If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to nourish your skin and get that healthy glow, this DIY face serum is exactly what you need.

Store-bought serums can be packed with harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and synthetic fillers, but when you make your own, you control exactly what goes on your skin.

This homemade face serum is gentle, effective, and fully customizable for your unique skin type.

This was one of the first things I started to make, once I learned about essential oils and how powerful they can be to help your skin.

I LOVE how effective it can be, and throughout the years, I’ve narrowed it down to be the best DIY face serum I’ve ever made!

Here is the homemade face serum recipe, along with tips to make it unique to your skin.

Why Make Your Own Face Serum?

Many commercial face serums contain toxic ingredients that may actually make your skin worse. One of the biggest offenders is fragrance (or parfum)—a vague label that can hide dozens of unknown chemicals.

Other common additives like preservatives and synthetic oils can clog pores and irritate sensitive skin.

When you make your own face serum, you get a cost-effective, all-natural alternative that’s free from toxins and fillers. Plus, you can customize the formula to target your skin’s specific needs.

Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Best Carrier Oils for Your Skin

Your carrier oil serves as the base of your serum, helping to dilute essential oils and deeply hydrate the skin.

Here are some of the best options based on your skin type:

Jojoba Oil – Closest to the skin’s natural oils, making it great for all skin types.
Argan Oil – Rich in antioxidants, perfect for dry or aging skin.
Rosehip Seed Oil – High in Vitamin C, ideal for brightening and evening out skin tone.
Grapeseed Oil – Non-comedogenic and absorbs quickly, making it a good choice for oily or acne-prone skin.
Camellia Seed Oil – Ultra-lightweight yet deeply nourishing, packed with antioxidants that help hydrate and soften the skin.
Sunflower Seed Oil – High in Vitamin E, soothing and non-greasy, making it a great choice for combination and sensitive skin.
Hemp Seed Oil – Balances oil production, reduces inflammation, and is perfect for oily, acne-prone, and irritated skin.

The Best Essential Oils for Your Skin

Essential oils can add extra soothing, anti-aging, and clarifying benefits to your serum.

Here are some of the my favorite ones:

Frankincense – Promotes skin elasticity and helps reduce fine lines.
Tea Tree – Fights breakouts and soothes irritated skin.
Ylang Ylang – Balances oil production and improves skin texture.
Lavender – Calms inflammation and promotes healing.
Copaiba – Reduces redness and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Blue Tansy – Soothes irritation, reduces redness, and helps clarify acne-prone skin.
Ho Wood – Rich in linalool, deeply nourishing and supports skin regeneration.
Black Spruce – Helps improve skin tone, reduces puffiness, and promotes a healthy, glowing complexion.
Roman Chamomile – Gently soothes sensitive skin, reduces irritation, and promotes skin healing.
Helichrysum – Known for its powerful skin-repairing properties, helps with scars, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation.

Pin This Post For Later:

DIY Face Serum Recipe

Here is my latest DIY face serum recipe that I use every night before bed:

Ingredients:

1 oz face serum bottle
6 drops lavender essential oil
12 drops Resilience essential oil blend (ho wood, black spruce, frankincense, blue tansy)
1 oz carrier oil of choice (I love this face serum base)

Instructions:

Add the essential oils into the glass dropper bottle. Adjust the amount based on your preference—more drops for a stronger formula, fewer for a gentler serum.

adding in essential oils into serum bottle

Fill the rest of the bottle with your carrier oil, leaving a little space at the top.

Secure the dropper cap and gently swirl the bottle to mix the ingredients.

Apply a few drops to clean skin morning and night, massaging it in with gentle upward strokes.

How to Customize Your Face Serum for Your Skin Type

Since everyone has a different skin type, here is my research on how to make this DIY face serum fit what your skin needs!

For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

If you have oily skin, you want lightweight, non-comedogenic oils that absorb quickly and won’t clog pores.

Best Carrier Oils:

Jojoba Oil – Closest to skin’s natural oils and helps regulate sebum production.
Grapeseed Oil – Light, fast-absorbing, and helps tighten pores.
Hemp Seed Oil – Balances oil production and soothes breakouts. I prefer hemp seed oil for my oily skin.
Sunflower Seed Oil – Rich in Vitamin E and won’t clog pores, great for calming inflammation.

Best Essential Oils:

Tea Tree – Antibacterial and helps combat acne. This works wonder on me and my teenage sister’s skin!
Lavender – Calms inflammation and redness.
Lemongrass – Astringent properties help control excess oil.
Geranium – Balances sebum production and improves skin tone.

another view of the face serum bottle on counter

For Dry & Mature Skin

Dry skin needs deep hydration and nourishment, with oils that provide long-lasting moisture and lock in hydration.

Best Carrier Oils:

Argan Oil – Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids for deep hydration.
Rosehip Seed Oil – High in antioxidants and supports skin regeneration.
Sweet Almond Oil – Gentle and lightweight, great for soothing dry skin.
Camellia Seed Oil – Absorbs easily and deeply moisturizes without feeling greasy. That’s why I love this face serum base!

Best Essential Oils:

Frankincense – Supports elasticity and reduces fine lines.
Rose – Deeply hydrates and rejuvenates skin.
Ylang Ylang – Balances moisture and promotes a healthy glow.
Chamomile – Soothes irritation and dry patches.

long angle view of face serum for glowing skin

For Combination Skin

Combination skin benefits from oils that hydrate dry areas without making oily areas greasy.

Best Carrier Oils:

Jojoba Oil – Works for all skin types, balancing both oily and dry areas.
Rosehip Seed Oil – Lightweight yet hydrating, great for evening out skin tone.
Marula Oil – Fast-absorbing and perfect for combination skin.
Camellia Seed Oil – Light yet deeply nourishing, great for uneven skin.

Best Essential Oils:

Copaiba – Reduces inflammation and evens out skin texture.
Geranium – Balances oil production and keeps skin hydrated.
Lavender – Hydrates dry patches while calming breakouts.
Cedarwood – Helps regulate oil production in both dry and oily areas.

How Long Does DIY Face Serum Last?

This serum typically lasts 6–10 months, depending on the freshness of your oils. To extend its shelf life, store it in a cool, dark place and consider adding a few drops of vitamin E oil.

Face Serum

Materials

1 oz face serum bottle
6 drops lavender essential oil
12 drops Resilience essential oil blend (ho wood, black spruce, frankincense, blue tansy)
1 oz carrier oil of choice (I love this face serum base)

Instructions

Add the essential oils into the glass dropper bottle. Adjust the amount based on your preference—more drops for a stronger formula, fewer for a gentler serum.
Fill the rest of the bottle with your carrier oil, leaving a little space at the top.
Secure the dropper cap and gently swirl the bottle to mix the ingredients.
Apply a few drops to clean skin morning and night, massaging it in with gentle upward strokes.

Notes

Learn how to easily switch out your products with more natural solutions with this Natural Living Made Easy Freebie!

Final Thoughts

This DIY face serum is a simple, effective way to give your skin the nourishment it needs without the toxins. It’s affordable, customizable, and works for all skin types. Try making your own blend and see the difference for yourself!