Frankincense essential oil mistakes article

Anti-Ageing Essential Oil Recipes That WON’T Sit Unused in Your Bathroom

I hope you’ve been having a good week and finding little moments to look after yourself. Very important!

I wanted to share something with you today that I’ve been working on, my favourite essential oil recipes for supporting ageing skin.

These are blends that area easy to make and use, A few quality oils, a dark glass bottle, and five minutes of your time is genuinely enough.

These recipes are simple, completely plant based, and they work. I promise.

Face serum
You can make your own anti ageing essential oil serum – check my recipes below.

So grab yourself a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s talk about caring for your skin in a way that actually feels good.

(Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission, always at no extra cost to you).

Why essential oils actually help mature skin look better

Essential oils aren’t magic potions, but they do offer real benefits when used properly.

Many essential oils contain powerful antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stressors. They can support your skin’s natural renewal process and help maintain a healthy, vibrant appearance.

Essential oils kit set
My arsenal of essential oils!

The aromatherapy aspect matters too. When you take a moment to massage a beautifully scented oil blend into your skin, you’re not just feeding your skin, you’re giving yourself a tiny ritual of care that reduces stress. And less stress? That shows on your face.

Think of essential oils as concentrated plant extracts that deliver targeted support whilst smelling absolutely lovely. They work best when diluted in nourishing carrier oils that provide the fatty acids and vitamins your skin craves.

The best essential oils for aging skin (and what they actually do)

Here are my go to essential oils for supporting mature skin. Each brings something special to your skincare routine.

1. Frankincense (my favourite)

The queen of anti aging essential oils, frankincense has been treasured for thousands of years. It’s traditionally used to support skin cell regeneration and can help skin look smoother and more toned. The scent is warm, resinous, and grounding.

If you’re new to frankincense, I’ve written a detailed guide on frankincense essential oil uses that covers everything from skincare to aromatherapy.

Best for: All skin types, particularly mature or sun damaged skin.

Get frankincense essential oil here

2. Lavender (yes, really)

Lavender essential oil

Lavender is gentle, soothing, and wonderfully versatile. It helps calm irritated skin whilst supporting repair processes. The scent promotes relaxation, making it perfect for nighttime blends.

Best for: Sensitive skin, combination skin, anyone prone to redness.

Get lavender essential oil here

3. Geranium (great for balancing and toning)

Geranium essential oil

Geranium helps balance oil production (yes, even mature skin produces oil!) and supports skin elasticity. The floral scent is uplifting without being overwhelming.

Best for: Combination skin, skin that feels unbalanced.

Get geranium essential oil here

4. Myrrh (perfect for pairing with frankincense)

Myrrh essential oil and myrrh

Myrrh works beautifully alongside frankincense. It’s traditionally used for supporting skin firmness and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines. The scent is earthy and meditative.

For more on myrrh’s skincare benefits, check out my complete myrrh guide.

Best for: Dry, mature skin that needs extra nourishment.

Get myrrh essential oil here

5. Sandalwood (a great moisturiser)

Sandalwood is deeply moisturising and helps skin look plump and hydrated. The woody, creamy scent is both calming and luxurious.

Best for: Dry skin, skin that looks dull or tired.

Get sandalwood essential oil here

6. Carrot seed (fabulous extra)

This lesser known oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It’s traditionally used to support skin tone and texture, helping skin look more even and refined.

Best for: Sun damaged skin, uneven skin tone, mature skin.

Get carrot seed oil here

7. Rose otto (pure luxury!)

Rose otto is precious, potent, and absolutely worth it. It helps skin look smoother and more radiant whilst providing gentle moisture support. The scent is pure luxury.

Best for: All skin types, particularly dry or sensitive mature skin.

Get rose otto essential oil here

8. Patchouli (supports skin regeneration and elasticity)

Patchouli supports skin regeneration and helps maintain skin elasticity. The earthy, musky scent isn’t for everyone, but in small amounts it adds depth to blends whilst delivering genuine skin benefits.

Best for: Mature, dry, or sagging looking skin.

The carrier oils your aging skin actually needs

Essential oils need diluting in carrier oils. These are the oils that make up the bulk of your blend and deliver their own powerful benefits.

If you want to learn more about choosing the right carrier oil for your skin type, I’ve got a comprehensive guide to carrier oils for skin that goes into much more detail.

