For a lightweight, non-greasy summer body oil, combine 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil with 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil and add 8–10 drops of essential oil. Both carrier oils absorb quickly without leaving a heavy film, making them an excellent choice for warm weather. Apply the blend to slightly damp skin after showering to help lock in moisture and leave skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Why Switch to a Lightweight Body Oil in Summer?
Summer skincare is a balancing act.
On one hand, the combination of sunshine, air conditioning, salt water, and chlorine can leave skin feeling dry. On the other, heavy lotions and thick body butters often feel too rich when the weather is hot and humid.
That's why I switch to a lightweight body oil every summer.
It gives my skin the hydration it needs without that sticky feeling that seems to attract every grain of sand at the beach or cling to clothing on humid afternoons.
Over the years, I've tinkered with many mixtures of carrier oils. Some were so slick my skin felt oily for ages, and others absorbed into my skin in seconds, leaving me to wonder if I'd put anything on at all. The ratio that always wins out for me is jojoba and grapeseed oil – they apply with an incredibly light hand and soak in just fast enough to leave my skin feeling soft and silky rather than just slick.
Another reason I enjoy making my own body oil is that it's easy to customize. Once you have a good carrier oil base, you can create different scents for different seasons simply by changing the essential oils.
Love the refreshing kick of citrus, the calming sense of mint or the gentle whisper of blossoms? Make your own essential oil blend to suit your lifestyle and needs.
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Want the full carrier-oil rundown? This guide is about building a lightweight body oil for summer specifically. If you'd like a deeper look at every carrier oil and which suits your skin type year-round, our guide to choosing the right carrier oil for your skin type covers all of that. |
What Makes a Body Oil Feel Non-Greasy?
The secret isn't using less oil.
It's choosing the right oils.
Certain carrier oils are known for penetrating the skin more rapidly. Heavier oils such as avocado oil, olive oil, or wheat germ oil are ideal during the colder months and winter months but can feel quite sticky or heavy during warmer months. Lighter oil based moisturizers will soak into your skin very quickly.
The best non comedogenic body oil blends also rely on oils that feel comfortable on a wide variety of skin types.
For me, the goal isn't making my skin look oily—it's making it feel soft, smooth, and well-moisturized without leaving residue behind.
Applying body oil to slightly damp skin also makes a noticeable difference. Instead of sitting on the surface, the oil spreads more easily and helps seal in moisture after a shower. There's a mechanism behind it: jojoba closely mimics the skin's own sebum, and research notes it can help reduce transepidermal water loss — in plain terms, it slows how quickly moisture escapes from freshly cleansed skin.
It's a simple step, but one I've found makes the finished result feel much lighter.
The Best Carrier Oils for a Summer Body Oil
Choosing the right carrier oil is what makes or breaks a body oil recipe.
Here's a quick comparison of some of the most popular options.
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Jojoba Oil |
Silky and lightweight |
Fast |
Everyday body oils and most skin types |
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Grapeseed Oil |
Very light |
Very Fast |
Warm weather and oily skin |
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Sweet Almond Oil |
Smooth |
Moderate |
Normal to dry skin |
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Fractionated Coconut Oil |
Lightweight |
Fast |
Massage oils and roll-ons |
|
Rosehip Oil |
Light |
Moderate |
Adding extra nourishment to body oil blends |
For this recipe, I prefer jojoba and grapeseed because they complement each other beautifully.
Jojoba provides lasting moisture without feeling heavy, while grapeseed keeps the blend feeling light and quick to absorb.
Together, they create one of my favorite combinations for a DIY summer body oil.
Why Jojoba and Grapeseed Work So Well Together
There isn't a single "perfect" carrier oil.
Every oil has its strengths.
Jojoba has a silky texture that glides easily across the skin, making it a wonderful foundation for body oils. Grapeseed, on the other hand, is incredibly lightweight and absorbs quickly, which helps prevent that greasy finish many people want to avoid in summer.
I've tried using each oil on its own, but I always come back to combining them.
The result feels balanced.
Not too rich.
Not too dry.
Just enough moisture to keep skin comfortable throughout the day.
That's also why this combination works well for people trying to make a homemade body oil recipe that feels elegant rather than heavy.
Choosing Essential Oils for Your Blend
Once you've created the carrier oil base, it's time for the fun part.
Essential oils don't just add fragrance they let you personalize your body oil based on the season or your mood.
Here are a couple I reach for more often:
Fresh & Bright
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5 drops Sweet Orange
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3 drops Lemon
Great for warm mornings and sunshine on the weekend.
Cooling Summer
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4 drops Peppermint
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4 drops Eucalyptus
One of my favorite blends after spending time outdoors.
Soft Floral
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5 drops Lavender
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3 drops Roman Chamomile
A lovely option for evening skincare routines.
Fresh Spa Blend
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4 drops Eucalyptus
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4 drops Lavender
Clean, calming, and surprisingly versatile.
My “standard” recipe involves around 8-10 drops of total essential oil to 4 tablespoons of carrier oil. It usually smells amazing, but is not over-the-top.
