DIY Anti-Aging Skin Serum with Aloe & Essential Oils

QUICK SUMMARY

This DIY anti-aging skin serum combines aloe vera, coconut oil, and customizable essential oils to moisturize dry skin, support the skin barrier, soothe irritation, and create a nourishing natural beauty routine.

Aloe vera has human research supporting wound healing in certain settings, including second-degree burns, although the evidence does not mean this homemade serum should be used on serious burns or open wounds. Virgin coconut oil has human clinical evidence for improving skin hydration and barrier function. Lavender has emerging human and preclinical wound-healing evidence, while tea tree has clinical research for mild-to-moderate acne. Frankincense, helichrysum, and sandalwood have promising skin research, but much of it remains laboratory, animal, or preliminary human evidence. (1, 2, 3, 4)

Use the preserved recipe below as a moisturizer and skin-support serum on intact skin. It is not a treatment for melanoma, precancerous lesions, serious burns, psoriasis, eczema, or another diagnosed skin disease. Any suspicious, changing, bleeding, or non-healing skin lesion should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

This Anti-Aging Cream & Skin Healing Serum is one of my most popular DIYs. It’s helped thousands of people who have shared how much they love the way their skin looks and feels.

I often get asked how I keep my skin looking so supple. I was born in 1978, and most people think I’m much younger. This cream is my secret!

I know it’s going to become a staple in your beauty routine as well.

I especially love this recipe because it combines some of my favorite God-given skin ingredients: cooling aloe vera, moisturizing coconut oil, and essential oils that you can customize for your own skin needs.

We also use these ingredients as part of our natural first-aid and skin-care routines. But when we talk about “healing skin,” we need to distinguish soothing and supporting normal skin repair from treating a diagnosed disease. Serious burns, infected wounds, unexplained rashes, precancerous lesions, and skin cancer need appropriate professional evaluation.

My Dad's Skin Cancer Story

My dad is a retired agriscientist, and he has always been – and likely always will be – a passionate hobby farmer. In addition to his full-time job, he's spent more than forty hours per week in the garden for as long as I can remember.

He lived outside during the growing season, and a lot of our family time was spent picking weeds and harvesting our produce. Even now, long retired from the agriculture business, he's still in the garden year-round.

I have him to thank for my work ethic, green thumb, and sensitive skin!

Dad's been bald for years now, and he's always had problems with cancerous and precancerous lesions on sun-exposed areas of his skin. He goes through ball caps as I go through pantyhose, but that still doesn't keep the sun away from his pale skin.

During my dad's most recent bout with skin cancer, he showed me the cream his doctor prescribed. I remember reading the medication information and being shocked by some of the warning language surrounding the drug.

Dad had been applying the prescription cream after having several tumors removed. Unfortunately, the areas became irritated and scaly, and at one point the skin even resembled a candida infection to us.

I asked him if he'd be willing to try my favorite DIY anti-aging skin cream as part of his skin-care routine, and he said yes, but only if he could finish off the prescription stuff he was using.

I said, “Fair enough,” and went to work.

I ended up making my dad two varieties of my anti-aging cream for him to try: one with lavender essential oil and another with a blend of lavender, tea tree, and frankincense.

From what we could see, his skin looked dramatically better. Within about six weeks, his hands and arms looked completely clear, and he became a believer in the power of DIY with essential oils!

That is our family's experience, and I'm grateful for it. But testimony and clinical evidence are not the same thing.

Anti-Aging & Healing Skin Serum Ingredients

You might be wondering just what's in this cream. The answer is simple: pure ingredients and essential oils.

In other words, some of my favorite skin-care ingredients straight from God's creation!

Here's what we know about each one.

Fresh Frozen Aloe or Aloe Vera Gel

Fresh Frozen Aloe or Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera has a long history of topical use for irritated and damaged skin.

One of the studies we previously cited for aloe and wrinkles actually used oral aloe gel supplementation, not topical aloe. In that small human study, dietary aloe improved facial wrinkles and elasticity and increased type I procollagen gene expression. That is interesting anti-aging research, but it does not prove that rubbing aloe gel on your face produces the same collagen effect. (7)

The evidence for topical aloe is strongest in wound and burn research. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials found that aloe vera shortened healing time in second-degree burns compared with other topical treatments, although it did not significantly improve pain or infection risk. (1)

That does not make this homemade cosmetic serum an appropriate treatment for a serious burn. Medical burn studies use defined wound-care preparations and controlled conditions.

For everyday skin care, I love aloe because of its cooling feel, moisture, and versatility. To get the full benefits, use pure aloe vera gel.

Organic Coconut Oil

Organic Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is one of my favorite natural moisturizers.