1. Rosehip oil (reduces appearance of fine lines)

My absolute favourite for mature skin. Rosehip is rich in vitamins A and C, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, supports skin firmness, and promotes a more even skin tone.

Texture: Lightweight, absorbs quickly.

Best for: All skin types, particularly sun damaged or ageing skin.

Get rosehip oil here

2. Jojoba oil (helps regulate sebum)

My lovely jojoba oil

Technically a liquid wax, jojoba closely mimics your skin’s natural oils. It helps regulate oil production, keeps skin balanced, and absorbs beautifully without feeling greasy.

Texture: Silky, non greasy.

Best for: All skin types, especially combination or oily mature skin.

Get jojoba oil here

3. Argan oil (maintains elasticity)

Argan oil for hair

Packed with vitamin E and fatty acids, argan oil helps maintain skin elasticity and provides deep nourishment. It’s particularly good for skin that looks tired or stressed.

Texture: Medium weight, absorbs well.

Best for: Dry, mature, or sun damaged skin.

Get argan oil here

4. Squalane (plant derived, great for protecting your skin barrier)

squalane for fungal acne

Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, plant based squalane helps lock moisture into skin whilst supporting its protective barrier. It’s stable, non comedogenic, and works for virtually everyone.

Texture: Ultra light, absorbs instantly.

Best for: All skin types, particularly those who find oils too heavy.

Get squalane oil here

5. Sweet almond oil (great source of vit E)

Gentle, nourishing, and affordable, sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins E and A. It helps soften skin and improve overall texture and tone.

Texture: Light to medium, slightly nutty scent.

Best for: Normal to dry skin.

Get sweet almond oil here

6. Pomegranate seed oil (luxurious antioxidant!)

Half a pomegranate

This luxurious oil is bursting with antioxidants and supports collagen production from within. It helps skin look firmer and more resilient.

Texture: Medium weight, slightly viscous.

Best for: Mature skin, skin needing extra firming support.

Get pomegranate seed oil here

7. Grapeseed oil (lightweight, inexpensive)

If you want something lightweight that won’t feel heavy on your skin, grapeseed is brilliant. It’s rich in antioxidants and suitable for those who find richer oils overwhelming.

Texture: Very light, absorbs quickly.

Best for: Combination or oily mature skin.

Get grapeseed oil here

How to use essential oils safely on your face (this matters!)

Before you start mixing, let’s talk safety. Essential oils are powerful, and using them properly ensures you get benefits without irritation.

Standard dilution percentages

For facial oils:

  • 2% dilution for daily use (about 12 drops of essential oil per 30ml/1 oz of carrier oil)
  • 1% dilution for sensitive skin or eye area blends (about 6 drops per 30ml)

For body oils:

  • 2 to 3% dilution is generally safe (12 to 18 drops per 30ml)

When in doubt, start lower. You can always add more.

Patch testing

Always patch test new blends before applying to your face. Mix your blend, apply a small amount to your inner forearm, cover with a plaster, and wait 24 hours. No reaction? You’re good to go.

Pets

Keep all blends away from cats and dogs. Many essential oils are toxic to pets via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.

Photosensitivity cautions

Some essential oils, particularly citrus oils (lemon, grapefruit, bergamot), make skin more sensitive to sunlight. If your blend contains citrus oils, use it only at night or ensure you’re applying proper sun protection during the day.

Pregnancy cautions

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, some essential oils aren’t recommended. Always consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils during pregnancy.

Storage tips

Store your blends in dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt blue, get them here) in a cool, dark place. Essential oils and carrier oils can oxidise when exposed to light and heat, which reduces their effectiveness and can cause skin irritation.

Label everything with the date you made it. Most facial oil blends stay fresh for 6 to 12 months if stored properly.

If you’ve got oils that are past their prime, don’t just bin them! Check out my guide on what to do with expired essential oils for practical ideas on how to use them safely around the home.

Important safety note

Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin. Always dilute in a carrier oil. If irritation occurs, wash the area with mild soap and water.

10 anti aging essential oil recipes you can make at home

These blends are complementary care, not medical treatments. Always patch test new blends on your inner forearm for 24 hours. Discontinue if irritation occurs. Evidence for skin benefits is promising from lab and small studies. Consult a doctor for skin conditions, pregnancy, or medications.

Right, let’s get to the good stuff. These recipes are simple, effective, and completely plant based.

