DIY Face Moisturizer for Every Skin Type: The Complete Natural Skincare Guide

This guide covers seven complete DIY face moisturizer recipes for every skin type — from a basic all-skin-type daily moisturizer to targeted formulations for oily, dry, sensitive, and mature skin. Each recipe uses shea butter, shea oil, or baobab oil as the primary conditioning ingredient. For the complete scientific reference on what shea butter does for skin and hair, see Shea Butter Benefits: The Complete Guide to What Raw Shea Butter Does for Skin, Hair, and DIY. For the complete guide to natural DIY skincare, see DIY Natural Skincare Guide: The Complete Reference for Making Your Own Products. For the complete guide to using shea butter on the face, see Is Shea Butter Good for Your Face?.

For the complete guide to shea butter for mature skin, see Shea Butter for Mature Skin. For six DIY recipes specifically for sensitive and reactive skin, see Sensitive Skin Solutions: 6 Gentle DIY Recipes for Reactive, Delicate Skin. For guidance on using shea butter for rosacea-prone skin, see Shea Butter for Rosacea-Prone Skin. For the complete shea oil DIY guide, see Shea Oil: The Ultimate DIY Guide and Recipes.

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Understanding Facial Skin: What DIY Formulations Need to Account For

Facial skin differs from body skin in ways that matter for formulation. The stratum corneum on facial skin is thinner — approximately 10–15 cell layers compared to 15–20 on body skin — which means facial skin loses moisture more readily and is more responsive to topical ingredients. Facial skin also has a higher density of sebaceous glands than most body areas, but the distribution is uneven: the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) produces significantly more sebum than the cheek and eye areas.

The pH of facial skin typically measures 4.5–5.5, which is more acidic than body skin (5.5–6.5). This matters for formulation because the acid mantle — the protective film on skin's surface — functions best when maintained within this pH range. Shea butter has a naturally acidic pH of approximately 4.5–5.0, which makes it compatible with maintaining the facial acid mantle without disruption.

Facial skin has a cell turnover rate of 21–28 days, faster than body skin's 28–45 days. This means facial skin shows the effects of topical products more quickly — both positive and negative effects. It also means that consistent daily application matters more for facial formulations than for body care products applied less regularly.

Comedogenicity matters more for facial formulations. Pore congestion is much more visible and common on facial skin than on body skin. Coconut oil (comedogenic rating 4) is widely used in body butters and is well tolerated on most people's bodies, but it is too comedogenic for daily use as a primary facial ingredient for oily or acne-prone skin types. The recipes in this guide use ingredients with appropriate comedogenic ratings for their intended skin types.

Water-containing formulations require preservatives. Recipes 3 and 6 in this guide contain water-based ingredients (aloe vera gel and witch hazel). Any product combining oil and water requires a broad-spectrum preservative or must be made fresh before each use. Each of these recipes carries a preservation warning.

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Identifying Your Skin Type

Accurate skin type identification determines which recipe is most suitable. The simplest assessment is the tissue test: cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, wait 30 minutes without applying any products, then press a clean tissue to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Oil on all zones indicates oily skin. Oil on the T-zone with dryness on cheeks indicates combination skin. No oil and a tight or uncomfortable feeling indicates dry or dehydrated skin. No oil and no discomfort indicates normal skin. Redness, stinging, or visible reactive symptoms indicate sensitive skin.

Mature skin is not a skin type but a skin condition — it can be dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, with the additional characteristic of reduced collagen and elastin production, slower cell turnover, and often decreased sebum production. Recipe 2 in this guide is formulated specifically for mature skin, but mature skin users should also consider their underlying skin type when selecting a daily moisturiser.

Skin type can change seasonally, with hormonal changes, and with age. A formulation that works well in winter may feel too heavy in summer. The Customisable Base Formula (Recipe 7) is designed for experienced DIY formulators who want flexibility to adapt their formulation as conditions change.

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African Ingredients for Facial Moisturisers

Shea Butter: Properties and Facial Use

Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree. Its fatty acid profile — approximately 45% oleic acid, 35% stearic acid, 15% linoleic acid — gives it a combination of occlusive and conditioning properties. It melts at skin temperature, which is why it absorbs without leaving a heavy residue despite its solid form at room temperature. Its comedogenic rating of 0–2 makes it suitable for most facial skin types, though very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer shea oil (see below).

Raw, unrefined shea butter retains the full unsaponifiable fraction — approximately 6–17% of its composition — which contains the triterpenes, tocopherols, and phytosterols that give it its documented skin-conditioning properties. Refined shea butter has been bleached and deodorised, removing a significant portion of these compounds. For facial use, raw unrefined shea butter is the better choice.