Human research supports its use for skin-barrier and hydration support. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of 117 children with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, virgin coconut oil produced greater improvements in dermatitis severity, transepidermal water loss, and skin hydration than mineral oil after eight weeks. (2)

Other research has also examined coconut oil's emollient properties and its activity against Staphylococcus aureus on atopic skin. (8)

That is a stronger and more accurate reason to use coconut oil in this serum than claiming it automatically prevents bacterial acne infections.

Coconut oil is one of my favorite moisturizers because it leaves my skin feeling silky and nourished.

If coconut oil tends to feel heavy or cause breakouts on your face, listen to your skin. You can use this serum on the body or explore the rosehip variation below instead.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender is one of our favorite oils for soothing skin and creating a calming beauty routine.

A 2020 review examining lavender essential oil and wound healing included human clinical studies along with animal and laboratory research. The authors found evidence suggesting potential benefits involving wound closure, collagen-related processes, and tissue remodeling while emphasizing the need for better standardized human trials. (3)

That is encouraging evidence for skin repair, but it should not be turned into a claim that lavender has been clinically proven to erase wrinkles or reverse skin aging.

Lavender also has a calming aroma, making it a beautiful option for an evening skin-care ritual.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree Essential Oil: Tea tree is one of my favorite oils when skin cleansing is the priority.

It has well-documented antimicrobial activity, and human research exists for acne. In a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial, a 5% tea tree oil gel significantly reduced lesion counts and acne severity in people with mild-to-moderate acne. (4)

Our serum is not the same 5% tea tree gel studied in that trial, so the results cannot be transferred directly to this recipe.

Tea tree can also cause contact irritation or sensitization in some people, particularly when old or oxidized oil is used. Keep bottles tightly closed, store them away from heat and light, and patch test if you have sensitive skin.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense Essential Oil: Frankincense remains one of our favorite oils for mature-looking, irritated, and stressed skin.

The strongest claims you will sometimes see online about frankincense “regenerating cells” or treating skin cancer go beyond the available human evidence.

Frankincense and its extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and skin-related activity in experimental research, including newer animal work involving psoriasis-like dermatitis. But animal findings are not proof that frankincense treats psoriasis, precancerous lesions, or cancer in people. (9)

We use frankincense here as a supportive skin-care essential oil, not as an oncology treatment.

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum Essential Oil: Helichrysum is one of our favorite oils for intensive skin-care blends and the appearance of scars.

Research is promising, but most of the wound-healing evidence is still preclinical.

A 2021 study found that 0.5% Helichrysum italicum essential-oil ointment and gel improved wound contraction and tissue-repair markers in diabetic rats. More recent cell-model research also suggests effects on collagen deposition and skin regeneration. (10, 11)

Researchers themselves have noted the lack of good human clinical trials for topical helichrysum. That means I am comfortable calling it a traditional and promising skin-support oil, but not a clinically proven scar remover.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood Essential Oil: Sandalwood has a rich, grounding aroma and is one of my favorite additions when skin feels dry, irritated, or out of balance.

Experimental research has identified anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity from East Indian sandalwood oil in skin models, and preliminary clinical research has explored it in psoriasis. (12)

That evidence is interesting, but it does not mean this serum treats psoriasis.

For us, sandalwood's best role here is as a luxurious, soothing addition to a natural skin-care blend.

5 Things to Look for When Purchasing Aloe Vera

Your skin is an important protective barrier, not literally a sponge that absorbs everything placed on it. Some compounds penetrate the skin readily, while others penetrate poorly or not at all. Damaged or inflamed skin can absorb certain substances more readily than healthy skin. (13)

That is still a good reason to be thoughtful about what you put on your body.

Many aloe vera gels on the market contain water, fragrances, dyes, thickeners, and preservatives. We prefer simple products whenever possible.

Here are some things I look for when purchasing an aloe vera gel:

1. 100% pure or as close to pure aloe as practical
2. Inner leaf gel only
3. No synthetic fragrance, artificial dye, or unnecessary fillers
4. Raw or minimally processed when practical
5. Not heavily decolorized or deodorized when a high-quality minimally processed option is available

Our original preference has also been to avoid ingredients such as citric acid and sodium benzoate when choosing aloe.

Keep one thing in mind: preservatives exist because water-rich products such as aloe can support microbial growth.

If you choose fresh aloe or a minimally preserved aloe product, clean handling, refrigeration, and making small fresh batches become even more important. That is one reason this recipe tells you to make a fresh batch each week.

2 Steps to the Perfect Anti-Aging Cream & Healing Skin Serum

This DIY is easy to make, and it makes a LOT of product. Who knows? Maybe you have a loved one in your life who could use this serum as much as my dad did!

