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If you have oily skin, you know the struggle — moisturizers can often make your face feel greasy or cause unwanted breakouts. But here’s the truth: even oily skin needs moisture. When your skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores, acne, and shine.
The solution? Lightweight, natural moisturizers that hydrate without adding excess oil. In this expert-crafted guide, we’ll explore three DIY natural moisturizers perfect for oily skin — using ingredients backed by science and trusted by skincare professionals.
Article Contains
3 DIY Moisturizer Recipes For Oily Skin
1. Aloe Vera & Tea Tree Gel – Lightweight Oil Control
This refreshing, non-greasy moisturizer is ideal for acne-prone and oily skin types. Aloe vera delivers hydration without clogging pores, while tea tree oil helps reduce acne-causing bacteria.
Best For: Oily, acne-prone, or irritated skin needing soothing hydration.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel (preferably from the leaf or 99% pure gel)
- 2–3 drops tea tree essential oil
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional for freshness)
How to Make:
- Mix all ingredients in a small glass jar until well combined.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- Apply a thin layer after cleansing your face, morning and night.
Why It Works:
- A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology (2014) highlighted aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that help calm and hydrate the skin (1).
- Tea tree oil, according to research in the Clinical Microbiology Reviews (2006), exhibits strong antimicrobial activity that targets Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts (2).
2. Green Tea & Jojoba Moisturizer – Antioxidant Glow Boost
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals and control excess sebum, while jojoba oil mimics your skin’s natural sebum, helping balance oil production.
Best For: Combination to oily skin that needs balanced hydration and a natural glow.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon brewed green tea (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
- 2 drops vitamin E oil (optional for added nourishment)
How to Make:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Store in a small airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Apply a pea-sized amount after cleansing, focusing on dry or uneven areas.
Scientific Evidence:
- A 2016 review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that green tea polyphenols, especially EGCG, reduce sebum secretion and prevent acne formation (3).
- Jojoba oil, according to Pharmacognosy Reviews, regulates the skin’s oil balance without clogging pores, making it one of the best natural moisturizers for oily skin (4).
3. Cucumber & Honey Gel – Cooling and Clarifying Hydration
This cooling moisturizer is perfect for refreshing the skin and minimizing shine. Cucumber hydrates and tightens pores, while honey acts as a natural humectant, locking in moisture without greasiness.
Best For: Oily skin with enlarged pores or dullness that needs a gentle refresh.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cucumber juice (freshly extracted)
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
How to Make:
- Blend the cucumber and strain the juice.
- Mix with honey and aloe vera until smooth.
- Store in a small jar in the refrigerator and use within 5–7 days.
Why It Works (Based on Studies):
- A 2011 study in the African Journal of Biotechnology confirmed cucumber’s antioxidant and hydrating properties, making it ideal for oily and sensitive skin (5).
- Honey, as noted in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2017), has antibacterial and humectant benefits that promote balanced hydration while preventing acne-causing bacteria (6).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)
1. Should people with oily skin use moisturizer daily?
A. Yes! Even oily skin needs daily hydration. The key is choosing lightweight, non-comedogenic ingredients like aloe vera or jojoba oil that won’t clog pores.
2. Can I skip moisturizer if I use serum or toner?
A. No. Serums and toners prepare your skin, but moisturizer locks in hydration and maintains a healthy skin barrier — essential for preventing excess oil production.
3. How long do these DIY moisturizers last?
A. Since they contain natural ingredients and no preservatives, store them in the refrigerator and use within 5–10 days for best freshness and safety.
Oily skin doesn’t mean you have to skip moisturizer — it just means you need the right one. These DIY natural moisturizers use lightweight, nutrient-rich ingredients to balance oil levels, prevent acne, and keep your skin hydrated and smooth.
From the antibacterial power of tea tree and honey to the soothing benefits of aloe and cucumber, nature provides everything your skin needs to stay fresh and shine-free. Consistency is key — with regular use, you’ll notice softer, calmer, and more balanced skin that truly glows from within.