For the complete reference on shea butter's properties and facial use, see Is Shea Butter Good for Your Face? and Shea Butter for Mature Skin.

Shea Oil: Properties and Facial Use

Shea oil is the liquid fraction of the shea nut, processed to remove the higher-melting triglycerides that cause shea butter to be solid at room temperature. The result is a permanently liquid oil with the same fatty acid profile as shea butter — oleic acid (45–60%) and stearic acid (30–40%) — but with a comedogenic rating of 0–1, one of the lowest of any plant oil.

This makes shea oil the better choice for oily, combination, and acne-prone facial skin types that cannot tolerate shea butter's slightly heavier texture. It absorbs fully without residue, making it suitable for daily facial use on skin types that would find shea butter too heavy. Recipes 3 and 6 in this guide use shea oil as the primary ingredient for this reason. For the complete shea oil DIY guide, see Shea Oil: The Ultimate DIY Guide and Recipes.

Baobab Oil: Properties and Facial Use

Baobab oil is extracted from the seeds of the Adansonia digitata tree. Its fatty acid profile is rich in omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid, 23–28%), omega-6 (linoleic acid, 28–32%), and omega-9 (oleic acid, 33–36%) — a balance that produces fast absorption without residue. Its comedogenic rating of 1–2 makes it suitable for all facial skin types including oily and combination skin.

Baobab oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and F, and its natural antioxidant content slows oxidation of formulations that include it, contributing to shelf life stability. Its fast absorption makes it a useful lightening agent in formulations where shea butter's texture would otherwise feel too heavy — Recipes 2 and 4 use baobab oil in combination with shea butter for this reason.

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7 DIY Face Moisturiser Recipes

A note on measurements: These recipes use volume measurements for accessibility. For consistent results, measure by weight using a digital kitchen scale.

1. Basic Daily Moisturiser (All Skin Types)

A foundational daily moisturiser using shea butter as the primary conditioning ingredient. Suitable for all skin types. Anhydrous — no preservative required.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60ml) Unrefined Shea Butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Fractionated Coconut Oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Sweet Almond Oil
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Vitamin E Oil

Instructions:

1. Allow shea butter to reach room temperature until soft but not melted.
2. Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip shea butter for 3–4 minutes until light and creamy.
3. Slowly add fractionated coconut oil while continuing to whip.
4. Add sweet almond oil and whip for 2 minutes until fully incorporated.
5. Add vitamin E oil and whip for a final minute until smooth and fluffy.
6. Transfer to a clean glass jar. Allow to set for 1 hour before first use.

Troubleshooting: If the moisturiser is too heavy for oily skin, replace sweet almond oil with jojoba oil and reduce shea butter to 45ml. If too light for very dry skin, add 15ml melted cocoa butter. For sensitive skin, omit fractionated coconut oil and increase sweet almond oil to 45ml. Shelf life 12–18 months stored in a cool, dry location.

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2. Nourishing Night Cream (Mature Skin)

A rich night moisturiser using shea butter and baobab oil. Baobab oil's fast absorption lightens the texture of shea butter while maintaining its conditioning properties — making this formulation richer than Recipe 1 but still suitable for overnight use without feeling heavy. Anhydrous — no preservative required. Apply to skin before sleep. Store in a dark glass container — rosehip seed oil is light-sensitive.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45ml) Unrefined Shea Butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Baobab Oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Rosehip Seed Oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Argan Oil
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) Vitamin E Oil
• 8 drops Frankincense Essential Oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Gently warm shea butter to soft consistency using a double boiler — do not fully melt.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature while remaining soft.
3. Whip shea butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 5 minutes.
4. Gradually add baobab oil while continuing to whip until fully incorporated.
5. Add rosehip seed oil and argan oil. Whip for 3 minutes until smooth.
6. Add vitamin E oil and frankincense (if using). Whip for a final 2 minutes.
7. Transfer to a dark glass container. Shelf life approximately 6 months — rosehip seed oil determines this blend's shelf life.

Troubleshooting: This cream is richer than the Basic Daily Moisturiser — apply a small amount (pea-sized) to avoid a heavy residue on the face overnight. For skin that finds rosehip seed oil too active, substitute jojoba oil. Frankincense essential oil is optional and can be omitted without affecting the conditioning properties of the formula.

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3. Lightweight Day Cream (Oily and Combination Skin)

A lightweight day moisturiser using shea oil's low comedogenic rating (0–1) alongside jojoba oil and aloe vera gel. Shea oil is used here rather than shea butter because oily and combination skin benefits from the faster absorption and lower comedogenic profile. Contains aloe vera gel — water-based ingredient — requires preservative or fresh preparation.

