Winter can be brutal on your skin, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and downright uncomfortable. While shop-bought moisturisers promise the world, sometimes the best solutions are sitting right in your kitchen cupboard. Creating your own homemade moisturiser for winter isn’t just budget-friendly—it’s also a way to know exactly what’s going on your skin. No mysterious chemicals, no unpronounceable ingredients, just pure, natural goodness that actually works. Let’s dive into seven DIY recipes that’ll have your skin feeling soft and glowing all winter long.
Why Your Skin Craves Extra TLC During Winter
Real talk—winter is basically your skin’s worst enemy. The cold air outside has zero humidity, which means it’s constantly trying to steal moisture from your skin. Then you come indoors to cranked-up heating that’s just as drying. It’s like a double attack on your skin barrier.
Your skin naturally produces oils to keep itself protected, but winter weather strips these away faster than they can be replaced. That’s why your usual summer moisturiser might suddenly feel like it’s doing absolutely nothing. Signs you need to switch up your winter skincare routine? Think tight skin after washing, visible flakes, or that uncomfortable pulling sensation.
Here’s where a natural moisturiser made at home becomes your skin’s best mate. Unlike commercial products that might contain alcohol or harsh preservatives, DIY versions focus purely on skin hydration. Plus, you can customise them based on what your skin actually needs rather than what marketing tells you it should want.
Must-Have Natural Ingredients for Winter Skin Rescue
Before we get into the actual recipes, let’s chat about the superstar ingredients that make these homemade beauty products actually work. Think of these as your skin’s winter survival kit.
Powerhouse Oils and Butters
Shea butter is basically the holy grail of winter skincare. It’s packed with vitamins A and E, plus it penetrates deep into your skin rather than just sitting on top. Perfect for when your skin feels like sandpaper.
Coconut oil might be controversial in some skincare circles, but for winter? It’s brilliant. The fatty acids help repair your skin barrier, which is exactly what cold weather damages.
Almond oil is your gentle giant—lightweight enough for daily use but rich in vitamin E to keep skin elastic and smooth. Olive oil brings immediate hydration plus antioxidants that help protect against environmental damage.
Hydrating Gels and Natural Humectants
Aloe vera gel is perfect if you want moisture without the heavy feeling. It’s also brilliant for calming any irritation from harsh winter winds.
Glycerine is a moisture magnet—it pulls hydration from the air and locks it into your skin. Honey does something similar but adds antibacterial benefits too. Rosewater balances your skin’s pH while giving a lovely hydration boost.
Seven Game-Changing DIY Winter Moisturiser Recipes
Right, let’s get to the good stuff. These recipes are tried and tested, using ingredients you can actually pronounce and probably already have at home.
Recipe 1: Rich Shea Butter and Almond Oil Cream
This one’s for when your skin is properly struggling. Mix 2 tablespoons of shea butter with 1 tablespoon of almond oil. Melt the shea butter using a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), then slowly add the almond oil. Let it cool slightly, then whip with a fork until it’s creamy. This moisturiser for dry skin is intense but in the best way possible.
Recipe 2: Lightweight Aloe Vera and Glycerine Gel
Perfect for sensitive skin that still needs winter protection. Combine 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of glycerine and a splash of rosewater. Just mix it all together—no heating required. This gives you hydration without any heaviness.
Recipe 3: Traditional Milk Cream and Olive Oil Blend
Your nan probably knew about this one. Take 1 tablespoon of fresh milk cream and mix it with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Make this fresh each time you use it. It’s gentle enough for daily use and gives that natural glow everyone’s after.
Recipe 4: Coconut Oil and Honey Power Moisturiser
Equal parts coconut oil and honey, warmed slightly so they blend together properly. This combo is brilliant for dull winter skin that needs a radiance boost. The honey pulls moisture in while the coconut oil seals it there.
Recipe 5: Three-Ingredient Beeswax Moisturiser
For serious protection, try 1 cup water, 3/4 cup olive oil, and 3 tablespoons of grated beeswax. Heat the oil and beeswax together until melted, then slowly add the water while whisking. This creates a proper emulsion that lasts ages and gives serious protection.
Recipe 6: Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil Soothing Blend
Mix aloe vera gel with a small amount of coconut oil—start with a 2:1 ratio and adjust based on your skin’s needs. This is perfect for irritated or inflamed skin that winter weather has been particularly harsh on.
Recipe 7: Vitamin E Enhanced Winter Cream
Take any of the oil-based recipes above and pierce a vitamin E capsule to squeeze the contents in. This adds anti-ageing benefits and helps your skin repair itself overnight. Perfect for mature skin that needs extra winter TLC.
