Have you ever wondered how to elevate your skincare routine naturally? By creating your own cannabis-infused serum, you can unlock the powerful benefits of cannabis for radiant, healthy skin. This guide will walk you through the steps to craft a customized serum that nourishes and revitalizes, leaving you with a glowing complexion.
Recipe Features
- Customizable for every skin type, from oily and acne-prone to dry and sensitive
- Infusion options focusing on cannabis coconut oil or FECO/RSO for a high-potency, plant-based boost
- Want it fast? If you’re not ready to DIY, you can purchase my pre-made cannabis salve or a convenient CBD salve stick and have it delivered directly to your door.
Why You Will Love This Guide
For years, I was terrified to put oil on my face. As someone who struggled with acne into my adult life, the conventional wisdom was always to dry out my skin to fight breakouts.
It took me a long time to learn that this approach was actually making things worse by sending my skin’s oil production into overdrive. My real skincare breakthrough came when I started embracing high-quality oils and, eventually, incorporating cannabis into my skin care routine.
My journey with homemade remedies began in my own kitchen, driven by a desire for natural, effective solutions. I started experimenting with different carrier oils and discovered that not only did they not cause breakouts, but they actually helped heal and balance my skin.
When I added cannabis infusions to the mix, it was a revelation. The calming, anti-inflammatory properties were exactly what my stressed-out skin needed. In this guide, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can create your own luxurious, healing face serum right at home.
Glowing CBD Oil Face Serum
What You Need
- 3 ounce jojoba oil (90mL) or oil of choice
- 1 ounce CBD oil (30mL)
- 10 drops essential oil of choice e.g., lavender or tea tree
- 10 drops Vitamin E oil optional, for extra nourishment
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl or jar, combine 3 ounces of your chosen carrier oil and 1 ounce of CBD oil (or cannabis-infused coconut oil or FECO/RSO if preferred).
- Stir well to blend.
- Add 10 drops of your preferred essential oil(s), such as lavender or tea tree, and 10 drops of Vitamin E oil if desired.
- Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Using a small funnel or pipette, carefully pour your blended serum into a clean, dry 4 ounce glass bottle.
- Secure the dropper lid and gently shake the bottle for about 30 seconds to ensure all oils are evenly mixed.
- Store your face serum in a cool, dark location; this will help preserve its freshness for up to 6–12 months.
- To use: After cleansing your face, place a few drops of serum onto damp skin and gently massage in, focusing on areas needing extra care or hydration.
What You Will Need
This recipe is fully customizable, feel free to mix and match carrier oils and essential oils to create a blend that suits your skin’s unique needs.
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces (90 mL) carrier oil of your choice – Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum and absorbs easily, while other blends like argan or rosehip offer extra nourishment. Choose what fits your skin type best, dry, oily, or sensitive.
- 1 ounce (30 mL) CBD oil – CBD oil may help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and support overall skin health. Opt for lab-tested, high-quality CBD oil for best results.
- 10 drops of your preferred essential oil – Lavender offers soothing and calming benefits, perfect for sensitive skin, while tea tree is ideal for those prone to blemishes. Patch test new oils first if you have sensitive skin.
- 10 drops Vitamin E oil (optional, for added nourishment) – Vitamin E oil acts as an antioxidant and can help promote skin healing and moisture retention. This step can be left out if your skin is sensitive to Vitamin E, but it adds an extra layer of nourishment for most skin types.
Equipment:
- 1 (4 ounce) glass bottle with a dropper (dark glass helps protect your oils from light)
- Small funnel or measuring pipette
- Small mixing bowl or measuring cup for blending (optional)
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare your bottle: Make sure your glass dropper bottle is clean and completely dry.
- Combine carrier oils: Using your funnel or pipette, add 3 ounces of your chosen carrier oil directly into the bottle.
- Add your cannabis infusion:
- If using CBD oil, add 30mL directly to the carrier oil.
