10 Natural Moisturizers You Can Find in the Kitchen

The search for a natural face moisturizer may not be as arduous as you might think. In fact, it might not take you further than your own kitchen! There are plenty of natural ingredients, whole foods even, in the kitchen that can do double duty as a face moisturizer.

Don’t assume that just because a moisturizer is expensive, it has to be good for your skin. I’ve tried one too many creams that left my face as dry as before (or, even worse, they cause my skin to break out). And then I discovered homemade, natural moisturizers. Oh, the luxury of having something custom-made just for yourself! Scroll down and you will find some of our favorite ingredients and recipes, perfect for cold days when your skin is suffering.

10 Natural Face Moisturizers

1. Coconut Oil

While coconut oil serves countless purposes in the kitchen and for your face, it won’t necessarily serve every skin type. However, if you have dry, dehydrated skin, you are a great candidate for coconut oil.

The high fatty acid content and anti-inflammatory properties help with the skin’s natural barrier, but could cause breakouts if you have oily or acne prone skin. Coconut oil is soothing and antibacterial, however it may clog pores. So if you’re prone to blackheads or acne, beware of coconut oil.

2. Cod Liver Oil

This is one ingredient that could produce double the benefits if you take it orally and use it externally. Cod liver oil is rich in Omega 3 and vitamins A and D. It hydrates the skin and improves texture and elasticity. 

3. Sweet Almond Oil

Ideal for almost all skin types, almond oil helps soothe irritated skin, and is rich in vitamins D and E. It can minimize scarring and protect the skin from UV damage. 

Replenish your skin with this rejuvenating rosehip and almond oil moisturizer. It’s light and smooth, perfect for sensitive skin on the face and neck, but it’s still hydrating enough for more serious areas like the legs, hands and elbows, which makes it a great multitasking product. 

4. Shea Butter

Shea butter is another great choice for all skin types as it isn’t clogging, but is rich in vitamins and minerals. Shea butter is also easily absorbed into the skin and promotes cell regeneration. This tree nut extract is hydrating and antibacterial. 

Especially helpful during cold, dry months, when you need a deeply hydrating moisturizer, this shea butter face cream does wonders on dry and aging skin. Apricot kernel, jojoba and argan oil are added to the mix to ward off sagging, wrinkles and fine lines.

5. Olive Oil

While olive oil may not be ideal for skin types that may be prone to clogging, or are sensitive, it has proven for some to be the perfect moisturizer. The antioxidants contained in olive oil help fight premature aging and is high in vitamins A, D, E, and K. However, it may be pro-inflammatory so those with sensitive skin should avoid it.

6. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is a great choice for treating scars and replenishing moisture, but it can also be comedogenic. So acne prone or oily skin types should avoid it.

7. Aloe Vera Gel

Highly anti-inflammatory and great for soothing sunburns and minor cuts, aloe vera gel is not just for drinking. Aloe vera is a moisturizer that can be used for acne prone, sensitive, and dry skin. Aloe kills the bacteria that causes acne, lightens the appearance of age spots and blemishes AND it plumps up skin to hide wrinkles.

Pair the aloe vera with a carrier oil that works for your skin type and add a few drops of nourishing skin essential oils for a healing and hydrating homemade face serum that’s perfect for daytime.

8. Avocado Oil

 powerhouse moisturizer, avocado oil can treat all skin types. Avocado oil is hydrating without leaving an oily residue. It is full of omega 3s that balance skin’s moisture levels and vitamins A, D and E to rejuvenate dry skin and fight free radicals. Avocado oil is also anti-inflammatory and has been known to benefit those who battle eczema and psoriasis.

Try rich avocado oil in an anti-wrinkle eye serum. If you don’t have avocado oil, you can also use the fruit and slather on an avocado face mask.

9. Sunflower Seed Oil

This non-comedogenic oil is easily absorbed into the skin. Sunflower seed oil contains both Vitamin E and beta-carotene, and can be used on all skin types. 

A great oil for normal skin, sunflower seed oil makes a simple custom face oil that offers hydration and balances oil production. It has been shown to improve skin barrier function and help the skin retain its own natural moisture.

10. Honey

Honey is a natural humectant that draws in moisture from the air. Use it to wash your face or make a homemade honey mask to leave your face dewy and glowing.

Are you already combing through your pantry and checking which facial moisturizers are hiding in your kitchen? Remember, the higher the quality ingredient, the better the results. And always patch test if you are prone to allergies or skin sensitivities. 

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Photos by Ana Stanciu