I recently put together a homemade natural moisturiser cream for my daughter, S. Before you fall off your chair thinking this was an epic endeavour and “ain’t nobody got time for that”, it took two minutes to put together. So, here is some self-care that can ACTUALLY happen for once.
I began looking into a natural moisturiser cream because my daughter has particularly dry skin and is prone to eczema. I had been using Aveeno skincare for her, which initially did the trick, but this winter seemed to have changed things, and she’s had dry, itchy patches all over her body.
I don’t do much better in winter. The dry air and heating makes things worse for my already almost-dead skin. So, I started looking into what works best.
Why Natural Ingredients Matter for a Moisturiser Cream
Coming from a Pakistani / Indian background, I’ve long been sold on using natural ingredients when it comes to skincare. My mum has always sworn by it, and my mother-in-law knows practically every trick of the trade. Both of them are looking pretty good for their age, so I want a slice of whatever they are eating.
But I hadn’t gotten around to adding “make homemade body moisturiser cream” to the to-do list. Now that I’ve done the research on the ingredients, however, it’s actually a piece of cake to put together, and it’s become a staple of S and my winter skincare routine.
I was struggling to find a good sensitive skin moisturiser while shopping. That’s because when it comes to moisturiser for sensitive skin types, like my daughter’s and mine, harsh chemicals and scents are a no-go. Many commercial creams promise quick relief but can contain ingredients that aggravate dry skin over time.
Natural and organic skincare, by contrast, offers soothing properties without unwanted irritants. So, I decided to go back to basics and make my own sensitive skin body lotion. For my homemade natural moisturiser cream, I chose a trio of super oils: Castor Oil, Argan Oil, and Coconut Oil.
So, here is what I decided to go with to make my homemade body moisturiser for dry skin.
1. Castor Oil: The Powerhouse Skin Moisturiser for Dry Skin
Castor oil is rich in fatty acids that deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. It’s been used for centuries and features in various Eastern beauty secrets. Castor oil also acts as an occlusive, which means it locks in moisture for hours— which is the key to good winter skincare. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good sensitive skin moisturiser, reducing redness and irritation that often accompanies eczema.
It’s extremely thick, gooey, and really doesn’t look like something you fancy rubbing into your skin at first; however, when it’s mixed with the other ingredients, it’s a miracle oil.
2. Argan Oil: Ancient Beauty Elixir for Sensitive Skin
Often called “liquid gold,” argan oil is well-known in Indian beauty and skincare routines and has long been one of the Eastern beauty staples. Of course, now it’s in almost everything, including Herbal Essences shampoo (love it). Raw pure argon oil is unbeatable, though.
Packed with antioxidants, Vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, this oil does wonders as a moisturiser for face and body. It is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. This makes it perfect for those who prefer a fresh face or a no-makeup face look. It helps to even out skin tone and leaves the skin beautifully hydrated looking. I have personally used it for years as my nighttime facial moisturiser. Argan oil is great for sensitive skincare products, providing hydration without clogging pores.
3. Coconut Oil: The Classic Natural Moisturiser
Coconut oil is a staple in many natural beauty regimens and for good reason. It’s antimicrobial, full of nourishing fatty acids, and acts as an excellent skin moisturiser for dry skin. It’s also great for soothing irritated areas, like pesky dry patches.
With all the oils, it’s important to ensure they are cold-pressed. Cold-pressed oils retain all of their natural properties, and helps with deep hydration, which is key for combating the winter air and central heating that wreaks havoc on dry skin.
How to Make Your Natural Moisturiser Cream for Your Body
I use this moisturiser on my body only but not for the face. That’s because it contains castor oil, which is great for supporting hair growth. That makes it great for lashes and eyebrows if you want to thicken them….but you may not want to put it on the rest of your face.
Now, for the fun part. To make this natural moisturiser cream, I used equal parts of castor oil, argan oil, and coconut oil. Feel free to adjust the proportions based on your skin’s needs—perhaps a little more argan oil if you want a lighter feel or a little more castor oil if you need to lock in more hydration (beware, castor oil has a syrup-like texture and needs to be mixed with other oils). Here’s a quick step-by-step based on how I made my homemade moisturiser cream:
Ingredients:
- 1 part Castor Oil
- 1 part Argan Oil
- 1 part Coconut Oil (all oils should be cold-pressed for maximum benefit)
Easy Homemade Natural Body Moisturizer Cream For Dry Skin
Combine all the oils in a jar and mix thoroughly. You can add a few drops of essential oils to make your own scent if you like. I didn’t add anything because the mixture strongly smells of coconut when you’re done with it.
Storage:
It’s best to store your moisturiser cream in a cool, dry place. I keep mine in my bedroom and avoid storing it in the bathroom. It keeps for approximately two months.
Now, you may think this will leave your skin looking all…well…oily. I didn’t find that to be the case at all. The combination results in a nicely hydrated look to the skin. The castor oil, in particular, helps give you that glass skin glow. If you aren’t a fan of having that shine, you can easily opt to use this as a night cream. Whatever works best for you.
Where to Buy Natural Products
Getting your hands on these oils is easier than you think. Retailers include Holland & Barrett, Boots, and Amazon. Here are the links to the oils I used, which you can find online:
Why This Natural Moisturiser Works
When I started looking into the research of how to really tackle dry skin, I discovered the key was to ensure the skin could actually absorb the moisturiser cream you’re using. A good sensitive skin moisturiser shouldn’t just sit on the surface; it needs to penetrate and protect the skin’s barrier. Unfortunately, a lot of the moisturisers you find in store do simply sit on the skin and the ones that are designed to be better absorbed can be on the pricey side.
In contrast, you can quite easily make your own moisturiser cream using this recipe that is absorbed by the skin and locks in moisture.
- Castor oil and coconut oil form a barrier that prevents moisture loss, making this recipe highly effective for dry, cracked, or compromised skin.
- Argan oil adds lightweight hydration and helps soften and smooth the skin while penetrating the upper layers of the epidermis.
Tips To Enhance Absorption
If you want to boost the absorption of this moisturiser and maximise the benefits for dry skin, here are some research-backed tips you can try.
- Apply to Damp Skin: Applying the moisturiser immediately after showering or washing your face can help enhance absorption since the skin is more permeable when damp. Simply put, your pores are open.
- Massage Thoroughly: Massaging the oils into the skin helps them penetrate better. This can be a great way to work in face massage and facial exercises as part of your daily routine, too.
- Use in Moderation: Applying a small amount reduces the likelihood of the oils sitting heavily on the skin surface.
If you have dry skin, want to switch to more natural skin care, or you are finding the in-store products are simply not working for you, it’s worth giving this moisturiser cream a try. It’s extremely quick and simple to make and is perfect for:
- Sensitive Skin Care: Gentle enough for eczema-prone and sensitive skin.
- Nourishing: Provides deep hydration without clogging pores.
- Versatile: Doubles as a sensitive skin body lotion and facial night cream.
- Budget-Friendly: Doesn’t require you to break the bank for natural beauty.
