Herb Infused Oil for Skin Care

Learning about herbs and their bountiful health benefits naturally leads to the desire to use them. A great place to start is knowing how to make herb infused oil.

Dried herbs in a Mason jar with a woman pouring oil over the top.

You can learn to make this herb infused oil recipe using dry (not fresh) herbs combined with olive or coconut oil to use in DIY skin and hair products. Learn how to dry herbs here.

Why I Make Herb Infused Oil

When making a garden plan, herbs are always on my list. Growing herbs can save quite a bit of money and have a variety of uses. A few staples on my homestead are holy basil iced tea, lemon balm syrup, and homemade chamomile tea.

You can use herbs cosmetically, and for the same reasons, I love cleaning with vinegar, I also love using natural beauty products. 

Learning the many uses of herbs is often an underrated homesteading skill. I feel so passionately about the importance of homesteading skills that I wrote my new book, The First Time Homesteader, to invite those who desire to pull up a chair to my table and join the homesteading journey.

Dried lavender in a bowl with a jar of oil on the table.

What is Herb Infused Oil

The most commonly known use of herbs is in foods and beverages, but herbs are also a great additive to skin care products. Not to be confused with essential oil, herb infused oil is dried herbs infused in carrier oils to use in making soap and salves. 

It's important to note that I am not a certified medical practitioner. This post is not intended to diagnose or treat but is for informational purposes only. Please contact your medical care professional before introducing new herbal remedies into your wellness routine.

Below are a few additional uses for herbal oils at home.

  • Skin Care – Deeply moisturize your skin after a shower or bath.
  • Face Care – Oil cleansing is an excellent method to add to your face care routine.
  • Hair Growth – Moisturize and massage herb infused oils into your scalp to stimulate hair growth.
  • Massages – Use herb infused oil to increase blood circulation in your body.
Chamomile growing in a garden.

Herbs Good for Use On Skin

Some herbs have specific healing qualities, and others add a pleasant fragrance.

  • Chamomile – Chamomile is anti-fungal, soothing, and may reduce signs of acne and aging. 
  • Calendula – Calendula has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can firm skin. 
  • Dandelion – Don't overlook the benefit of these “weeds” for your skin! It can help reduce inflammation and protect your skin from the sun.
  • Lavender – Besides the delightful aroma lavender brings, it is also moisturizing.
  • Rose – Rose petals have many vitamins and minerals that fight against inflammation. 

Dried dandelions in a bowl.

Fresh vs. Dry Herbs

Fresh herbs are great for cooking and teas but only use dried herbs to infuse with oil. Fresh flowers and herbs contain too much moisture and can cause the oil and herbs to go rancid. If done correctly, infused oils should have a shelf life of 3 months.

So don't try to make a year's supply of infused oil at once, it's more likely you'll make them about 4 times per year.

Oils to Use for Herb Infusions

You will need a carrier oil for the herbs to infuse properly. Oils with less saturated fats are the best for infusing with herbs. These oils are less likely to oxidize. An additional benefit of most of the oils listed below is they also have healing properties in them.

  • Olive – Extra virgin olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties to help cleanse and promote healing.
  • Almond – Using almond oil can help improve your skin surface and improve the color of your complexion.
  • Avacado – Avocado is calming and helps heal irritated skin.
  • Sunflower – Combining sunflower oil with herbs keeps your skin looking young and radiant.
  • Grapeseed – This one can help heal AND remove makeup!
  • Coconut – Fractionated coconut oil is one of the best to use! It moisturizes dry skin, reduces inflammation, promotes wound healing, and is a natural antibacterial.
  • Jojoba – Jojoba oil is a liquid wax. It is excellent for use on the skin since it is so nourishing.

Dried herbs in a jar and a jar of oil infused herbs.

Supplies Needed

  • Herbs – You can learn how to dry herbs or purchase dried herbs from the store.
  • Oil – Use one of the shelf-stable oils listed above.
  • Glass Jar and Lid – You will want a tight-fitting lid for the jar because you will be shaking it consistently. Glass bottles work well, also.
  • Strainer – Cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a fine-mesh sieve to strain the oil from the herbs.
  • Jar for Storage – You will need an air-tight jar for storing the oil safely on the shelf. 
  • Labels – This can be a permanent marker on a sticky label or pre-printed labels, but please make sure to label your herb infused oil! I know you think you'll remember what it is, but unfortunately, time can be a thief of our memories.

Dried herbs in a Mason jar with a woman pouring oil over the top.

How to Make Herb Infused Oil

  1. Loosely fill a jar with dried herbs. Leave two inches of space at the top of the jar.
  2. Pour the oil of your choice over the herbs. Cover the herbs completely with an additional one inch of oil on top.
  3. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place in a sunny window. Room temperature is acceptable, but it's best to have warmth from the sun.
  4. Shake the jar daily for three weeks.
  5. At the end of three weeks, strain the oil through the strainer or cheesecloth. 
  6. Discard the herbs.
  7. Pour the oil into an air-tight jar and label the contents and date.
  8. Store in a cool dark place and use within three months.

Dried elderberries in a large glass jar.
Dried herbs in a Mason jar with a woman pouring oil over the top.

Herb Infused Oil for Skin Care

Learning about herbs and their bountiful health benefits naturally leads to the desire to use them. A great place to start is knowing how to make herb infused oil.
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Keyword: Herb Infused Oil
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Resting Time: 21 days
Total Time: 21 days 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • dried herbs of choice
  • liquid oil of choice

Instructions

  • Loosely fill a jar with dried herbs. Leave two inches of space at the top of the jar.
  • Pour the oil of your choice over the herbs. Cover the herbs completely with an additional one inch of oil on top.
  • Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place in a sunny window. Room temperature is acceptable, but it's best to have warmth from the sun.
  • Shake the jar daily for three weeks.
  • At the end of three weeks, strain the oil through the strainer or cheesecloth.
  • Discard the herbs.
  • Pour the oil into an air-tight jar and label the contents and date.
  • Store in a cool dark place and use within three months.

Notes

  • Be sure to label the jar and use within three months.
I want to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to Roots and Refuge, friend. I am so glad you're here.

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