Learning how to make calendula oil means you have a powerful, natural remedy known for its soothing properties and healing benefits on hand. This infused oil is often used as the base for many skin care products, especially in treating dry skin, irritated skin, and skin inflammation. It’s especially gentle on sensitive skin, making it ideal for various skin types. Whether you’re looking to soothe sunburns, heal bug bites, or create an all-natural calendula salve, this oil is a fantastic addition to your DIY skin care routine.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about calendula-infused oil—from the materials and ingredients needed to detailed instructions for making your own at home. By the end, you’ll have a bottle of this healing oil to use on its own or as a base for creating custom skincare products.
Table of Contents
What is Calendula-Infused Oil?
Calendula oil is made by infusing Calendula officinalis (commonly known as pot marigold) calendula flowers into a carrier oil of your choice, such as olive oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil. The result is a gentle, healing oil that harnesses the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of calendula. It is known for its ability to calm irritated skin, promote healing, and moisturize deeply, making it perfect for use in homemade skincare products like balms, salves, and lotions.
Calendula is a medicinal herb with centuries of use in herbal medicine for treating skin irritations, cuts, and abrasions. Its healing and anti-inflammatory properties make it popular in modern natural skincare. A popular flower in herb gardening, the bright yellow calendula flower petals create an attractive oil infusion.
You can buy calendula oil from many herbal shops since it’s a medicinal herb, but making a batch of calendula oil for yourself allows you to choose high-quality oil bases and organic plant material. You can either grow and harvest your own calendula flower heads, or purchase them dried from a trusted source.
Benefits of Calendula-Infused Oil
Calendula-infused oil has a wide range of benefits. Some of its top uses include:
- Healing Dry or Irritated Skin: Calendula is highly moisturizing and can be used to treat dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and chapped skin. The healing properties of the calendula flower help soothe sensitive skin and support skin regeneration.
- Soothing Sunburn and Razor Burn: Calendula’s anti-inflammatory effects help reduce redness and irritation. It’s a natural remedy for soothing fresh burns, including sunburns and razor burn.
- Bug Bites: The anti-inflammatory properties of calendula oil help calm itchy, swollen bug bites. Applying the oil directly to the affected area can relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation.
- Wound Healing: Calendula oil is commonly used in first-aid to treat wounds and minor cuts. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that support the skin’s healing process and prevent infection.
Materials and Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own calendula-infused oil. Calendula flowers and a carrier oil. That’s it! It really can be that simple.
Herbal Material: Calendula flowers are common plants to grow in herb gardens because of their profound benefits and usefulness in herbal remedy preparations. While they aren’t culinary herbs, they are amazing plants for healing. Combine that with the colorful yellow blooms and they are a win/win in my opinion.
If you don’t have space to grow your own, or want to start making infused oils right away, you can purchase organic calendula flowers from a trusted online herbal shop. They should be free of mold, brightly colored, and have a fresh scent.
Quality Oils: When it comes to a carrier oil, you want to select as high quality as possible. For example, we know from our research that olive oil can often be adulterated or even flat-out fake. Making your own calendula infusions let’s you control your sourcing for oils, whether you use sweet almond, olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba, or others.
How to Make Calendula Oil Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Double boiler OR
- 1 Crockpot (if not using double boiler)
Materials
- 1 Cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ Cup calendula flowers
- ½ Cup chamomile flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, then turn down to medium-high.
- Place the olive oil, calendula flowers, and chamomile flowers (if using) into a double boiler or glass jar. Set inside the saucepan.
- Allow the mixture to heat on low for several hours. When done, the oil will change color and take on the smell of the herbs.
- Using a jelly strainer held over a glass measuring cup, strain the flower pieces. Squeeze the flowers to get all of the infused oil out.
Crockpot Method
- If you don’t have a double boiler or the supplies to make one, you can use a crockpot.
- Place the ingredients in a glass jar, and set inside the slow cooker.
- Fill the crockpot with 1-2 inches of water, or until half of the jar is covered.
