Plant-based oils are key ingredients in handmade skincare, but they can also be wonderfully effective on their own. Most oils can be used in multiple ways, making them a great option for simplifying your skincare routine. And oils aren’t just for dry skin—they can benefit almost any skin type, including very oily or acne-prone skin.
Using the right container will make your oils easier to use. Put your face-moisturizing oil in a dropper bottle, so you remember to use only a few drops. Pour cleansing oil in a pump-top bottle. Body moisturizing oils can go in a spray bottle.

Sweet almond oil

This is a light oil that works well on combination skin. For a more moisturizing oil, try avocado oil. For a lighter oil, try sunflower oil or caster oil.

Uses

Bath oil - Pour one tablespoon of almond oil into bath water for a luxurious, moisturizing soak. For a scented bath, mix a few drops of essential oil into the almond oil first.

Body moisturizer - After a bath or shower, rub a light layer of almond oil into your skin while your skin is still wet.

Facial cleanser - Oil makes a surprisingly effective face cleanser. It removes excess oil produced by the skin and dissolves makeup. Pour 1/4 teaspoon into the palm of your hand and rub it gently into your face for two minutes. Remove with hot water and a washcloth. If your skin is acne-prone, add two drops of tea tree oil to the almond oil first (but make sure you don’t get any in your eyes).

Argan oil

In Morocco, argan oil is used as a food oil and also as a treatment for skin troubles from acne to aging. It’s more expensive than coconut or almond oil, but it’s tremendously effective, and a little goes a long way.

Uses

Hair oil - Rub a drop or two on your palms and then rake it through clean, wet hair to tame flyaways, fight frizz, and add shine.

Face serum – For glowing skin, use argan oil as a night treatment. Apply two drops to a freshly washed face before bed. If your skin is oily, use the argan oil on its own. If you have dry skin, layer it under a moisturizer.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is an excellent staple for skin and hair. Because it solidifies at room temperature, it can be easier to handle than other oils.

Uses

Shaving cream - Use coconut oil in place of shaving cream for a close shave that leaves your skin soft and smooth. Rinse the razor with hot water between strokes.

Deep hair conditioner - Before bed, rub 1/4–1/2 teaspoon into your hair, starting near the scalp and working your way down. Brush with a wide-tooth comb, then cover with a shower cap. In the morning, wash your hair as usual.

Eye makeup remover - Smooth a dab of coconut oil over your eyelids and lashes to dissolve eye makeup. Remove with a cotton pad.

About the Author

Kat Siddle is a librarian and fashion school dropout from Vancouver, BC. She blogs about beauty at xovain.com and helps run Our Social Fabric, a textile re-use initiative.