This story originally appeared on Rodale’s Organic Life in November 2017.

You’ve made the switch to natural beauty (adios parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance) and it feels good. What doesn’t feel so good is shelling out $60-plus for an itty bitty 2-ounce jar face cream. Ouch!

But natural beauty doesn’t have to come with a trendy label or sticker shock; you can DIY your own with the same skin smoothing and protecting superpowers, and even personalize it to your complexion concerns, for a fraction of what the natural beauty store charges.

Packed with natural oils to smooth and hydrate your skin for a youthful glow, this super-easy-to-make cream contains only 7 ingredients. Plus you get the satisfaction of making it from scratch. Your skin and your wallet will thank you.

DIY face cream ingredients
Allison Young

First, the ingredients

Natural doesn’t mean wimpy. You don’t need chemicals to hydrate, even out skin tone, and smooth fine lines; plant-made ingredients can be super potent. “The beauty of using natural ingredients is many of them are easily absorbed into the skin and sometimes way more concentrated,” says Holistic esthetician Daron Hope, founder of EarthTonics Skincare.

Of course, in the beginning, stocking up on all of these skin-nourishing supplies to make your own skincare products can be a little pricey—but if you're committed to going natural, investing in these ingredients will absolutely save you money in the long run, since they're extremely versatile and can be used in everything from DIY body butters to lip balm to beeswax candles to soothing muscle salves.

Here’s a rundown of what ingredients are in the DIY face cream recipe below and why they're so great for your skin…

Related: These Are The 6 Most Important Beauty Products To Buy Organic

Shea butter: The super-rich moisturizer softens skin and locks in moisture.

Aloe gel: Healing, calming and antibacterial, aloe helps repair skin and replenish lost moisture.

Rose water: A skin soother that reduces redness and inflammation.

Jojoba oil: A potent skin repairer and anti-inflammatory with plumping powers.

Rosehip seed oil: Superstar anti-ager loaded with antioxidants that quenches dry skin.

Beeswax: A hydrator and emulsifier that helps bind water and oil together.

Frankincense essential oil: A natural healer that can erase wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while increasing elasticity.

Rose essential oil: A proven emollient and anti-inflammatory with hydrating, moisturizing and skin-softening powers.

Related: These 4 Cooking Oils Make Some Of The Best Natural Moisturizers For Dry Skin

how to make a diy face cream step by step

DIY Skin Smoothing Face Cream

Makes 8 ounces

1/3 cup shea butter
1/8 cup beeswax
¼ cup jojoba or rosehip oil
1/3 cup rose water
½ cup aloe gel
15 drops Frankincense essential oil
15 drops rose essential oil

*Click links above to buy ingredients

1. In a double boiler, melt shea butter and beeswax together. After oils are melted allow them to cool slightly.

2. While shea butter mixture is melting, combine jojoba or rosehip, rose water, and aloe gel in a large glass measuring cup. Warm up the liquid in a double boiler (this will help it combine with the oil mixture).

3. Using an immersion blender or hand mixer, blend the heated aloe mixture until mixed completely (it will turn milky) and continue to blend while you stream in the melted shea butter mixture.

4. Blend for a few minutes until cream starts to emulsify and becomes thick and fluffy.

5. Add the essential oils and mix until combined.

6. Using a spatula, transfer cream into a large freezer bag or piping tube. Cut the tip and pipe into sterilized glass jars (four 2-ounce glass jars). Cap jars and store cream in fridge for up to one year.

7. Slather over face and luxuriate in the heavenly scent and natural ingredients.

Related: 5 Best Essential Oils To Repair, Soothe, And Heal Your Skin

Clean up tip: “Castile soap and white vinegar can really cut through the greasiness,” says Hope who fills her sink with hot water and adds either castile soap or vinegar (combining the two can cause a reaction). Hot water also helps to melt grease off pots, utensils, and your sink; ditto for a dishwasher with a steam function.

Shelf life tip: The biggest downside of “from scratch” cosmetics is shelf life. Without added synthetic preservatives (beeswax and essential oils work as natural preservatives), homemade products don’t last as long as store bought. Make sure to store cream in clean containers, keep it in the fridge (so it can last up to 1 year), and use a sanitized stick instead of dipping fingers to prolong shelf life.