This simple DIY daily face moisturizer recipe is suitable for every day use and will help you avoid plastic packaged beauty products. It's gentle, nourishing and suits most skin types.
With natural ingredients, you can mix this up in a few minutes and once you start using it, you will wonder why you ever bought store products.
My skin is prone to be highly sensitive, oily in summer and dry in winter with irregular outbreaks and eczema, and as a result, I have never really found an off-the-shelf product that gave good results.
This year, in an effort to up my zero waste efforts, I've experimented quite a lot with various recipes, with the aim of replacing my daily moisturiser - A bathroom item I use at least once a day.
I found many homemade recipes left my skin feeling WAY too greasy and clogged up, particularly in warmer months and although using plain coconut oil is ok on some days, it wasn't a permanent solution. I really wanted to find something that would give consistently good results AND be able to be worn with make-up.
All the mixing and testing was worth it in the end as I've now got a blend that is even better than I expected.
I've been using this for a while now and it is the bomb! My face actually feels nourished and I don't think its ever felt this smooth and soft, so I'm excited to share it with you so you can try it out for yourself.
*This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission but the price is the same to you.
A little about the ingredients and why they are helpful.......
Shea Butter is a key ingredient, famous for its moisturising and nourishing properties, and is apparently anti-aging. I often see it featured on product packaging, but generally only small quantities are added to product's ingredients. I was happy to find organic Shea butter and it looks gorgeous (pictured below). Organic Shea butter is preferable and this can be purchased in small reusable glass jars here.
Aloe Vera Gel looks like clear jelly and has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It is known to soothe sensitive and sunburnt skin, acne and has healing properties. Adding this one to the recipe seemed to have a lot of benefits plus it helps to keep the moisturiser stable over time, lighter with less grease factor and makes it easy to apply or blend with foundation.
Apricot Kernel Oil suits all skin types and is used in many products due to the fact it is rich in essential fatty acids making it a fabulous moisturiser and emollient, yet gentle enough to use around the sensitive eye area. Despite its richness, it is considered a light oil, so it wont clog up pores AND can be used on acne prone skin. You can see why I chose it. Make sure your oil is stored in amber glass and refrigerated to protect it, and if you can't find it in a bulk store near you, it can purchase online here.
If you are really prone to acne, consider replacing this ingredient with Hemp Seed Oil, you can get this in small 100ml bottles that come in reusable and recyclable packaging.
Vitamin E Oil is reportedly an antioxidant, contributing to smooth skin, elasticity with anti-aging benefits. Now, I should point out, I haven't noticed that any wrinkles are disappearing or that I'm magically looking younger, but it does feel great. If you don't want to purchase an entire bottle, you can raid your vitamin cabinet and break open vitamin e capsules to mix up a small batch.
Is it really a Zero Waste moisturiser?
This does depend on how you are able to source products. If you are able to find a local store that stocks oils and butters then you are more than likely able to bring your own containers to be weighed and can avoid packaging altogether.
These containers below (plastic and glass) are labelled and will be refilled if possible when they run out so I can be certain they wont be contaminated with other products.
If you purchase ingredients online, which I do regularly, you will of course receive packaging, but ideally this can be reused or recycled. I highly recommend checking out Biome Eco Stores online as they stock a fabulous range of ingredients, many locally sourced within Australia and arrive with minimal packaging.
For the finished product, I reused a plastic container to store it in as all my glass jars were spoken for. Use what you have but if ,like me you have no spare small jars, you can purchase ones like these in many places. From my experience, reusing store bought cosmetic containers is not always possible due to their shape and the fact it can be hard to remove fragrances even after many washes and there is always the concern that plastic leaches chemicals into oily substances more easily ,so ideally use glass.
Now, onto the important part of actually making this face cream for yourself!
(These quantities make about 30mls and should last 3-4 months)
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon of Shea Butter
1 Tablespoon of Apricot Kernel Oil
1/4 teaspoon of Aloe Vera Gel
1/4 Teaspoon of Vitamin E oil
How To Make It
Step 1.
Melt the Shea butter
I do this in 10 second bursts in the microwave, alternatively you can use a double boiler method. You want it warm, not hot so if you heated it too much, allow it to cool a little.
Step 2.
Add all the other ingredients, stirring well. You can add a few drops of Essential Oils at this stage too, I opted not to as I wanted to have a non-scented product.
Step 3.
Pour into the container you intend to store it in and give it a good shake.
The contents will set at room temperature within an hour or two.
Store in the bathroom, or in the fridge if you prefer.
Application
To apply, dip your finger tip into the cream and start with a small amount until you determine what the right amount is for your skin. Rub on your fingers first, then lightly apply over face. If your skin feels oily and looks really shiny, then aim to reduce the amount you use.
If you have very dry skin, this can be applied as a night cream. Wash with water or an oat scrub the next morning.
IF you give this a go, I'd love to know what you think!
Don't forget to save or pin this post if you plan to try out this recipe so you can easily find it again.