Lavender and Chamomile Face Moisturizer for Sensitive & Dry Skin

Name: Lavender and Chamomile Face Moisturizer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup strong chamomile tea or chamomile hydrosol (Make a strong cup by steeping in hot water for 10 minutes.); 1/4 cup lavender hydrosol (Adds calm and a light botanical scent.); 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel (Provides lightweight hydration.); 1 tablespoon glycerin (Humectant that draws moisture to the skin.); 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (Moisturizes without feeling greasy.); 1 tablespoon squalane (Fast-absorbing moisture.); 2 teaspoons emulsifying wax (Helps blend oil and water.); Broad-spectrum preservative as per label directions (Essential for water-containing recipes.); 2 to 4 drops lavender or Roman chamomile essential oil (Optional and should be patch tested.); 1 clean glass jar or pump bottle (6 to 8 ounce size.)

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Lavender and Chamomile Face Moisturizer saved my skin during one of those dry, flaky, everything-stings kind of winters. If your face gets touchy with new products or feels tight after washing, I’ve been there. I wanted something that felt light, soaked in fast, and didn’t leave that heavy film. So I went into my kitchen and made a simple, soothing lotion that checks all the boxes. It smells softly floral in the best possible way and makes skin feel calm right away. Today I’m sharing exactly how I make it and all my best tips to help you get a smooth, happy glow without the fuss.

Table of Contents

What Is a Lavender and Chamomile Face Moisturizer?

It’s a gentle, homemade face lotion built around two calming botanicals you likely already love in tea form. Lavender helps quiet redness and that warm, prickly feeling you get after cleansing or being out in the wind. Chamomile is like a hug for reactive skin. Together, they create a light, comforting moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores.

Mine is a simple emulsion of water-based goodness, like chamomile tea and aloe, blended with lightweight oils like jojoba and squalane. With a proper preservative, it stays fresh and safe. Without fragrance or harsh actives, it’s perfect for everyday use and especially kind to sensitive and dry skin.

When you’re craving a calm reset for your face, a Lavender and Chamomile Face Moisturizer is a beautiful starting point.

Why Lavender and Chamomile Are Ideal for Sensitive Skin

These two herbs are famous for their chill factor. Lavender is known for soothing irritation and supporting the skin barrier, while chamomile brings a comforting, anti-redness vibe. If your skin flares up at the drop of a hat, they’re a solid pair to try.

I also love that both can be used in gentler forms like hydrosols or teas. That means you get the benefits without relying on strong essential oils. You’ll see I give an optional essential oil note below, but it’s totally not required. Keep it low and patch test if you use it.

Looking for another calming DIY to rotate into your routine? I’ve had lovely results pairing this lotion with a soothing oatmeal and milk face mask when my skin needs an extra-soft touch.

Benefits of Lavender and Chamomile Face Moisturizer

Calming hydration for sensitive and dry skin without heaviness
Lightweight feel that absorbs quickly
Skin comfort from lavender and chamomile, which can help with visible redness
Non-greasy finish that layers well under SPF and makeup
Easy to customize with different oils or more humectants if you need extra moisture

“I’ve tried so many moisturizers that left a waxy feel. This one is different. It sinks in fast, smells soft and clean, and my cheeks don’t look blotchy by lunchtime.”

Key Ingredients and Their Skin Benefits

Chamomile tea or hydrosol: Brings gentle comfort to reactive skin.

Lavender hydrosol: Adds calm and a light botanical scent without going heavy on essential oils.

Aloe vera gel: Lightweight hydration with a cool, soothing slip.

Glycerin: A humectant that pulls water into the skin for plumpness.

Why This Moisturizer Is Non-Greasy and Lightweight

I focus on a high-water, low-oil balance, plus the right oils. Jojoba and squalane both absorb fast and feel silky. Aloe and glycerin make the texture whisper-light. A well-balanced emulsion helps everything sink in instead of sitting on top. The result is a Lavender and Chamomile Face Moisturizer that’s soft, calm, and not shiny.

Tip: If you usually get greasy by noon, use less product and apply it to slightly damp skin. That helps it spread evenly without overdoing it.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Face Moisturizer

1/2 cup strong chamomile tea or chamomile hydrosol
1/4 cup lavender hydrosol
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon glycerin
2 tablespoons jojoba oil
1 tablespoon squalane
2 teaspoons emulsifying wax (pellets work well)
Broad-spectrum preservative, per label directions
Optional: 2 to 4 drops total of lavender or Roman chamomile essential oil
Clean glass jar or pump bottle, 6 to 8 ounce size

How to Make Lavender and Chamomile Face Moisturizer (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Brew the calming base

Make a strong cup of chamomile tea by steeping 1 to 2 tea bags in 3/4 cup hot water for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then measure 1/2 cup. Stir in the lavender hydrosol and aloe. Add glycerin and mix well. This is your water phase.