⚠️ Preservation note: This recipe contains aloe vera gel — a water-based ingredient. Any product combining oil and water requires a broad-spectrum preservative to prevent microbial growth. Without a preservative, make fresh before each use and use within 24–48 hours. Shake vigorously before each use.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Shea Oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Jojoba Oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Aloe Vera Gel (pure)
• 5 drops Tea Tree Oil

Instructions:

1. Combine shea oil and jojoba oil in a clean mixing bowl.
2. Whisk oils together until fully blended.
3. Slowly add aloe vera gel while whisking continuously to prevent separation.
4. Add tea tree oil and mix gently but thoroughly.
5. Transfer to a pump bottle for easy application. Shake before each use.

Troubleshooting: This recipe will separate on standing — shake before every use. For sensitive skin, replace tea tree oil with 3 drops chamomile essential oil. For combination skin, apply a lighter amount to the T-zone and a normal amount to drier areas. Without a preservative, make in small batches and use within 48 hours.

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4. Intensive Conditioning Treatment (Dry and Damaged Skin)

A rich conditioning treatment using shea butter at high concentration alongside baobab oil, sea buckthorn oil, and calendula oil. This is the richest formulation in the guide — suited to very dry or damaged skin that requires intensive conditioning. Anhydrous — no preservative required. Apply in small amounts — a little goes a long way with this formulation.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60ml) Unrefined Shea Butter
• 4 teaspoons (20ml) Baobab Oil
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) Sea Buckthorn Oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Calendula Oil
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) Vitamin E Oil
• 6 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Set up a double boiler. Gently soften shea butter until workable — do not fully melt.
2. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature while remaining workable.
3. Begin whipping with an electric mixer on low speed for 2 minutes, then increase to medium for 5 minutes.
4. Slowly add baobab oil while whipping, then sea buckthorn oil.
5. Add calendula oil and vitamin E oil. Whip for 3 minutes.
6. Add helichrysum essential oil. Whip for a final minute until smooth.
7. Transfer to a dark glass container to protect light-sensitive ingredients. Shelf life 12 months.

Troubleshooting: Sea buckthorn oil is deeply orange — this formulation will have a strong orange tint. Apply at night or in very small amounts as it may temporarily colour skin. If sea buckthorn oil is too strong for sensitive skin, reduce to 5ml and increase calendula oil to 15ml. Helichrysum essential oil can be omitted or replaced with lavender essential oil.

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5. Sensitive Skin Gentle Formula

A minimal-ingredient moisturiser using only shea butter, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E oil. Three ingredients only — the fewest possible while still providing daily conditioning. Fewer ingredients means fewer potential irritants and easier identification of any sensitivity. Anhydrous — no preservative required. For the complete sensitive skin DIY guide, see Sensitive Skin Solutions: 6 Gentle DIY Recipes for Reactive, Delicate Skin.

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons (75ml) Unrefined Shea Butter
• 4 teaspoons (20ml) Sweet Almond Oil
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Vitamin E Oil

Instructions:

1. Ensure all utensils and containers are thoroughly clean and dry.
2. Allow shea butter to reach soft room temperature consistency.
3. Whip shea butter gently with a whisk for 3–4 minutes until smooth.
4. Very slowly add sweet almond oil while continuing to whisk gently.
5. Add vitamin E oil and whisk until just incorporated — avoid over-mixing.
6. Patch test on inner wrist before full facial application. Store in a clean container away from heat and light.

Troubleshooting: For very sensitive or reactive skin, patch test each individual ingredient before combining. If sweet almond oil causes sensitivity (nut allergy concern), substitute jojoba oil. For rosacea-prone skin, see the specific guidance at Shea Butter for Rosacea-Prone Skin. Shelf life 12–18 months.

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6. Men's Face Moisturiser

A lightweight day moisturiser using shea oil as the primary ingredient alongside fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, and witch hazel. Shea oil is used here rather than shea butter for fast absorption without residue — appropriate for a morning routine product. Contains witch hazel — water-based ingredient — requires preservative or fresh preparation.

⚠️ Preservation note: This recipe contains witch hazel — a water-based ingredient. Any product combining oil and water requires a broad-spectrum preservative to prevent microbial growth. Without a preservative, make fresh before each use and use within 24–48 hours. Shake vigorously before each use.

