This homemade wrinkle cream recipe is fantastic, it’s one of the first overnight creams I ever made. Aside from being considerably cheaper than commercial store-bought creams, you’ll find it much gentler on your skin and often far more effective.
The recipe forms part of the third step in my 3 step facial at home series and is one of many effective homemade moisturizers.
I’ve recently made some changes to my original recipe which helps prevent any separation issues that some of you were experiencing with it. I’ve also added a second variation made with honey and orange. I think the old recipe was great but these are even better, I just love them!
Watch How To Make Wrinkle Cream
Why Make Homemade Wrinkle Cream?
Before I get to the specific wrinkle cream recipes below I want to give you a few reasons why I make my own, and some important info!
Here’s The Deal
- The night cream recipe is fantastic, it’s one of the first overnight creams I ever made, it’s a great homemade face moisturizer for aging skin and the reason this post gets so many views.
- Many commercial anti-aging home remedies contain harmful ingredients in small quantities. While they might look like tiny amounts, rubbing them into your skin on a daily basis can often compound the issue, rather than getting rid of wrinkles they can sometimes make them worse. There are no harsh or drying chemicals when you make your own wrinkle creams and other DIY skin care recipes, so your skin will look and feel softer right away.
- Aging skin develops fine lines and wrinkles, but there are other signs of aging that you should be aware of. As we age, our pores appear larger and the skin beneath our eyes can also darken and appear saggy or even puffy. The key to keeping your skin looking and feeling youthful and wrinkle-free is hydration. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside, then use some non-drying wrinkle creams to add to the hydration levels on the outside.
- The ingredients in my moisturizers also contain natural antioxidants that play a role in protecting your skin from damage caused by UV rays and in aiding with the rejuvenation of your skin cells. On top of these benefits, they also help to reduce the appearance of dark circles beneath your eyes.
- The first night cream recipe is a combination of beneficial oils along with a nourishing herbal infusion. This makes a perfect anti-wrinkle cream that’s great for tackling any aging effects on the skin… and it’s very easy to make.
- The second is my diy honey wrinkle cream, it’s a natural homemade anti-wrinkle cream that’s great for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles in your skin, but you can also get some great results when using this cream on your hands.
Important Info
- I want to make it clear that I use these recipes as overnight treatments, they both contain citrus essential oils that are best avoided in sunlight. If you want to use one of these recipes as a daytime cream I would substitute the essential oils for non-citrus alternatives, or switch to my diy face cream recipe.
- Please remember to measure your ingredients using a digital scale, its important to be accurate when working oils and butters. For more info check out how to measure your ingredients.
- Please also note that the recipes contain water and oils, so it best used with a preservative at 1%. You can, however, make it without but please be aware that this will bring your shelf life down from 12 months to just a few days. For more info see this post on using preservatives.
- Having said that if you’re not giving it as a homemade gift and it’s just for you (and I’m not sure why anyone would give this away!) then there’s no problem. Simply halve or quarter the recipe so that you are making just enough to use in a week.
- If you are looking for other recipes that do not need a preservative you can create a moisturizer that is oil based which could give you a 12 month shelf life depending on the oils you use.
About The Ingredients In This Recipe
The oils in this recipe have been selected to promote quick and total absorption, preventing that lingering greasiness.
- Avocado oil is excellent for all skin types and is most commonly known for its ability to soften, soothe, and recondition the skin. It’s wonderful as a carrier oil and is just as fantastic in skin care creams.
- Argan oil is great for dry and maturing skin, it is rich in vitamin E, very protective and helps keep skin supple.
- Calendula is a very effective flower that makes for an excellent base for creams, salves, and facial recipes. It is cooling and gentle on the skin which also makes it fantastic for baby oil recipes. The infusion gives a soothing effect to the homemade wrinkle cream and is very useful for any dry or flakiness within the skin.
- Frankincense essential oil will help to slow down the appearance of wrinkles and maybe even help to reduce the extent of the wrinkles you already have.
- Lemon essential oil helps to banish facial wrinkles, clears the skin and helps to boost circulation. Lemon has a brightening effect on shallow skin, and a mild bleaching effect on age spots that can restore the tone back to your skin, giving it a more youthful look and feel.
Oil Substitutes: Evening Primrose Oil and Wheat Germ are two more fantastic skincare oils, as are Peach Kernel and Sweet Almond oil. I would be happy to substitute the Argan and or Avocado for any of these four, although the latter two will make the cream take a little longer to absorb.
