A simple, three-ingredient after-sun oil that takes about five minutes to make and feels like a reward for spending the day outdoors. Jojoba Oil forms the base — lightweight, fast-absorbing, and so closely structured to the skin’s own sebum that it sinks in without any greasiness — blended with aloe vera gel for immediate cooling and carrot seed oil for its skin-nourishing properties. A few drops of essential oil add fragrance and a final sensory layer.
It comes together in one bowl, transfers into whatever glass jar or pump bottle you have on hand, and keeps in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The fridge step is optional but genuinely worthwhile — cold oil on sun-warm skin is a particular kind of relief.
One note on the bergamot: The recipe suggests Bergamot Essential Oil as the fragrance addition, and it’s a beautiful choice aromatically — sweet, citrusy, and uplifting. However, bergamot is a phototoxic oil, meaning it can sensitize skin to UV damage when applied before sun exposure. Since this is an after-sun product applied once you’re out of the sun for the day, the risk is low — but if you plan to go back outside, opt for a non-phototoxic alternative like Lavender, Rose Geranium, or Patchouli instead. All work beautifully in this base.
What’s In the Oil
Jojoba Oil is technically a liquid wax rather than an oil, which is what makes it so uniquely compatible with human skin. Cold-pressed and unrefined, it closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, absorbing quickly without clogging pores and leaving no heavy residue — making it one of the most versatile carrier oils in the apothecary. It’s the reason this after-sun blend feels light rather than greasy even in warm weather.
Bergamot Essential Oil is cold-pressed from the rind of Citrus bergamia, grown in the sun-soaked orchards of southern Italy, and is one of the most widely loved citrus oils in the world. Its sweet, sparkling aroma has been used in perfumery and aromatherapy for centuries, and when diffused or applied (with appropriate sun precautions), it’s traditionally associated with mood-lifting and emotional ease. A few drops go a long way.
RECIPE
Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: About ½ cup
Shelf life: 1–2 weeks, refrigerated
Recipe by: Katie
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Anima Mundi Jojoba Oil
- ¼ cup aloe vera gel
- 1 Tbsp carrot seed oil
- 5–10 drops Anima Mundi Bergamot Essential Oil — or substitute Lavender, Rose Geranium, or Patchouli if returning to the sun
- Dried calendula flowers, for garnish (optional)
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the jojoba oil, aloe vera gel, and carrot seed oil until smooth and well combined.
- Add the essential oil of your choice and whisk again to distribute evenly.
- Transfer to a clean glass jar or pump bottle. If desired, drop a few dried calendula flowers into the jar for a botanical finish.
- Apply generously to clean skin after time in the sun. Store in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect and use within 1–2 weeks, or according to the shelf life of your aloe vera gel.
Shop The Ingredients
Jojoba Oil: organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined — lightweight, fast-absorbing, and deeply compatible with the skin’s natural barrier
Bergamot Essential Oil: organic citrus oil cold-pressed in Italy, traditionally used for mood support and aromatic uplift — use after sun exposure only
Explore more botanical skincare recipes in the Blog.