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A note on citrus and sunlight Citrus oils such as sweet orange and lemon can be mildly photosensitising. If you use a citrus blend (like Fresh & Bright) as a daytime, leave-on body oil, apply it to skin that stays covered, or save citrus blends for the evening and keep the mint or floral blends for daytime. As always, patch test first. |
DIY Lightweight Summer Body Oil Recipe
Now that you've chosen a lightweight carrier oil base, it's time to put everything together.
One of the things I enjoy most about making my own body oil is how little effort it takes. Once you've made the blend a couple of times, the whole process takes less than five minutes.
I purposely made this recipe very basic since I find that the fewer the ingredients the more effective the blend is going to be. Who needs an overwhelming list of ingredients when only 2 simple oils can create a light and lovely, skin-nourishing experience.
What You'll Need
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2 tablespoons jojoba oil
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2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
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8–10 drops essential oils of your choice
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A clean 4-ounce glass bottle or pump bottle
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A small funnel (optional)
How to Make Body Oil with Essential Oils
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Pour the jojoba and grapeseed oils into a clean glass bottle.
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Add your chosen essential oils.
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Close the bottle securely and shake gently to combine.
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Let the blend sit for a few hours before using so the aromas have time to develop.
That's it.
No heating.
No complicated equipment.
No preservatives required.
Simple recipes are often the ones I return to again and again because they're easy to make whenever I need a fresh batch.
Why This Formula Works
A good body oil should moisturize your skin without making it feel like you've applied cooking oil.
That's exactly what this recipe is designed to do.
Jojoba oil provides lightweight hydration and helps the blend glide smoothly across the skin.
I stick with grapeseed to ensure the blend stays light and quick absorbing which feels particularly nice in the summer heat.
These two together just work to create a light and well balanced formula which goes on nicely and absorbs quickly.
I have tried richer combinations of oils with avocado oil, or olive oil, but I’m often returning to this formulation in the summer – it feels nicer.
It's lightweight enough for everyday use while still leaving skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Ways to Customize Your Body Oil
One of my favorite things about a DIY body oil with essential oils is how easy it is to customize.
Instead of buying several scented body oils, you can create different blends using the same carrier oil base.
For a Fresh Morning Routine
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4 drops Sweet Orange
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4 drops Lemon
Bright, cheerful, and perfect for starting the day.
For Hot Summer Afternoons
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4 drops Peppermint
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4 drops Eucalyptus
A crisp combination that feels especially refreshing after spending time outdoors.
For Relaxing Evenings
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5 drops Lavender
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3 drops Roman Chamomile
Soft floral notes that work beautifully as part of an evening skincare routine.
For a Spa-Like Aroma
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4 drops Lavender
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2 drops Eucalyptus
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2 drops Sweet Orange
Clean, balanced, and one of the blends I make most often when I want my bathroom to feel like a spa.
How to Apply Body Oil for the Best Results
When people tell me they don't enjoy body oils, it's often because they're applying them to completely dry skin.
That usually leaves the oil sitting on the surface longer than necessary.
I've found that applying body oil immediately after a shower works much better.
Gently pat your skin with a towel so it's still slightly damp, then massage a small amount of oil over your arms, legs, and body using circular motions.
The oil spreads more easily, absorbs faster, and leaves a smoother finish.
A little goes a long way.
Start with a small amount and add more only if needed.
How to Store Homemade Body Oil
Because this homemade body oil recipe doesn't contain water, it's relatively simple to store.
For the best quality:
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Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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Use a dark glass bottle whenever possible.
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Keep the cap tightly closed after each use.
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Avoid introducing water into the bottle.
When stored properly, the blend typically lasts several months, although freshness depends on the carrier oils used.
I usually make smaller batches so I can enjoy them while they're at their freshest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Essential Oil
More isn't better.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, so sticking to the recommended dilution creates a blend that's both pleasant and appropriate for everyday use.
Choosing Heavy Carrier Oils
Avocado oil or olive oil have their benefits, just too heavy in the summer months. If lightweight is your desired result use quick absorb carrier oils like jojoba oil or grapeseed oil.
Applying Too Much Product
It's tempting to use several pumps at once.
I've done it.
The result is almost always more oil than my skin actually needs.
Start with a small amount and build up if necessary.
Skipping a Patch Test
Even if you've used an ingredient before, it's always worth patch testing a new blend before applying it more broadly.
Final Thoughts
Making your own DIY summer body oil doesn't have to be complicated.
This minimal mixture of jojoba and grapeseed oil results in a very lightweight and easy to alter foundation that you can make your own by adding your favourite essential oils. With a splash of lemon for uplifting and refreshing energy, a dab of mint for a cool feel and a little lavender for a relaxing evening routine, this is a great option for those who live in humid environments as well as for those who are sensitive to heavier lotions and oils.
I've tried plenty of carrier oil combinations over the years, and this is still the one I reach for every summer. It's quick to make, absorbs beautifully, and leaves my skin feeling soft rather than greasy—which is exactly what I want from a warm-weather body oil.
