There’s a good reason that green tea is included in tons of skincare products on the shelves of beauty stores worldwide. In fact, it’s been used since ancient times as a cure-all for just about any ailment.
Discovered in China some 5,000+ years ago, it is still considered today to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet, thanks to its high antioxidant content [source]. In short, if you aren’t drinking green tea, then are you really doing all you can for your skin and health?
But I digress. The reason I’m talking about green tea is actually because of its impressive skincare benefits. Clearly, if it can have such a profound impact in our body in terms of our overall health, it’s got to be able to work some magic on its largest organ: our skin.
Yes, your skin is considered an organ—an external one that covers an impressive 22 square feet on average. Which brings us to a perfectly good invention: green tea + coconut oil moisturizer. And it’s totally awesome for your skin.
Benefits of Green Tea for Skin
Here are some of the ways that green tea can benefit your skin:
Green tea is anti-aging. The antioxidants in green tea work to repair skin and eliminate wrinkles, mainly by fighting off free radicals in the environment that directly cause premature aging [source]. This is due in part to the fact that green tea is rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that slows the aging process in a natural way [source].
Putting green tea on your skin has also been proven to protect against sun damage [source], so that’s another anti-aging bonus.
Green tea helps fight acne. Yep, slathering green tea on your face provides skin-clearing benefits—thanks to the fact that green tea can help reduce oil production [source], thus leading to fewer breakouts.
Green tea helps protect against cancer. As already mentioned, green tea has some impressive anti-cancer effects. In terms of the skin, it’s been shown in research to reduce the tumor size in certain types of skin cancer [source].
Green tea calms skin conditions. Green tea has long been used to treat various skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. This is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory effects [source].
So now that we’ve covered the grounds of why pretty much everyone should be using green tea in and out of their skincare regimen, let’s talk about why we should be combining it with other natural ingredients like coconut oil if our goal is to create a facial moisturizer.
Whipped Coconut Oil Moisturizer
A coconut oil moisturizer hydrates and nourishes skin, while green tea helps to reverse sun damage. So the two working together is pretty amazing for your skin. Whipping it makes a nice frothy texture that’s easier to apply and feels less greasy (if that bothers you).
And did I mention that it’s green? No, it won’t turn your skin green, but it does make me smile every time I see it.
Now, before we get into actually making our moisturizer, I want to talk about coconut oil and acne. Coconut oil is pretty high on the list of comedogenic oils, meaning it can clog pores and cause irritation if you’re not careful. But from personal experience, I’ve found that not all brands have this problem.
High quality, clean brands don’t contain as many irritants as cheaper brands do, which is why I recommend Dr. Bronner’s coconut oil (not sponsored—I just love ’em.) It’s the only one I use on my face because it doesn’t break me out like most other brands of coconut oil.
If you decide to try another brand, just keep an eye out for irritation, and stop using it the second you spot a breakout coming on.
Supplies
- Double boiler (or a heat-proof jar and small saucepan)
- Cheesecloth
- Electric mixer
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons loose green tea
Instructions
Spoon coconut oil into a double boiler and heat on medium until melted. (If you don’t have a double boiler, just do what I do: set a glass Pyrex measuring cup or other heat-proof container in the middle of a small saucepan. Pour water into the saucepan, so it reaches about 2 inches up the outside of the measuring cup. Then place your coconut oil in the measuring cup and turn on the burner.)
Stir in the green tea, cover, and simmer on the lowest heat setting for 30 minutes. Note: the water around the coconut oil should be simmering, not the coconut oil itself. This will help keep the beneficial nutrients in the tea from breaking down.
Strain tea from the oil with a cheesecloth.
Place in the freezer for 10–20 minutes until the mixture is almost solid (like a loose gel consistency when you stir it).
Then whip 3–5 minutes until creamy.
Whipped Coconut Oil Moisturizer FAQs
Can I use a different kind of tea (or other herbs entirely) to make my coconut oil moisturizer?
Yes, you don’t need to use green tea at all for this if you don’t want to. Rooibos tea can help reinvigorate the skin, while Yerba Mate, which is caffeinated, can help tone skin. You can also infuse herbs such as chamomile, lavender, and rosemary, if you prefer.
Can I add matcha powder without straining it out?
Sure! In fact, we did a whole post on matcha lotion bars. While the ingredients are different, the idea is the same: just add 1–2 teaspoons of powdered matcha, let it steep, and then whip up your moisturizer without straining out the tea. Use within 2–3 months.