Step 2: Melt the oil phase

In a separate heat-safe cup, combine jojoba, squalane, and emulsifying wax. Warm gently using a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a small pot of simmering water until the wax is fully melted. Don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Emulsify

Warm the water phase just until it’s similar in temperature to the oil phase. Slowly pour the water phase into the melted oil phase while blending with a small handheld frother or whisk. Keep mixing until it thickens and looks creamy. It will continue to set as it cools.

Step 4: Cool and preserve

When the mixture is lukewarm, add your preservative per the label’s percentage and stir well. If you’re using essential oils, add a tiny amount now and stir again. Always patch test if you choose to add essential oils.

Step 5: Jar and label

Transfer to a clean, dry pump bottle or jar. Label it with the date. Let it rest at room temp for a few hours so it finishes thickening.

Note: If you skip the preservative, keep the lotion in the fridge and use it up within a week. For long-term use, a broad-spectrum preservative is the safer choice.

How to Use This Face Moisturizer for Best Results

After cleansing, pat your face until it’s still slightly damp. Pump a pea-sized amount and smooth it over your face and neck with gentle strokes. I use a little extra on the cheeks because that’s where I get flaky. In the morning, follow with sunscreen. At night, you can seal it in with a drop of squalane on very dry spots.

On days when I want a baby-soft boost, I’ll do a gentle oatmeal and milk face mask first, rinse, then apply this moisturizer. The combo is so calm and comfy.

Pro tip: Less is more. If you feel tacky, use less product or apply on slightly wetter skin so it spreads farther.

Is This Moisturizer Suitable for Your Skin Type?

Sensitive: Yes, it’s designed for you. Start without essential oils, patch test, and keep everything clean.

Dry: Absolutely. The aloe, glycerin, and oils give you balanced hydration. Add a drop of squalane afterward if you need more.

Combination: Works well. Use a smaller amount on your T-zone, more on cheeks.

Acne-prone: Many do fine with jojoba and squalane. Patch test. If oils worry you, reduce the jojoba slightly and increase the water phase for a lighter feel.

How Long Does Homemade Face Moisturizer Last?

With a proper broad-spectrum preservative and good hygiene, your moisturizer generally lasts 8 to 12 weeks. Keep it in a pump bottle if you can. Store it in a cool spot away from direct sun.

If you skip the preservative, use a small batch within 5 to 7 days and store it in the fridge. Toss it if you notice a sour smell, texture change, or any mold. When in doubt, throw it out.

Can You Customize This Moisturizer?

Definitely. Here are easy tweaks that keep the skin-loving spirit of the recipe intact.

For extra dryness: Add 1 more teaspoon glycerin or top off your routine with a few drops of squalane at night.

For ultra-sensitive: Skip essential oils and stick to hydrosols. You’ll still get that comforting effect.

For oil control: Drop the jojoba to 1 tablespoon and increase lavender hydrosol by 1 tablespoon for a lighter finish.

Fragrance-free: Use hydrosols or just chamomile tea and distilled water. Keep it simple and clean.

Water-free balm option: If you do not want preservatives at all, make a balm with jojoba, squalane, and a little beeswax. It will feel richer than the lotion and can be great as a night sealant on dry patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the scent strong?

A: Not really. Hydrosols give a soft, natural scent that fades quickly. If you want zero scent, use distilled water and skip hydrosols.

Q: Can I use coconut oil instead?

A: I don’t recommend it for faces prone to congestion. Jojoba and squalane are lighter and more skin-friendly for daily use.

Q: Do I need the emulsifying wax?

A: Yes, for a lotion. It’s what binds oil and water together so your moisturizer stays smooth. Without it, they separate.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: You can, but I prefer small batches for freshness. If you do scale up, measure carefully and keep everything extra clean.

Q: Will this work under makeup?

A: Totally. It dries down soft and non-greasy, so foundation glides on without pilling.

Final Thoughts: A Gentle, Effective DIY Face Moisturizer

If your skin has been craving calm, this Lavender and Chamomile Face Moisturizer is such a kind daily staple. It’s light, it’s soothing, and it feels like a mini reset every time you smooth it on. If you’d rather buy than DIY, I’ve also liked browsing options like Chamomile Lavender Face Moisturizer | Organic Essence Products for ingredient ideas and texture inspiration. Either way, your face will appreciate the gentle approach. Give it a try and let me know how your skin feels after a week of consistent use.