Create a potent wrinkle smoothing serum with essential oils in just three steps. Start with an antioxidant base, add a moisturizing oil, and finally dilute it with a carrier oil. Here are 20 oils to choose from.

When it comes to wrinkle treatments, the options seem endless. Should you choose a cream or a lightweight moisturizer? What about a vitamin C serum or retinol?

If you’re looking for more natural treatments, though, you might consider essential oils. Essential oils can’t get rid of wrinkles (nothing can permanently), but they may help minimize them.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

To create your skin serum, start by selecting an antioxidant base.

Antioxidant-containing essential oils may help slow the formation of or smooth existing wrinkles by neutralizing skin-damaging free radicals. Free radicals are all around us, in:

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)

Rosemary is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. When it comes to skin health, its natural oxidative defenses may help prevent free radicals from causing damage.

A 2022 study on rosemary essential oil found it has antioxidant properties that can potentially slow down skin aging.

However, more clinical trials are needed. This study derived its results from laboratory analysis and testing without human participants.

Citrus

Citrus fruits, including lemons, oranges, and tangerines, are high in the antioxidant vitamin C. Many skin care creams and serums contain this vitamin, or a form of it, which is said to help boost collagen production.

According to a 2022 study, citrus essential oils have potent antioxidant activity. This activity is what makes them promising for helping to smooth wrinkles and achieve an even skin tone.

However, take care not to expose your skin to the sun, or be sure to wear sunscreen, after applying citrus essential oils or vitamin C-containing products.

These products may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and prone to sunburn.

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.)

Clary sage, a cousin of traditional sage, has different medicinal uses than the traditional herb.

According to a 2022 research review of several essential oils, clary sage oil has antioxidant properties that may help:

  • improve the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite
  • stabilize sebum and oil production
  • tone, tighten, and strengthen skin

Carrot seed (Daucus carota L.)

In traditional medicine, carrot seeds have been used as a muscle relaxant and a remedy for low blood sugar. When used in skin care, the extract may help rejuvenate and nourish the skin.

According to a 2024 review of essential oils that may help with skin aging, carrot seed oil is rich in:

Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content may help slow signs of aging by fending off skin cell damage from free radicals.

Carotenoids, in particular, may help protect from ultraviolet (UV) damage from the sun, which is a major cause of premature skin aging.

Carrot seed oil may also help support collagen and elastin production, proteins related to skin firmness that your body slows its production of as you age.

Next, add an oil to give your serum moisturizing properties.

When it comes to fine lines and wrinkles, moisture is perhaps one of the most important benefits essential oils can offer.

Moisture helps your skin retain water. As you age, your skin becomes less efficient at retaining moisture. Moisturizing products, such as essential oils, may help.

Once your skin has a proper moisture balance, your overall complexion may improve.

Keeping your skin moisturized may also enhance skin cell turnover, which may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Rose (Rosa damascena)

According to a previously mentioned research review, rose essential oil has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help prevent premature skin aging.

Like other essential oils discussed above, the antioxidant capabilities of rose essential oil may protect skin cells from free radicals and sun damage, which both contribute to skin aging.

East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album L.)

Sandalwood has long been known for its anti-inflammatory effects and has been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory skin diseases.

As an essential oil, sandalwood is moisturizing due to naturally occurring emollients, which help keep water in your skin.

Its antioxidant properties may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and skin aging.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

According to past research, the benefits of geranium essential oil have been studied in humans and animals. The benefits include being potentially:

  • antioxidant
  • antibacterial
  • anti-inflammatory
  • antimicrobial
  • astringent (skin-tightening)

It may also improve acne, even skin pigmentation, and regulate sebum production by helping your skin retain moisture.

Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata)

According to past research, ylang-ylang’s oils contain antioxidants that may aid in skin cell regeneration and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Because of its potential to regulate sebum production, it may be moisturizing and lubricating, which may also contribute to its skin-smoothing properties.

Helichrysum

A 2020 study in 117 participants of a night cream containing melatonin, carnosine, and Helichrysum italicum extract found that over 12 weeks, it helped improve:

  • hydration and transepidermal water loss
  • wrinkle counts
  • sun spots
  • skin calmness

However, because the cream contained more than just helichrysum, it’s impossible to say whether the results were from this ingredient alone.

More clinical trials are needed to study the effects of helichrysum essential oil alone on the signs of skin aging.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium L.)

As a citrus essential oil, neroli may help boost collagen production due to its vitamin C content, which may aid in:

  • regenerating skin cells
  • tightening the skin
  • reducing the appearance of wrinkles

As an antioxidant, vitamin C also helps:

  • combat UV damage from the sun, including sun spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation
  • neutralize free radicals
  • protect from other pollutants and toxins in the environment

Pomegranate flower extract (Punica granatum)

Little research exists on the cosmetic use of pomegranate oil. But according to a 2023 study, pomegranate flower extract may potentially be anti-inflammatory and anti-acne.