Can I make this moisturizer using something other than coconut oil?
I haven’t tried it myself, so I don’t know for sure, but any butter or oil that is solid at room temperature (e.g., shea, cocoa, or mango butter) should technically work for this recipe.
Will my moisturizer stay whipped over time?
It depends on the climate. Since coconut oil starts to melt once the temperature reaches 78 F, depending on where you live, you may need to keep your moisturizer in the refrigerator a couple months of the year.
How do you use green tea moisturizer?
Use this just like you would any other moisturizer. Cleanse your face then apply toner, serum, and eye cream (in that order). Take a tiny bit of the coconut oil moisturizer onto your fingers and let it melt a bit before gently applying to your skin. Let it sink in for several minutes before putting on your sunscreen.
Use twice a day, every day, to reap all of those healthful green tea benefits.
Is this moisturizer just for the face?
Nope, this nourishing lotion doubles as a body lotion, hand cream, after-shave balm, and smoothing hair serum. This moisturizer has got you covered—it can do it all.
Whipped Coconut + Green Tea Moisturizer
Equipment
- Double boiler (or a heat-proof jar and small saucepan)
- Cheesecloth
- Electric mixer
Materials
- 1 cup coconut oil *
- 2 tablespoons loose green tea or cut open tea bags
Instructions
- Spoon coconut oil into a double boiler and heat on medium until melted.(If you don't have a double boiler, just do what I do: set a glass Pyrex measuring cup or other heat-proof container in the middle of a small saucepan. Pour water into the saucepan, so it reaches about 2 inches up the outside of the measuring cup. Then place your coconut oil in the measuring cup, and turn on the burner.)
- Stir in the green tea, cover, and simmer on lowest heat setting for 30 minutes. Note: the water around the coconut oil should be simmering, not the coconut oil itself. This will help keep the beneficial nutrients in the tea from breaking down.
- Strain tea from the oil with a cheesecloth.
- Place in the freezer for 10–20 minutes until the mixture is almost solid (like a loose gel consistency)
- Then whip 3–5 minutes until creamy.
Notes
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 Lindsey Johnson
879
Hi!
Unlike some of the other readers, I’m only 12 but I’m still obsessed with making your own skincare. This was the first face cream I tried, and it turned out amazing! I didn’t have coconut oil on hand so I used shea butter instead, which made it creamier and less of the vibrant green in the picture (it was still green-tinted, though!). My mother has had an addiction to I Am Hamamat’s African Safari shea butter, which she uses every day, but when she tried this today she couldn’t stop spreading it onto her face and hands! Thank you so much for the recipe, and my small jar will last forever (not unless my mom uses it all first, though haha). Could you also recommend a few more recipes with shea butter, as we have a lot of it on hand?
Thanks!
Aveline
This may be late but I would suggest using foil molded as a double boiler would be molded.
what about useing the coconut oil an rooibus tea together {instead of green tea }an useing this on ur face & what about melting the oil in the microwave then mixing with the tea an whip it , i put it the freezer to solidify in very small containers
Hi. Really interested in this facial cream and so happy it is easy to make. I have combination skin and I heard that coconut oil can clog your pores. Is it safer to use when heated?
Yes! Coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning it can clog your pores. I would not recommend trying it cold or heated.
What kind of loose leaf green tea was used? Gun powder green tea? Or a floral green tea?
Do you have to use a double broiler?
I keep my coconut oil in the kitchen and one in the bathroom, since we live in the colorado mountains no problem with them, and also with olive oil use the extra light one, no smell with it, or you can use almond oil too,
Hello,
Coconut oil naturally becomes a solid below 76 degrees, coconut oil starting in the liquid form should work just fine.
As for using coconut milk, milk does not hold the same properties as coconut oil and although it is “safe”, you will not see the same results.
Hello, thank you for sharing your wonderful skin care recipes. I can’t wait to try them. I have a question about the green tea. I have green tea in the teabag form. Is it okay to use it that way? I figured it would be easier….
I wouldn’t have to use a cheesecloth to strain it, I would just take out the teabag. Thank you
Dottie H.
Wow!! I made this and it’s smells AMAZING!!! Thank you for all the fabulous, homemade, natural recipes. Blessings…
Amy
Ky
Hello,
Your recipe and presentation looks amazing.. however I wanted to know how long this lasts ?
