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DIY natural skincare is growing in popularity because of how effective it is at improving the health of the skin. And while transitioning to using coconut oil for skin care is fairly easy to do, creating your own DIY facial serum recipe can be a bit more intimidating.
So, to help you in your quest to create the perfect DIY facial serum, let’s explore why using a DIY facial serum just might prove to be amazing for your skin.
Jump to:
What are Facial Serums?
Facial serums are lightweight moisturizers that contain a concentrated amount of nourishing ingredients. Typically, facial serums are a mixture of high quality oils and extracts that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Facial serums are best applied to clean skin, and can be applied both in the morning and at night depending on your needs. When following a natural skincare routine, facial serum should be applied after cleaning your face with coconut oil or another oil, and after using a toner like an apple cider vinegar facial toner.
While serums aren’t absolutely necessary for healthy skin, they are very helpful for improving lipid barrier function, decreasing dryness, and adding a bit of additional moisturizer to the face post-cleanse.
Now, let’s find your perfect diy facial serum combination, shall we?
Finding Your Perfect DIY Facial Serum
Below, I have listed a nourishing DIY facial serum recipe that is suitable for all skin types. In this recipe, jojoba oil is the base oil, and argan oil is the premium oil. Premium oils tend to be a bit more expensive because they have unique characteristics; however, because they are so nourishing, a little goes a long way.
Under “other options,” I’ve listed additional DIY facial serum recipes you can try out based on whether your skin tends to be dry, oily, or normal. While the original recipe is a great place to start as it’s great for all skin types, there is always room to explore other options.
No matter what your skin type is, it’s best to do a patch test on your skin to see how it reacts to a specific oil blend before applying it to your entire face. If you are allergic to a specific food ingredient like nuts, please do NOT apply it to your skin.
And lastly, please be aware that essential oils should be used with care. Please educate yourself about an essential oil and its affects before applying it to your skin.
DIY Facial Serum Recipe
Ingredients:
1 tbsp jojoba oil
1/2 tbsp argan oil
2-4 drops lavender essential oil
Directions:
Pour the base oil and premium oil into a 1 oz amber glass bottle using a small funnel. Add drops of essential oil. Close the bottle, and shake well to combine ingredients. Store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
When applying to face, just a few drops will do the trick. Be sure to apply the DIY facial serum after cleaning and toning. After applying, allow 10-15 minutes for the DIY facial serum to fully absorb.
Other options:
DIY Facial Serum for Dry Skin:
Base oil: Avocado oil
Premium oil: Emu oil
Essential oil: Myrrh oil
DIY Facial Serum for Oily Skin:
Base oil: Hemp Seed Oil
Premium oil: Evening primrose oil
Essential oil: Lemon oil
DIY Facial Serum for Normal Skin:
Base oil: Sweet almond Oil
Premium oil: Rosehip seed oil
Essential oil: Ylang Ylang oil
Is it OK to use an oil-based facial serum if I have dry/oily skin?
Short answer: YES!
Long answer: Dry skin occurs when our skin lacks appropriate oil, resulting in rough, dry or flaky skin. Applying nourishing oils topically helps restore the lipid barrier, which reduces water loss, inhibits peroxidative and oxidative damage (because wrinkles), and improves antimicrobial function on the surface of the skin.[5][6]
If your skin overproduces oil, applying nourishing oils can also help to exfoliate skin because it breaks up and dissolves excess oil without striping the skin of its natural lipid barrier. It also helps to restore lipid barrier function, which can help your skin regulate oil production.
Got questions about this DIY facial serum? Want to share your favorite serum combinations? Share below—I’d love to hear about it!
Agnes Moensi says
What do you use for sun block. Do you also have a DIY sun block
Noelle says
I personally use Badger Sunscreen for days I am out in the sun. It does have a white film that needs to be rubbed in thoroughly. 🙂
Tania says
Hello Noelle,
I found your website a month ago and I’m loving it. I have been been using the OCM since then. I have acne prone skin and for the first two weeks I saw big positive changes on my skin tone and the acne dissapeared. I used coconut oil and castor oil at first but then I added a few drops of tea trea oil due to my oily skin. After I added the tea tree oil I started to see acne and my skin is very dry now. What do you think i should do?
