Making calendula oil is simple and has many uses and skin benefits! Use this calendula oil to make whipped body butter, calendula salve, or in lip balms.
Calendula-infused oil is used in many skincare products and is easy to make. All you need is dried calendula flowers and a carrier oil. I chose to use coconut oil, but other skin-nourishing oils like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil.
Calendula Oil Recipe
To make your own calendula oil you will need dried calendula petals, a carrier oil, and a clean glass jar. You may also use fresh flowers, just make sure to dry them fully in a dehydrator before using it in this recipe.
There are two methods for infusing herbs in an oil: The folk or what is considered the traditionally way of infusing for 4-6 weeks, or by heating the herbs and oils in a double boiler at a low temperature for several hours. Below I share directions for both methods.
Folk Method:
Fill your mason jar 1/2 to 3/4 full with dried calendula. Cover the dried herb with carrier oil of your choice, leaving 1/2 inch room at the top of the jar.
Place the jar in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar once a day to mix the dried flowers with the oil.
After the oil is infused, strain the calendula oil through a fine mesh strainer. You may want to line the strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter to filter the flower pieces from the oil.
Store the calendula oil in a in a cool dark place at room temperature.
Crockpot Method:
Fill your mason jar 1/2 to 3/4 full of dried flower petals. Cover the dried buds with the carrier oil and leave at least 1/2 inch of room at the top of the jar. Secure with a lid and prepare the slow cooker.
Place a kitchen towel at the bottom of the crockpot and place the jar in the pot. Fill the crock pot with water until it reaches the the neck of the mason jar lid.
Turn the temperature at the lowest setting and allow the herbs to infuse for 8-24 hours. Leave the crockpot lid off during this time.
The water temperature should not reach above 100°F during the infusion.
After the oil is infused, strain the herb oil through a fine mesh strainer. Store the calendula oil in a cool place at room temperature.
Once you bottle your herbal oil you may add a few drops of essential oils to the oil for additional therapeutic properties.
How To Use Calendula Oil
Calendula oil has many therapeutic and medicinal properties and can be used in many ways. Below are some of my favorite uses for this infused oil:
- In a skin salve like calendula salve
- Infuse in jojoba oil and use as a face moisturizer – it’s wonderful for dry skin!
- Use on wounds to help prevent scares
- As a body oil
- Use on the your hair as a hair mask
- Use as a diaper rash cream
Best Carrier Oils To Use
If you infusing with the traditional method I suggest using a liquid carrier oil like olive, almond, jojoba, or argan oil. Each carrier oil offers unique properties, so use the type of oil that suits your skincare needs.
If you’re using the crockpot method of infusing, you can use many different carrier oils, but also solid oils like coconut oil. Because coconut oil melts at 75°F, it’s a great option for infusing with heat.
Watch The Video Tutorial:
FAQ
What is calendula oil used for?
This herbal oil has many medicinal uses and is great for many skincare conditions. It is commonly used as a skin oil or as a base for homemade skincare products such as soap, lotion bars, or salve.
What are the best carrier oils to use for making calendula oil?
If you’re using the traditional method, you can use liquid carrier oils like olive, almond, jojoba, or argan oil are recommended. If using the quick method, you can use many different carrier oils, including solid oils like coconut oil, which is great for infusing with heat as it melts at 75°F.
What is the shelf life of calendula oil?
This infused oil should be used within 6 months for best results. You can refrigerate the oil or add vitamin e to extend the shelf life.
More DIY Herbal Oils:
PrintHow To Make Calendula Oil
Make a calendula-infused oil with dried calendula flowers and carrier oil like almond or coconut. Calendula offers an array of skin-nourishing benefits and is great for even sensitive skin.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-14 days
- Total Time: 1 day or up to 14 days
- Yield: 1 jar
- Category: DIY
- Method: Crockpot
Ingredients
- dried calendula
- carrier oil of choice (sweet almond, jojoba and coconut are great options)
Instructions
Traditional Method:
- Fill your mason jar 1/2 to 3/4 full with dried flowers.
- Cover the dried herb with the carrier oil, leaving 1/2 inch room at the top of the jar.
- Place the jar in a cook dark place out of direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar once a day to mix the dried flowers with the oil.
- After the oil is infused, strain the calendula oil through a fine mesh strainer. You may want to line the strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter to filter the flower pieces from the oil.
- Store the herbal oil in a cool place at room temperature.
Quick Method:
- Fill your mason jar 1/2 to 3/4 full of dried calendula flowers or petals.
- Cover the dried flowers with the carrier oil and leave at least 1/2 inch of room at the top of the jar. Secure with a lid and prepare the crock pot.
- Place a kitchen towel at the bottom of the crockpot and place the jar in the pot.
- Fill the crock pot with water until it reaches the the neck of the mason jar lid.
- Turn the temperature at the lowest setting and allow the herbs to infuse for 8-24 hours. Leave the crockpot lid off during this time.
- The water temperature should not reach above 100°F during the infusion.
- After the oil is infused, strain the calendula oil through a fine mesh strainer. Store the oil in a dark colored jar in a cool place at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 1
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