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Essential oils have become a part of many of my everyday routines. One of my favorite topical EO uses is this DIY essential oil face serum. I’ve been using it every night for over a year, and if I happen to forget it on a night, I miss the glowy look it gives my skin the next morning when I wake up.
What is face serum, exactly?
Face serum is not simply a fancy term for moisturizer. It’s far more than a moisturizer.
A serum is a concentrated blend of nutrients that can permeate beneath the skin’s surface to support your skin cell health. Think of it as daily vitamins for your skin.
Store-bought and homemade face serums are sometimes targeted for specific purposes. So you might see “Serum for Acne-Prone Skin” or “Anti-Aging Serum”. And then there are many facial serums that are beneficial for anyone with a face. My face serum recipe falls into the latter category.
A Note For Those With Acne-Prone Skin
As someone who has always struggled with acne, even as an adult, I understand that you may hesitate to put oil on your face. While I am not a dermatologist, I can attest to the fact that I have not had any difficulty with this serum causing breakouts. In fact, after having gone through a dry winter using it, my breakouts were few and far between compared to normal. I think this is because I didn’t need to use any thick creams for dry winter skin like I typically would have. This nightly dose of moisture kept my skin hydrated throughout the season!
The Oils You Will Need
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is known for supporting skin regeneration and health, which in turn can help with scar healing and reducing fine lines in the skin.
Melaleuca Essential Oil
A.k.a. Tea Tree Oil, melaleuca is commonly used for purifying and germ-destroying, supporting skin healing from acne or dry, irritated skin.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon oil has astringent, antioxidant, and detoxifying qualities. This oil causes photosensitivity for 12 hours after applying, so including it in this recipe makes this a bedtime only face serum.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium oil has been used for beautifying purposes since ancient Egyptian times. Talk about a track record! It is often used to promote clear, glowing skin since it helps balance the natural oils in the skin. It also supports skin healing and regeneration.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a go-to oil for skin soothing and healing properties.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is my favorite carrier oil. A carrier oil acts as a medium to help the potent essential oils penetrate and absorb. You could swap this for a different carrier oil if you want, such as rosehip seed oil or avocado oil.
I like jojoba oil because it is light, it absorbs easily, is highly moisturizing, and is very low on the comedogenic scale. This means it won’t clog your pores, which is important if you have a tendency to breakout like I do.
About Essential Oil Quality
I recommend using only high-quality essential oils, especially for topical, internal, or aromatic applications. Cheap versions may have added (unwanted) ingredients and lack the quality control standards of more reputable brands. I would personally not risk it.
II have used Elia brand oils for topical and aromatic (NOT internal) purposes.
How To Use DIY Face Serum
Apply your serum at night after you’ve removed your makeup and washed your face. Dot the oil on with your rollerball, focusing on the eye area, around mouth, and forehead. Then, lightly massage/tap the oil into your skin until it’s completely absorbed.
This can be used every night after you’ve removed all makeup and cleansed, but before you moisturize. As with anything, use caution around your eye area, and test it before using it all over.
Try out this nighttime face serum DIY and reap the benefits of a healthy and radiant morning glow…naturally.
DIY Face Serum with Essential Oils

Use this essential oil face serum at bedtime for glowing skin in the morning.
Materials
- 10 drops of Frankincense essential oil
- 10 drops of melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- 10 drops of geranium essential oil
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- Jojoba Oil
- 10 mL glass roller bottle
Tools
- Small funnel
Instructions
- In a 10 ml tinted glass rollerball, combine 10 drops of each of the essential oils listed above.
- Fill the rest of the roller bottle with jojoba oil.
- Replace the roller top securely on the bottle.
- Turn the bottle upside down several times to combine the oils.
Notes
To use this serum, apply at night after you’ve removed your makeup and washed your face. Dot the oil on with your rollerball, focusing on the eye area, around mouth, and forehead. Then, lightly massage the oil into your skin until it’s completely absorbed.
*You should only use this oil blend at bedtime. The lemon essential oil will cause photosensitivity if applied during the day.
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Karla says
I love this!! And also have adult acne.. and this has made a huge difference along with my diet and avoiding dairy. I love rose hip oil fir day time. It seems to add a glowing touch and I even wear it under my makeup ☺️
Natalie says
Karla, I’m so glad it’s working for you! And I found the same HUGE difference in my skin when I limited dairy. I wish I would’ve known to try that sooner. And thanks for sharing about rosehip oil. I haven’t tried it but I will.