My Latest Obsession: Oils in Skincare — Ritual, Results & Radiance
Okay, friends!
Lately, I’ve been falling deeper in love with oils — not just as an herbalist, but as a formulator, and a woman whose skin (finally!) feels truly nourished. As a former massage therapist, I’ve long used oils as tools for healing—absorbed through the skin, carried by scent, and guided by intention.
These days, my formulating has taken on a life of its own, and I find myself immersed in the ritual of blending, infusing, and bottling oils that leave the skin soft, glowing, and supported at every stage of life.
There’s something primal and elegant about working with oils. They invite us into slowness, ritual, and touch — and they work. If you’ve never woken up with skin that feels buttery soft after a single use… you’re in for a treat.
Today I want to share some of the formulations I’ve been working on, the reasons behind my ingredient choices, and a bit of history about why oil belongs in every skincare ritual.
Why Oils? A Bit of History
Oil was the original skincare. Long before modern emulsions and lab-made chemical laden creams, people used plant and animal oils to cleanse, moisturize, and protect the skin. Ancient Egyptians used castor, moringa, and sesame oils for their anti-aging and antimicrobial properties. In Ayurveda, warm herbal oils have been massaged into skin and hair for thousands of years to nourish both body and mind.
Unlike water-based lotions that often rely on synthetic preservatives and fillers, oils offer a concentrated dose of skin-loving nutrients, fatty acids, and antioxidants. They can repair the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity — all while feeling like a daily act of self-devotion.
The Formulas I Can’t Stop Making (and Using!)
Moonlit — Moisturizing Face Lotion
This blend of beef tallow, aloe vera, and delicate plant oils was created for those who want a rich, deeply hydrating face cream that feels indulgent and absorbs beautifully.
Key Ingredients:
Beef Tallow: Closely mimics our skin’s own sebum and delivers fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and K. Especially good for barrier repair and dry, sensitive skin.
Jojoba Oil: Balances oil production, hydrates without clogging.
Apricot Kernel Oil: Lightweight, rich in vitamin E and perfect for softening fine lines.
Aloe Vera Juice: Soothing, cooling, and hydrating — the perfect water phase.
Frankincense Essential Oil: Sacred, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerating.
Madagascar Vanilla Bean: Adds a touch of sensuality and comfort.
Users say this lotion leaves their skin "feeling like butter after just one night!"
Lumina — Nourishing Face Oil
This is for the wise woman — or anyone who wants to age gracefully and radiantly. It’s luxurious, oh-so-gently floral, and most importantly, potent. Simple, effective, and made for everyday radiance. I formulated this for those who want a no-fuss facial oil that absorbs quickly before makeup or bedtime. It’s great for my aging skin and equally great for my daughter’s sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients:
Argan Oil: Known as “liquid gold” for its anti-aging, antioxidant-rich properties.
Pomegranate Seed Oil: Supports cell regeneration and elasticity.
Carrot Seed Oil: Brightens and firms dull, tired skin.
Frankincense & Damask Rose: Sacred oils that support skin renewal and open the heart.
People love using this before applying makeup, describing it as “hydrating but not greasy — fast absorbing and just right.”
No. 222 —Multi-Use Herbal Hair Elixir
Okay, it’s not for your face — but this one absolutely earns its place in the daily ritual. This oil is for scalp health, frizz control, deep conditioning, and shine.
I originally formulated No. 222 to take care of my own graying hair—it needed moisture, shine, and some serious love. But this combo turned out to be a total multitasker!
I use it in a few different ways depending on what my hair needs. If my scalp’s feeling dry or I just want to unwind, I’ll warm a couple pumps in my hands and give myself a slow massage at the crown and temples—especially grounding before bed and great for lymphatic drainage and hair growth!
For deep moisture, I’ll coat the mid-lengths and ends, wrap my hair in a warm towel, and let it soak in for a couple hours or overnight.
The blend includes evening primrose oil, which feels especially nurturing when I’m run-down or cycling.
It’s a sensory ritual as much as a hair treatment—and my hair has truly never felt better.
Base Oils: Sunflower, jojoba, rosemary-infused olive oil, argan, and black castor — blended for circulation, strength, and nourishment.
Essential Oils: Rosemary, peppermint, lavender, and a hint of cedarwood. It smells like a forest temple.
Root & Resin — Body Serum
Oh boy has this become my favorite post-shower ritual! Earthy, grounding, and gorgeously hydrating — this serum nourishes skin and moves lymph alike. Even better if you pair it up with a quick dry brush session.
Root & Resin was born out of a craving for grounding — something that could nourish skin deeply while offering a moment of presence in the swirl of daily life.
I wanted a body oil that felt as intentional as the face serum, that could support circulation and tone the lymphatic system.
I infused avocado oil with rosemary and elderberries for their antioxidant and circulatory magic, added castor oil for its drawing and hydrating properties, and finished with fractionated coconut and jojoba to keep the texture light and fast-absorbing.
The scent? A blend of frankincense and lavender that settles your spirit while softening your skin. I love using this oil after dry brushing, post-shower, or even added to a bath. It soaks in like a dream and leaves your skin glowing and your spirit calm, like a barefoot walk in the gardens.
Key Ingredients:
Rosemary & Elderberry-Infused Avocado Oil: Deeply antioxidant and warming.
Castor Oil: Draws moisture and supports lymph flow.
Fractionated Coconut Oil: Helps the formula absorb quickly.
Vitamin E + Essential Oils: Add glow, preservation, and calm.
Crystals and dry brushes optional — but definitely encouraged. ✨
The Results: Skin, Hair & Body That Feel Nourished
What I hear over and over again from customers and testers is how their skin and hair feel nourished. Like they finally have what they need. Less flaking, less frizz, less shine in the T-zone, and more overall glow. Whether it's a face oil that sinks in seamlessly under makeup or a lotion that transforms dry patches overnight — these formulas are delivering.
And honestly? The results aren’t just skin deep. These oils have turned skin and haircare into a ritual again — one that invites you back into your body.
Ready to Try One?
If your skin is craving simplicity, ritual, and real nourishment, I invite you to explore these offerings. Each bottle or jar is handcrafted, infused with care and intention, and formulated using high-quality, whole ingredients that truly work.
You can shop them now here, or visit me in person at local markets for samples and scent testing.
Here’s to skincare that feeds the skin and the soul.
Take Care of You,
Melody
The Daily Ritual Apothecary