Anti-Aging Cream & Healing Skin Serum

Author Mama Z

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Quantity

2x4x6x

Ingredients

• 4 ounces fresh OR frozen aloe vera gel
• 4 ounces coconut oil, extra-virgin AND unrefined, melted*
• 64 drops lavender essential oil**

Supplies

• Food processor or blender
• Glass jar or glass salve container

Instructions

 

• Blend the aloe gel, coconut oil, and essential oil in a food processor or blender until smooth.
• Once well mixed, store in a glass jar or salve container in a cool place (like the fridge) so the coconut oil remains hardened.
• Apply over any problem areas on your skin at least once per day.

Notes

*No matter what allergies you may have, there’s a carrier oil that’s right for you. You can use any or a combination of these: Avocado, Fractionated Coconut,  Grapeseed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond. These are our favorite carrier oils; to see a full list of options, click here.

**Be sure to check out our variations and choose the blend that works best for your skin type. Note that some of the variations mentioned require more drops of essential oils, depending on the variation or strength. 

Step One: Blend the Ingredients

First, blend the aloe vera gel, essential oil, and coconut oil in a Magic Bullet or food processor until smooth.

Because the recipe combines water-rich aloe with oil and does not use a conventional cosmetic preservative system, always work with clean hands, clean equipment, and a clean container.

Step Two: Store the Mixture

Once the mixture is combined, scoop into a glass jar or glass salve container. Store in a fridge or cool place so the coconut oil stays hardened. Make a fresh batch each week!

Do not keep using a batch if you notice mold, bubbling, separation with an unusual odor, discoloration, or another sign of spoilage.

Anti-Aging Cream Variations

Anti-Fungal Variation

Use the above recipe, but swap the lavender essential oil for this combination: 32 drops lavender essential oil, 16 drops tea tree essential oil, and 16 drops frankincense essential oil.

Tea tree has meaningful antifungal and antibacterial laboratory evidence, but this homemade cosmetic blend should not replace diagnosis or treatment of a persistent fungal or bacterial skin infection.

If a rash is spreading, painful, draining, recurrent, or not improving, find out what it actually is before repeatedly applying essential oils.

Maximum Care Variation

Use the same recipe as above, but swap the lavender essential oil for this combination: 32 drops lavender essential oil, 16 drops tea tree essential oil, 16 drops frankincense essential oil, 18 drops helichrysum essential oil, and 18 drops sandalwood essential oil. If you have other skin issues, feel free to swap some of the coconut oil for organic rosehip seed oil (vitamin A) and/or vitamin E oil.

This is our most concentrated variation, so patch test before covering a large area, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Dry Skin Hack

If you have dry skin or eczema, we have traditionally used organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar as an occasional exfoliating skin-care hack.

There is an important evidence update here.

A small clinical study tested daily 0.5% apple cider vinegar soaks on people with atopic dermatitis and healthy controls. The treatment temporarily lowered skin pH but did not improve skin-barrier integrity, and 72.7% of participants reported mild irritation. (14)

For that reason, I would not use undiluted apple cider vinegar on active eczema, cracked skin, open sores, or already irritated skin.

If you choose to use ACV on healthy, intact skin, dilute it first, patch test a small area, and stop immediately if it stings, burns, or worsens redness. Gentle exfoliation should never leave the skin feeling injured.

Anti-Aging Skin Serum FAQs

Does aloe vera really help wrinkles?

There is interesting human research on aloe vera and skin aging, but an important distinction matters. The frequently cited study showing improvements in facial wrinkles, elasticity, and type I procollagen used oral aloe gel supplementation, not topical aloe. Topical aloe has stronger clinical evidence in certain wound-healing applications. (1, 7)

Can I use this anti-aging serum every day?

Many adults can use a well-tolerated moisturizer daily, but your skin gets the final vote. Patch test the finished serum first, especially when using one of the multi-oil variations. Reduce frequency or stop if you develop burning, itching, redness, bumps, swelling, or worsening dryness.

Can this serum treat skin cancer or precancerous spots?

No. Our family's experience with my dad is testimony, not proof that the serum treats cancer. A suspicious lesion needs professional evaluation, and a biopsy is the only way to determine definitively whether a lesion is skin cancer. No natural skin product has been proven to cure melanoma or another skin cancer. (5, 6)

Can I put this serum on a burn?

Aloe vera has clinical research supporting healing in some second-degree burns, but this homemade serum is not a sterile wound dressing. Do not apply it to a severe burn, deep burn, large open wound, infected burn, or blistering injury that needs medical care. (1)

Is coconut oil good for eczema?