I’m using now every night: 70% castor oil, 30% coconut oil and aloe vera leaf before bed every night. Am not using the tea trea oil anymore.
Btw, I also have mild melasma on my chics.
What do you think I should change to hydrate my skin without making my acne get worst?
Thank you!!!
Noelle says
Hi Tania! I would DEFINITELY reduce the amount of castor oil you are using! I would recommend reversing the ratio to 70% coconut oil and 30% castor oil. Castor oil can be very drying. Try that and see what happens!
Riz says
Hi there!
My face has slight melasma,normal dry .,What combo serum would fits me…thanks
Noelle says
Hi there! I would go with the combo that’s great for dry skin. 🙂
Jasmine F says
Carrot seed oil and rasberry seed oil have natural SPF’s 30+. I add it to mine 🙂
Umme Ahmed says
Very Helpful and money saving serums..
Claire Betts says
Hi Noelle, can you apply foundation after using the OCM or will it slide off?
Thanks. Claire
Noelle says
Absolutely! It’s just like a regular moisturizer, so once it dries, you can do whatever you’d like – including makeup. 🙂 I would give it time to absorb, however!
Kristi Barry says
I tried the oily skin moisturizer. Now it seems im sensitive to either the hemp seed oil or the evening primeose oil as i ended up with a pimply like rash from it. What other oil combo would you reccomend for my oily but sensitive 44 year old skin? The coconut oil cleansing is working well?
Noelle says
Go ahead and try the original recipe – the jojoba oil and argan oil. I think you’ll do well with that! 🙂
Meg says
So I want to make this facial serum, but my skin is more like normal dry….what combination do you suggest I use in this case? Also, kind of on a related note, the coconut oil cleansing is working so well! I still get an occasional breakout, but there is such a high improvement in my face. Will my breakouts ever stop?
Meg says
Also, I should have been specific and said my skin is dry in the middle of my forehead and nose area. (:
Noelle says
Meg! Go with the original recipe with jojoba oil and argan oil. That will mostly likely work very well for your skin! 🙂
Naomi says
i have very oily skin especially on my face.
i have jojoba oil, coconut oil and Jamaican black castor oil, can i go ahead ahead and it?
Noelle says
Sure!
Melissa says
I have very dry skin around my nose but normal everywhere else. I have been using the Coconut oil wash for a month or so now and I still have some flaky skin around my nose any suggestions? Do you have a recipe for a facial serum that includes carrot seed or raspberry seed oil for SPF coverage? I feel I need to protect my face during the day!
Noelle says
I do not, I’m sorry. If you find a good recipe – please let me know! I would recommend trying to wash your face with jojoba oil instead of coconut oil – and seeing if that helps. Hope that helps a bit!
Gladys says
Please what natural moisturizer do you recommend for an oily skin after using ACV as my toner?
Noelle says
This serum – use the basic recipe, or try the ingredients for “oily” skin. 🙂
Mehreen says
I am 25 years old and have a wheatish complexion with combination skin. Could I also go with your basic recipe? What could I add to make my complexion brighter? Is mid twenties the right age to start using serums?
Noelle says
Hi Mehreen! You could absolutely go with the basic recipe. I would give that a try first. Skin “brightening” is a bit of a marketing term. However, you can achieve a “glow” and brighter complexion by removing dead skin cells, and nourishing your skin appropriately – which, a natural skin care routine will absolutely do. Some studies do suggest Vitamin C may lighten skin. I highly recommend this serum if that’s something you’re interest in! 🙂
Linda Tan says
Hi Noelle!
Was wondering,do any of the essential oils need to be referigerated?
Linda Tan says
And also, if I add lavender oil into my apple cider toner, can i still use this serum after?
Noelle says
Hi Linda! No, they don’t need to be refrigerate. Also, yes! A serum is a nourishing moisturizer. Adding an essential oil to a toner doesn’t change the fact that it’s a toner. Think of essential oils as the “scents” to natural skincare recipes. 🙂
Leah says
I have been using the coconut oil for cleasing. My skin gets really dry after. I put on cereve facial moisturizer after and it’s still seems dry on cheeks. I am considering using jojoba instead. Will you please let me know of a good brand for the oils. Also should it be a solid at roomy temp. I should moisturize after cleansing right? I tried without but got flaky skin.