Building Your Perfect Winter Skin Care Routine
Having great DIY skincare products is only half the battle—you need to use them right. Your winter skin care routine should be like layering clothes: start light and build up.
Morning Application Tips
Always apply your homemade moisturiser for winter to slightly damp skin. This helps lock in that extra moisture. If you’re using a lighter formula during the day, that’s fine—just make sure you’re actually applying enough. Most people use way too little moisturiser.
Evening Intensive Care
Nighttime is when you can go heavier. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so give it all the help it can get. This is when those richer, oil-based formulas really shine.
Weekly Deep Hydration Treatments
Once a week, treat your skin to something extra. A honey mask, a gentle oil massage, or even just leaving your moisturiser on a bit thicker than usual can make a real difference to how your skin feels.
Pro Tips for DIY Success
Making your own skincare isn’t rocket science, but a few smart moves will make your products work better and last longer.
Preparation Best Practices
Always start with clean containers and tools. You don’t need to go mad with sterilisation, but basic cleanliness prevents your lovely natural moisturiser from going off too quickly. Warm oils blend better, but don’t overheat them—you’ll destroy the good stuff.
Storage and Shelf Life
Glass jars are your friend for storage. Anything with aloe vera should probably live in the fridge and be used within a week or two. Oil-based products last longer but watch for any changes in smell or texture. When in doubt, make smaller batches more often.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
Sometimes your skin needs more than what you can whip up at home. If you’re dealing with severe dryness, eczema, or other skin conditions, these recipes are great supplements but might not be the complete solution.
Combining Homemade with Professional Products
There’s no rule saying you can’t mix DIY with shop-bought products. Maybe you use a gentle commercial cleanser but follow with your homemade moisturiser. Or perhaps you love your DIY day cream but need something stronger for nighttime. This is where platforms like Smytten become brilliant—you can try different professional products in mini sizes to see what works alongside your homemade creations, without committing to full-size purchases that might not suit your skin.
Ingredient Sensitivities and Alternatives
Even natural ingredients can cause reactions. Always patch test new recipes on a small area first. If coconut oil breaks you out, try jojoba oil instead. If you’re allergic to nuts, skip the almond oil and use olive oil. There’s always an alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make homemade moisturiser for winter?
The simplest method is mixing equal parts coconut oil and aloe vera gel. Warm the coconut oil slightly until it’s soft, then blend with the aloe vera until smooth. This gives you a lightweight but effective moisturiser that works for most skin types.
What is the best natural moisturiser for winter?
Coconut oil is incredibly versatile and effective for winter skincare. It contains fatty acids that help repair your skin barrier, which is exactly what cold weather damages. You can use it alone or mix it with other ingredients like honey or aloe vera.
What is a 3 ingredient DIY moisturiser?
The beeswax, olive oil, and water recipe is perfect for this. You get 1 cup water, 3/4 cup olive oil, and 3 tablespoons grated beeswax. Heat the oil and beeswax together, then slowly add water while whisking to create a proper moisturising cream.
How long do homemade moisturisers last?
It depends on the ingredients. Oil-based products typically last 3-6 months when stored properly in glass containers. Anything with fresh ingredients like aloe vera or milk should be used within 1-2 weeks and stored in the fridge.
Can I use these moisturisers on my face and body?
Most of these recipes work for both, but facial skin is more sensitive. Start with lighter formulations on your face and see how your skin reacts. The aloe vera and glycerine gel is particularly good for facial use.
Are there any ingredients I should avoid?
If you have sensitive skin, be cautious with essential oils and always patch test. Some people react to coconut oil or certain plant-based ingredients. When in doubt, start with the simplest recipes first.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own homemade moisturiser for winter is one of those simple pleasures that actually makes a difference. You know exactly what’s going on your skin, you can customise it to your needs, and honestly, there’s something quite satisfying about making something that works better than expensive shop-bought alternatives.
The key is starting simple and building from there. Try one or two recipes that appeal to you, see how your skin responds, then experiment with variations. Your skin is unique, so what works for your mate might not work for you—and that’s completely normal.
While DIY skincare is brilliant for many people, sometimes you need professional formulations too. That’s where exploring different brands and products becomes valuable. Smytten makes this exploration affordable and risk-free, offering trial sizes from over 1,500 trusted skincare brands. Whether you’re looking to complement your homemade routine with professional serums or find the perfect cleanser to use before your DIY moisturiser, you can try products without the commitment of full-size purchases. After all, why settle for maybe when you can try it all and find what truly works for your skin?
