QUICK SUMMARY
Learn how to make calendula oil by gently infusing dried calendula flowers in a carrier oil using a double boiler or slow cooker. Follow the recipe below, strain the flowers, and store the finished oil in a clean, dry, airtight glass container.
This homemade herbal infusion is useful as a moisturizing body oil or as the base for DIY salves and balms. For the research and broader skin applications, see our complete guide to calendula oil benefits.
Learning how to make calendula oil gives you a simple herbal preparation you can use again and again. With dried calendula flowers and a quality carrier oil, you can make your own golden infusion without complicated equipment.
You can grow and dry your own flowers or buy organic dried calendula from a trusted herbal supplier. Here’s how to make a batch at home, followed by tips for choosing the oil, storing it, and putting it to use.
Table of Contents
How to Make Calendula Oil
Calendula oil can be made with a double boiler or a slow cooker. Gentle heat speeds up the infusion compared with letting the flowers steep at room temperature. Use the exact amounts and directions in the original recipe card.
How to Make Calendula Oil Recipe
Quantity
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup calendula flowers
- ½ cup chamomile flowers (optional)
Supplies
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Double boiler OR
- 1 Crockpot (if not using double boiler)
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.
Step One: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather your calendula flowers, carrier oil, and supplies.
If you are using a double boiler, set it up before you begin. If you are using a slow cooker, place your ingredients in a glass jar that will sit safely inside the crockpot.
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, calendula flowers, and chamomile flowers if using to a double boiler or glass jar. Set the jar inside the saucepan.
For the crockpot method, place the calendula flowers and oil in a glass jar, then set the jar inside the slow cooker. Fill the crockpot with 1-2 inches of water or until the water reaches about halfway up the jar.
Step Three: Simmer the Oil
Allow the mixture to heat on low for 4-6 hours.
If you are using the stovetop, keep the heat low and monitor the water level so it does not evaporate.
The oil will begin to change color and take on the gentle herbal scent of 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 mesh strainer to remove the calendula petals and plant material from the oil.
Squeeze the flowers to get as much infused 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 container is airtight.
Label the jar with the date you made it and store it in a cool, dry place.
Ingredients and Supplies
At its most basic, this DIY calls for dried calendula flowers and a carrier oil, along with the equipment listed in the recipe.
Calendula Flowers
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also called pot marigold, is traditionally used in herbal skin preparations. Choose dried flowers that are brightly colored, fresh-smelling, and free of mold. Dried plant material matters because moisture from fresh flowers can encourage spoilage in homemade infused oils.
Quality Carrier Oil
Olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and avocado oil are all options. Choose a reputable supplier and consider how you plan to use the finished oil. If you have a tree nut allergy, avoid sweet almond oil.
Choosing the Right Carrier Oil
The carrier oil influences the finished infusion’s feel and storage life. Choose based on your skin and the DIY products you want to make.
- Olive oil: A classic, richer option for dry skin, salves, and balms.
- Jojoba oil: A lighter-feeling liquid wax often used for facial oils and sensitive-skin formulations.
- Grapeseed oil: Lightweight and useful for massage oils, but generally less resistant to oxidation than jojoba.
- Avocado oil: Rich and moisturizing for dry body skin and heavier balms.
- Sweet almond oil: A versatile massage and body oil; avoid if allergic to almonds.
How to Store Calendula Oil
Store your strained infusion in a clean, completely dry, airtight glass container away from heat and direct sunlight. Label it with the date and the carrier oil you used.
The original article suggests 6–12 months, but homemade calendula oil has no guaranteed shelf life: freshness depends on the carrier oil, how dry the flowers were, cleanliness, and storage conditions. Use the carrier oil’s best-before date as an upper limit, inspect the infusion before use, and discard it if you notice rancid odor, visible mold, or unexpected changes. Vitamin E may slow oxidation but does not preserve an oil contaminated with water.
Keep water out of the jar during preparation and use. This is an oil infusion, not a shelf-stable water-based lotion.
Ways to Use Your Calendula Oil
Once your infusion is ready, you can apply a small amount to intact, dry skin or use it as the base for homemade salves, balms, lotions, and massage oils.
- DIY salve: Combine your infused oil with beeswax for a balm for rough hands and dry patches.
- Body or massage oil: Massage a little onto intact skin after bathing.
- Homemade lotion: Use it as the oil component in a properly formulated lotion; any recipe containing water needs suitable preservation.
- After-sun care: Use only after skin has cooled and avoid fresh, severe, or blistering burns.
Calendula is traditionally used for skin comfort, but that doesn’t mean this homemade oil has been clinically proven to treat eczema, infections, burns, or wounds. For the deeper discussion, read our featured article on calendula oil benefits and uses.
Safety: Patch test before wider use, particularly if you have sensitive skin or allergies to plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae). Avoid use on deep or infected wounds, and seek professional guidance before using homemade infusions on infants or the nipple area during breastfeeding. Stop if irritation develops.
Making your own calendula oil is one more simple way to bring useful herbal preparations into your natural home. Start with a small batch, store it carefully, and enjoy using it in your favorite DIY body-care recipes.
