Looking for the best body oil recipe to hydrate, strengthen, and tone your skin?
Body oils have several benefits over moisturizing lotions and creams.
Two of the biggest issues are that they require no chemical preservatives and are super easy to make at home.
In this article, you’ll learn the best body oil recipes for every skin type, how to blend them, and how to source high-quality carrier oils that nourish and protect.
10 Awesome Benefits of Making Your Own Body Oil Recipes
DIY body oils have become super trendy among clean beauty, DIY, and health-conscious connoisseurs.
As we touched on previously, they have many benefits over traditional body lotions and creams for your skin and your lifestyle, including:
- Body oils can be customized to suit your skin type or the season.
- They’re inexpensive compared to many premade natural body lotions and creams.
- They absorb quickly and are non-greasy (provided you choose the right oils, which we’ll discuss next).
- DIY body oils are effective and 100% natural moisturizers.
- Body oils are easy to make and require no special equipment or knowledge.
- Since body oils are water-free, they do not require chemical preservatives.
- They’re naturally fragrance-free, which helps you avoid a slew of potentially toxic undisclosed chemicals and allows you to add pure essential oils for a custom (and natural scent).
- Some body oil recipes can double as hair oil treatments or even facial oil.
- Making your own body oils can be eco-friendly, especially if you choose sustainably sourced and organic carrier oils and reuse packaging.
- Thanks to their simple ingredients, DIY body oils are unlikely to irritate sensitive skin, provided you choose the best oil for your skin type.
- Body oils are excellent at protecting skin barrier function.
- Body oils contain various beneficial fatty acids, which prevent moisture loss.
The bottom line is if you love natural personal care products, can mix one to three ingredients together and pour them into a container, you can make an ultra-hydrating customized body oil recipe.
It is that simple, so let’s get into it!
Step 1: Get To Know The Best Oils For Body Oil Based On Skin Type
The concept of skin type is primarily associated with the face.
However, your body also has a skin type, which can be one or a combination of the following:
- Normal
- Dry/Very dry
- Mature
- Oily/blemish-prone
- Combination
- Sensitive or inflamed skin
A custom body oil can be made from as many body oils as you wish. Fortunately, most body oils will benefit all skin types, especially if enhancing moisture is your goal.
However, some skin types should avoid certain oils that can be too drying or comedogenic (pore-clogging). Additionally, using more than one oil can provide additional benefits for different skin types.
To keep things simple, we recommend choosing 1-3 oils for your first body oil recipe.
The following is a list of some of the best carrier oils to use in DIY body oil recipes based on your skin type.
The Best Body Oils for Normal Skin
Normal skin can benefit from nearly any type of body oil to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
- Jojoba
- Safflower
- Sunflower
- Sweet almond
- Olive oil
- Sesame
- Macadamia
- Hemp seed
Best Body Oils For Dry or Very Dry Skin
Dry and very dry skin will benefit from deeply moisturizing, ultra-emollient oils high in essential fatty acids.
Normal skin types may also want to add one or two of these oils into their formulas during the more drying seasons of winter and summer (post-sun exposure).
- Olive oil
- Apricot kernel
- Sesame
- Calendula-infused oil
- Fractionated (liquid) coconut oil
- Rice bran
- Argan
- Sesame
- Macadamia
- Moringa oil
Best Body Oils For Mature Skin
Those with mature skin tend to be concerned about wrinkles, creping, and dryness.
These antioxidant-rich oils help deeply nourish and protect mature skin (some of them even offer sun protection) all of which can help address, minimize, or even prevent these concerns.
- Apricot seed
- Olive oil
- Pomegranate oil
- Argan oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Rosehip
- Moringa oil
Best Oils For Oily/Blemish-Prone Skin
Blemishes, clogged pores, and oiliness aren’t just facial issues. They can affect the entire body, especially the chest (decolletage), back, and neck.
Body oils can be game-changing for body blemishes as they mimic the skin’s natural oils, which can help normalize sebum production and help deal with breakouts and clogged pores.
These oils are also non-comedogenic, meaning they will not clog pores, making them suitable for face or body.
- Jojoba
- Sunflower
- Safflower
- Hemp seed oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Castor oil
- Rosehip
Best Body Oils For Combination Skin
Combination skin may run dry, oily, or in between, depending on the season and other factors.
These non-comedogenic oils help balance combination skin by providing nourishing benefits for all skin types.
- Jojoba
- Sunflower
- Safflower
- Hempseed
- Rosehip
- Grapeseed
Sweet almond - Calendula-infused oil
- Castor oil
Best Body Oils For Sensitive or Inflamed Skin
Body oils are often the only skincare product tolerated by people with sensitive skin because they’re 100% natural and contain no additives.
However, certain body oils contain soothing anti-inflammatory properties making them extra beneficial for sensitive skin:
- Avocado
- Sweet almond
- Hemp seed
- Calendula-infused
- Olive oil
Step 2: Make Your Custom Body Oil Recipe
Once you’ve selected and purchased the oils you want to try, it’s time to combine them into a custom moisturizer.