Homemade Wrinkle Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 15 grams Avocado Oil
- 10 grams Argan Oil
- 15 grams Emulsifying Wax NF
- 300 grams Boiled water (or 60 grams ready-made hydrosol )
- 1 handful Dried Calendula Flowers (not required if using the ready-made hydrosol )
- 1 grams Preservative (optional)
- 15 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
- 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
- 1 Cosmetic Jar
Equipment
- Large, heavy-based saucepan
Instructions
- Gather all of the ingredients and tools listed above
- With a handful of Calendula flowers and 10 fl oz (300 grams) boiling water, make an herbal infusion. A herbal infusion is made by placing the flowers into a jug, pouring boiling water over them and then leaving it covered to cool. For this recipe, we will only need 60 grams of the infusion, so store the remaining mixture in your fridge for next time.Optionally, you can skip making the infusion and use a ready-made floral hydrosol.
- Weigh out your oils and wax into one of the heatproof containers.
- Now, pour 60 grams of the infused calendula water into the second heatproof container.
- Place both contains into a pan of simmering water, once the oils have melted heat them through but do not allow them to boil.
- Once the oils have melted and they are both warmed, remove them from the heat and combine the water with the oils.
- Now mix steadily with a spoon or whisk, if using a whisk try to keep it down to prevent air bubbles.
- As the cream starts to cool and thicken this would be a good time to add your preservative if you are using one (please check the instructions on your product for more guidance on this).
- Once the cream has reached room temperature add the frankincense and lemon essential oils and give it another good stir after each oil. To stop the oil and water separating you need to stir until the cream has completely cooled.
- Spoon into airtight jars to ensure the essential oils are well preserved, clear jars need to be kept in a cool, dark place.
Notes
How To Use The Wrinkle Cream:
Before you go to bed, cleanse your face then gently rub in the cream going from jaw to cheekbones, around your eyes and over your forehead. Massage the cream into your neck from the base to chin.Shelf Life:
The homemade wrinkle cream is truly great, it can be made fresh without any preservatives. But remember if you don’t add the preservative it should be kept in the fridge and used within a few days. If you would like something that will last longer try my favorite homemade anti-aging serum which contains a natural preservative to make it last up to one year! And don’t forget to take a look at my homemade face creams, natural at home face masks and other diy skin care recipes from scratch.Oil Substitutes:
Evening Primrose Oil and Wheat Germ Oil are two more fantastic skincare oils, as are Peach Kernel and Sweet Almond oil. I would be happy to substitute the Argan and or Avocado for any of these four, although the latter two will make the cream take a little longer to absorb.
Wrinkle Cream Recipe With Honey & Orange
Similar to my first homemade wrinkle cream this natural anti-wrinkle cream is another great overnight treatment, it’s perfect for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles in your facial skin. But you can also get some great results when using this cream on cracked heels or dry hands.
Effective Homemade Moisturizer Using Natural Ingredients – Creams, Oils, Balms & Serums
Take skincare into your own hands by using a homemade moisturizer. These creams & serums will nourish your skin & create a barrier against environmental pollutants.
Moisturizers are the oil part of your daily skincare regime that we leave on the skin to sink in. Learn how to make all different types of moisturizer…
If you would like to have a go at making my original wrinkle cream recipe, here it is. A few readers experienced separation issues when making this cream, but I know that many many more are very satisfied with the results. It is as a little harder to make due to the lack of emulsifying wax, but I still love it!
My Original DIY Anti Aging Cream Recipe
For best results, use this DIY wrinkle cream within 2-3 weeks (or adding a preservative at 1 gram will increase the shelf life to around four months)
- 1 1/2 fl oz (40ml) Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 fl oz (20ml) Calendula Oil
- 3/4 oz (20g) Cosmetic Grade Beeswax
- A handful of Dried Calendula Flowers (plus some boiled water)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) Frankincense essential oil
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) Lemon essential oil
- 2 oz Cosmetic Jar
DIY Wrinkle Cream Ingredients
- The sweet almond oil in this recipe is excellent for all skin types and is most commonly known for its ability to soften, soothe, and recondition the skin. It’s genuinely wonderful as a carrier oil and is just as fantastic in skin care creams.
- Calendula is a very effective oil that makes for an excellent base for creams, salves and facial recipes. It’s cooling and gentle on the skin which also makes it fantastic for baby oil recipes. The infusion gives a soothing effect to the cream and is very useful for any dry or flakiness within the skin.
- Frankincense essential oil will help to slow down the appearance of wrinkles and maybe even help to reduce the extent of the wrinkles you already have.
- The lemon essential oil helps to banish facial wrinkles, clears the skin and helps to boost circulation. Lemon has a brightening effect on shallow skin, and a mild bleaching effect on age spots that can restore the tone back to your skin, giving it a more youthful look and feel.
