Jojoba Oil
Skin Types: Normal, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
Why It’s Great: Closely mimics skin’s own sebum, making it less likely to clog pores.
How to Use:
- Apply 2–3 drops to slightly damp skin.
- Gently press into the face or body.
1. Plant Oils
Argan Oil
Skin Types: Dry, Normal, Mature
Why It’s Great: Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids; helps repair and hydrate dry or aging skin.
How to Use:
- Use a few drops on damp skin, or mix into your moisturizer.
- Safe for daily use on face, body, and even hair.
Sweet Almond Oil
Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Sensitive
Why It’s Great: Lightweight emollient high in vitamin E.
How to Use:
- Gently massage onto the skin post-shower.
- Especially soothing for irritated or eczema-prone areas.
Rosehip Oil
Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Combination (especially those with hyperpigmentation or signs of aging)
Why It’s Great: High in essential fatty acids and vitamins A & C; supports skin regeneration and radiance.
How to Use:
- Apply before bedtime to help reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
2. Plant Butters
Shea Butter
Skin Types: Dry, Mature, or Rough Patches (e.g., elbows, knees)
Why It’s Great: Contains vitamins A and E; deeply nourishing and protective.
Texture: Thick, can be slightly greasy if used in large amounts.
How to Use:
- Warm a small amount in your palms, then apply to damp skin.
- For very dry skin, layer on top of a lighter moisturizer or serum.
Cocoa Butter
Skin Types: Dry, Dehydrated, Mature
Why It’s Great: High in antioxidants, helps soften and smooth skin.
Texture: Very thick and occlusive—locks in moisture effectively.
How to Use:
- Often found in balms and lotions.
- Great for dry areas and stretch mark care.
Mango Butter
Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Sensitive
Why It’s Great: Lighter than shea or cocoa butter, yet still rich in fatty acids.
How to Use:
- Melt a small amount between your hands, apply to body or face.
- Good for those who find shea or cocoa too heavy.
3. Gels & Humectant-Rich Options
Aloe Vera Gel
Skin Types: All skin types, especially Sensitive or Acne-Prone
Why It’s Great: Cooling, soothing, and hydrating.
How to Use:
- Apply as a light moisturizer or layer under an oil or butter for additional hydration.
- Ideal for calming redness or irritation.
Honey (Raw or Manuka)
Skin Types: Dry, Acne-Prone, Combination
Why It’s Great: Natural humectant and antibacterial properties; can help lock in moisture while calming inflammation.
How to Use:
- Use as a quick face mask (leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse).
- Combine with a small amount of oil to create a moisturizing blend.
Glycerin-Based Serums/Lotions
Skin Types: Dry, Dehydrated, Sensitive
Why It’s Great: Glycerin is a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
How to Use:
- Look for lotions or serums that list glycerin high in the ingredient list.
- Apply to damp skin to enhance absorption.
4. DIY Moisturizer Blends
Simple Oil + Aloe Mix
Mix 2 parts aloe vera gel with 1 part light oil (e.g., jojoba).
Whisk or shake well; store in a small pump or dropper bottle.
Moisturizes without feeling too heavy.
Shea Butter Whip
Gently melt shea butter, combine with a small amount of coconut oil or almond oil, and whip until fluffy.
Ideal for very dry skin on body or rough patches.
Honey & Rosehip Mask
Combine 1 tablespoon raw honey with 1 teaspoon rosehip oil.
Apply as a 10-minute moisturizing mask before rinsing with warm water.
Choosing Moisturizers for Your Skin Type
Dry Skin
Best Ingredients: Rich plant butters (Shea, Cocoa), heavier oils (Argan), occlusives.
Tip: Apply on damp skin to lock in moisture. Layer with humectants like glycerin or aloe.
Best Ingredients: Rich plant butters (Shea, Cocoa), heavier oils (Argan), occlusives.
Tip: Apply on damp skin to lock in moisture. Layer with humectants like glycerin or aloe.
Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
Best Ingredients: Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils (Jojoba, Grapeseed), aloe vera, gel-based lotions.
Tip: Avoid thick butters on the face; they can feel too heavy and clog pores.
Best Ingredients: Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils (Jojoba, Grapeseed), aloe vera, gel-based lotions.
Tip: Avoid thick butters on the face; they can feel too heavy and clog pores.
Combination Skin
Best Ingredients: Medium-weight oils (Rosehip, Squalane), lightweight lotions, or layering techniques (gel on T-zone, richer cream on dry areas).
Tip: Target different areas with different products if necessary.
Best Ingredients: Medium-weight oils (Rosehip, Squalane), lightweight lotions, or layering techniques (gel on T-zone, richer cream on dry areas).
Tip: Target different areas with different products if necessary.
Sensitive Skin
Best Ingredients: Oat-infused lotions, aloe vera gel, gentle oils (Chamomile or Calendula-infused oils).
Tip: Look for fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas to reduce irritation.
Best Ingredients: Oat-infused lotions, aloe vera gel, gentle oils (Chamomile or Calendula-infused oils).
Tip: Look for fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas to reduce irritation.
Mature Skin
Best Ingredients: Antioxidant-rich oils (Argan, Rosehip), butters, hyaluronic acid serums.
Tip: Layer a serum with peptides or hyaluronic acid under a richer cream or oil.
Best Ingredients: Antioxidant-rich oils (Argan, Rosehip), butters, hyaluronic acid serums.
Tip: Layer a serum with peptides or hyaluronic acid under a richer cream or oil.