Virgin coconut oil has human randomized-trial evidence for improving skin hydration and barrier measures in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. That does not mean every person with eczema will tolerate it or that this essential-oil serum is equivalent to the coconut-oil preparation used in the study. (2)

Can tea tree oil help acne?

A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial found that a 5% tea tree gel improved mild-to-moderate acne. Our serum is a different formula and concentration, so we cannot promise the same result. Tea tree can also irritate sensitive skin. (4)

Which essential oil is best for aging skin?

Lavender is my favorite simple choice because it is versatile, calming, and has more skin and wound-healing research than many essential oils. Frankincense, helichrysum, and sandalwood are favorites in our natural beauty routine as well, but much of their anti-aging and regenerative evidence is preclinical rather than human clinical evidence.

Does helichrysum remove scars?

Helichrysum has promising wound-healing and collagen-related research in animal and laboratory models, but good human clinical evidence showing that helichrysum essential oil removes scars is still lacking. We use it as a traditional intensive skin-support oil rather than calling it a proven scar treatment. (10, 11)

How long does homemade aloe skin serum last?

Follow the recipe and make a fresh batch each week. Aloe adds water to the formula, and this homemade recipe does not contain a conventional broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative. Keep it cool, use clean hands or a clean applicator, and discard it immediately if the smell, color, texture, or appearance changes.

Can I use this on psoriasis or eczema?

Some individual ingredients have research relevant to skin-barrier support and inflammatory skin conditions, but this homemade serum has not been clinically tested as a treatment for psoriasis or eczema. Active, cracked, weeping, infected, or severely inflamed skin can also react more strongly to essential oils. Start gently and work with a qualified professional when a skin condition is persistent or severe.

Resources & References

1. Thomas Y, et al. “Effects of Aloe vera on Burn Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” 2024. PubMed.
2. Evangelista MTP, Abad-Casintahan F, Lopez-Villafuerte L. “The Effect of Topical Virgin Coconut Oil on SCORAD Index, Transepidermal Water Loss, and Skin Capacitance in Mild to Moderate Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Clinical Trial.” International Journal of Dermatology. 2014;53(1):100-108. doi:10.1111/ijd.12339.
3. Samuelson R, Lobl M, Higgins S, Clarey D, Wysong A. “The Effects of Lavender Essential Oil on Wound Healing: A Review of the Current Evidence.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2020;26(8):680-690. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0286.
4. Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. “The Efficacy of 5% Topical Tea Tree Oil Gel in Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.” Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2007;73(1):22-25. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.30646.
5. American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Causes.” American Academy of Dermatology.
6. American Academy of Dermatology. “Natural Treatments for Skin Cancer Not as Safe as You Think.” Updated July 30, 2026. American Academy of Dermatology.
7. Cho S, Lee S, Lee MJ, et al. “Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation Improves Facial Wrinkles and Elasticity and It Increases the Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in Vivo.” Annals of Dermatology. 2009;21(1):6-11. doi:10.5021/ad.2009.21.1.6.
8. Verallo-Rowell VM, Dillague KM, Syah-Tjundawan BS. “Novel Antibacterial and Emollient Effects of Coconut and Virgin Olive Oils in Adult Atopic Dermatitis.” Dermatitis. 2008;19(6):308-315. PubMed.
9. “Topical Application of Frankincense Oil Extract Potently Ameliorates Psoriasis-like Dermatitis in Mice via Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier-Protective Effects.” 2026. PubMed.
10. Andjić M, Božin B, Draginić N, et al. “Formulation and Evaluation of Helichrysum italicum Essential Oil-Based Topical Formulations for Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats.” Pharmaceuticals. 2021;14(8):813. doi:10.3390/ph14080813.
11. Serra D, Cruciani S, Garroni G, et al. “Effect of Helichrysum italicum in Promoting Collagen Deposition and Skin Regeneration in a New Dynamic Model of Skin Wound Healing.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024;25(9):4736. doi:10.3390/ijms25094736.
12. Moy RL, Levenson C. “East Indian Sandalwood Oil Alleviates Inflammatory and Proliferative Pathologies of Psoriasis.” PubMed.
13. Bos JD, Meinardi MMHM. “The 500 Dalton Rule for the Skin Penetration of Chemical Compounds and Drugs.” Experimental Dermatology. 2000;9(3):165-169. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0625.2000.009003165.x.
14. Luu LA, Flowers RH, Kellams AL, et al. “Apple Cider Vinegar Soaks [0.5%] as a Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis Do Not Improve Skin Barrier Integrity.” Pediatric Dermatology. 2019;36(5):634-639. doi:10.1111/pde.13888.