And whether Matcha powder can be used ?
I would like to know this too! Look forward to hearing :)
I bought come Matcha Green Tea power with the idea that I could incorporate it into body butter and lotion balls. Is infusing the best was or could use mix the tea powder into your recipe?
Can I add shea butter and rosehip oil?
Wondering how long it takes for the oil to resolidify?
I am a Shark Tank fanatic as well and have the same exact vision!! This recipe sounds great. Trying to find a good, not so pricey mixer to complete the mission.
How much does the mixture make? and how long does the moisturizer last?
Is there a chance loose leaf Organic Green Jasmine tea would work? It is from Emporium if that helps.
How much do u use for each to make a few 8oz jars
Why do you simmer the tea so long? It starts to degrade and bring out tannins within a few minutes. I’m a bit confused on this point.
Because the author of this recipe is not a chemist.
How long should it be simmered for? I just finished 15mins of it. I hope I didnt do it too long.
What about matcha powder and leave out the straining?
This is my first thought also…. I have Matcha powder, so am going to try that first. :-)
How did using matcha go?? I also have Matcha and was wondering if its be a good subtitle
Lesley, how long do you simmer the matcha tea and oil together?
Thanks
Hi! for long how should it be left on my face and how long until it goes bad in a jar, if it does?
You can leave it on all day, just like any moisturizer. It should last at least 6 months, but you’ll finish it before then :)
When you say to “whip” the ingredients, do you mean by hand or with a mixer?
Hi Mary! You’ll need to whip with a hand mixer for 2-5 minutes, until you get a consistency that resembles frosting. Tx for the question!
Comment to add that if you don’t have a hand mixer and can’t whip it with a whisk, use a blender! I used one during thanksgiving to make whipped cream from scratch and used it for this moisturizer too!
Does the whipping prevent the coconut oil from melting? Or do you keep this product in a fridge. New to making my own cosmetics and LOVE coconut oil, but I saw my whole jar (of regular coconut oil) melted on our first hot day yesterday lol
Has anyone had a problem with coconut oil actually drying skin out. I used the Trader Joe’s one and wasn’t too happy with it as a skin care product. I just started using an Indian one now and I like it better, but that could be attributed to the climate in India. I was in Michigan when I used the TJ’s one. Any thoughts?
I have tried almost every moisturizer out there for my oily, breakout-prone skin. About a year ago, I was fed up and started using coconut oil instead. Ever since then I only get hormonal breakouts once a month and the coconut oil has made my skin silky smooth and less irritated. If you are still concerned with using the oil on your skin type, I suggest trying it out on a small patch of skin so you know how it affects you.
How you ise the coconut oil? Are you just use it alone?
i love this site, can i add shea butter to it and also can i use it for my hair thanks,, love youuu….
merci pour la recette , j’ai deux questions :
– faut il l’utiliser la nuit ou le jour car ma peau brunit vite au soleil et ca fait difference entre mon visage et le reste du corps.
– est ce que ca aide a raffermir la peau et enlever les rides.
– est ce que ca referme les pores dilatées
merci de me réponse
It took a long time to get the coconut oil to solidify again . . . Also, I heard that heating the coconut oil can be damaging to the nutrients.
I may or may not have stunk up the house by adding a bit of coffee in this and burning it .-. oops
Coconut oil may cause clogged pores on some, but not on my highly acneic skin. I’ve used coconut oil on my face for the past two years as both an oil cleanser and a moisturizer. It has not caused any breakouts. In fact, it seems to clear up existing acne quicker.
As with anything, YMMV. For example, I was told for years that I was crazy when I told salespeople that silicone based products caused severe acne on my face. Time and time again, I’ve read and been told that this is a myth and that silicones can not cause clogged pores or acne. Well whatever it’s doing, it breaks me out like nobody’s business so I avoid it at all costs. Since eliminating all skincare containing silicone, my face is in much better shape. I used to get daily breakouts, not anymore.