As mentioned above, body oil recipes typically don’t require the use of chemical preservatives.
However, if you make a very large batch, we recommend adding in 1-2 capsules of vitamin E oil to help keep the oils fresh.
You can avoid this by making up smaller batches and/or keeping your larger bottles of carrier oil in the fridge.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1-3 body oils for your skin type
- A narrow-mouthed funnel
- A clean bottle to store your oil, preferably with a pump for easy dispensing
- Essential oils (if you wish to add a natural fragrance)
How To Make Your Own Basic Body Oil
- Wash hands thoroughly and make sure you have a clean workspace
- Insert the funnel in your clean storage bottle
- Combine equal parts carrier oil in the storage bottle
- Note, this is a general recipe. Others, like those shared below, may recommend different ratios for different skin types
- Add 1-10 drops of essential oils (if desired, sometimes essential oils can bother skin so be sure to do a patch test first.)
- If making a large batch, add vitamin E at this time
- Shake gently
- You’re done!
DIY body oil should be stored at room temperature and used within 3-6 months. The addition of vitamin E can help extend shelf life.
Four Body Oil Recipes For Healthy, Glowing Skin
If you’re ready to go beyond a basic recipe, consider these four body oil recipes for dry, mature, blemish-prone/oily skin, and sensitive/inflamed skin.
These body oils also contain skin-specific essential oil recommendations, but you can omit them if you prefer a neutral scent or swap them for your favorite oils.
When using essential oils, always look for 100% pure, preferably organic essential oils made without solvents (steam-distilled). This helps cut down on (but may not fully prevent) skin irritation from essential oils. When in doubt, omit essential oils!
Easy Body Oil Recipe For Dry Skin
This recipe contains rich emollient oils which hydrate and lock in moisture to prevent dryness, uneven skin tone, or cracking, without leaving a greasy film.
The recommended essential oils are also known to help promote elasticity, hydration, and smooth skin.
Dry Skin Body Oil Ingredients
- 1 part macadamia oil or olive oil
- 1 part sweet almond or avocado oil
- 1 part sesame oil or fractionated (liquid) coconut oil
- For very dry skin, opt for the coconut oil
- Optional: 1-3 capsules of vitamin E
Optional essential oils (5-30 drops depending on the batch size):
Note: When using essential oils for the first time, always add the least amount first (just a few drops) and test before adding more.
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Myrrh
- Cedarwood
- Neroli
- Geranium
- Palmorosa
- Sandalwood
How to Make
- Blend everything together in a storage bottle.
- Use after showering or as needed to moisturize skin.
Desert Essence’s Organic Coconut Jojoba and Coffee Oil is also excellent for dry skin types.
Quick Body Oil Recipe For Mature Skin
This body oil recipe contains ultra-hydrating oils plus antioxidant and vitamin A-rich rosehip oil, to promote youthful, even, and hydrated skin.
The recommended essential oils are also antioxidant-rich and known for their anti-aging properties.
Mature Skin Body Oil Ingredients
- 1 part avocado oil
- 1 part pomegranate oil
- 1 part argan oil or moringa oil
Optional essential oils (5-30 drops depending on the batch size):
Note: When using essential oils for the first time, always add the least amount first (just a few drops) and test before adding more.
- Frankincense
- Rose
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Carrot seed oil
- Geranium
- Clary Sage
- Lemon oil
- Jasmine oil (a little goes a long way!)
How to Make
- Blend everything together in a storage bottle.
- Use after showering or as needed to moisturize skin.
DIY Body Oil Recipe For Blemish-Prone, Oily, or Combination Skin
The idea that moisturizers and oils cause or exacerbate oily skin is one of the biggest skincare myths!
The truth is that oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin types are often crying out for moisture, and therefore produce excess sebum (oil) to compensate.
This is why the oil cleansing trend, for example, is so effective for clearing up blemishes. The oil rebalances the skin, and sebum production normalizes.
This body oil recipe contains non-greasy, non-comedogenic oils that mimic the skin’s natural oils, while also providing vital nutrients to speed healing and clear up skin. The optional essential oils are also well-known for treating blemishes naturally.
It’s great for your body and your face!
Oily/Combination Skin Body Oil Ingredients
- 1 part jojoba oil
- 1 part rosehip oil
- 1 part hemp seed oil
- 1-3 drops castor oil
Optional essential oils (5-30 drops depending on batch size):
Note: When using essential oils for the first time, always add the least amount first (just a few drops) and test before adding more.
- Tea tree oil
- Neem oil
- Lavender oil
- Oregano oil
- Chamomile oil
- Thyme oil
- Lemon oil
How To Make:
- Blend everything together in a storage bottle.
- Use after showering or as needed to moisturize skin.
Desert Essence’s Desert Essence’s Moringa Jojoba Rosehip Oil is also rejuvenating and replenishing for mature skin.
Simple Body Oil Recipe For Sensitive or Inflamed Skin
Sensitive or inflamed skin requires special care to stay calm, hydrated, and healthy.
If you’re new to using body oils, we recommend starting with a single oil to see how your skin reacts.
