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DIY herbal body oil in a dark amber bottle with a small dish of dried calendula on the side

DIY Herbal Body Oil for Glowing Skin

A simple, traditional DIY herbal body oil made with dried flowers and nourishing carrier oils. This gentle herbal infused body oil is perfect for beginners and everyday natural skincare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Serving Size 12 (1/2 cup oil)

Equipment

  • small clear glass jar with lid
  • fine mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • small dark glass jar or bottle with lid

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp jojoba oil
  • 2 Tbsp apricot kernel (or grapeseed oil)
  • 2 Tbsp dried calendula
  • 1 Tbsp dried chamomile
  • 1 Tbsp dried lavender
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops sweet orange essential oil
  • ¼ tsp vitamin E oil (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp rosehip oil (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the herbs: Lightly crush calendula, chamomile, and lavender using a mortar and pestle or your fingers. This helps release their natural oils for a more nourishing infusion.
  • Combine oils and herbs: Pour olive oil, jojoba oil, and apricot kernel oil into a medium jar. Add the crushed herbs and gently press them down with a wooden spoon so they’re fully submerged.
  • Infuse with gentle heat: Place the jar in a small saucepan lined with a folded tea towel. Add warm water halfway up the jar and cover the lid. Heat on very low for 2–3 hours, keeping the oil warm but never hot.
  • Strain the herbs: Once the oil smells strongly of herbs, strain through a fine mesh sieve. For a clear oil, strain again using a coffee filter or fine cheesecloth. Discard the herbs or compost them.
  • Add optional oils: Stir in essential oils, vitamin E oil, or rosehip oil if desired. The lavender infusion gives a natural, lovely scent even without essential oils. Vitamin E helps extend shelf life, and rosehip adds skin-nourishing benefits.
  • Store your oil: Pour the finished DIY herbal body oil into a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Dark glass protects the oil from light and keeps it fresh longer.

Notes

  • Shelf life: Best used within 6–12 months for full potency. Label your container with the date of making the oil. To extend shelf life further you could store it in the fridge - expect it to get cloudy or thick if you do.
  • Storage location: Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and avoid steamy bathrooms, as heat and moisture will shorten the shelf life of your oil.