This Dry oil body spray is made with a few simple ingredients. Use it in the winter for dry skin, and in the summer for an after tanning treatment.
Back when my sister and I ran the herbal gift shop we used to sell many herbal related bath and body products. One company, Thymes®, had a fantastic dry oil body spray that I loved and I still have, though it’s virtually empty.
Instead of buying a new bottle of spray I wondered if this was something I could make. After a little research, I found that the main ingredient in many dry oil sprays is Cyclomethicone, a silicone found in cosmetics.
This ingredient is what gives the spray its silky feel. From what I read, the Cyclomethicone does not enter into your pores but stays on top allowing the other oils to penetrate into the skin. The result is a silky, not slick, feeling.
So I bought some Cyclomethicone and experimented by adding some of calendula infused olive oil and some fractionated coconut oil. For fragrance, I added lavender and rosemary essential oil, mainly because I love this combination, but you can use any essential oil or fragrance oil combination.
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Disclaimer/Safety Note: This information is for educational purposes only. Essential oils have a range of safety issues such as warnings about use during pregnancy and keeping out of reach from children. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns or a qualified and expert practitioner. As with anything you put on your skin you should test a small patch first to make sure you don’t have any irritation or reactions. Keep it away from your eyes.
How to Make Dry Body Oil
Into a 6-ounce fine mist spray bottle combine:
(4T) Cyclomethicone
(4T) Calendula oil
(4T) Fractionated Coconut oil
(60 drops) Essential Oils
Variations
Change the carrier oil – Sweet almond is readily available and is a good multi-purpose carrier oil. Grapeseed oil is extremely lightweight. Jojoba oil is actually a wax and has a high shelf life.
Use different essential oils – Lavender is a great multi-purpose oil but if you prefer different scents don’t be afraid to experiment. Check out this post about making your own perfume that gives a little detail about mixing scents. Or, here’s a nice list from Aura Cacia about essential oils for DIY lotions.
NOTE: This spray though non-greasy when applied to the skin may make the floor slippery. I usually spray my hands and rub it onto my arms and legs.
Try experimenting by making your oil dry body oil using different oils and scents.
Give some as gifts or have the girls over for a night of crafting and creative fun.
P.S. You may also enjoy making your own Herbal Bath Salts or this pretty Blush Pink Sugar Scrub. You can find these and many more fun projects on my DIY Projects Page.
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wanda says
when you say 4T did you mean teaspoons? I tried to make this thinking it was tablespoons and 12 tablespoons of liquid is 6 oz and that did not fit my 4 oz jar. Of course I figured this out afterwards
Patti Estep says
Wanda, thank you for bringing this to my attention. You are right. 12 tablespoons equal 6 oz. not 4 oz. I was racking my brain trying to figure out why I did this because I really try to be accurate. I finally figured out that the bottles I purchased say that they are 4 oz. However, I did a test and it turns out that they hold 6 oz. I still should have thought about the fact that 12 tablespoons does not equal 4 oz. In the end you want equal parts of the 3 ingredients. You could use a little more than 2.5 tablespoons for each to fit into the 4 oz. bottle. Sorry for the confusion.
Wanda says
thank you. I was confused for a bit & thought I mixed up teaspoon & tablespoon
Betty Neary says
Where can I buy the cyclometicone please xx
Betty
Patti Estep says
Hi Betty,
Many places sell it but I bought mine at Wholesale Supplies Plus.
Here’s the link: http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/products/cyclomethicone-nf-sprayable-silky-perfume.aspx
Holly says
Amazon sells it!
Alyssa says
I want to know how to make a dry body oil without cyclomethicone. Have you tried?
Patti Estep says
Hi Alyssa,
This is the only body oil I have made. However I did write a post about making your own perfume oil. It’s basically essential oils and a carrier oil like almond oil etc… Much more greasy but no chemicals.
Have a great week!
Patti
Sky says
BergaCare FG 5 is a natural alternative to cyclomethicone in skin care preparations. It offers the benefits of similar or even better absorption properties and a smooth, silky skin feel. It is biodegradable and contains no preservatives.
Patti Estep says
That’s good to know Sky. Thanks for sharing.
Sky says
I just found this as a healthier replacement: Benzoate Ester
I buy my products at Essential Wholesale and Labs. 🌿
Patti Estep says
Thanks for the info.
Suzi Fatigante says
I see many variations of calendula oil. Which brand do you use? The price varies so much per ounce that I wonder if the less expensive ones are basically olive oil with a couple drops of calendula.
Patti Estep says
Hi Suzi,
I have never bought calendula oil. Instead I’ve made it using dried calendula flowers and infuse them in light olive oil for about 2 weeks in a large mason jar. You can dry your own flower petals or buy them from a good herbal company such as Mountain Rose Herbs or Frontier.
Hope that helps,
Patti
Theresa says
Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & Shared.
Ashley says
I can’t wait to try this. I’ve done something similar in the past but never added calendula. I’ve recently started an herbalist training program….I think I will be back to visit you a lot!
Missy Burson says
I LOVE this! I used to buy Nuxe gold dry oil but it is kind of expensive. I want to try making this and adding a little micro-glitter to see if I can get the same effect!
Patti Estep says
Hi Missy,
Micro glitter sounds like a great addition. I’ve never tried it but would love to know if it works. Let me know how you like it.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Heidi says
Sounds like a great body spray and would make a fun gift for a friend. Thanks for sharing on Funtastic Friday!
Hil says
I love finding out you can make your own stuff instead of buying it!
Josh says
Very helpful and article. If I wanted to make my spray using only cyclomethicone and essential oil, what would be the correct ratio?
Patti Estep says
Hi Josh,
I’m no expert but I believe you can skip the carrier oil although I have not done that in my experience. I did find this website that has a few different combinations that may be helpful.
http://www.chemistrystore.com/cyclomethiconetutorial.pdf
Hope it helps,
Patti
Debbie says
Do you have to use the calendula oil or can you sub something else in? I have every ingredient but that
Debbie
11/18/16.
Patti Estep says
Hi Debbie,
No you definitely do not need to use calendula oil. Any carrier oil works. Some have a longer shelf life than others and some have a little scent but usually the essential oils cover the scent. Carrier oils are almond, safflower, apricot, jojoba, even olive oil.
Hope that helps,
Patti
Janet says
Can you tell me where you bought the cute clear spray bottles?
Patti says
Hi Janet,
I bought them and some of the other supplies here: http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
Kim says
If I’m allergic to silicones (e.g. Cyclomethicone), can you recommend a good alternative? Thank you!
Patti says
Kim,
I’m sorry, I really don’t know of any alternatives. Of course you can make it without but then it will be more greasy and less “dry.”
Vicki says
I would like to to try this however, does the T mean teaspoon or tablespoon?
Patti says
Hi Vicki,
The big T is for tablespoon. You can experiment a little but that is what seemed to work for me.
I hope you enjoy it.
Patti
Leriza says
Hi Patti
Thank you for sharing. Very helpful.
Leriza
Denise Wright says
I can’t wait to try this! I’ve been looking for something like this for a long time!
Patti says
Thanks. I hope you like it.