Method:
Step 1. With a handful of Calendula flowers and 10 fl oz (300ml) boiling water, make an herbal infusion. A herbal infusion is made by placing the flowers into a jug, pouring boiling water over them and then leaving it covered to cool. The mixture then needs to be strained and kept in the fridge.
Step 2. In a large heavy – based stainless steel saucepan, melt the beeswax. Add the calendula and sweet almond oils, beating steadily with a wooden spoon or whisk, and then add 2 tablespoons (30ml) of the herbal infusion in a slow trickle.
Step 3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and keep stirring until the cream has cooled to almost body temperature. Add the frankincense and lemon essential oils and then give it another good stir (If using preservative add it here when the cream reaches around 45C).
Step 4. To stop the oil and water separating you need to stir until the cream has completely cooled.
Step 5. Spoon into airtight jars to ensure the essential oils are well preserved, clear jars need to be kept in a dark place.
Melt and Pour Glitter Soap
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Can I use your home made night wrinkle cream as daytime moisturiser?
Hi Joanna
You could use it for a day cream. But if you are out in the sun I would change the Lemon essential oil for something like rose or lavender.
For more info on face creams take a look at how to create your own amazing homemade facial moisturizer.
How can I purchase the cream?
Sorry Briana, I don’t sell my homemade things, I’m just showing you how to make them… Wait, maybe I should sell them as well! hmmm
So have you decided to sell your products? Please say yes.
Can vitamin E or rosemary extract be add into this wrinkle cream to extend its shelf life?
Hi Danielle
Sorry, but the short answer is unfortunately not, the water content in this wrinkle cream recipe means it will not keep much more than a couple of weeks. You could make the homemade anti-wrinkle serum which is totally oil based and lasts for one year.
In the new year I’ll be making some more homemade wrinkle creams with a mild preservative that will last for six months, so stay tuned for that.
Angela
Thank you for sharing your recipes. I made the calendula wrinkle cream last night. Is that the one that has to be refrigerated? Thanks
Hi Tea,
Yes, as this recipe does not include preservatives it’s best-kept in the fridge.
Which of your homemade remedies really work for a 55 year old face fast. Much appreciated
Hi Lori
I’ve been using the wrinkle serum lately with excellent results. Gina has also made it and commented yesterday on that page homemade anti wrinkle serum.
Angela
I have to say that the quick anti aging moisture mask recipe can be cut into a 1/4 and still have ample amount.
Hi, please tell me if there is a substitute for egg whites since I am a vegetarian and we don’t eat eggs at home. Thanks.
Hi Usha, sorry you cant take out the egg whites in the face mask as it would alter the recipe too much. But you could try one of my other face mask recipes, a few of them are vegetarian.
I have Seroyal Calendula Cream. Can I use this instead of Calendula oil? If I can use my cream, what would be the equivalent from oil to cream? Thank you.
Hi Shirley
Without knowing what’s in your cream and without experimenting, I can’t give a definitive answer. Basically, you would be creating a whole new recipe, it’s certainly possible to use it, but it would be a case of trial and error.
There are plenty of other good ingredients in this recipe so I would try increasing the sweet almond oil in step 1, still adding 2 tablespoons of boiled water, then I would add your cream at the end in step 3 then mix well.
Best of luck
Angela
Hi there,
Just a quick question. I made this anti-wrinkle cream exactly as you directed, however, I am not getting a creamy texture at all. It’s very waxy and the calendula tincture is separating from the wax and oils. It just feels waxy- not creamy.
I’m wondering where I may have gone wrong or if it may just be the type of beeswax I’m using?
Hi Karen
Separation issues in the past have always pointed to problems at step 4 in the recipe. To stop the oil and water separating you need to stir until the cream has completely cooled.
Try melting it down again in a double boiler then stir until it cools, it probably wont be perfect but it will be better. If it happens again then the only thing I can thing is it might be the wax you are using or it could be the measurements were slightly off.
Can something else be used instead of the almond?? I’m allergic to all nuts and coconut. Thanks!
Hi Kristina
Try Apricot Kernel Oil or Evening Primrose Oil, both are very good for skin care and wrinkles. Another page on this subject that you may find interesting is my collection of homemade moisturizers.
Hello angela, thanks so much for sharing your recipes! My question is, your anti-wrinkle night cream lists almond oil, calendula oil, calendula flowers, and lemon oil, yet the directions mention adding beeswax. How much beeswax should be added? Thank you!
Hi Cindy
You need 20g of Beeswax for this recipe, I’m not sure why that wasn’t showing on the ingredients, it must have been missed during an update, sorry!