If this oil feels good, use it for one week before trying different combinations, trying them one at a time on your skin to test for any reaction.
Regarding essential oils, exercise caution. Although some oils, like chamomile and rose, have a great reputation for soothing sensitive skin, they may not be appropriate for everyone.
If you wish to add a scent to your body oil, start with 1-2 drops of one oil and see how your skin reacts, then increase the amount slowly and monitor the benefits.
Here are a few combinations of body oils to try on sensitive or inflamed skin.
- 1 part jojoba or olive oil + 1 part hemp seed oil
- 1 part sweet almond oil + 1 part calendula-infused oil
Desert Essence’s Cannabis Sativa Jojoba Oil is also wonderful for sensitive skin.
Optional essential oils to try (slowly and carefully):
- Chamomile
- Rose
- Lavender
- Frankincense
- Neroli
Body Oil Recipe FAQs
Making your own body oils is very simple, but questions come up. Here, we cover some frequently asked questions:
Q: Where can I buy carrier oils?
A: There are various reputable suppliers of carrier oils found online and in natural foods stores.
Desert Essence offers a variety of carrier oils and body oil blends, including:
When shopping for carrier oils, look for sustainably sourced, cold-pressed oils preferably from organic suppliers whenever possible.
You can also use some high-quality cooking oils, like organic olive oil, grapeseed, or avocado oil, found in grocery stores.
For coconut oil, however, you’ll need to source fractionated coconut oil which is in liquid form.
Solid coconut oil can be melted, however, it will re-solidify once it reaches room temperature, making it unsuitable for liquid body oils.
Q: Can I use body oil with body lotion or cream?
A: In many cases, a body oil will be all you need to moisturize and protect your skin.
However, if you have very dry skin or wish to continue using body lotion along with your new body oil, we recommend applying the body oil before the body lotion.
As discussed in 4 Tips For Using Body Oils, oils tend to be heavier than lotions; therefore, your lotion cannot break through the oil to absorb if oil is applied first.
For extra hydration, either apply your body oil before the lotion or add a few drops of body oil to your favorite lotion to boost moistures retention and hydration.
Q: Can I use these body oil recipes on my face?
A: Yes! Just reduce the amount to 3-4 drops and apply with damp palms after cleansing. Make sure you test a small area of your face first as some people with sensitive skin may react to certain oils on their face, but not their body.
Desert Essence’s Moringa Jojoba Rosehip Oil is a popular option for facial care.
Q: When is the best time to apply body oil?
We recommend applying your body oil immediately following your shower or bath. This will allow for optimal absorption, maximum efficiency/absorbancy, and minimal (if any) residue.
Q: My body oil makes my skin feel oily, how can I fix that?
The right body oil combination will make your skin feel hydrated, soft, and supple, not oily or greasy.
If your skin feels oily or greasy after application, consider switching your formula to oils for combination skin.
Fractionated coconut oil, for example, can be too oily for some skin types.
Also, applying after showering will reduce any oily residue.
Q: Do you have recipes for hair oil?
A: We do! Get all the details in: The Ultimate Guide To Hair Oiling
Q: I got body oil on my clothes! How do I remove it?
This happens, so don’t panic (and next time, apply it before getting dressed)!
Most oils can be removed from fabrics (check the tags first) by gently washing the spot in mild dish detergent, then applying a clump of baking soda and/or baby powder on the spot.
Let dwell for several hours, launder, and check to make sure the spot is gone before drying.
Let Desert Essence Help You Create The Ultimate Body Oil Recipes
Desert Essence has been pioneering clean and natural skin and body care products, including oils, for decades.
Our carrier oils are sustainably sourced, organic, and affordable, making them ideal as stand-alone body oils or components in your own custom blend.
We also offer convenient pre-made body oils and body oil sprays.
Check out our line of body oils for DIY recipes, body, hair, and facial care including:
- 100% Pure Organic Jojoba Oil: Jojoba Oil's similarity to skin's natural sebum, enables it to balance oily areas and moisturize dry spots as it gently cleanses and hydrates the skin, hair, and scalp. Desert Essences’s cold-pressed, hand-harvested, non-GMO certified Jojoba is grown on native family farms in the golden sand dunes of the Peruvian desert
- Organic Coconut Jojoba and Coffee Oil: Organic Coconut Oil penetrates deeply, delivering moisture without leaving a greasy residue. Jojoba Oil—which closely resembles natural sebum—helps balance skin’s natural moisture levels, while fragrant, antioxidant-rich Coffee Oil helps firm, smooth, and invigorate. USDA-certified organic
- Cannabis Sativa & Jojoba Pure Oil Blend: Cannabis Sativa, also known as hemp seed oil, is paired with balancing jojoba in the ultra-hydrating yet light-weight body, face, and hair oil. This formula is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin and helpful for blemishes and oily skin.
- Moringa, Jojoba, and Rosehip: Moringa is a cherished Ayurvedic herb and prized as one of the most nutrient-dense oils on earth, it’s paired with vitamin-c-rich rosehip oil and balancing jojoba and is perfect for all skin types
Discover more about clean skincare and oils in: