Simple Face Moisturizer DIY Recipe with Aloe Vera

Making this DIY face moisturizer with aloe vera is going to quickly replace any expensive moisturizers you use.  Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also full of natural ingredients that are amazing for soothing, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties.  

Benefits of Aloe Vera

There are many reasons to add aloe vera to your daily skincare lineup. 

• anti-inflammatory properties
• healing properties & reduced scarring
• soothing and moisturizing
• anti-aging properties
• cooling effect on sunburns
• healthy skin

Aloe vera gel is also great for many skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, sun damage, and bug bites and quickens wound healing time.  Depending on the condition, you may apply the aloe gel directly to the skin or add it to other ingredients.

Natural Ingredients

For this simple aloe moisturizer recipe, we are using five natural ingredients.  Since we are using a small number of ingredients, it’s important to keep them high quality so we get the added benefit.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is soothing, refreshing, and gentle enough for even the tenderness of the skin.  While being known to moisturize and soothe sunburns, it can also be used in DIY skincare products since it has so many benefits for the skin.  Make sure to look for an aloe vera gel that contains simple ingredients and is free of dyes.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a natural moisturizer with a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamin A and vitamin E. These vitamins are what make it an antioxidant, which helps with premature aging and fine lines. What makes it really great is that all skin types can use it and it’s especially moisturizing.  Shea butter restores dry skin quickly once applied while not being greasy or oily.  With this in mind, you are quickly going to become obsessed with this ingredient and add it to your skincare routine.

Sweet Almond Oil 

Sweet almond oil is naturally rich in vitamins A, and E plus has antioxidant properties, while also soothing and nourishing the skin. Not to mention, this lightweight oil perfectly balances out the heavier shea butter for the perfect combination and texture in this recipe.

An alternative is using jojoba oil since it’s perfect for moisturizing the skin. Jojoba oil is full of essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins E and B that the skin needs. I like using both sweet almond oil and jojoba oil in many of my natural skincare recipes.

Beeswax

Beeswax is the ingredient that hydrates, soothes, and calms your skin. It may also help with itchy skin or skin irritations as well as help repair damaged skin.  Beeswax can also help serve as a protective barrier on the skin and help in thickening skincare recipes.

Essential oils

Adding in essential oils are technically optional, but they really add to most diy recipes. Depending on your skin type, there are different essential oil recommendations. I listed my essential oil recommendations below. My favorite essential oils to use in this DIY moisturizer with Aloe Vera are lavender, frankincense, and orange essential oils!

Essential Oils Based on Skin Types

Depending on your skin type, you may mix and match different essential oils to find your unique blend. Additionally, there are other  that are refreshing for the skin are peppermint, orange, rosemary, tangerine, bergamot, and lemon essential oils.

Please keep in mind that citrus oils may cause photosensitivity when out in the sun. If using, I recommend applying the face moisturuizer at night or when you are out of the sun.

Supplies needed for Face Moisturizer 

Here are the supplies needed to make your own moisturizer with aloe.

• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 1/2 teaspoon beeswax
• 20-30 drops of essential oils
• glass measuring cup or large glass bowl
• double boiler or large saucepan
• whisk
• hand blender
• glass bowl
• small glass jar

DIY Aloe Vera Moisturizer Recipe

Let’s get to making this amazing aloe vera moisturizer. As with most of my homemade skincare products, this is an easy recipe but requires some planning ahead since there are some waiting times in the recipe.

STEP ONE: Measure out 1/4 cup shea butter and break it into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt and stir.  Then add the shea butter, 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of beeswax into a double boiler on your stovetop. 

For mine, I used a large saucepan with water halfway and a 2-cup glass measuring cup to make pouring easier. Heat water to a gentle boil, whisking until they start to melt together.

STEP TWO: Continue whisking the mixture until smooth and no pieces are left. Once that happens, remove the measuring cup from the stovetop and dry off the bottom. The measuring cup will be hot, so make sure to have towels and pot holders nearby. Turn off the stove.

STEP THREE: Pour mixture into a glass bowl.  This allows the mixture to cool more quickly. Since shea butter has a tendency to be a little grainy, I recommend putting the bowl into the freezer for 30 minutes up to 2 hours.  Alternatively, you can also leave the mixture to cool at room temperature.

STEP FOUR: Remove the mixture from the freezer and bring it back to room temperature.  This may vary based on your home temperature, but we are looking for the mixture to be solid but not frozen.  It took about 30 minutes for me at my house.

STEP FIVE: Using a hand blender or immersion blender, beat the mixture for 1-2 minutes until nice and fluffy.  Then add the 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel and 20-30 drops of essential oils to the fluffy mixture.  Slowly start to blend the mixture again.  Once the aloe gel is incorporated, beat again for 1-2 minutes until fluffy.  

My personal recipe uses 10 drops of lavender, 10 drops of frankincense, and 10 drops of orange essential oil. 

This DIY moisturizer has a creamy, rich texture.  You can add a little more sweet almond oil if you like your homemade face cream more silky, and smooth instead.

STEP SIX: Finally, store your finished DIY moisturizer with aloe vera in a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

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Can you use a DIY Aloe Vera Moisturizer every day?

Yes!  Even though this moisturizer may appear heavy, this homemade face cream is quite light when applied to the skin and melts easily into your pores.  The combination of shea butter which is very creamy and moisturizing is balanced out with the freshness of aloe vera and lightweight sweet almond oil.  

All of these natural ingredients are so great for your face no matter your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin, or acne-prone skin you should be able to use this DIY moisturizer every day. 

Looking for even more natural skin care recipes? Make sure to check out my Natural Skincare Routine lineup below for more DIY recipes including face wash, clay face mask, face serum, and body soap!

How to use and store your homemade cream?

To use the DIY moisturizer, apply a small amount to your fingertips and gently rub it into your skin.  Regardless, make sure to pay special attention to the area around your eyes, as it is one of the more delicate areas on your face.  You can use this as your daily moisturizer in the morning, after you wash your face, or as a night cream.

Storing your homemade cream in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid is the best way to store it properly. Also, the glass will keep the moisturizer from absorbing anything from other materials. Plus, it’s always a good idea to use glass containers when using essential oils in your recipes. Store in a cool, dry area of your home.  The aloe moisturizer has a shelf life of around 4-6 months after making it. I love using these smaller glass mason jars for several of my DIY skincare recipes!

Can you use fresh aloe vera in this recipe?

Of course, you can make your own aloe vera from the aloe vera plant and use it in this recipe. Follow these steps to get the aloe vera gel from the plant:

1. Cut off a leaf as close to the root as you can using a sharp knife.
2. Rinse the leaf, pat dry with a towel, and leave for 15 minutes to let the yellow aloe vera latex drain from the leaf.
3. Cut the top pointy part of the plant off.  Then cut the sides of the leaf off as close to the edge as possible.
4. Depending on the size of your leaf, cut off the top outer layer of slice down the middle to access the aloe vera gel in the middle.
5. Scoop out the aloe vera gel from the leaf using a spoon.
6. Wash the aloe vera gel of any residue and store it in a glass storage container in the refrigerator. 

The fresh aloe vera gel is best if used within 2 weeks.  If you aren’t going to use it in that timeframe, then you can freeze the aloe in ice cube trays or small containers.

However, I would not recommend using aloe vera juice, as that is not going to result in the same texture and consistency.

Natural Skincare Routine Recipe Lineup

Lastly, if you make this diy recipe please share your comments below. I love to hear from everyone who makes these homemade recipes and do my best to respond to all of them!

Hi, I’m Kristin.

I am so glad you are here ready to make some really incredible diy recipes with simple ingredients. Join me in learning how to use essential oils in all of your homemade personal care products and creating a natural home.

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