I cannot get any candela flowers. What alternative can i use
Hi Marie
You could use a substitute dried flower but you can buy dried calendula flowers online
I hope that helps.
After looking at your recipes I am a little confused on which to use. Moisturizer or just the essential oils. I have mature skin with some deep wrinkles. Can you advise the best recipes to use? Thanks!
Hi Linda
Im working on a couple of new recipes that will be posted next week. One is a really good recipe for mature skin and the other is a complimentary night cream. I’m also working on a free skin care Ebook which should be available soon. Make sure you get a copy of that but in the meantime Iv’e been using the Cell Renewal Serum Recipe which is fantastic for mature skin and has an 18 month shelf life.
Hi u say that in order to preserve the anti wrinkle cream more than 3 weeks in the fridge we must use a perservative. What kind??.please can u tell me cause i my self kind of make homemade recipes for myself and iam interested to know how u can keep them for longer time?
Hi Joanne, for more info see this post on using a preservative and other skin care tips.
Can I substitute the Calendula oil??? – for another oil similar? ( which could I use? )
and the infusion? can I infuse like dandelions instead?
thxx
can i get to buy ?
Hi Gloria, unfortunately I don’t sell anything on Savvyhomemade, its all just information on how to make your own… Its honestly not that hard, give it a try 😉
It’s always exciting to find effective and more affordable alternatives to conventional beauty products! I hope you enjoy experimenting with these recipes and maybe, just maybe turning back the hands of time just a little.I am a wife, mother, web designer, whole food lover with a passion for sharing natural and safe alternatives to conventional beauty products.
Update – Iv’e recently made some changes which helps prevent any separation issues that some of you were experiencing. Iv’e also added a second variation made with honey and orange. I think the old recipe was great but these are even better, I just love them!
Can I replace essential oil of lemon with essential lime oil?
Hi Karmen
Yes you can certainly change the essential oils in this recipe, if you prefer lime go with it 😉
Hi I’ve previously brought all the ingerdients to make your other anti wrinkle face cream but after my first batch have found I only used half the pot over three weeks. I’ve brought some Plantiserve P preservative but it doesn’t come with any instruction on use and I can’t see anything on the amazon page. Can you tell me how much to add please?
Really happy with the cream and only had a little separation on my first attempt so fingers crossed next time it will be better Thanks ????
Oops I meant after two weeks. Just in case you think I’ve completely disrigarded your shelf life info!
Hi Becky
I’m so glad you like the original recipe, I was wondering if I should have left it up below the new recipes, your comment will now prompt me to add it back
In answer to your question with most preservatives you should be adding between 0.5% to 1.0% at cool down phase.
Does that represent grams?? So 1g or do I do 0.5-1% of the total amount of oils??
Sorry I feel like it should be obvious but I’m new to making my own creams! Thank you for getting back to me so fast. Looking forward to making some more tomorrow ????
Angela seen the above thanks for adding this back up and you have answered the above question in that recipe. Thank you again ????
Will ground Calendula work instead of Calendula flowers?
Hi Margaret,
Yes! It totally will work. Let me know how it turns out.
I’m loving your website, thank you.
A question about the Night Wrinkle Cream above – isn’t 15g EWax quite a high percentage compared to the other oils – 10g Argan and 15g Avo . I know that they are both soft oils but still? I’ve just made it as is and will wait and see how it turns out.
Is there any other benefit to EWax other than an emulsifier?
Hi Lindsay,
The amount of E Wax needed depends on the type of E Wax you’re using. For the type in this recipe, 15g is a good amount. You can take this down a few grams and replace it with something such as Cetyl Alcohol if you prefer a lighter cream. You shouldn’t lose body to the cream by doing this.
In terms of e wax properties, again it depends on the type you’re using. Something like BTMS-50, while totally unnatural, does have some skin softening and conditioning properties. I would recommend reading what the supplier/manufacturer says about their product. When I do this, I always find out new interesting things I never knew about a particular ingredient.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the reply. I used Polawax and the cream has turned out really well! I used Rose and Lavender EO – smells really good. I reckon it is the perfect texture for a non-greasy hand cream too – maybe using citrus scents.
That’s great Lindsay, I’m so happy you’ve found a formulated cream that works for you! The combination of Rose and Lavender sounds heavenly, the Rose especially. There is no ingredient in skincare that’s better for anti-aging than Rose EO! Keep me updated on how to go about formulating for your hand cream, I love to hear other peoples experiences. I link something like that would be great for the summer.
When it comes to winter, I would suggest experimenting with using some beeswax or candelilla wax (although do not substitute any of the E Wax, it’s just an additional ingredient). This will give your hands an extra layer of protection from the chilly weather. It also shouldn’t be greasy if you get the ratio right.