- If using FECO or RSO, gently warm the syringe in hot water for easier dispensing, then add a small rice-grain–sized amount into the bottle. Add an additional 30mL of carrier oil to blend well.
- Add essential oils: Drop 10+ drops of your chosen essential oils into the mixture.
- Add vitamin E oil (optional): If using, add 10 drops for an extra boost of antioxidants.
- Mix thoroughly: Place the dropper in the bottle and shake gently for 30 seconds until all oils are well blended.
- Store and use: Keep your serum in a cool, dark place. To use, apply 3–5 drops to freshly cleansed, damp skin. Gently massage into your face and neck for radiant, nourished skin.
🌟 Feel free to play with carrier oil blends and essential oil choices based on your skin’s needs, the possibilities are endless!
Why Oils (and Cannabis) Are Game-Changers for Skin
Let’s bust a major skincare myth: drying out your skin is not the answer to acne. In fact, stripping your skin of its natural oils triggers it to produce even more oil to compensate, leading to a frustrating cycle of breakouts.
The secret to balanced skin is using the right carrier oils to cleanse, repair, and protect its delicate barrier.
This is where the magic of cannabis comes in. Infusing carrier oils with cannabis, either through a gentle cannabis coconut oil or a potent concentrate like FECO/RSO, supercharges their benefits.
Cannabinoids are naturally anti-inflammatory and packed with antioxidants, making them perfect for calming redness, soothing irritation, and promoting overall skin health.
Learning about cannabis topicals and their benefits was a pivotal moment in my wellness journey, and this serum is one of my favorite ways to apply that knowledge.
Choosing Your Carrier Oils
The foundation of any great serum is its carrier oil. These plant-based oils have been used for centuries in beauty rituals across the world for their nourishing properties. The key is to choose one that works with your unique skin type. Here are some of my personal favorites:
- Jojoba Oil: This is the universal crowd-pleaser. Jojoba oil’s molecular structure is incredibly similar to our skin’s own sebum, which means it can help balance oil production whether you’re too dry or too oily. It’s my top recommendation for anyone just starting with face oils.
- Grapeseed Oil: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this lightweight oil is for you. It’s slightly astringent, helping to tone the skin without clogging pores.
- Rose Hip Oil: This is my go-to for anti-aging and scar repair. It’s naturally rich in vitamins A and C, which help to regenerate skin cells, fade discoloration, and smooth fine lines.
- Sesame Oil: An ancient staple in Ayurvedic medicine, sesame oil has natural antibacterial properties and is known for its ability to pull toxins from the skin, making it great for calming active breakouts.
- Avocado Oil: For those with dry or mature skin, this rich, nourishing oil is a dream. It’s packed with fatty acids that deliver intense hydration and help repair the skin barrier.
Adding Essential Oils to Customize
Essential oils are the concentrated aromatic compounds, like terpenes, of plants and have been used in skincare for millennia.
They not only add a beautiful scent to your serum but also provide potent therapeutic benefits. A little goes a long way, so always dilute them in your carrier oil. Here are a few that pair beautifully with cannabis:
- Tea Tree Oil: A powerhouse for acne. Its potent antibacterial properties help to clear up breakouts. I use this sparingly, just a few drops are all you need.
- Lavender Oil: Known for its calming properties, lavender is wonderful for soothing irritated skin and promoting healing. Plus, its scent is incredibly relaxing, making it perfect for a nighttime serum.
- Ylang Ylang Oil: This floral oil helps to balance sebum production, making it a great choice for combination or stressed-out skin.
- Rosemary Oil: A stimulating oil that can help improve circulation and skin elasticity, giving your skin a firmer, more toned appearance.
- Carrot Seed Oil: Don’t let the name fool you; this oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants. It’s fantastic for rejuvenating aging skin and soothing conditions like eczema.
How Cannabis Enhances Your Serum
Infusing your serum with cannabis allows you to harness its powerful healing properties directly.
