Infusing flowers in oil means steeping flowers in a carrier oil so some of their color and scent pass into the oil. The result is often called herbal oil or infused oil. It can be used in homemade skin care such as salves and balms, or simply as a scented base for personal projects. It takes little equipment, but safety deserves attention because water and plant material in oil can cause spoilage.
This guide is general craft information, not medical advice. If you have allergies, skin conditions, or are pregnant or nursing, ask a qualified professional before using plant products on skin.
What is herbal oil, and is it the same as essential oil?
Herbal or infused oil is a carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil, that has had plant material steeped in it. It is not the same as essential oil. Essential oils are concentrated aromatic compounds, usually extracted by distillation or pressing with specialized equipment. Home infusion does not produce a true essential oil. It produces a mild, lightly scented oil, and homemade “flower essential oils” are usually infused oils.
Safety first: botulism and mold
The main risk comes from moisture. Fresh flowers contain water. Water-containing plant material submerged in oil creates a low-oxygen, low-acid environment that can support the growth of bacteria, including the bacteria that cause botulism, and mold can also grow. For this reason, many guides recommend:
- Use completely dry flowers. Dried plant material is the safer option. Fresh material raises the risk of spoilage. See our flower drying guide to dry flowers thoroughly first.
- Keep water out. Dry jars, spoons, and strainers completely. Do not let water into the oil, including condensation from a warm water bath.
- Use clean, dry glass jars.
- Discard if in doubt. If the oil smells strange, looks cloudy in an unusual way, bubbles, or shows mold or fuzz, throw it out.
- Do not use infused oil in food unless you are following a tested food-safety recipe. Many guidelines advise against making low-acid infused oils for eating at home because of botulism risk. Infused oils for skin are not the same as culinary products.
Even with careful practice, no home method can guarantee perfect safety, so treat homemade infused oils conservatively, make small batches, and use them within a limited time.
Choose your flowers
Use flowers that you know are safe for skin, free from pesticides, and not toxic. Commonly cited options include calendula, chamomile, and lavender. Florist flowers may have been treated with chemicals and are not a good choice. Do not use flowers you cannot identify, and avoid toxic plants. Keep plant material and oils away from children and pets, and keep in mind that some flowers, such as lilies, are poisonous to cats.
Do a patch test on a small area of skin and wait to see if irritation appears before wider use. Anyone allergic to a plant family should avoid related plants.
Choose an oil
Any light, fresh cooking or cosmetic carrier oil can work. Commonly used choices include:
- Olive oil: Popular because it is widely available and tends to be stable. It has a noticeable scent and can feel heavy on some skin.
- Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil: Lighter feeling choices often used in skin care. Avoid almond oil if there is a nut allergy.
- Sunflower oil or coconut oil: Also used. Coconut oil is solid at cooler temperatures.
Choose a fresh oil and, where possible, a cold-pressed or expeller-pressed type. Old oil can already be rancid. There is no single best oil for all skin, and it depends on skin type, allergies, and intended use.
Solar (cold) method
This is the slower, low-effort option.
- Fill a clean, completely dry jar about halfway with dried flowers. Gently crumble them if they are large.
- Pour oil over them until they are covered, leaving some headspace in the jar. Poke with a clean, dry utensil to release air bubbles.
- Cap the jar and label it with the date and contents.
- Leave it in a warm, dark place, or in a bag on a sunny windowsill for about four to six weeks. Some guides prefer darkness to protect the oil. Shake gently now and then.
- Check regularly for any signs of spoilage.
Warm method
A warm infusion is faster, from a few hours up to around a day.
- Put dried flowers and oil in a heatproof glass jar.
- Place the jar in a water bath, either in a slow cooker on low or in a pan, with the water level below the lid so none gets in. A towel under the jar can prevent cracking.
- Keep heat gentle. The oil should be warm, not bubbling or smoking. One source describes a range of around 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but check the instructions you use.
- Do not leave heat sources unattended, and take care with hot jars and hot oil, which can burn.
- Let the oil cool before straining.
Strain and store
- Strain through cheesecloth, a fine strainer, or a coffee filter into a clean, dry jar or bottle.
- Squeeze out remaining oil if you wish.
- Let sediment settle, then pour off the clear oil.
- Store in a clean, dark glass bottle in a cool place. Label with the date.
Guides often suggest shelf lives from several months to about a year, but this depends on conditions. If the oil smells rancid or shows any sign of spoilage, discard it. Making smaller batches makes it easier to use the oil while it is fresh.
How to use infused oil
- As a base in homemade salves, balms, or massage oils after a patch test.
- For gifts, with clear labels listing the ingredients.
Not recommended: Do not eat homemade infused oil unless you follow a food-safety-tested recipe. Avoid using oils on or near paper crafts, since oil leaves grease marks on paper that cannot be removed. If you want flower color for paper instead, try making ink from plants or natural flower dyeing.
Troubleshooting
- Cloudy oil: May be sediment or moisture. If cloudiness is accompanied by smell or bubbles, discard.
- Weak scent: Use more flowers or infuse for longer. Flower scent in oil is often subtle.
- Mold: Throw the batch away.
FAQ
Can I use fresh flowers? Dried is safer. Fresh flowers introduce water, which increases the risk of mold and bacterial growth.
How do I avoid botulism? Use completely dry ingredients, keep water out, work cleanly, keep batches small, and discard anything suspicious. Do not use homemade infused oil as food.
Is infused oil the same as essential oil? No. Infused oils are gentle and lightly scented, while essential oils are concentrated extracts.