3 Dermatologist-Approved DIY Tinted Moisturizer Recipes to Try at Home (2024)

• Adina Grigore is a natural beauty expert, the founder of S.W. Basics, and the author of Skin Cleanse.
• Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology in New York City.

For Dark Skin Tones: Clove-Based Tinted Moisturizer

Grigore adores clove for dark skin tones. Its rich color can be totally customized based on how much you sprinkle in. In regards to its skin benefits, Garshick says that clove is thought to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an especially great option for those with acne-prone skin. “Additionally because it is an antioxidant it may help to fight free radicals down and help with signs of aging,” she adds.

To whip up a clove-infused tinted moisturizer for dark skin, follow the instructions below.

Materials:

• A small jar
• A spoon
• Your favorite moisturizer
• Ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Spoon a tablespoon of your favorite moisturizer into a small jar.
2. Sprinkle a touch of the ground cloves to the moisturizer and mix with the spoon.
3. Continue to sprinkle cloves into the moisturizer until the desired color is achieved.
4. Mix thoroughly to avoid any clumps of cloves.
5. Test the product on the inside of your wrist to match color and evaluate the potential for any irritation. If the patch test goes smoothly, make a larger batch to enjoy over the weeks and months to come.

How Long It Lasts: Dried ground cloves last two to three years so, given moisturizers typically last up to 12 months after opening, you don’t have to worry about the addition of cloves making the product go bad at a faster rate.

For Medium Skin Tones: Cocoa Powder Tinted Moisturizer

Grigore recommends cocoa powder for medium-toned skin thanks to its warm brown hue. Garshick approves, noting that the powder does far more for the skin than simply delivering color. “Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants as it contains flavonols, so it helps to fight free radical damage and improve the appearance of the skin, specifically as it relates to elasticity in the skin,” she explains. “Additionally, it contains polyphenols, another type of antioxidant, which may help protect against UV damage.” (Of course, that’s not to say it replaces SPF—applying regular sunscreen is always a must.) Lastly, Garshick says that, since it’s high in fatty acids, cocoa powder can even add hydrating properties to tinted moisturizer mixes, so it’s especially great for folks with dry or combo skin types.

To whip up a cocoa-infused tinted moisturizer for medium skin, follow the instructions below.

Materials:

• A small jar
• A spoon
• Your favorite moisturizer
• Cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Spoon a tablespoon of your favorite moisturizer into a small jar.
2. Sprinkle cocoa powder into the moisturizer and mix with the spoon.
3. Continue to sprinkle cocoa into the moisturizer until the desired color is achieved.
4. Mix thoroughly to avoid any clumps.
5. Test the product on the inside of your wrist to confirm the color and ensure no irritation occurs. If the patch test goes without a hitch, whip together a bigger batch to use for the days, weeks, and months ahead.

How Long It Lasts: Cocoa powder lasts one year after it’s opened. Therefore your best bet is to create smaller batches of this tinted moisturizer so that you don’t add near-expiration coca to a full jar of brand-new moisturizer.

For Light Skin Tones: Nutmeg Base

Nutmeg can be used to even out skin tone and improve discoloration. Additionally, it can serve as a mild exfoliant, improving skin texture as well as tone. "As with any exfoliants, it is important to avoid using it too aggressively as it can cause injury to the skin barrier," says Garshick. "It can also help to reduce bacteria and inflammation making it an option for those with acne-prone skin."

To create a nutmeg-infused tinted moisturizer for light skin, follow the instructions below.

Materials:

• A small jar
• A spoon
• Your favorite moisturizer
• Ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Spoon a tablespoon of your favorite moisturizer into a small jar.
2. Sprinkle ground nutmeg into the moisturizer and mix with the spoon.
3. Keep adding nutmeg into the moisturizer a little bit at a time until the desired color is achieved.
4. Blend thoroughly to avoid any clumps.
5. Test the product on the inside of your wrist to ensure it matches your skin and doesn’t cause any irritation. If the patch test goes smoothly, feel free to blend a bigger batch to use as your new go-to.

How Long It Lasts: Ground nutmeg lasts around two years. This means you can add it to any of your favorite moisturizers without worry about it affecting their shelf life.

Mix-In for Redness-Prone Skin Tones: Sage

If you have red undertones, Grigore says that mixing a sprinkle of sage into any of the above mixtures can help counter them. She adds that sprinkling sage into concealers is especially helpful.

Beyond the color-correcting goodness of sage, Garshick says that the ingredient has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits, making it a helpful ingredient in skincare. “Additionally it is thought to help to promote collagen production, making it helpful for antiaging,” she says.

Mix-In for Skin Tones With Cool Blue Undertones: Ginger

Alternatively, if you have cool blue undertones, Grigore says that sprinkling ginger into any of the three recipes above can help balance them out.

As you may have guessed, ginger does more than just fine-tune the color of the tinted moisturizer. According to Garshick, it’s a rejuvenating ingredient that can relieve inflammation. “Additionally it contains antioxidants, specifically gingerol, which not only helps to fight free radical damage but also can even skin tone, making it a good option for those with blemishes or discoloration,” she says.