How to Make Your Own Luxury, Anti-Ageing Facial Oil

Disclaimers: I have in no way been influenced or paid to endorse these products. All recommendations are my own.

Warning: Always apply a test patch before using.

Facial oils have become really popular in recent years, but many people worry about using them and actively avoid them because they worry they will block pores and cause skin to break out. But that because bad oils, like mineral oil, have given them a bad rap. But not all oils are evil! There are oils that are actually good for our skin. In fact, our skin actually needs oil in order to form a protective barrier for the skin, and there are other benefits as well. Oils can soften fine lines, plump skin, and fade dark spots and scars. For those of you that struggle with acne and/or oily skin, you will be surprised to learn that using the right blend of oils may actually benefit your skin.

When using oils, it’s important to use the right ones. They must be non-comedogenic, which basically means they won’t block your pores. I’ll talk more about the different oils that are non-comedogenic further down, but this post by the Holistic Health Herbalist gives a really good overview of each oils comedogenic rating so you know which ones you need to avoid.

In the winter my skin gets super dry, so each night I really enjoy using a facial oil to massage into my skin. The first facial oil I began using was Bio-Oil. I really enjoyed using it as it’s very light and is a good foray into using facial oils if you haven’t used them before. However, although I think it’s an excellent product, my skin is quite thirsty and not long after applying Bio-Oil, my skin starts to feel dry again. So, I prefer thicker, fattier oils that have a lasting feel and really cover and moisturise my skin. I have expensive taste, so usually my favourites include luxury brands such as Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery and Aesop Fabulous Face Oil. However, making your own facial oil is really easy and can save you lots of money! Plus, its completely natural and free of any kind of preservatives and nasty chemicals.

This luxury facial oil recipe is vegan friendly. I know that vegans can find it difficult to find beauty products that are vegan friendly, which is why I recommend making your own. It’s the only way you can be confident of its ingredients.

The Oils

Argan Oil

Whilst holidaying in Morocco, I purchased a precious bottle of cosmetic grade Argan oil like this one, and upon returning home, I was determined to put it to good use. Argan oil comes from the argan tree’s nut and is rich fatty acids, vitamin E and A, and antioxidants, all of which beautifully hydrate skin, soften fine lines, plump skin, and fade dark spots and scars. which is why I decided to use it to create my own facial oil. If you get the chance to visit Morocco whilst the tree is fruiting, you will see it filled with goats, as they love to feast on them.

Rosehip Oil

The other oil I have used in this recipe is rosehip oil. I have used rosehip oil on my face before and really enjoyed using it. Rosehip oil comes from the South African rosebush seeds and is rich in fatty acids, linoleic acid, and Vitamin C and A. I thought that rosehip and argan oil would be perfect together as they both easily absorb into the skin, don’t leave a thick greasy layer, and are usually non-irritating (although I always advise carrying out a spot test prior to using in case of a negative reaction).

Other Oils You Can Use

If you are prone to acne, or prefer a lighter oil, then consider swapping the rosehip oil for some of these other oil options below which are also non-comedogenic:

Jojoba oil: This is a great one for those with acne, however, it can cause a ‘purge’ which is where the skin gets worse for several weeks before getting better and seeing the benefits. It’s also great for anti-ageing.

Sweet almond oil: Suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin and also acne prone. Sweet almond is also quite affordable compared to some of these other oils, so perfect if you are on a tight budget.

Grape seed oil: Rich in Vitamin E, grape seed moisturises and reduces inflammation and redness so is a great for those of you with acne. This is also a great option for those looking for a lighter oil.

Apricot kernel oil: Its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties make it a good choice for those with acne and dry skin. It’s also anti-aging and has anti-oxidant properties.

Hemp seed oil: This oil has the lowest comedogenic rating (that’s a good thing). Hemp seed oil is great for those with acne, eczema and psoriasis, as it will reduce the redness and inflammation. For those of you that have oily skin, this might be the best option as it can really balance out your skins oil production. It also softens and moisturisers dry, itchy skin. The only down side to hemp seed oil is that because of its high level of unsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 and 6), it must be kept in the fridge to keep it stable and stop it from going rancid and spoiling.

Essential Oils

Lavender Essential Oil

I also added lavender essential oil to my facial oil recipe, not just because I love the smell of it, but also because it’s skin soothing and great for irritated skin. I also love that it’s relaxing and calming, which is perfect since I apply this facial oil when I come home from work in the evening.

In this recipe I used a 2% dilution which is considered the ‘ideal’ amount for most normal adults in topical applications such as this facial oil recipe. I used this handy dilution guide from Using Essential Oils Safely. So basically that works out to be 10 – 12 drops per ounce of carrier oil. If you are trying to work out how many drops this is for your container size, then use this handy dilution conversion guide.

Other Essential Oils You Can Use

However, if you don’t like lavender, then you can use another type of essential oil, just make sure it’s OK to be used on skin. Here are some examples:

Geranium oil: Good for those with oily skin as it can bring balance.

Basil oil: Soothing, so good for those with sensitive skin.

Frankincense oil: Helps with pigmentation.

Ylang ylang oil: Good for acne prone skin.

Chamomile oil: Good for eczema, rosacea, and sensitive skin.

Neroli: Great for ageing and sensitive skin.

Storing Your Facial Oil

Oils can get messy if you don’t use the right dispenser. The best dispenser option is a dark glass pump bottle as it enables you to get just the right amount each time (no wastage and mess) and the dark glass will protect it from exposure to light. Don’t use plastic as it can deteriorate and affect the oil.

This oil will last you a long time, so I suggest only make it in smaller batches, as every time you open the bottle, you expose it to the air which will eventually cause deterioration. I made 2 fluid ounces/60ml which will take me at least 4-6 months to get through.

If stored correctly, your oils can last a long time. To extend the life of your oil, store it in a cool dark cupboard with a secure lid. As noted earlier, if using hemp seed oil, you will need to store it in the fridge.

Luxury Facial Oil

Use this recipe to create your own luxury facial oil.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 60 ml

Ingredients

  

• 30 ml Argan oil
• 30 ml Rosehip oil
• 20-24 drops Lavender oil 2% dilution

Instructions

 

• Add equal parts rosehip oil and argan oil, but make sure you leave a decent gap at the top of your bottle so there is room for your essential oil, and, for the pipette lid to be inserted if your using one.
  
• Give the bottle a good shake to ensure that the oils combine.
  
• Add your essential oil and then give it another good shake.
  
• That’s it! It couldn’t be easier.
  

Directions for use

• Wash your face and hands. Add 3 to 4 drops onto clean fingertips and gently massage the oil onto your face, neck and décolletage.

Notes

Money Saving Tip

Most oils are sold in bottles with a pipette/dropper lid. So just empty half of the oil into a clean glass jar or bottle (store the unused oil in a cool dry cupboard) and then add your other ingredients to the original bottle. This will save you from purchasing a separate bottle.