This DIY body oil 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 your pores but stays on top allowing the other oils to penetrate the skin. The result is a silky, not slick, feeling.
So I bought some Cyclomethicone and experimented by adding some 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.
This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there’s no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
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.
Be the first to receive new posts and get access to our Subscribers Only Page.
Supplies
(4T) Cyclomethicone
(4T) Calendula oil
(4T) Fractionated Coconut oil
(60 drops) Essential Oils
(I used 35 drops of Rosemary
& 25 Lavender
) or fragrance oil.
How to Make Dry Body Oil
- Combine 4T Cyclomethicone, 4T Calendula oil, and 4T Fractionated Coconut oil in a 6-ounce fine mist bottle.
- Add different combinations of essential oils for fragrance. I used 35 drops of rosemary essential oil and 25 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Shake and store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Variations
Try experimenting by making your oil dry body oil using different carrier oils and essential oils for scent.
Change the carrier oil - Sweet almond is readily available and is a good multi-purpose carrier oil. Avocado oil is said to be very moisturizing and good for dry skin. Grapeseed oil and sunflower oils are 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. You can even buy a blend of oils. 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.
Give some as gifts or have the girls over for a night of crafting and creative fun.
More Bath and Body Recipes
Body Oil Recipe
Materials
- 4T Cyclomethicone
- 4T Calendula oil
- 4T Fractionated Coconut oil
- 60 drops essential oil or fragrance oil. (I used 35 drops of Rosemary & 25 Lavender)
Instructions
- Combine 4T Cyclomethicone, 4T Calendula oil, and 4T Fractionated Coconut oil into a 6-ounce fine mist bottle.
- Add different combinations of essential oils for fragrance.
- I used 35 drops of rosemary essential oil and 25 drops of lavender oil.
- Shake and store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Notes
Susan
Thank you so much! I hate the winter because my skin gets unbearably dry! I have been caking on lotion for some time already, lol. I cannot wait to try this out, my skin doesn't love coconut oil and I am wondering how this would work with Jojoba oil? Any thoughts? Thanks so much
Patti Estep
Susan, you can definitely substitute jojoba oil for the coconut. Enjoy!
wanda
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
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
thank you. I was confused for a bit & thought I mixed up teaspoon & tablespoon
Betty Neary
Where can I buy the cyclometicone please xx
Betty
Patti Estep
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
Amazon sells it!
Alyssa
I want to know how to make a dry body oil without cyclomethicone. Have you tried?
Patti Estep
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
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
That's good to know Sky. Thanks for sharing.
Sky
I just found this as a healthier replacement: Benzoate Ester
I buy my products at Essential Wholesale and Labs. 🌿
Patti Estep
Thanks for the info.
Suzi Fatigante
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
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
Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & Shared.
Ashley
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
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
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
Sounds like a great body spray and would make a fun gift for a friend. Thanks for sharing on Funtastic Friday!
Hil
I love finding out you can make your own stuff instead of buying it!
Josh
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
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
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
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
Can you tell me where you bought the cute clear spray bottles?
Patti
Hi Janet,
I bought them and some of the other supplies here: http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
Kim
If I'm allergic to silicones (e.g. Cyclomethicone), can you recommend a good alternative? Thank you!
Patti
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
I would like to to try this however, does the T mean teaspoon or tablespoon?
Patti
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
Hi Patti
Thank you for sharing. Very helpful.
Leriza
Denise Wright
I can't wait to try this! I've been looking for something like this for a long time!
Patti
Thanks. I hope you like it.