I love this recipe. Can’t wait to try it on my puffy eyes. I use tea bags but they are messy and time consuming. This, I can just slap on and go about my business.
made this today then slathered it on my freshly shaved legs after my bath.. feels like heaven on my cotton bed sheets!!! but I want to ask, even though I whipped it, mine isn’t very creamy. las soon as I handle it it sort of melts back into oil… I guess what i’m trying to say is it’s not the same consistency as a store bought lotion. I assume this is the same for everyone though, correct? either way, love this moisturizer! amazing on dry sections of the feet too:)
Hi, I haven’t tried this myself coz I only discovered this blog today but it seems more people complain of the consistency. So how if only half of the oil is melted and infused and then the other half folded in as the infused oil cools down or as it gets whipped? Hope it works and doesn’t separate
You can blend it with another oil, one that’s liquid at room temperature like almond, olive, or camellia seed oil. I personally love camellia seed oil because it’s very light and absorbs easily. You can play with the ratios until you get a consistency you like.
Once you figure out the expiration date like when you notice it goes rancid please let us know thanks! :D Excited to try this but since a little goes a long way Im wary of making a bigger than small batch incase the rest expires x_x
You can definitely add beeswax! It’s just playing around with it – it is very easy to overdo it and your batch can become much too waxy. Start with 1 tsp on beeswax per 500 gr of oils and see how you like it. If you think you can do more, remelt and add another 1/2 or 1 tsp. Amount of beeswax is very personal, I think.
I would love to make this body butter but I really want to add oatmeal to it. How can I do so?
Aveeno makes little packets of colloidal oatmeal. I bet that would mix fairly well. As for the tea, I use the powdered matcha kind for pretty much everything because it’s not only easier to blend, it’s far more potent.
I keep a small coffee bean grinder and grind regular oatmeal. Also try an immersion blender to whip your cream.
Katherine
Hello!
Do you think the consistency would allow for storing in a large air pump bottle to prolong the freshness and prevent contamination?
Many thanks!
Unlikely. I just made it yesterday and it’s “butter”. It is amazing, btw. You can maybe add 1 tbsp of a liquid oil to make it a bit runnier so you can pump it out. I added 1 tsp of jojoba and 1 tsp wheatgerm + 10 drops of Lavender Essential oil and 1 tsp of cornstarch to cut on the grease. It is absolutely perfect. Heavy, but soaks in reasonably quick and then you feel like you are wrapped into a cashmere blanket.
My next batch will be with pure organic Argan and Grapeseed oils.
Good luck.
Thanks author for posting!!!
Is it possible to use bag green tea instead? Then you wouldn’t have to strain it out… or you could just take the leaves out of the bags?
I was wondering the same thing. I feel like a tea bag would suffice….
I used a tea bag for this and it turned out fine. Mine was not as deep green, but I am sure that is simply because I should have used a few more tea bags. I only used 2 for about 2 cups of oil, should have used 4.
Yes I used tea bags yesterday. I just sinked them to the bottom of a mason glass jar, and let the cotton threads outside (with its small labels). Once I put the lid on, it caught the threads. and prevented them from falling into the jar. I placed the jar with oils and tea into boiling water for 2 hours on very low heat, and once I was happy with the color (very dark green – I used 8 tea bags (!) for about 6 oz oils), I took the lid off, pulled out the tea baggies, put them on a small plate to cool down, and in about 15 min, I squeezed all the remaining oils back into my main batch. Worked like a charm.
If I add a few tablespoons of Shea butter will it inhibit the whipping?
Simmer for one hour in double boiler or in a separate pan? Thanks!
Simmer in the double broiler over low heat for the hour – you don’t want it too hot (e.g., no boiling) or you will lose the beneficial properties in the coconut oil.
Would using matcha powder instead of loose green tea leaves work just as well?
I would like to find this out myself. Does anyone know?
I personally think matcha is always better. The antioxidants are far more concentrated because matcha is more potent. I definitely feel the difference when I drink it, too!
love everything you do! please keep posting new stuff!
I wanted to ask how long should it usually take the coconut oil to start to set before you can whip it? i imagined it would be quite quick but its been sat here cooled for about 45 minutes now and still in liquid form… :)
Ladies! I love this blog! :D Its changing my life…well, lifestyle. ;)
One question for making this marvellous sounding moisturizer…
With what do you whip it? :)
Thanks Jessica! You can use a hand mixer to whip, have fun!
I don’t have a double boiler, what can I do instead?
in a pot, boil some water. Place the oil and tea leaves in a bowl that will fit over the pot with water. Think like melting chocolate.
I discovered this blog just yesterday and already I’m in love. Here in Italy we know is you still use just natural products, unfortunately .. Anyway, I am Italian and unfortunately I’m not good in English but I am committed. in particular, this would moisturizer as you use it? Thanks
Hi Elena, yes, I use this as my facial moisturizer, though you could use it all over if you want. Thanks!