Whether you choose a full-spectrum infusion with coconut oil or a concentrated dose of FECO, the cannabinoids work to reduce inflammation, provide antioxidant protection against environmental stressors, and deeply moisturize the skin. It’s the ultimate ingredient for boosting your glow and achieving a calm, healthy complexion.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own remedies is an empowering act of self-care.
This cannabis-infused face serum is more than just a skincare product; it’s a personal ritual that connects you to the healing power of plants. By choosing ingredients that are right for you, you can craft a truly bespoke elixir that will leave your skin feeling nourished, balanced, and radiant.
What oil combination are you most excited to try? Share your ideas and questions in the comments below
More Topical Recipes To Try
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Easy Homemade Cannabis Salve Recipe
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How to Make a Basic Cannabis-Infused Balm
Cannabis Topicals
Homemade Cannabis Massage Oil
Cannabis Topicals
A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Topicals for Better Skin
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How to Make Cannabis Lip Balm
I have a desire to learn how to make my own serums.. facial and body creams.. I have noticed there is a carrier oil.. What is a carrier oil for.. what does it do and does it need it to make it work?
I have dry skin sensitive skin what carrier oil would you suggest using?
My daughter has acne and I’m trying to find something that will help with moister, clear up spots and irritation. Could you please give me some suggestions
How much of each oil go into making this?
Hi I am acnes prone and I am hoping mixing jojoba and sesame oil for my skin, while I use sesame oil and rosemary esencial oil on my face as a serum,is it ok to do that?
Sounds like a very good combo for you.
This post is just amazing! I’m going to make it tonight and I was just wondering what’s the shelf life of the serums… I’m just in love with your blog!
Regards from Brasil!
Can I use jojoba and sweet almond oil as the carrier oils and tea tree and lemon oil as the essential oils for making the anti acne face serum for combination skin
Thank you so much for your articles on treating acne. If I wanted to use multiple essential oils in a carrier oil, do you have to increase the amount of carrier? Example: If you were to use Rosemary & Tea Tree, would you put 5 drops of each to 1 oz carrier? or 2 oz carrier?
I am 58 I want to try natural products my skin is dry I would like to know the right oils combination for to treat my skin
I’m almost 50, and would to know what combination of oils would be the best for wrinkles, aging, etc. I would really like to avoid getting any more Botox and go natural. I have combination skin.
I’m curious as to what ratio / recipe for the serums do I use? I don’t see any amounts of each product to use.
Hi Kylie
I always hated when a young person tries to sell me something for my skin — not having been there etc but….
I am just about to turn 62 and I still have the oily skin I had as a teenager sans the acne (at least that has ceased)
I was always foregoing the moisturizing part of my daily routine because I thought that my oil was enough — and when I would be told to wear moisturizer,I would find that I was right — I was so oily that my makeup would not last half the day BUT… I just started to use organic moisturizer and serum and am very pleased with them. It had sounded counterproductive but with time I saw a change in my old skin so….
With that said you’ve got a great thing going at an early age so go for it
Unfortunately I live in a northern town in Canada and it’s harder to get the ‘organic’ skin care but I’m sure I’ll find it
Good luck!!!!
i have acne scars, can you suggest a specific oil with the tea tree oil ???
Check out CLEANSE serum in the shop here! It’s jojoba, sweet almond, tea tree, and lavender.
Hi, many thanks for all the wonderful and useful information. It has been lovely reading and trying to understand how and when to use essential oils. I wonder if I can ask for advice and information please. I am 59 and have psoriasis my skin is sensitive and prone to flare ups, but when a I found you via Pinterest your appeared so knowledgable and passionate that I continued reading right to the end! I really want to try the face serum and would like to use it at night so it can soak into my skin throughout the night. Would jojoba oil, lavender, frankincense and myrrh be okto use together as a face serum. Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to pass on your information.