Hi, first off I love all this information from your site. I was so excited to know that I finally hit jack pot with having all ingredients on hand than having to go buy them. I’m new at this. Have never made any type of cream or lotion ever! So when I went to go make it today and measures out the 15g of emulsifying wax, it seemed like such a small amount. I will admit I’ve never measured anything none the less on a scale. Maybe I’m measuring wrong? Yours definitely looks way more than mine. Anyway I got scared to continue for fear of messing up. So I packed it all up and away. Awaiting patiently for you to hopefully answer me. Also, I wanted to substitute the infusion with hibiscus flower which I read has wonderful health benefits both inside and out. How to hear from you! Thanks ??
Hi Jessi,
Don’t worry so much about how it compares to mine. Sometimes it may look more or less depending on what type of e-wax you have and whether or not it’s in pellet or flake form. Either way, if it isn’t enough you can always heat up the mixture again and add a little more e-wax, providing you haven’t already added the essential oils or preservatives.
As for the hibiscus flower, that sounds lovely! I always encourage people to experiment. We all have unique skin, and this may be heavenly in your cream. Is that an infusion or a hydrosol, I wonder? Either way, sounds great!
Also, thank you for your lovely words, they’re much appreciated.
81 years old, make it and I will buy. Way to complicated for me with all the weighing,etc
Hi Lois,
I get a lot of requests from people to make these products commercially. But unfortunately, I don’t think I have the means to do it. There’s a lot of red tape involved with making and selling cosmetics, and I also don’t think I have the time to commit to such a project. Perhaps you have someone in your life that would be helpful enough to lend you a hand making these products? Otherwise, there are lots of natural skincare cosmetics companies that sell their products online. I encourage you to check them out and see what they have to offer.
Hello!
Can I use Argain oil butter instead of Argain oil?
Hi Kristina,
I’ve never worked with argan butter before, but nevertheless I would worry about the overall consistency of the product. If you want to make use of Argan butter, I would recommend splitting the original 10g of argan oil across said argan butter and another liquid oil (so 5g butter and 5g some other liquid oil suitable for your skin type). More than 5g of cosmetic butter could make your cream much heavier and a lot thicker.
I hope this helps.
Hello
What can I use to get rid of dark circles under my eyes?
Your recipes are healthful and splendid.
Thank you,
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
Take a look at my cream for hyperpigmentation. However, dark circles under the eyes are often caused eyes that are deep-set, which isn’t something that is easily fixed. Let me know how you get on.
Hello Angela
I love your Diy wrinkle cream. Do you think I can change the 40ml sweet almond oil and put instead 40 ml of sea buckthorn oil ? Thanks Andree
Hi Andree,
While theoretically, I’m sure you would end up with an emulsified cream, in practice I’m unsure how good this would be. Keep in mind that Sea Buckthorn has a very deep, orange/red hue. In a concentration such as you’ve suggested, you’re going to get an almost florescent-colored wrinkle cream. Beyond that, I couldn’t really say what it would be like. But experimentation is always so important, so I would say give it a try and see how it goes.
Hello Can I use Almond Oil, Vitamin E or any oils directly to my face. Thank you
Hi Hope,
Yes, almond oil and vitamin e can be applied directly to the skin. However, vitamin e is a very thick, viscous liquid, so might take a long time for it to sink in. The only ingredients in this recipe that you should not apply directly to your face are the essential oils and the preservative.
Hi can you recommend a supplier for the argon and avocado oils please?
Hi Annie, you cant go wrong with Mountain Rose Ingredients.
Hi there! I’m looking forward to trying this recipe but am brand new to preservatives. Which one would you recommend for the wrinkle cream?
Thank you!
Hi Anne,
Honestly, it depends on what’s important to you, as each preservative is different. I would recommend taking a look at my post about preservatives, it’s quite informative and it’ll teach you all you really need to know.
Hi Angela,
So I bought Geogard Ultra in powder form (!), it says to use at the ‘water stage’. Any ideas what point I should add this in? Many thanks. Lara.
I just bought linatural as a preservative and the instructions recommend 0.5 -2% preservative for the water portion of the recipe. Given that this recipe calls for 300g of water, would it be safe to measure between 1.5 – 6g of preservative? I was thinking 2-3g of preservative would be the sweet spot but want to make sure I am doing these calculations correctly if you could confirm.
Hi Jenny,
I would go for 1% as it is a leave on face cream. So as this recipe makes 100g I would use 1g of preservative.
Thank you so much! I also realize we don’t use all of the boiled water for the hydrosol so that would have been so off. Thanks for confirming!