1. Wrinkle softening facial oil

This is my go to blend for addressing fine lines and keeping skin looking smooth.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Pour carrier oils into a dark glass bottle
  2. Add essential oils drop by drop
  3. Cap tightly and roll gently to mix
  4. Label with date

How to use: Apply 3 to 4 drops to clean, slightly damp skin every evening. Gently press into face and neck.

Best for: Mature, dry skin with visible fine lines.

2. Firming night blend

This richer blend works whilst you sleep to support skin firmness and elasticity.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Combine carrier oils in bottle
  2. Add essential oils
  3. Mix by rolling bottle gently
  4. Store in cool, dark place

How to use: Warm 4 to 5 drops between palms, press into clean face and neck before bed. Use nightly.

Best for: All skin types, particularly skin that’s losing firmness.

3. Brightening daily oil

A lighter blend that helps even skin tone and adds radiance without heaviness.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Mix carrier oils in bottle
  2. Add essential oils carefully
  3. Shake gently to blend
  4. Label with date

How to use: Use 2 to 3 drops morning and evening on clean, damp skin. Follow with your usual moisturiser if needed.

Best for: All skin types, uneven skin tone, dull looking skin.

4. Gentle eye area blend

The skin around your eyes is delicate, so this blend uses a 1% dilution for safety.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Pour sweet almond oil into bottle
  2. Add essential oils one at a time
  3. Roll gently to mix
  4. Label clearly as “eye area only”

How to use: Use 1 to 2 drops per eye area. Gently pat (don’t rub) around orbital bone morning and night. Avoid getting oil directly in eyes.

Best for: Mature eye area, fine lines, puffiness.

5. Neck and décolleté firming oil

Your neck and chest deserve just as much attention as your face.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Combine carrier oils
  2. Add essential oils
  3. Mix well by rolling bottle
  4. Label with date and usage

How to use: After cleansing, massage 5 to 6 drops into neck and décolleté using upward strokes. Use every evening.

Best for: Mature skin on neck, chest, and décolleté area.

6. Hand rejuvenation blend

Our hands show age quickly but respond beautifully to consistent care.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Mix carrier oils in bottle
  2. Add essential oils
  3. Shake gently
  4. Transfer to pump bottle if preferred

How to use: Massage 3 to 4 drops into hands after washing, focusing on age spots and dry areas. Use multiple times daily.

Best for: Dry, age spotted, or crepey looking hands.

7. Glow support daytime blend

A lightweight oil that works under makeup or moisturiser for all day radiance.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Pour carrier oils into bottle
  2. Add essential oils drop by drop
  3. Mix by rolling bottle
  4. Label clearly

How to use: Apply 2 to 3 drops to damp skin in the morning. Let absorb for a minute before applying moisturiser or makeup.

Best for: All skin types, particularly combination or oily mature skin.

Note: No photosensitive oils in this blend, so it’s safe for daytime use.

8. Anti aging face mist for refreshing your skin anytime

A refreshing mist that delivers hydration and essential oil benefits throughout the day.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Pour rose hydrosol into glass spray bottle
  2. Add vegetable glycerin and shake
  3. Add essential oils
  4. Shake very well before each use (oil and water separate naturally)

How to use: Shake bottle well. Mist over face with eyes closed, morning and evening, or throughout the day for refreshment. Pat gently to help absorption.

Best for: All skin types, especially as a midday refresh.

Get witch hazel here Get vegetable glycerin here

9. Simple oil cleanser for mature skin

Oil cleansing removes makeup and daily grime whilst nourishing skin.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Combine all oils in pump bottle
  2. Shake gently to mix
  3. Label with date

How to use: Massage 1 to 2 pumps onto dry skin, including eye makeup. Add warm water to emulsify into milky texture. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use nightly.

Best for: All skin types, removes makeup gently whilst delivering nutrients.

10. Lightweight daytime facial oil for combination skin

Not everyone needs heavy oils. This blend is perfect for combination or oilier mature skin.

Ingredients:

Steps:

  1. Mix carrier oils in bottle
  2. Add essential oils carefully
  3. Roll to blend
  4. Label with date

How to use: Use 2 to 3 drops on damp skin morning and evening. This absorbs quickly and won’t leave an oily residue.

Best for: Combination, oily, or acne prone mature skin.

How to actually use these oils in your daily routine

Making the oils is one thing. Using them consistently is what brings results.