Noelle says
Hi there! Just click the link to jojoba oil above! That’s the brand I use and recommend. It’s a GREAT option for cleaning your face! I would suggest giving that a try now. Hope that helps!
aydan says
are you serious? if i clean my face with coconut oil it will stick to my face and wont go off. and whenever no matter which brand toner i use soon as it lands on my face i run to bath to wash off from that burning sensation which is no good for body! plus your face wont breather with oil on it
Noelle says
Sorry you had that experience, aydan! You MUST remove the coconut oil through the oil cleansing method, meaning you must use a cloth, warm water, and sometimes, 2-3 applications of the wash cloth. Also, your skin naturally produces oil, which is what moisturizes and protects your face. So, using an oil blend, like this DIY facial serum, actually helps to restore that lipid barrier and help it to function better. It most certainly still “breaths” with oil on it! Hope that helps! 🙂
Meg Januski says
Hi! Can this serum be used on the eye area? Love your site? thanks so much!
Noelle says
Hi Meg! It’s hard for me to give a definitive answer for this because there is no solid “yes” or “no” for what oils can and can’t be used for under the eye area. I can say that many people do use oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil under the eyes, and see improvements. I personally do use this serum underneath the eye—mostly just on the bony part of the lower eye. As always, be sure to avoid getting this into your eye, or rubbing this into the lower eyelid or just below it, as it can get into the eye that way. Hope that helps!
Lisa says
Hi Noelle, I’ve started cleansing my face using jojoba oil because I have acne prone sensitive skin and it was working out pretty well with the apple cider toner. So i decided to add on the serum because my face felt a little bit dry after cleansing and toning. A few days later my face started to break out even more. Is this normal? I’ve already stopped using the serum because my face got worse. What can i do after cleansing and toning if my skin feels a little dry? Should I just leave it as it is and not use any moisturizer post cleansing and toning?
Noelle says
Hi Lisa! I would actually try to use just a bit of jojoba oil when your face feels dry, since you know that oil works for you. Also, if you have another moisturizer that works for you, it might be best to let your face adapt to the cleaning + toning for at least 2-4 weeks, and then try adding in other things like a serum. Hope that helps!
Lynne says
Re the recipe for the serum for oily skin, do you use the same ratios (base, premium, & essential oils) as you do for the serum for all skin types?
Noelle says
Yes! 🙂
Lucy says
Hi- a joy to find your site!!! I suffer from rosacea- mild, red pimples on cheeks and burning sensation. I have read to avoid essential oils??? I’m going to start your coconut oil cleansing but need, I think, to have something to put on after due to the tightness of my skin
Many thanks
Lucy
Noelle says
Hi Lucy! No problem at all. Just leave out the essential oils. Hope that helps!
Sofia says
HI! can I use this serum as a daily mosturizer? or you recomend not to apply this everyday?
Thankyou!
Noelle says
Absolutely! You can use this daily. 🙂
Sofia says
At what time of the day do you recommend to apply it? morning or night? or both?
Noelle says
Whatever works for you!
Jess says
Hi Noelle! GREAT information on your site! I’m very excited to give this skin care approach a try. However, one key thing that’s in my standard face conditioner is a sunscreen. This is important to me, and I’d like to make sure my all-natural routine still protects me from the effects of the sun. Can you suggest how I can make this happen without using a chemical-filled moisturizer or cream?
Thanks 🙂
Noelle says
Hi Jess! Great question! I have some of the sunscreens I recommend over on my resources page underneath skin and body care.
JY says
Hello Noelle
Thanks for this post. It’s really an eye opener. Please can I use this same facial moisturizer all over my body? I intend to use it as body moisturizer too
Thanks
Noelle says
Hi there! You can. However, serums are typically for facial skin after cleansing. I would recommend using something like coconut oil or shea butter for a body moisturizer.
Jy says
Thank you so much. I will use Shea butter.
Rachel says
Hi!
Inwas wondering if you have a body moisturizing recipe, also what could help me with acne scars, ive been using a burts bees face soap with the toner and a natural clay mask a few times a week and my face has really improved, but im getting married in a few months and people have recommended a peeling but i just feel it could be too strong for my face, any suggestions!
