One of the first things I discovered when I started drifting towards the natural/DIY side of things was body oil. Well, technically it was a massage oil that my parents had received as a slightly-too-hippy-scented housewarming gift, so I made off with it. But it was basically just jojoba oil (USA / Canada) with some essential oils in it, and it was awesome. After argan oil (USA / Canada), it was my first experience with applying straight oil to my skin, and I liked it. It was brilliant for my dry winter skin, and very little went so very far. I hoarded that bottle of oil for months until I finally figured out how to replace it.
This is how I replaced it—one of the ways, at least. This lovely oil absorbs quickly into the skin and is luxuriously scented with labdanum and lavender essential oils. I love using it right after a bath, or when I need a quick dose of moisture. It doesn’t absorb as quickly as lotion, and its thin consistency makes it best suited for smooth skin (basically not your hands, feet, elbows, or knees).
I chose grapeseed oil with a bit of jojoba so it would absorb quickly. If you don’t have grapeseed oil, safflower oil, or any other quick absorbing oil would be a good alternative.
The best thing about body oils is that they come together in a flash. Just place all the ingredients in a bottle and shake. And you’re done. Nice!
Lavender & Labdanum Body Oil
19mL grapeseed oil
10mL jojoba oil (USA / Canada)
1mL labdanum essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oilPour all the ingredients into a 30mL bottle. Cap and shake to combine.
To use, smooth a small amount over dry skin.
This oil sounds wonderful! Have you considered (or do you) selling & shipping these beauty items? I’d gladly purchase some- or many!
Thanks, DuvĂ! I have considered selling, but I really don’t have the time. This blog is still in the “hobby” category as I work more than full time. Hopefully someday, though!
If I use Rosehip Oil will it dry out my skin? I am so in love with Rodehip Oil at the moment and I noticed after following the link above (quick absorbing oil) that it is drying.
You definitely can—I just put rosehip oil in the “far too expensive for all-over body use” category. It’s only called a “drying” oil because it absorbs so quickly it leaves your skin feeling dry, not oily 🙂
hello I made your perfume yesterday, I used lemongrass, Rosemary and Lavender. I thought the lemongrass would linger a bit but I think if is a bit strong and over powering the other essential oils. It turned out a lovely texture.
Thank very much for recipe. Dina
I’m thrilled to hear it 🙂 Thanks for DIYing with me! Don’t forget to test it on your skin as well as in the tin—the scent will develop and change a bit on each person.
I made this yesterday! It smells divine; the labdanum blends perfectly with the lavender. This is a perfect post-shower body oil!
I did make a few changes: I used 1/2 cup each of fractionated coconut oil and walnut oil, 1 tbsp. of jojoba oil & 1/4 cup of camellia seed oil to +/-1 tsp of lavender oil and 2 large drops of labdanum oil. I admit I did not measure the EOs :). It smells wonderful but the labdanum scent does not come through on the skin. I used this combination of oils for their quick and medium absorption properties.
Thanks for this recipe Marie!!
OOoh fantastic! Your modifications sound divine 🙂 I love camellia seed oil, it’s just so darn silky and lovely.
I don’t have an labdanum EO, could you give me other combo? I don’t even know what it is, could you tell me about it? I have about 100 oils and have never heard of this one. Thanks,
Labdanum is truly an outlier thanks to its amazing, complex scent. I tried my best to describe it here. There is no substitute, so if you don’t have it, just choose something that pairs well with lavender (bergamot and vanilla come to mind). I would really recommend getting some, though, it’s AMAZING!