However, this study combined pomegranate blossom extracts and banana peel into a cream, so it’s impossible to say whether the effects were from pomegranate alone.

The antioxidant content of pomegranate may also help improve signs of skin aging and defend against the sun’s harmful UV rays. But it’s not a suitable replacement for sunscreen.

Frankincense (Boswellia sacra)

Past research indicates that frankincense essential oil may promote collagen production.

As you age, your skin produces less collagen, so an extra boost may be what you need to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

As with many other essential oils, frankincense has potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect your skin from:

  • sun damage
  • free radicals
  • premature aging

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender flowers contain antioxidants that may help combat free radicals and reduce overall stress. These effects may soothe stressed-out and dull-looking skin.

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and collagen-stimulating properties of lavender oil help support healthy skin aging.

The final step in creating your skin serum is diluting it with a carrier oil.

A carrier oil reduces the intensity of the essential oil so that it doesn’t irritate your skin and makes the product last longer.

Carrier oils also have additional moisturizing benefits, which we determined are key for any skin care regimen.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.)

The jojoba plant has been used for various skin ailments since it was first discovered as a folk medicinal treatment.

The rich seeds provide ample moisture, making this a great carrier oil for essential oils. Properly moisturized skin can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Jojoba oil is also used for:

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

From a nutritional standpoint, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from oxidative stress. As an essential oil, vitamin E may also help repair your skin topically.

Researchers have long known that vitamin E oil helps:

  • even skin tone
  • smooth rough skin texture
  • increase collagen production
  • protect from harmful UV rays

As a carrier oil, vitamin E has the potential to boost the rejuvenating effects of essential oils.

Grape seed (Vitis vinifera)

Historically, ancient Greeks used grape seed extract for medicinal purposes. Today, it’s noted for its:

Apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca)

Apricot oil, like vitamin E and grape seed oils, may help nourish and rejuvenate your skin.

Apricot oil already has high levels of vitamin E. The oil is prepared from apricot seeds, which contain high levels of linoleic and oleic acids, which are considered essential fatty acids for healthy, supple skin.

A 2019 report found that apricot oil’s fatty acid content makes it absorb well and ideal for dry skin.

Almond (Prunus amygdalus)

Like vitamin E, apricot, and grape seed oil, almond oil may have nourishing and rejuvenating qualities.

According to a 2018 study, almond oil has significant anti-inflammatory benefits, which may help treat inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

For healthy aging purposes, almond oil may also improve:

  • complexion
  • dry skin
  • scars
  • skin tone

Avocado (Persea gratissima)

Often noted for their heart-healthy fats, avocados also offer more in skin care. Avocado oil is a natural antioxidant and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Look for avocado oil made from the seeds. They’re said to have the most collagen-boosting effects.

Argan (Argania spinosa)

Argan oil is a rich substance made from argan fruit trees, which are native to Morocco.

Today, numerous hair, body, and face products contain argan, which is high in vitamin E and healthy fatty acids.

As a carrier oil in your wrinkle-care regimen, a 2024 research review suggests argan oil may help boost skin elasticity and fight inflammation.

Rule of thumb for creating an essential oil serum

You can use a separate bottle for mixing or add the essential oils to the carrier oil bottle. Use about 10 drops of essential oil per 1/2 ounce of carrier oil.

To reap the most skin benefits, you should aim to apply your new essential oil serum twice daily. Think of it like a wrinkle cream: You need to use it daily for maximum results.

Although essential oils are naturally derived from plants, these products aren’t completely risk-free.

Some people may have an allergy or sensitivity to topical essential oils, even if they don’t have plant allergies. If you’re allergic to a certain oil, you might experience:

Immediately discontinue use if you notice any of these symptoms. Always perform a patch test before trying any new skin care products.

The importance of patch testing

One way to reduce your risk of allergic reaction is to conduct a patch test on the skin in your inner elbow before use.

To ensure that an oil won’t cause a reaction, test twice daily for up to five days. Most people, however, will show signs of a reaction within 24 hours. If you show any signs of reaction, discontinue use.

Speak with a dermatologist for more wrinkle-smoothing remedies.

You can create a skin serum that supports aging skin using any of the essential oils listed above, but it’s important to talk with your dermatologist and perform a patch test before trying.

It can take several months before you see improvements. If you don’t see any improvements after a few months of use, speak with your dermatologist. They might recommend prescription products or treatments.

Talk with your doctor or dermatologist to discuss any potential risks or negative interactions. Allergies to essential oils are possible.