Ingredients:

• 8 teaspoons (40ml) Shea Oil
• 4 teaspoons (20ml) Fractionated Coconut Oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Jojoba Oil
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) Witch Hazel
• 4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Combine shea oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil in a mixing bowl.
2. Whisk oils together until fully blended and uniform.
3. Slowly add witch hazel while whisking continuously.
4. Add peppermint essential oil and whisk until evenly distributed.
5. Transfer to a pump or squeeze bottle for convenient application. Shake gently before each use.

Troubleshooting: This recipe will separate on standing — shake before every use. For sensitive skin, replace peppermint essential oil with 3 drops lavender essential oil. For post-shave use, apply immediately after patting face dry — the witch hazel fraction provides a cooling, mildly astringent effect. Without a preservative, use within 48 hours.

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7. Customisable Base Formula

A flexible base formula for experienced DIY formulators who want to adapt their moisturiser for changing skin needs, seasons, or specific concerns. Uses shea butter as the fixed base with two variable oil slots. Anhydrous — no preservative required unless you add a water-based ingredient to your customisation.

Ingredients:

• ~3.5 tablespoons (50ml) Unrefined Shea Butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Liquid Carrier Oil of Choice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Secondary Treatment Oil of Choice
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Vitamin E Oil

Carrier oil options by skin type: Jojoba oil for oily skin (comedogenic rating 2); sweet almond oil for normal skin; avocado oil for dry skin; baobab oil for all skin types with fast absorption.

Treatment oil options: Rosehip seed oil for mature or sun-damaged skin (store in dark container — light sensitive); sea buckthorn oil for dry or damaged skin (deeply orange — use sparingly); calendula oil for sensitive skin; argan oil for general conditioning.

Instructions:

1. Select your carrier and treatment oils based on your current skin type and needs.
2. Follow the standard whipping technique: soften shea butter to room temperature, whip for 3–4 minutes, add oils gradually while continuing to whip.
3. Add vitamin E oil last. Whip for a final minute until smooth.
4. Document your ingredient combination and skin response for future reference — this allows you to refine the formula over time.
5. Adjust ratios seasonally: increase shea butter by 10–15ml for winter; increase liquid oil by 10–15ml for summer.

Troubleshooting: If adding a water-based ingredient (aloe vera, hydrosol, honey) to this base, the product immediately requires a broad-spectrum preservative. Do not store a water-containing version of this recipe without a preservative. If the finished moisturiser feels too heavy, reduce shea butter by 10ml and increase liquid carrier oil by 10ml.

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Application Techniques

Apply facial moisturiser to slightly damp skin — absorption is significantly better when the skin surface is hydrated. After cleansing, pat the face to remove excess water but do not dry completely before applying. This applies to all seven recipes in this guide.

Use upward and outward massage motions when applying — starting from the centre of the face and moving toward the hairline. This supports lymphatic drainage rather than working against it. For the eye area, use the ring finger (which applies the least pressure) with a gentle patting motion from inner to outer corner.

Amount matters for facial formulations more than for body products. For Recipes 1, 2, and 4 — the richer formulations — a pea-sized amount is sufficient for the entire face. For Recipes 3, 5, 6, and 7 — the lighter formulations — 3–5 drops is the appropriate amount. Using more does not provide more benefit and may cause residue or breakouts on oily skin types.

Timing: for morning use, allow 2–3 minutes for the moisturiser to absorb before applying sunscreen or makeup. For evening use, apply after cleansing and allow the moisturiser to work overnight. Do not layer heavy formulations over each other — apply one moisturiser and allow it to absorb fully before adding any additional product.

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Where Baraka Shea Butter Comes From

Every batch of Baraka shea butter and shea oil is sourced through the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Ghana's Upper West Region. Wayne Dunn has maintained direct cooperative relationships with the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre for over 15 years. The women at the cooperative receive a fair-trade premium directly, without intermediaries. Every batch is hand-processed using traditional methods — no solvents, no chemical extraction.

Felicia Solomon is one of the women involved in Baraka's cooperative sourcing. Celebrating Mothers: Felicia Solomon shares what the work means to her. For curated customer experiences using Baraka ingredients in DIY face moisturisers, see Baraka Customer Stories.

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What the Evidence Actually Shows — and How to Check It Yourself

The traditional use of shea butter and African plant oils for skin conditioning is real and extensively documented. Shea butter has more published research supporting its skin-conditioning properties than almost any other African plant fat. Baobab oil's fatty acid profile and vitamin content are well-characterised. That evidence base is meaningful.

What it does not establish is that any of these ingredients treats or heals specific skin conditions. We are not able to claim that any ingredient treats, heals, or cures any specific condition. That is a regulatory boundary, but it is also an honest one — the evidence tells us what these ingredients contain, not what they will do for your specific skin type. Both matter.

