A simple DIY beard oil can be made by combining jojoba oil with cedarwood and sandalwood essential oils. Paired with a homemade aftershave, it creates a practical, personalized Father's Day gift that's easy to make and enjoyable to use every day.
Why DIY Beard Oil & Aftershave Make Great Father's Day Gifts
Finding a Father's Day gift can be surprisingly difficult.
Some dads already seem to own everything they need. Others insist they don't want anything at all. That's one reason handmade gifts continue to be popular—they feel personal in a way that store-bought products often don't.
A thoughtful and practical handmade grooming gift will appeal to almost anyone. Unlike a kitsch gift that could be gathering dust in a drawer, aftershave or beard oil is something that could become part of a routine.
I've been crafting grooming blends as gifts for many years, and they're almost always some of the most gratefully received gifts. They can be customized for just the right recipient, they're simple to package, and they always feel a bit more personal than picking something up off the shelves of the drug store an hour before a party.
The best part is that creating homemade beard oil or a DIY aftershave doesn't require special equipment or complicated ingredients. A few quality oils and a clean bottle are often all you need.
Choosing the Best Carrier Oils for Beard Care
Before discussing essential oils, it's worth talking about carrier oils.
In most beard products, carrier oils make up the majority of the formula. They dilute essential oils and help distribute them evenly throughout the beard.
Jojoba Oil
If I had to choose one oil for a beginner beard recipe, it would probably be jojoba.
Jojoba oil for beard care remains popular because it's lightweight, easy to apply, and works well with almost every essential oil blend.
It absorbs comfortably and doesn't leave the beard feeling overly greasy.
Argan Oil
Argan oil for beard blends is another excellent option.
It has a smooth texture and is often used in grooming products designed to leave beards feeling softer and more manageable.
I particularly like combining argan oil with jojoba because the two balance each other nicely.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can also work well in beard products, especially for those who prefer richer blends.
If you're curious about using it in your routine, the Coconut Oil for Beard article explores its benefits and how it compares with other carrier oils.
Quick Carrier Oil Comparison
|
Carrier Oil |
Texture |
Best For |
|
Jojoba Oil |
Lightweight |
Everyday beard care |
|
Argan Oil |
Smooth |
Softer-feeling beards |
|
Coconut Oil |
Richer |
Dry or coarse beards |
The Best Essential Oils for Men's Grooming
Once you've selected a carrier oil, it's time to think about scent.
For Father's Day gifts, I generally lean toward woody, fresh, and clean aromas rather than anything overly sweet.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood oil for beard blends remains one of my favorite choices.
It has a classic woodsy aroma that feels timeless rather than trendy. Whenever I make a beard oil for someone who hasn't used essential oils before, cedarwood is usually part of the recipe.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood adds warmth and depth.
It's the oil that often makes a blend smell more refined and sophisticated. Paired with cedarwood, it creates a classic masculine fragrance profile.
Tea Tree
Tea tree brings a sharper, fresher character to grooming products.
A little goes a long way, which is why I typically use it as a supporting ingredient rather than the main aroma.
Together, these oils create some of my favorite essential oils for beard oil and aftershave recipes.
A Simple DIY Beard Oil Recipe
Many of you may have had questions regarding how to make beard oil — the process is surprisingly straightforward.
Ingredients
• 1 ounce jojoba oil
• 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 1 clean dropper bottle
Instructions
1. Add the carrier oil to the bottle.
2. Add the essential oils.
3. Secure the cap and shake gently.
4. Allow the blend to sit for several hours before use.
That's it.
This beard oil recipe takes only a few minutes to make and works well for everyday grooming.
Understanding Beard Oil Ratios
A common question is how much essential oil should be added to beard oil.
For a one-ounce bottle, approximately 8–10 drops of essential oil is a simple starting point for many DIY blends.
The exact amount can vary depending on the oils being used and personal preference, but keeping essential oils properly diluted is always important.
Two Easy Beard Oil Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, it's easy to customize.
Healthy-Looking Beard Blend
This beard oil recipe is meant to be used in conjunction with your usual grooming routine to make your beard appear neat, conditioned and healthy.
Ingredients
• 1 ounce jojoba oil
• 4 drops cedarwood
• 3 drops tea tree
• 2 drops sandalwood
It smells fresh and clean, perfect for everyday use.
Woodsy Father's Day Blend
Perfect for fathers who love the finest masculine scents:
Ingredients
• 1 ounce argan oil
• 5 drops cedarwood
• 4 drops sandalwood
This simple beard oil essential oil blend smells like a traditional barbershop with a modern twist.
I've made variations of this recipe for friends and family several times, and it's usually the first bottle people finish.
DIY Natural Aftershave Recipe
A beard oil and aftershave pair nicely together, which makes them ideal for gifting.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon distilled water
• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 1 small spray bottle
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients together in a clean bottle.
2. Shake before each use.
3. Apply lightly after shaving.
This homemade aftershave recipe has a clean, fresh aroma without feeling overpowering.
It's also one of the simplest ways to introduce natural aftershave essential oils into a grooming routine.
A quick skin note: shaving leaves skin slightly more sensitive than usual, so patch test the aftershave before regular use and if the recipient has very sensitive skin, you can leave the tea tree out and lean on cedarwood alone.
Dilution & Safety
DIY grooming products should always prioritize safety.
Use Carrier Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be applied directly to the skin without proper dilution.
Patch Test New Blends
Whenever trying a new product, test it on a small area first. Even well-loved ingredients can affect individuals differently.
Start Simple
One mistake I see often is trying to create a beard oil with ten different essential oils. To be perfectly honest, the fewer ingredients the better a blend usually is. Start simple and adjust gradually.
Father's Day Packaging Ideas
Presentation can make a simple gift feel much more special.
A few ideas include:
• Amber glass dropper bottles
• Small gift boxes
• Kraft paper labels
• Handwritten recipe cards
• Reusable grooming pouches
One of my personal favorite 'extras' is a short note explaining why you chose that scent blend. It takes only a minute to write, but it makes the gift feel far more personal.
If you're still looking for ideas, our Father's Day Gift Guide includes additional inspiration for creating a memorable Father's Day package — or you can build your own bundle of oils to go with the homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
The best Father's Day gifts don't have to be complicated.
A thoughtfully made bottle of DIY beard oil or a simple DIY aftershave can feel far more personal than something picked up at the last minute. With just a few carrier oils and essential oils, it's easy to create grooming products that look great, smell fantastic, and fit naturally into everyday routines.
And if you're anything like me, once you've made one batch, you'll probably start planning the next one before the first bottle is even finished.