Question – when you whip it – does it stay whipped? I’m asking because I want to make some for my mom but would have to mail it to her….. So would it stay how it looks once whipped? Or would it melt and lose consistency?
If it gets hot during transport it might melt some. But she could rewhip!
If it’s too warm (and it might be in the mail) it will lose the nice whipped texture.
I can’t wait to try this. What about infusing with other herbs? I’m interested in the healing properties of thyme, lavender, lemonbalm… Any adjustments in the process?
That’s a great idea Susan! You can definitely add other herbs to the infusion – just make sure none would be irritating to the skin. Thyme might be good for the body but I’m not sure I would put that one on my face.
Hi
Would I be able to use Matcha Green Tea powder in this recipe? If it can be used,how much would you suggest adding to the oil?
Thankyou
You’re talking about using matcha to infuse rather than loose green tea? You can definitely try it – just use a couple of heaping tablespoons and make sure to strain it completely. And you can definitely still whip the coconut oil.
How long can you keep it in the fridge?
Hi Jocelyn – no need to store it in the fridge. As long as you strain out the green tea really well, the coconut oil is fine at room temp and will last 3-6 months (though you’ll probably have used it up by then!).
ohhh I love this!! My two favorite things combined, trying tonight!
This is an awesome homemade moisturizer!! I want to make it, but before I do: can you tell me how long it lasts? Will it go bad after a while?
Hi Sami – as long as you strain out the tea really well, it should last at least 6 months.
I also used jasmine green tea! Added a tsp. or so of dry peppermint. Turned out amazing! I’m thinking it would be awesome for oil pulling as well!
Thanks for giving me the permission to take two of my favorite cooking ingredients and slather them on myself! ;)
I am making this now, in my slow cooker, with bags of Jasmine Green Tea. It doesn’t look as dark, but it still worked! I would recommend the slow cooker for those who don’t have a double boiler (on lo e to melt the oil, and on warm to brew the tea). I’m waiting for it to solidify, then I will whip it and post the results on my blog, linking back here. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Hi
I love this idea, and I like to try it.
So I hope you can help me a little
Is for all skin types?
And is just for the face o can be used like body lotion?
You can definitely use all over (face + body). It’s especially good for dry or mature skin. If your skin is oily, try it for a few days and see how you like it. It won’t clog your pores but it might be too oily for some.
I made it this afternoon and it’s a little runny but still lovely! Did I whip it a little too soon?
Melanie, you might want to pop it into the fridge for a bit. If your home is too warm the coconut oil won’t set up enough to whip. Hope that helps! Mine is completely liquid if I don’t keep it in the fridge during the summer. :)
DIY suggestion: homemade sun-tan lotion!! :)
I’ve been using coconut oil on my face recently, so I am definitely going to try this!
Do you know how long this product will last?
If you strain out the tea really well, it should last a long time, like 6 months or more. Coconut oil has natural preservative properties so a jar of it will last quite a while.
Thanks so much for a wonderful and simple recipe. I made a jar for myself and one as a little treat for my mum yesterday. I smothered myself in it last night and woke up feeling great. My mum was really delighted.
Thanks again!
Ooh sorry I didn’t think my last comment had been delivered so tried again and now I’ve left two (and can’t delete one)! It deserves it though ;-)
Yay, I’m glad you and your mum enjoyed it! I particularly enjoy smothering myself in it too :)
Omg! I have to try this. I have everything I need to make it. I like the fact that it is simple and easy!
Thanks so much for a wonderful and simple recipe. I made a jar for myself and one as a treat. For my Mum today. I’ve just smothered my face in it before bed and it feels wonderful. My Mum delighted too. Thanks again!
This is amazing! I was wondering if I could just use matcha powder, though. I feel like it would be a little easier, but I’m not sure if the powder will mix with the coconut oil or not. Hmm… what do you think?
You could try it, I doubt it will blend completely but you can still whip the coconut oil.
Oh, I love green things!! Tea and whipped coconut oil, such a good idea. I’ll bet it smells awesome!
I’m just starting radiation treatments after a lumpectomy…perfect timing! thanks!
This looks amazing! Do you have to keep it in the fridge? Or is it ok on the shelf for a few days?
It’s totally shelf stable! Mine has been sitting on my dresser for a couple of months now and it’s fine.