Love your site, is a life changer 🙂
Noelle says
Hi Rachel! I do! I use this aloe vera moisturizer as an overall body moisturizer. It’s a recipe I created as a guest post for another site. I typically feel that face peels are bit harsh—especially for sensitive skin. The clay mask should be enough for exfoliating. Try cleaning your face with coconut oil using the oil cleansing method. Coconut oil has been shown to help with wound healing! 🙂
Machi says
Hi Noelle
I followed the OCM and feeling great. I live in the bay area. Even if not directly out in the sun, I get enough sun exposure while driving/walking around. What should be steps to follow after OCM and toner before getting out of my house. Should I apply the serum followed by a store bought moisturizer that contains SPF. I am not a big fan of sunscreen and concerned that just OCM and toner might not protect my skin on hot days.
Please advise.
Noelle says
Hi Machi! What do you typically do? If you usually apply a moisturizer with SPF, feel free to do so post-cleanse. I personally find I don’t need moisturizer after I do the OCM, so I don’t use moisturizer. But, that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. If you’d like to apply sunscreen, I recommend using a simple mineral-based sunscreen on your face in the morning before you go outside if need be.
Tina says
Hi thanks for all the great info! ? Just wondering which combination would be best for dry/combination skin please? I’ve tried coconut oil cleansing but this made my face oily and bumpy. I do wear makeup regularly so assume I would need a serum as well as a cleanser. Thanks so much! X
Noelle says
Hi Tina! I recommend trying the original recipe for the serum. Give avocado or sweet almond oil a try for cleansing.
Emily says
Hi Noelle,
I have EXTREMELY oily skin (like oily within the hour after washing). I am considering trying coconut oil as a face wash and following with ACV toner and a DIY facial serum as a moisturizer. I have read in the comments that some with oily skin still struggle with oil even when using the oily skin serum you recommend above. Would you mind recommending which formula I should use? I don’t have much acne (just now and then, maybe a spot or two), I just REALLY struggle to keep my face oil free. Thanks for your time!
Noelle says
Hi Emily! I would recommend cleaning your face with coconut oil, doing the apple cider vinegar toner, and holding off on the DIY face serum all together. See how your skin does with just those changes. Then, if you feel your skin is a bit dry, I would recommend going with the recipe for the oily skin, as that’s going to be a good place to start. Hope that helps!
Anne says
Hi Noelle
I have very sensitive skin and quite bad acne rosacea across my cheeks and chin. I tend to find putting oil on my skin can aggravate the rosacea but am keen to try more natural skin care. Can you make a recommendation as to the best things to try first? Currently I use a cleansing water and rosex cream but keen to ditch the chemicals!
Noelle says
Hi Anne! I would actually recommend using a gentle oil, like virgin coconut oil or jojoba oil using the oil cleansing method. You may find that this is the perfect solution for cleaning your face, and moisturizing it at the same time. Note: Because your skin is sensitive, you may need to be open to trying a few different oils until you find the one that works for your skin. Hope that helps!
Steve says
Just wondering how u got on with using acv and coconut oil on your rosacea?
Is the any particular oils that work well with this condition?
Every time I try oil on my face it makes my eyes go really red : (
Thank u
Nabeelah jattiem says
Hi for the dry skin facial serum. What are the quantities. You only put the oils but without the instructions of how to mix it and how much oil to use. Thank you
Noelle says
Hi Nabeelah! All the ratios and instructions are clearly listed in the recipe. With the alternative options, all you do is use the alternative oil options. Please read the post above to see this described.
Jenna says
Hey Noelle!
I’ve been DIY-ing my skincare for about a year now, and saving a lot of money on expensive face creams. Thanks! What are your thoughts on anti-aging products like eye-cream, or something that has daily spf in it? Are these necessary? If so do you have any DIY hacks for that, or recommend a good brand with not a lot of junk in it and also not too pricey? I worry that I’m going to start to regret giving up my anti-aging products in a few years…
Noelle says
Hi Jenna! If you feel like it’s working well for your skin, then I would continue to use it. Personally, the natural oils I use keep my skin very supple and soft. The only product I use is Vitamin C-ex, which I consider to be anti-aging as it’s full of anti-oxidants. Primal Life Organics is high quality and slightly pricey, however I consider it worth it and always purchase during sales. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Azra sheikh says
Hi, mine is combination skin oily/normal . What is the recipe for combination skin
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Just follow the recipe for all skin types. Good luck!