Kalli J from the UK
Hi! Thank you so much for this wonderful article. Recently I am in a country where sun is always out whole year. Now my face have blemishes due to over exposure of sun. My skin is neither too dry nor too oily, though the weather is very humid. I am thirty plus and wish have glowy and young skin. I would really appreciate if you could suggest any serum or essential oil. Will it be fine if I apply oil on my face during the time I am exposed to the sun. So sorry for the trouble. Thank you so much.
Hey, thanks for all the great info. I am going to try this ASAP. I have a few questions: I started using aple cider vinegar as a toner and I don’t know if I should use it before or after or at all with the serum? If I use it after, you said your face needs to be damp to apply the serum, so if it’s damp from the toner is that okay?..
That’s perfect! Use the serum after toner, and before any other moisturizers. 🙂
Yay! I wanted to make a night moisturizer , but am thinking a serum might be better. Would you put this on before or after a toner? (I’m using an ACV toner)
After!
I love Tamanu Oil. Have you used that oil at all? You don’t mention it all.
I just stumbled upon this post via pinterest. I just started making my own facial serums and was thinking about doing a blog post about them as well. Thanks for lots of inspo! Also your blog is absolutely gorgeous. I love that you have an integrated shopping cart as well!
Hi Kylie,
Thank you for such fabulous information! and your blog is GORGEOUS. As a brand-new blogger, I’m completely inspired to keep working in hopes to be as wonderful as Everblossom someday!
I just wrote a post about my personal face serum recipe, and linked to your blog – haven’t published it yet, but wanted to check in first. I’m all about women supporting women (not stealing or competing!!) so let me know if you’d rather I didn’t reference your blog and I will absolutely remove that part! 🙂
Thank you again – keep on rocking!!!!
Eliza
Happy Wife, Creative Life
You’re so sweet! Thanks for the mention. <3
Wow!! I’m so glad I found your site!!! for I have been looking for simple understandable explanations and instructions! I’m glad to say I finally found you!!! YAY!!!
I’ve been doing my own Natural beauty products for a while and I am always looking to improve. You have wonderful information! Thank so much for sharing!! Maria
So glad you’re here, Maria! xo
Hello! I love you post and will like to give it a try. I have acne and very oily skin. I purchased jojoba oil, sesame seed, lavender and TTO to make the serum! How should I mix them? Thanks!!
Yharis, I’m so glad you are going to give oil-based skincare a try! I would start with 1/2 ounce each of jojoba and sesame, and 6 drops each of lavender and tea tree. That will give you a wonderful acne-fighting serum.
I had a question about the serum. You said to apply it to a damp face, does that mean you don’t wash it off? Does it stay on overnight? Sorry I’m new to this :/
Right Angie! You use a small amount that blends into your face.
thanks so much, I’ve had great success using the OCM. Do you have any tips for making such cute labels that aren’t ruined by the oil/water? Thanks!
When mixing the two oils do you do equal amounts of each? I went and bought tea tree oi today after reading the post about using it for acne and then I checked out this post about making the serum and I definitely want to try it! I have been trying to find a way to get my acne under control for ages and hate paying the high prices for acne treatments lol time to try making my own!
You want about a 2-3 percent dilution for skincare, so use about 12 drops of tea tree oil per ounce of carrier oil. 🙂
so to make the serum, you mix the essential oils with the carrier oils? I recently started a new birth control and I think with the hormone change it is causing me to break out, I have 2 spots which are I believe cystic acne and they hurt! My skin is super sensitive and the slightest things seem to make me break out. What would you recommend? I currently use cliniques 3 step stystem and makeup but I’m not sure if the toner is making my face worse. Any and all advice is very much appreciated!
Eeek! Hormones can throw everything off. I think as your body adjusts, your skin will too. In the meantime use super-gentle oils on your skin, since it’s irritated. I would be using jojoba oil and lavender in your situation.
Kate “Oh Hush” is the serum you’d want to use from the Etsy shop. And “LULL” for a toner. 🙂 Both are super gentle.
http://everblossom/shop
This is all amazing info, so thank you so much! I have a question about applying the serum: after applying to a damp face do you wash the oil off? And how many drops did you apply? Thank you!