To find supporting research, search: "shea butter skin clinical study" / "Vitellaria paradoxa unsaponifiable fraction properties" / "baobab oil fatty acid skin penetration" / "jojoba oil non-comedogenic evidence"

To find opposing or qualifying evidence: "shea butter comedogenic skin type" / "baobab oil clinical evidence limitations" / "plant oil skin barrier disruption"

You can read what other customers have said about using these ingredients in their own routines. For curated customer experiences, see Baraka Customer Stories. Our view is that ingredients with centuries of traditional use and a growing body of supportive research deserve serious consideration. Our equally strong view is that you should draw your own conclusions from the evidence — not ours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best DIY face moisturiser for oily skin?

For oily and combination skin, Recipe 3 (Lightweight Day Cream) or Recipe 6 (Men's Face Moisturiser) are the most appropriate choices — both use shea oil (comedogenic rating 0–1) as the primary ingredient rather than shea butter, which means they absorb fully without residue. Jojoba oil (comedogenic rating 2) is also an appropriate carrier for oily skin. Avoid formulations using coconut oil (comedogenic rating 4) as a primary ingredient on oily or acne-prone facial skin.

Can shea butter cause breakouts on the face?

Shea butter has a comedogenic rating of 0–2, which is low and suitable for most facial skin types. However, for very oily or acne-prone skin, the texture of shea butter may feel heavier than necessary — shea oil (comedogenic rating 0–1) is the better choice for these skin types. Coconut oil in facial formulations is a more common cause of breakouts than shea butter. If breakouts occur after starting a new formulation, identify which ingredient changed and eliminate it before reformulating.

Do these recipes need a preservative?

Recipes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 are anhydrous — they contain only oils and butters with no water phase. They do not require a preservative and have a shelf life of 12–18 months. Recipes 3 and 6 contain water-based ingredients (aloe vera gel and witch hazel respectively) and require either a broad-spectrum preservative or must be made fresh before each use and used within 24–48 hours.

What is the difference between shea butter and shea oil for facial use?

Shea butter is the solid fat extracted from the shea nut — it is solid at room temperature with a comedogenic rating of 0–2. Shea oil is the liquid fraction of the same nut, processed to remove higher-melting triglycerides — it is permanently liquid with a comedogenic rating of 0–1. Shea butter is better for dry, normal, and mature skin types that benefit from its richer conditioning. Shea oil is better for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin that requires faster absorption without residue. For the full comparison, see Shea Oil: The Ultimate DIY Guide and Recipes.

How much moisturiser should I apply to my face?

For rich formulations (Recipes 1, 2, 4) — a pea-sized amount is sufficient for the entire face. For lightweight formulations (Recipes 3, 5, 6) — 3–5 drops. Apply to slightly damp skin after cleansing using upward and outward motions. More product does not provide more benefit and may cause residue or breakouts on oily skin types.

Where does Baraka source its shea butter and shea oil?

Baraka's shea butter and shea oil are sourced through the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Ghana's Upper West Region. Every batch is hand-processed using traditional methods — no solvents, no chemical extraction. Wayne Dunn has maintained direct cooperative relationships with the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre for over 15 years. The women at the cooperative receive a fair-trade premium directly, without intermediaries.

Can I use these recipes if I have rosacea or very sensitive skin?

Recipe 5 (Sensitive Skin Gentle Formula) is the most appropriate starting point for reactive or sensitive skin — it contains only three ingredients with the lowest possible potential for irritation. For rosacea-prone skin, see Shea Butter for Rosacea-Prone Skin for specific guidance. Always patch test on the inner wrist for 24–48 hours before full facial application. For the complete sensitive skin DIY guide, see Sensitive Skin Solutions: 6 Gentle DIY Recipes for Reactive, Delicate Skin.

What is the shelf life of homemade face moisturiser?

Anhydrous formulations (Recipes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7) have a shelf life of 12–18 months when stored in a cool, dry location away from sunlight. Recipe 2 has a shorter shelf life of approximately 6 months due to its rosehip seed oil content — store in a dark glass container. Recipes 3 and 6 contain water-based ingredients and should be used within 24–48 hours without a preservative, or within 3 months with a broad-spectrum preservative. Always label batches with the date made and the ingredients used.

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About the Author

Wayne Dunn is the founder of Baraka Impact and a former Professor of Practice in Sustainability at McGill University. He holds an M.Sc. in Management from Stanford and has spent over 15 years working directly with the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Ghana's Upper West Region to source traditionally made shea butter and natural oils. He shares DIY skincare recipes and ingredient guides designed to be made at home with real ingredients — and sourced with full transparency about where they come from.