DIY Organic Botanical Skin Care Serum
An easy DIY botanical skin serum with carrier oils and essential oils to hydrate and nourish skin. Recipe and how to use it.
In this guide
A botanical serum is a light blend of plant oils with a few drops of essential oil, and it is easy to make at home. This DIY face serum mixes jojoba, evening primrose and grapeseed oils with soft, uplifting neroli, rose geranium and lavender. It suits all skin types, feels light on the skin and smells lovely.
Key takeaways
- The serum uses neroli, rose geranium and lavender essential oils for a calming floral scent.
- Just 5 drops of essential oil go into about 30ml of carrier oil, a gentle level for the face.
- Jojoba, evening primrose and grapeseed form a light, nourishing base that suits all skin types.
- Make it in a sterilised dropper bottle and use it within about three months.
- Always patch test 24 hours before using it on your face, and wear sunscreen in the day.
What is a botanical face serum?
A botanical face serum is a blend made only from plant ingredients. Instead of water, creams or synthetic fillers, it uses carrier oils pressed from seeds and nuts, plus a touch of essential oil for scent.
Because it is so simple, you know exactly what goes on your skin. A few drops massaged in each evening can leave skin feeling soft, soothed and nourished.
The botanical oils in this serum
Each essential oil brings its own scent, and together they make a balanced, calming floral blend. Here is what each one adds.
Neroli essential oil
Neroli oil is distilled from orange blossom. It has a sweet, delicate and slightly citrus scent and is one of the most prized florals in perfumery. In a face serum a single drop goes a long way, and many people find its scent calming at the end of the day.
Rose geranium essential oil
Rose geranium oil is a fragrant, rose-like floral with a fresh green edge. It is a popular choice in homemade skincare thanks to its balancing, well-rounded aroma. It rounds out the serum without taking over.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil is one of the most versatile and best-loved oils for home blending. Its clean, herbal-floral aroma is familiar and comforting, and it ties neroli and rose geranium together into a soft, calming scent.
Which carrier oils are best for a face serum?
Carrier oils make up almost all of the serum, so they matter most. This recipe uses three light oils that sink in well.
| Carrier oil | What it is like | Amount in this recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba | Light and close to the skin's own natural oils, so it suits most skin types | 15ml |
| Evening primrose | Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a popular choice for dry or tired skin | 10ml |
| Grapeseed | Very light and quick to absorb, good for skin that gets shiny | 5ml |
| Vitamin E | An antioxidant that helps the blend stay fresh for longer | 2ml |
You can swap in sweet almond oil if you prefer. Read more in our 4 DIY essential oil face serums for every skin type.
DIY botanical skin serum recipe
Botanically-Infused Skin Serum
Best for: all skin types and an evening skincare routine
- 10ml Evening primrose oil
- 15ml Jojoba oil
- 5ml Grapeseed oil
- 2 drops Lavender oil
- 2 drops Rose geranium oil
- 1 drop Neroli oil
- 2ml Vitamin E
The carrier oils nourish and soften, while the three florals are added in small amounts for their soothing aroma. It makes one 30ml dropper bottle, enough for several weeks of daily use.
How to make and use your serum
- Sterilise a 30ml dropper bottle by boiling it in water, then let it dry out completely.
- Once the bottle is fully dry, pour in the carrier oils, the vitamin E and the essential oils.
- Put the lid on and roll the bottle between your hands to blend. Label it and store it in a cool, dry cupboard.
- To use, warm a few drops between your fingertips and massage them into your face, from the centre outwards. Breathe in the scent as you go.
- In the morning, apply sunscreen afterwards to protect your skin from the sun.
Pro tip
Apply the serum to slightly damp skin, just after washing your face. It spreads more easily, so you need fewer drops, and the skin feels softer afterwards.
Is this serum safe for sensitive skin?
Safety first
Essential oils are highly concentrated. Keep them well diluted in a carrier oil and never apply them neat. Patch test on your inner arm 24 hours before using the serum on your face.
- Avoid the eye area, and rinse with a plain carrier oil if any gets in your eyes.
- If you have sensitive skin, you can halve the essential oils for an even gentler blend.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a known skin sensitivity, seek advice before use.
- Keep the bottle out of reach of children.
FAQs
How do you make a DIY facial serum?
Mix about 30ml of light carrier oils, such as jojoba, evening primrose and grapeseed, with 2ml of vitamin E and a few drops of essential oil in a sterilised dropper bottle. Shake gently, patch test, then apply a few drops to clean skin.
How long will this serum keep?
Stored in a sealed dropper bottle in a cool, dark cupboard, it is best used within around three months. Evening primrose and grapeseed are more delicate oils, and the vitamin E helps the blend stay fresh for longer. Make small batches so you always have a fresh bottle.
Can I use a different carrier oil?
Yes. Jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed and evening primrose are all popular choices. Keep the total amount of carrier oil roughly the same so the essential oils stay gently diluted.
How many drops of essential oil should go in a face serum?
Keep facial blends at a low dilution. The 5 drops used here in about 30ml of carrier oil is a light, comfortable level for the face. Adding more makes the scent stronger but is not recommended for facial use.
Is an essential oil face serum good for sensitive skin?
This blend is gentle, but every skin is different. Patch test first, and halve the essential oils if your skin is very sensitive. Stop using it if you notice any redness.
When is the best time to apply it?
Many people prefer the evening, as part of a wind-down routine, since the floral scents are soft and calming. If you use it in the morning, follow with sunscreen before heading outdoors.
The bottom line
This DIY botanical serum is a simple, natural way to give your skin a soothing evening treat. For more homemade skincare, try our frankincense and myrrh face cream, or browse our natural skincare and essential oils collection.