2-3 drops is enough. And no, don’t wash it off! Let it soak right into your skin. 🙂
I use the oil cleansing method to wash my face every evening. I love it but also want to add an anti aging facial serum like you mentioned. Can I add the serum to my face after already cleansing it with oil? Will that be too much oil do you think? Thank you! 😉
It might be too much ~ just go by how your skin feels. The oil should soak into your skin, not sit on top of it.
I was wondering if you could explain the benefits of using coconut (fractionated) oil and EV olive oil as bases? I’m not asking about mixing them together, just each one. In the comments of your tea tree acne post, you mention that the olive oil could be used for a serum. I also already have the coconut oil on hand for uses with EO’s. Looking forward to your reply, thank you!
I actually found my answers on a link at the bottom of your page from Scratch Mommy on how to choose carrier oils
Glad to hear it, Cassie! 🙂
Wow! I really want to try the jojoba oil and the tea tree oil if that is a combination that can be used. I have seen the sesame oil and some fragrance used before. I recommend trying 1 drop of rose oil, to 2 drops of sandalwood oil, 2 drops of Frankincense oil (used by Kings) and 1 oz of avocado oil. I found the recipe on: homemademommy.net.
Also i sell my very own serum, Lotus Firming Serum made from real Lotus flower and i mix vitamins a, c, e and CoQ10, Lycopene from Israel’s tomatoes and the all famous and amazing Grape Seed oil, and tasty Green Tea. I thought you might like to check it out at: Lotus Firming Serum . This would be a great add on to your skincare tool-belt. Much love, and thank you for taking the time to share your heart and your knowledge. Be blessed : )
Thank-you so much for this information. I’ve made my own serum with jojoba, grapeseed, and eucalyptus. So far, it is great! How often do you use face serum? What is your daily skin care routine? (e.g. do you use/how often do you use moisturizer, soap, serum?) I don’t want to over-do it. Also, do you have any suggestions for natural sunscreen? I have acne prone, oily skin and all suncreens aggravate it. Thanks again!
I use it morning and night! Sometimes midday as well, especially in the winter when the air is really dry.
I don’t use sunscreen, because I live in ND and need all the vitamin D I can get, but some of my crunchy friends swear by Shea butter. 🙂
What blend do you recommend for acne? I also have oily skin, so I don’t want something that will leave my face feeling even oilier. Thanks!
Hi Jessica, I use tea tree oil for acne! Here’s my post on that:
http://everblossom.net/2011/12/how-to-use-tea-tree-oil-for-acne.html
This is the first time I am trying Made from Earth products. It has been about three weeks and I am happy to notice the improvement of my skin. It feels firmer and more supple. I use the Made from Earth Vitamin Moisturizer and Vitamin Firming Serum.
I also notice that my face is not as oily as I have combination skin. I am excited to try the Green Tea Cleanser next !
Thanks for all the info! I am looking to change up my face regimen and ran across your site!
wich oil you recommend to eliminate expression lines around the eyes ?
Avocado, for sure!
Hi Kylie! I saw this link on Pinterest and I bought Avocado oil and Carrot Seed for my essential oil. I was curious how many drops you’d put in of the carrot seed per one ounce of the avocado oil? Thanks!
Awesome! I would do 5 drops per ounce of carrier oil to start. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
This is such a great thing, lovin it! I am featuring you at my party this week, grab a button if you want:) It will be up in a few:))
this is way cool, thanks for sharing:)
Amazing! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for all the info!! I absolutely LOVE ylang ylang!! 🙂
Thanks for popping over and commenting on my super easy pineapple slicing method…! am so glad I figured that out before – happy to have helped!!
Great information! I love tea tree oil and lavender oil!
I never realized carrier oils have useful properties too! That’s really cool. I’ve also never heard of rosemary essential oil but I think now I need to have some. Rosemary is my favorite herb, it smells so amazing!
INCREDIBLY useful information, Kylie! Thanks a bunch for sharing!