- Let the mixture heat for 4 hours on low, then strain as usual.
Notes
chamomile with 1 cup organic dried arnica flowers.
How to Make Calendula-Infused Oil
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own calendula-infused oil at home:
Step One: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and supplies. If you’re using a double boiler, set it up. Alternatively, if you’re using a slow cooker, place a glass jar with your ingredients inside.
Step Two: Heat the Oil and Calendula Flowers
- For the stovetop method: Fill a saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium-high. Add the olive oil (or another carrier oil like jojoba oil) and calendula flowers (and chamomile if using) into a double boiler or glass jar. Set the jar inside the saucepan.
- For the crockpot method: If you don’t have a double boiler, use a slow cooker. Place the calendula flowers and oil in a glass jar, then set the jar in the slow cooker. Fill the crockpot with 1-2 inches of water, so the water covers about half the jar.
Step Three: Simmer the Oil
Allow the mixture to heat on low for 4-6 hours. If using a stovetop, keep the heat low and monitor the water level to prevent it from evaporating. The oil will begin to change color and take on the smell of the calendula.
Step Four: Strain the Oil
After the oil has infused for several hours, carefully remove the jar from the saucepan or slow cooker. Let it cool slightly. Use a jelly strainer, cheesecloth, or fine-weave cloth to strain the calendula petals and any plant material from the oil. Squeeze the flowers to get as much oil as possible.
Step Five: Store the Oil
Pour the calendula-infused oil into a clean glass jar or dark glass bottle. Make sure the jar or bottle is airtight to ensure a longer shelf life. Label the jar with the date you made it, and store it in a cool, dry place.
Choosing the Right Carrier Oil
One of the key steps in making homemade calendula oil is selecting your favorite carrier oil. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Olive Oil: A classic choice, olive oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. It deeply nourishes the skin, making it a great option for dry skin.
- Jojoba Oil: This is another excellent option for sensitive skin. Jojoba oil is similar to the skin’s natural oils, so it absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue.
- Grapeseed Oil: This lightweight oil is perfect for those with oily or combination skin. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and is ideal for use in skincare products.
Tips for Extending the Shelf Life
Calendula-infused oil typically has a shelf life of 6-12 months, depending on how well it is stored. Here are a few tips to extend its shelf life:
- Use Vitamin E: Adding a few drops of vitamin E oil to your infused oil can help prevent oxidation, prolonging the shelf life of the product.
- Store in Dark Glass: Storing your oil in dark glass bottles helps protect it from light, which can break down the active compounds in the oil.
- Keep in a Cool Place: Heat can cause the oil to spoil faster. Store your finished calendula oil in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat sources.
Ways to Use Calendula-Infused Oil
Once your calendula-infused oil is ready, you can use it in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- DIY Salves: Use your infused oil as the base for a healing calendula salve. Combine it with beeswax pellets to create a healing salve or balm that’s perfect for cuts, scrapes, and dry skin.
- Bruise Healing Roll On: Enhance how you help heal bruises and skin discoloration from bumps by adding calendula oil to this recipe.
- Moisturizing Lotion: Add your calendula-infused oil to a homemade lotion to moisturize sensitive skin and soothe skin irritations.
- Massage Oil: Use the infused oil as a massage oil or muscle rub to soothe tired muscles while nourishing skin.
- Breastfeeding Mom’s Nipple Cream: It’s a star ingredient in this powerfully soothing balm that is a must for all new mothers.
Making calendula-infused oil is a simple and effective way to incorporate the healing properties of calendula into your skincare routine. Whether you’re treating dry skin, healing bug bites, or soothing sunburns, this infused oil is a versatile, natural remedy. With a few basic supplies and some patience, you can create your own homemade calendula oil to use on its own or as a base for a variety of DIY skincare products.
Now that you know how easy it is to make calendula-infused oil, it’s time to give it a try! Let us know how you plan to use your calendula oil and share your favorite recipes with us in the support group.