If you’re wondering how to layer these oils with your other skincare products, I’ve written a detailed guide on the correct order of skincare products that covers both morning and evening routines.

When to apply

Morning:

  • Cleanse face with water or gentle cleanser
  • While skin is still slightly damp, apply 2 to 3 drops of your chosen daytime oil
  • Let absorb for 1 to 2 minutes
  • Follow with moisturiser if needed (though often the oil is enough)
  • Apply sun protection

Evening:

  • Remove makeup with oil cleanser
  • Cleanse with gentle face wash if desired
  • While skin is damp, apply 3 to 4 drops of your chosen night oil
  • Gently massage into face, neck, and décolleté
  • Let it work whilst you sleep

Layering with other products

If you use serums: Apply water based serums first (like hyaluronic acid), let absorb, then apply your facial oil to seal everything in.

If you use moisturiser: You can use facial oil under or over moisturiser. Under helps seal in moisture; over gives extra nourishment and glow.

With retinol alternatives: If you’re using bakuchiol or another natural retinol alternative (I’ve written about why I’ll never use retinol and my favourite natural retinol alternatives), apply that first, wait a few minutes, then apply your facial oil.

How much to actually use

Face: 2 to 4 drops is genuinely enough. More isn’t better.

Neck and décolleté: 4 to 6 drops for the larger area.

Hands: 2 to 3 drops per hand.

Eye area: 1 to 2 drops total for both eyes.

Consistency is everything

Using these oils once won’t transform your skin. Using them daily for 8 to 12 weeks? That’s when you’ll see real changes.

Your skin renews itself roughly every 28 days (longer as we age). Give your routine at least that long to show its magic.

Quick troubleshooting

Oil feels too heavy? You’re using too much. Cut back to 2 drops and work from there.

Not seeing results? Make sure you’re applying to slightly damp skin. This helps oils absorb better.

Breaking out? You might be sensitive to one of the oils. Switch to a simpler blend with fewer ingredients.

Your skin is beautiful at every age

Here’s what I want you to know: aging is natural, normal, and nothing to fight against.

These essential oil recipes aren’t about stopping time or erasing every line. They’re about supporting your skin gently, consistently, and kindly as it changes.

You don’t need an expensive 10 step routine. You don’t need to spend hundreds on anti aging serums. You need a few quality oils, a bit of knowledge, and the commitment to care for yourself regularly.

Plant based oils work. They truly do. But they work best when paired with realistic expectations, patience, and self compassion.

If you’re looking for more simple, effective skincare approaches, you might enjoy my article on simple natural face routines that focus on minimalist, effective care.

Mix these blends. Use them consistently. Notice how your skin feels softer, looks brighter, and seems more comfortable in its own beautiful, aging self.

Your skin tells the story of your life. Let’s just make sure it’s well supported whilst it’s telling that story.

Love,

Patri xx

Resources

1. Kotb EA, et al. Protective potential of frankincense essential oil and its loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against UVB-induced photodamage in rats via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways; A promising anti-aging therapy. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):22780. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38127865/ [web:6]

2. Han X, et al. Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts. Biochim Open. 2017;4:31-5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5801908/ [web:3]

3. Sakuragi Y, et al. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model of incisional wound healing. Ann Plast Surg. 2016;77(4):435-41. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27229681/ [web:7]

4. Butcher A. The Effects of Lavender Essential Oil on Wound Healing: A Review of the Current Evidence. J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(10):859-70. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2019.0286 [web:15]

5. Phetcharat L, et al. The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell senescence, skin wrinkling, and aging. Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1849-56. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4655903/ [web:23]

6. Boucetta KQ, et al. The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on skin hydration and elasticity in humans. Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:211-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25673976/ [web:28]

7. Aslam A, et al. Pomegranate as a cosmeceutical source: Pomegranate fractions promote proliferation and procollagen synthesis and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in human skin cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;102(3):384-93. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16221534/ [web:38]

Patri Hernandez is a Certified Health Coach (IIN), Certified Organic Skincare Formulator, and Co-Founder of My Klarity Health. A member of the International Association for Health Coaches, she brings over a decade of holistic wellness experience to every article combining evidence-based health coaching with ongoing studies in herbalism, aromatherapy, and dermo-cosmetics. At Oh Mighty Health, her mission is simple: make expert knowledge feel genuinely useful in your everyday life.

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