I love this natural face serum recipe.

It is so versatile and very easy to make.

This recipe uses a blend of oils that nourish and moisturize skin.

I try to use it every day on my face and neck.

My husband even uses it as beard oil!

What is Face Serum?

There are a lot of different ideas about what a “face serum” is. The one common thread I’ve found in definitions is that it is a compound that delivers a high amount of nutrients and antioxidants to your skin.

Ask 10 different skincare professionals how or when to apply a serum, and you’ll probably get multiple answers.

Here is my skincare regimen:

If showering, wash face with water only (at least every other day).
Apply 7 drops of serum to dry face and neck.

That’s it!

I don’t wear makeup but if I did, I would include washing my face in the evening. But, that’s the great thing about this serum! Almond and Jojoba oil make a great makeup remover too.

My husband uses this serum as a beard oil. It helps tame a frizzy beard and it moisturizes the skin under the beard. He uses about 5 drops on his beard every morning after showering. So simple!

Natural Face Serum Ingredients

Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil contains vitamin A and E, Omega 3 fatty acids, and zinc. Zinc acts as an astringent therefore tightening pores and skin tissues. It is also used in the synthesis of collagen which improves skin elasticity.

Almond oil is safe for sensitive skin, though best avoided by those with nut allergies. Almond oil helps protect skin from UV radiation damage. It absorbs easily into the skin and renews cells of facial skin, thereby delaying general signs of aging.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba is a shrub native to North and Central America. Technically jojoba oil is a plant wax, not an oil. It has a very long shelf life because it does not break down or go rancid. This is a great thing because it also tends to be a bit expensive, but it’s SO worth it!

Because jojoba is a wax, it performs much like the sebum produced naturally by our skin. As we age, our sebaceous glands are not as productive and therefore can use a little help. On the other hand, young skin can have overactive sebaceous glands causing acne, and jojoba can actually remove that excess sebum. It is full of antioxidants that smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It contains vitamin E, B complex, and has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehips are the little berries left after certain wild varieties of roses bloom. They turn red in the fall and will often hang on through the winter, feeding birds. Inside each ‘hip’ are seeds. These tiny seeds are pressed and the resulting oil is amazing for your skin.

Don’t confuse this with rose oil, (rose otto, attar, etc) which is extracted from the petals and VERY expensive. Because rosehip seed oil is a pricier ingredient, I include it in a much smaller proportion to the others… trying to balance the benefits with the cost.

Rosehips contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and gamma-linolenic acid. It is good for all skin types and does not cause breakouts. Vitamin C helps brighten your complexion and stimulates collagen production. Gamma-linolenic acid is a fatty acid that protects against environmental stressors. Vitamin A helps smooth fine lines. Rosehips also contain vitamin E which helps protect against sun damage.

Vitamin E

Finally, I add just a little vitamin E. Aside from the previously mentioned benefits, vitamin E also helps slow the oxidation of the other carrier oils, helping to prolong the shelf life of your serum.

Natural Face Serum for Youthful Skin

Prep Time15

Yield: 4 oz

Materials

2 oz almond oil
1.5 oz jojoba oil
.5 oz rosehip seed oil
40 drops essential oils of choice
15 drops vitamin E optional

Instructions

Mix almond oil, jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, and vitamin E in a small colored bottle.
Add desired essential oils.
Cap with a dropper lid.
Roll bottle between hands to mix in essential oils.
Apply 5-10 drops to fingertips and rub in to face and neck daily.
Store the bottle in a dark cabinet, out of direct sunlight to prolong shelf life.

Boosting Your Face Serum Naturally

There are many ways to improve all those health benefits in this face serum.

One way is to infuse the almond oil with herbs. Right now I’m trying out a St. John’s Wort infused oil. Topical use of a St. John’s Wort-infused oil can provide mild protection from the sun damage.

You could also try infusions with calendula flowers or lavender. Calendula is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and promotes wound healing. Lavender is anti-inflammatory and promotes wound healing as well.

Essential oils are another good option for your face serum. I use lavender, for all the reasons mentioned above, carrot seed oil which is a mild sun protectant, and frankincense which helps reduce scarring and has anti-cancer properties.

You can include up to 10 drops of essential oils (combined) in a 1 oz bottle of face serum.