DIY Moisturizer for Dry, Sensitive Face and Hands

Learn how to make a nourishing homemade moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin, suitable for face and hands. Made from natural, organic ingredients, this recipe hydrates deeply without clogging pores. Use it as a nightly repair cream or a daily moisturizer for very dry or aging skin. Watch the how-to video and read the tips below.

The Best DIY Face Moisturizer For Dry and Sensitive Skin

A natural moisturizer only helps if its ingredients are gentle and free from harsh additives. Making your own DIY face moisturizer lets you control what goes on your skin, avoid irritants, and save money. This recipe focuses on simple, effective ingredients that soothe dryness without leaving a heavy, greasy film.

If you have very sensitive face and hands, a dedicated facial moisturizer can be more suitable than heavier body butters. For body use, a whipped body butter can be a better option; for the face, this mango-butter based cream provides deep hydration while remaining non-comedogenic and lightweight enough to wear under makeup or to use at night.

DIY Face Moisturizer For Dry and Sensitive Skin

This formula was created for very dry, sensitive skin that reacts to many commercial products. The combination of a solid plant butter and an herb-infused carrier oil delivers long-lasting moisture and calming botanical benefits. It’s especially useful in cold, dry climates or during winter when skin becomes tight, flaky, or inflamed.

When skin needs extra care, start by increasing hydration from the inside—drink more water—and then apply a nourishing topical treatment like this homemade moisturizer. Because it avoids common irritants like coconut oil or solvent-extracted oils, it’s a gentle option for reactive skin.

Why Make This DIY Face Moisturizer

• Soothes and calms sensitive skin without irritation;
• Light enough to layer under makeup, substantial enough for nighttime repair;
• Suitable for dry, sensitive, and combination skin types;
• Acne-friendly and non-comedogenic (no coconut oil);
• Infused with healing, plant-based ingredients;
• Vegan and organic options — no beeswax or dairy;
• Affordable and economical — a small amount goes a long way;
• Mango butter base delivers deep, water-free moisturization for a softer, longer-lasting feel than many water-based creams.

Note: some product links in original posts may be affiliate links.

DIY Face Moisturizer Ingredients

1. Mango butter – the base of the cream.
2. Grapeseed oil – a light carrier oil for herb infusion.
3. Dry herbs – calendula flowers, yarrow flowers, plantain leaves for an infused oil.
4. German chamomile essential oil (optional) – for extra calming effect.
5. Rose essential oil (optional) – for a soothing scent and gentle support.

Related: Essential oils can be used sparingly to support skin health; always patch-test and dilute.

What You Need To Know Before You Make This Moisturizer

You can customize homemade moisturizers, but choose ingredients carefully. Below are tips for picking the base, carrier oil, herbs, and optional essential oils so the final product is gentle, effective, and stable.

Choose the Base

Mango butter is an excellent alternative to shea or cocoa butter for sensitive skin. It has a creamy texture, absorbs well, and offers a nourishing fatty acid profile plus antioxidants. Because it’s non-comedogenic, it’s safe for many acne-prone skin types while still delivering lasting moisturization.

If you’re sensitive to certain plant butters (like cocoa or shea), mango butter can be a soothing substitute that won’t feel overly greasy.

Choose the Carrier Oil

Pick a high-quality cold-pressed oil to infuse herbs. Grape seed oil is light, fast-absorbing, rich in vitamin E, and heat-resistant, making it ideal for infusions. Other good options include olive, almond, avocado, or jojoba oils, depending on your skin’s needs.

Choose the Herbs

Herb infusions boost the cream’s healing properties. Calendula, yarrow, and plantain are excellent choices for dry or irritated skin:

1. Calendula – anti-inflammatory and antibacterial; great for dry, rash-prone skin, eczema, and dermatitis.
2. Yarrow – antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory; supports wound healing and calms irritation.
3. Plantain – soothes and speeds healing for rashes, bites, and inflamed skin; safe for delicate skin.

Use a blend of these herbs (about 1–2 tablespoons each) or adjust to your preference for infusion strength.

Essential Oils (Optional)

Essential oils are optional and should be used sparingly, especially on sensitive skin. German chamomile and rose are gentle choices for their calming properties and pleasant scent. Always choose high-quality, unadulterated oils and perform a patch test before using them on the face.

How To Make Homemade Face Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin

Make the herbal infusion:

• Place dried herbs in a clean glass jar and cover completely with grapeseed or olive oil. Set the jar in a sunny spot for 3–4 weeks, shaking daily. Strain through cheesecloth when ready.
• Faster method: warm the jar in a double boiler or in a pot of water kept at a low temperature (95–110°F / 35–43°C) for 30–60 minutes daily over 2–3 days, then strain.
• Measure the infused oil; the recipe uses about 110–120 grams. Increasing the oil to 200 grams yields a softer, more lotion-like cream.

Prepare the butter base:

• Melt mango butter (about 200 grams / 1 cup solid butter) in a heatproof glass container over a pot of hot water. Let it cool in a cold place for about 20 minutes until partially solidified.
• When it’s half-set, whip with an electric mixer until fluffy and light, resembling whipped cream.

Mix everything together:

• Pour the strained herb-infused oil into the whipped mango butter and blend for another minute. If using essential oils, add 10–15 drops of a gentle oil like chamomile or rose and mix thoroughly.
• Transfer the moisturizer to a sterilized glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. It should keep about 4–6 months; essential oils may extend shelf life due to their antimicrobial properties.

Tips for Very Dry, Sensitive Skin

• For reactive skin, rely more on herb-infused oils than strong essential oils; infusions are gentler and safer for pregnant or nursing people and infants.
• If you introduce essential oils, choose authentic, high-quality oils and use minimal amounts. Patch-test before applying to the face.
• To make the cream thinner and silkier, increase the herb-infused oil to about 1/2 cup. To keep it thicker and more buttery, use the original ratios or slightly decrease the oil.

How To Apply This Homemade Moisturizer

Apply a light layer to damp skin after a warm shower or bath while pores are open, or after cleansing in the morning. It may feel slightly oily at first but will absorb within minutes, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and glowing.

More Tips & Recipes For Healthy Glowing Skin