Amber says
Is the essential oils manditory?
Noelle says
Hi Amber! No, they are optional.
Difla says
Hi Noelle,
Thanks for your amazing recipes.
I have an oily skin, but it’s hard to find evening primrose oil here in my country.
What oil(s) do you suggest to substitute it?
Thanks…!
Noelle says
Hi Difla! I would start with the original recipe as that works really well for all skin types. Good luck! 🙂
Belle says
Hi I found your blog so interesting! I want to make my own serum! However I want your recommendations
1. Is there a rule on how many oils you can blend together?
2. I tried making my own lotion (shea butter+ coconut oil + lavender + jojoba oil + geranium + vitamin E) but it’s so greasy, what should I do?
3. For the serum how many oils can I mix in? What are your recommendations ( I love rose, geranium and lavender)
4. Is it not recommended to mix two carrier oil together?
Noelle says
Hi Belle! I can tell you that there are no “rules” in blending oils together when it comes to moisturizers, but, the more you add together, the more chance you have of reacting to one. Make sure to test each oil out on your skin individually before trying the oils combined together. You can absolutely mix two carrier oils together, and if you’re looking for a good whipped body butter recipe, try this one. More recommendations for combinations are above! 🙂
Eru says
I’ve read about jojoba oil that it shouldn’t be used on face. Presumably it has similar size and structure to our own sebum and it tricks the skin cells to produce less sebum overtime, which is of course not good for the skin, you will lose more moisture and wrinkle more. I don’t know how true this is but I’d stay away from jojoba oil just in case… Just thought I’d share! Coconut oil is safe though.
Noelle says
Hi Eru! I’m excited to tell you that this isn’t true, and jojoba oil is incredibly nourishing as a moisturizer for the face and skin—just like many other oils. There is no evidence whatsoever showing that using jojoba oil makes cells produce less sebum overtime, and in fact, jojoba oil has been found to benefit the skin in a number of different ways. It’s fantastic for all skin types as a serum, and can greatly improve the skin’s acid mantle. For more information on coconut oil’s uses for the skin (including when and when not to use it), check out this post.
Pamela says
What is OCM
Noelle says
Oil cleansing method. See more here.
Jennifer says
Hi Noelle! I just discovered your site after a friend recommended I start cleansing with coconut oil. Thank you for all the info! I plan to start trying the OCM as well as using your DIY toner recipe and then after a couple of weeks, once I see how my skin reacts to that, potentially adding this serum. My skin is combo – oily T-zone, dry elsewhere. Do you recommend the original serum recipe with jojoba oil for this skin type? Also, I have hereditary dark circles under my eyes (and dark skin on my eyelids). Is there any natural product I can use to try to help with that?
Thanks so much!
Noelle says
Hi Jennifer! I recommend using the original recipe first, seeing how your skin responds, and then going from there. Focus on just the OCM and finding the right oil for your skin first, and then see how your skin does with the serum. I don’t have a product for the dark circles, but I do think the OCM method and the ACV toner can absolutely help improve the tone/function of your skin. Hope that helps!
Rebecca says
Blessings Noelle! Found your site a few weeks ago and using the coconut oil cleanse and vinegar toner! I’ve always had oily skin and using oil to clean just didn’t seem logical, but now I’m a believer! I’m 54 and going through menopause with hormonal breakouts along the jaw line/upper neck. I’m hopeful this regimen will clear this up!
Thank you so much for all the helpful information!
Noelle says
You are so welcome! Thank you for sharing that. So glad it’s helped!
Kate says
Hi Noelle,
I have started the OCM in the evening followed by the toner however since you suggest only doing the OCM once a day what can I put on my face in the morning if my skin feels dry? Thanks for the great information!
Noelle says
Try my DIY Facial Serum. 🙂
Kate says
I will definitely try that, thanks! Do you think I could replace the jojoba oil with Grapeseed oil?
Noelle says
You can do whatever works best for your skin! 🙂
Gee says
Hi noelle! Where can I find amber containers for this serum? Can i use the regular white/clear plastic ones?
