Take off the stove and let cool for 20 minutes.
3. Pour into a larger bowl
4. Add aloe vera juice
5. Add vitamin E oil
6. Use your blender until everything is well mixed
7. Now, blend for 5-10 minutes. This is necessary to guarantee everything will remain mixed and not separate.
8. Add essential oils
9. Blend until it starts to harden into a lotion.
10. Pour into a glass jar with a lid. (Mine is usually still liquid at this point but will continue solidifying)
Now for the good stuff. Why did I choose these ingredients?
- Shea Butter– has a high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids
- Aloe Vera juice – healing, antioxidants, treats acne, anti-aging, moisturizing
- Vitamin E – Obviously great for moisturizing but I added it to preserve the lotion longer
- Frankincense oil – wrinkle fighter!! Oh, and reduces scars and age spots
- Rose essential oil – attacks acne
- Lavender essential oil – acne fighter, redness reducer
Your DIY face lotion should last up to or even a little past six months, although you should be able to use it up before then. If not, divide and give as a gift to someone. Share the love! For even more beautiful glowing skin, use this DIY Lush Salt Scrub on your face first and if you’re willing to put in a little work, you’ll want to try this cheaper alternative moisturizer made from washed ghee that creates a fluffy soft lotion.
I’ve never attempted my own face lotion before but I’m definitely interested! Your recipe sounds really luxurious and I bet it smells amazing too! Thanks for sharing!
My skin is more sensitive now and I enjoy making and using my own anything. Can’t wait to try making this.
I also have super sensitive skin, it can be rather burdensome.
I’m definitely going to give this a try.
I also have sensitive skin so I can definitely appreciate this! Sounds like a great moisturizing lotion! 🙂
Oooo I should make this for my mother for Christmas! I know she’d love it just looking at the ingredients. I think I’m going to make some for me, too! haha Thanks for sharing!
Make a big batch for the both of you! 🙂
Sounds great – I have sensitive skin too
Sounds good. I have sensitive skin, too. And I’m allergic to all synthetic fragrances. I’d have to go easy on these natural essential oil fragrances as well. But this is something we could all feel good about putting on our skin — no long list of unpronounceable chemical ingredients!
Exactly! And each ingredient I picked does something awesome for your skin too
This is very similar to the concoction I use on my face/body! I actually first started using the shea butter for my hair, but realized it was slightly too heavy, but perfect for everything else! I’ve been trying to find a place to regularly get quality ingredients, so I’ll try the one you suggested. Thanks for sharing!
Great! Shea butter is amazing too!
I’ve always wanted to create my own products, like lotion or soap. But didn’t know where to start. You make this sound so simple! I just may give it a try.
Yay! Making things pretty simple is my goal 🙂
What a great recipe. I have dry and sensitive skin and have only been using coconut oil on my face. This recipe will be great to try.
I love all of the ingredients in this, especially the choice of essential oils.
They are miracle working oils!
Yes I needed this. I have super sensitive skin!
I have very sensitive skin, so I will have to try this!
This is great. My sister has super sensitive skin. Great tip with Youngevity. I’m forwarding this to her now!
I hope she gets to make it and loves it as much as I do.
this is the perfect lotion! I love essential oils and also have very oily skin. I am going to try this!
oh wow this is so easy! I can’t wait to make it!
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
I love woodsy scent of Frankincense oil and wow a wrinkle fighter too! I need to try this out
Please do! I truly love finding DIY products that work and this WORKS.
I really like the idea of having total control of what goes into this face lotion. Plus, this seems like kind of a fun weekend project. I’m going to order the ingredients and give it a try!
Woot woot – have fun!
What a great DIY! I will have to make this as I have really sensitive skin and am currently experiencing breakouts ugh. Thanks for sharing! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com
I hear ya, as I mentioned it seems anything and everything causes me to breakout. The lavender and francicense are serious acne fighters though!
This sounds amazing and I’m empowered to try to make it! 😀 Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely. I hope your skin feels empowered after you use it!
This looks awesome! I love making my own beauty products since I don’t trust the chemicals used in most commercial brands!
Oh what other kinds of beauty products do you make?
I love making my own beauty products so that I can control the ingredients. This one sounds very moisturizing! Pinning for later.
Excellent. Enjoy!
Great DIY Sarah! I love making my own products … and the combo of oils in this sound amazing! I think it’d be a lovely gift to give for Christmas … I’ll add it to my possible gift options! Thanks!
I’ve never even thought of making my own lotion before! But I completely understand your reasoning behind it (besides the fact that your skin is sensitive). Hopefully when we aren’t on such a tight budget, I can try this lotion out! Definitely pinned, though. 🙂
Rebecca,
Yah the oils can be pricey. I actually asked for them for Christmas last year. haha. Not the most exotic gift but I use them all the time.
I have very sensitive skin also so I think I need to try making my own lotion! I have most of the ingredients so it should not be too hard!
Perfect! Amazon also has a lot of the ingredients besides the oils.
Another great idea to use and even giveaway as present for the holidays,
Wow, you’re with Youngevity too? Just for oils or their minerals too? I try and get a new one of their oils every month with my order.
Oil and minerals! I take my disgusting tangy tangerine almost every day. haha!
Sounds like this would smell amazing- and be great for your skin. I can’t wait to try it!!
I’ll be honest, it smells a bit like a medicine cabinet. BUT worth it because it’s so so so good for your skin.
I’m so excited to try this! I love chemical-free options.
I tried out a chemical free eye makeup remover recipe a few months ago and I have been such a huge fan that I have been looking for some other great recipes. I am so excited that I found your face lotion and I can’t wait to try this out!! Thanks so much for sharing!
I also have very sensitive skin and am always looking for new products. I’ll have to give your recipe a try! Thanks!
This is great! I love home-made products since they don’t have all the chemicals in them!
I love it, Sarah! This is similar to one I make, but different enough that I want to try it. Thanks for the recipe!
Ooh what is different about yours? I’d like to try it too
Wow! I love this recipe to make my own face lotion. Using those oils, I’m sure it smells incredible. Just fab to know exactly what I’m putting on my face. Super excited to give this a try!! Thanks for posting.
Jessica, thank you – enjoy!
I love making my own natural recipes. I have sensitive skin as well, and now that I’m older I am getting wrinkles to go along with the sensitivity. I have a few of these oils that I bought from young living, and Ouch is right. They are pricey. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Thankfully a little goes a long way with the pricey ones! haha
This recipe sounds amazing! I have made my own before, but I was not pleased with the results. I bet adding the shea butter would make a big difference!
Yup it’s pretty wonderful! A tad oily at first but it soaks in 🙂
Love the recipe, one for me to try this weekend!
Awesome – enjoy 🙂
I love the ingredients in this face lotion. I bought them and followed your instructions. However, the separates pretty badly. It separates within 12 hrs of making It. Is this how it’s supposed to be? Or where do you think I might have went wrong?
Hi Jennifer,
Hm that is strange. Perhaps there was too much jojoba oil (which I could see separating) is the issue. Did you let it fully melt? Or sit a while before blending? You might try melting again and adding glycerin which acts as a binding agent.
Thanks for the response! I did fully melt it and let it sit before blending. Perhaps I will try the glycerin idea. I appreciate you taking the time to troubleshoot with me!
of course! Let me know how that goes.
How much glycerine do you suggest adding? I’m having this problem too along with it leaving my face a little oily….
No glycerine in this recipe, but I guess you could add it if you wanted? Probably start with a teaspoon
Used your recipe as a base for my custom all organic recipe:
– 2tbsp Mango butter
– 2tbsp Shea butter
– 1 tbsp Jojoba oil
– 1tbsp Rosehip oil (rosa mosquetas)
-3 tbsp Aloe Vera gel
– 1tbsp vegetale glycerine
– 1tsp Mixe Toco Vit E
– 5 drops of pure Bulgarian rose oil
– 7 drops of pure Helichrysum oil
– 6 drops pure Frankincense oil
– 5 Drops pure Neroli
Day time version add:
– 4 drops of carrot seed oil (spf)
– 4 drops of Red Raspberry oil (spf)
Smells amazing but the essential oils where for the benefits not the scent. I may add 4 drops of sandalwood oil next time to complete the full on anti wrinkle power!
Whipped with a hand mixer in a cylinder narrow long container (came with the mixer) to make sure it mix well, otherwise it will separate!
P.S. I have sensitive acne prone skin, this works for me!
Wow, Heidi – this looks amazing!!! Thanks for coming back and sharing this.
Could I use aloe Vera gel, rather than juice? Just checking, since I have that on hand? I like that there isn’t coconut oil, since my face breaks out from using it.
Thanks
Roxie
Hi Roxie – Yes! absolutely. And my skin breaks out from Coconut oil, too.
I love this! But my lotion leaves my face feeling greasy. I also have an issues with moisture build up in the middle or the oils not remaining mixed… help! Any suggestions??
Ah yah, some DIYS you may have to mix up a little before each use. If this leaves your face greasy I’d try just using oil..like jojoba. See how your skin reacts to that!
I love the feel and smell of this moisturizer, but I mixed it for at least 10 minutes but I’m still having trouble with the aloe separating from the rest of it. Any suggestions?
Hi Angela, keep mixing! It may take some time depending on the amount but will get there.
I have used this for a few months now. Love it. Can you please email me about it; there is question I would like to ask you?
Hi Kathy – you can email me at [email protected] ! I would love to help.
This sounds so great! I am saving this to make some once I get the ingredients. Thank you so much for posting a tried and true recipe! I’m so excited to make this!
Yay! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Hi I couldn’t get my oil to stay together they separated also can I use another method to blend the products instead of using a blender?
Hi Nikki! you might want to try less oil, whipping it in until blended and slowly adding more. Also, was it properly melted before you tried blending?
Hi there. I just made this mixture last week and I have little black spots (mold?) forming already. Any thoughts? Does this need to be stored in the fridge? I used green tea instead of aloe vera juice. And no frankincense. That was my only change. Thanks.
Hi Ashley,
I can’t say for sure but I have a suspicion it is because of the green tea. There may have been an ingredient in it that spoils. I say try again with aloe vera and let me know how that goes!
Hello, how can I make this with SPF? What product would you use?
I think you could add zinc oxide to make it protect against the sun but I’m not sure the amount so you might have to play around with it!
I made this face lotion last night! And so far I love it, I did have to whip it some more this morning because it started to separate (I didn’t do the recommended 5-10 minutes last night) I also realized this morning I used cocoa butter instead of Shea butter! I had both and wasn’t paying attention when I grabbed the jar!! Hope cocoa butter is beneficial as well!
Also made the foaming face wash and I’m looking forward to following your skincare regime!!
Yes, coco butter is fine too! it’ll just smell a little more chocolately which isn’t bad. 🙂
I made the recipe almost exact (exchanging aloe gel for juice) and used an immersion stick blender to blend it. It has blended well but is remaining liquid. Any ideas?
hmm the juice instead of gel might make it a little more watery. Try adding more of the thicker ingredients.
This looks so good! What a great way to get what you need and know which ingredients are being used!
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
About 3-4 months…little longer if kept in the fridge!