On a side note, the coconut oil facial wash and acv toner is working great on my skin! Almost immediate results and it hasent even been a week!
Noelle says
Hi Gee! They are linked above! 🙂
Gee says
Hi Noelle! Does it need to be an amber bottle? Can I use a plastic bottle instead?
Noelle says
I recommend the amber bottle because it will ensure the oils are not exposed to light, which can eventually degrade the oil quality and change the structure.
Cindy says
Hi Noelle
Can I replace jojoba oil with almond oil?
Noelle says
Absolutely!
Erika says
Hi noelle.
Can I add some tea tree oil and also lavender oil together?
Noelle says
Absolutely!
Jannie says
I have extremely sensitive skin to the point where I pretty much break out/react from every product I’ve used plus I have extremely dry itchy skin on my face, neck and most of my body. I need a good moisturizer along with a recipe for washing my face and effectively removing makeup. Thank you!
connie munoz says
going to give it a try:)
will let you know if I have any questions
thank you for the information. very informative
constance
Terri c says
Trying this coconut washing method and so far I am loving it…… My question is.. Do you ever feel like you need to exfoliate using this method?! If so what do you use? I assume you would exfoliate first then wash then tone then serum.
One more question. If the time comes that I feel I need an additional moisturizer over the serum…. Is there one you recommend? I know more moisture founds like a lot but my skin seems really dry. I like coconut and jojoba but aloe Vera does not work on my skin!
Noelle says
I don’t, but you can use baking soda if you feel like exfoliating.
Terri c says
Can you recommend a home made moisturizer without aloe in it?
Noelle says
I don’t know of any personally. You can search wellnessmama.com—she has some great recipes!
terric says
thanks
Cam says
You’ve said that these facial serums should only be used after cleansing and toning… but what if in the morning I just rinse my face with water and use the ACV toner? Could I use a facial serum to moisturize, even though I haven’t cleansed?
I happen to have argan oil in my medicine cabinet. Could I just use that as a moisturizer? (I think I have normal skin…it just feels a little dry/tight after the ACV toner.)
I’ve recently started using the OCM + ACV toner and am loving it! Thank you so much for all of your insight!! And patience!
Noelle says
You absolutely could do that! I consider a morning face splashed with water and toner a “clean” face. So glad it’s worked out for you!
sp says
Hi,
From past 8-10 months, I am seeing red bumps on my face that are little itchy and also I see that my skin flaking a lot which I assume is because of dryness. What routine can I add in the morning and in the night to take care of this problem.
Thanks.
Noelle says
I recommend reading over my post: How to clean your face with coconut oil. Good luck!
Emma says
Hi Noelle.
Can you substitute the jojoba oil with almond oil in the “normal” serum?
Emma
Noelle says
Yes!
Charmaine says
Hi noele
Chanced upon ur website and im loving it. For the moisturiser can i use jojoba oila nd rose hip seed oil?
I tried the acv toner tonight and hopefully my sensitive skin would suit this blend.
Thanks
Noelle says
Yep! Just follow recommendations above!
Alex says
Hi there! Is this serum better to use as a day or night moisturisers? Also as it’s getting close to summer now (when I get more oily skin) , will this still be okay to use (if it can be used) as a day moisturiser?
Thanks 🙂
Noelle says
Everyone’s skin is different, so I recommend testing it to see how works for you in the summer. I recommend this more for nighttime, and make sure to follow up with a night cream! 🙂
Alex says
Oh great thank you. What do you recommend for a day moisturiser? Also what moisturiser do you follow the serum with afterwards then?
Thanks
Noelle says
It all really depends on your skin! Feel free to reach out to me personally and we can walk through it. I really only recommend Beautycounter at this point for high-performing skin care because of the safety testing they do of raw materials and finished products.
Eva says
I have combination skin and I don’t have any of the stuff for a diy serum. Could I use coconut oil and Melaleuca oil on my skin? I’m never sure what I should use on my skin. Also is exfoliation twice a week bad for combination skin?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Hi Eva! I wouldn’t recommend that. There isn’t anything moisturizing in that combo. Please feel free to reach out to me one on one and I can help more in depth.
JENNA says
Great post, this is my first time I am posting a comment here and I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially thank you for the post.