How to Make Calendula Infused Oil Recipe at Home

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Calendula-infused oil is like liquid sunshine in a bottle, y’all. This little wonder, made from the orange and yellow petals of calendula officinalis (or pot marigold, if you’re feelin’ fancy), is our go-to for all things natural skincare and herbal remedies. As a farm-raised holistic esthetician and nurse-turned-homemaker, I use calendula quite often, and I think you’ll love it too.

When I tell ya homemade calendula oil with its natural anti-inflammatory properties is a Southern mama’s best friend, I’m not kiddin’! We use it often for natural, ancestral skincare products here at Her Country Roots.

What is Calendula Infused Oil Used for?

This versatile oil is as handy in your medicine cabinet as a mason jar of sweet tea on a hot day. Use it as a base for calendula salves, lip balms, body butters, or even massage oils. Its perfect for tackling everything from dry skin to diaper rash, minor wounds, and just about any skin irritation you can throw at it.

Calendula infused oil plays real nice with carrier oils like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil, and loves a sprinkle of essential oils like lavender or tea tree. A dash of vitamin E can give it a longer shelf life, too.

How to Infuse Calendula for Calendula Oil?

You can go the slow route, letting the dried flowers infuse in your favorite carrier oil for a few weeks in a cool, dark place (the folk method), or speed it up using a double boiler, crock pot, or even the stove top on low. Either way, you’ll end up with a beautiful herb-infused oil that smells like sunshine and feels like heaven. 😉

For the sake of this blog post, I’m gonna show you how to do it exactly like I do it here at Her Country Roots– the slow method (because good things take time, y’all).

What You’ll Need

Get Your Jar Ready

Make sure your jar is squeaky clean and completely dry. (Even a little moisture can spoil your infusion.)

Add the Calendula Flowers

Fill your jar about halfway with dried calendula flowers. Don’t pack them down—leave some room for the oil to move around.

Pro Tip: If you’re using fresh calendula flowers, let them wilt or lightly dry for 24-48 hours to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent mold.

Pour in the Oil

Slowly pour your carrier oil over the flowers. Now make sure they’re completely submerged. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion.

Seal the Jar

Screw that lid on tight. Give it a gentle shake to ensure all the flowers are coated and there are no air bubbles trapped inside.

Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Place your jar in a dark cabinet or somewhere out of direct sunlight. Let it sit and steep for 4-6 weeks.

Shake It Up

Every few days, give your jar a gentle shake to keep things mixed and ensure even infusion.

Strain the Oil

After 4-6 weeks, strain the oil through a piece of cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into another clean glass jar. Press the flowers gently to extract every last drop of that golden goodness.

Store Your Calendula-Infused Oil

Pour the strained oil into an airtight jar or bottle. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. With the addition of vitamin E, your infused oil can last up to a year!

How Long does Calendula Infused Oil Last?

Calendula-infused oil typically lasts about 12 months when stored properly in a cool, dark place.

Adding a few drops of vitamin E oil can help extend its shelf life by preventing oxidation.

Be sure to use clean, dry tools when handling the oil to avoid introducing moisture or bacteria, which can shorten its lifespan.

If the oil develops a rancid smell or cloudy appearance, it’s time to toss it and make a fresh batch!

What Is the Best Carrier Oil for Calendula?

Choosing the right carrier oil for your calendula infusion can make all the difference, depending on how you plan to use it and your skin type. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best carrier oils to help you decide:

1. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

This classic choice is rich in antioxidants and deeply moisturizing, making it perfect for dry skin or sensitive skin. Its longer shelf life and accessibility make it a great option for creating herbal oils like calendula-infused oil. Plus, it works well for topical use in items like a calendula salve or body butter.

2. Sweet Almond Oil

Lightweight and gentle, sweet almond oil absorbs easily and works wonders on sensitive or irritated skin. It’s an ideal choice for crafting massage oils, lotion bars, or baby-safe products. Pair it with dried calendula flowers for a soothing calendula oil recipe.

3. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it excellent for facial skin care, especially for oily or acne-prone skin. Its stability helps extend the long shelf life of your infused oil, and it’s a wonderful base for creating a lip balm or calendula salve.

4. Grapeseed Oil

A light, non-greasy option, grapeseed oil is perfect for normal to oily skin types. It’s also a great option for infusions if you want something that absorbs quickly. Use it to make a silky body butter or lightweight massage oil.

5. Liquid Coconut Oil (Fractionated)

Coconut oil is deeply moisturizing and has natural antibacterial properties, but it’s better suited for dry skin or non-acne-prone skin. Opt for liquid or fractionated coconut oil to ensure it remains in liquid form for the infusion process. It’s also a great base for herbal remedies like calendula salve.

Which Oil Should You Choose?

For an all-purpose calendula oil, extra-virgin olive oil or sweet almond oil are excellent starting points. If you’re crafting a face oil or want something lighter, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil might be your go-to. Whichever carrier oil you choose, be sure to store your calendula-infused oil in a clean glass jar in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh!

What Temperature to Infuse Calendula?

When making calendula-infused oil, temperature is key to preserving the medicinal properties of the calendula petals while extracting their benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

• Folk Method (No Heat): With the folk method, you simply let the dried calendula flowers infuse at room temperature for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark place. This is the gentlest method and helps retain the most potent healing properties of calendula.
• Warm Infusion (Low Heat): If you’re using a slow cooker, stovetop, or double boiler, keep the temperature at or below 100°F (37°C). Heat any higher can degrade the delicate compounds in the calendula officinalis.
• Crock Pot Method: Use the lowest setting on your crock pot and monitor it closely to ensure the oil stays warm but not too hot.
• Quick Method: If you’re short on time, a few hours of gentle warming at 100–120°F (37–48°C) can still extract the beneficial medicinal uses of the plant material while maintaining quality.

Keeping the oil within this low-temperature range ensures you get the most from the flower heads without compromising the anti-inflammatory properties. Always use a clean glass jar for storing your finished herbal oils!

Frequently Asked Questions on Calendula Oil

Does Calendula Raise Blood Pressure?

Calendula is not typically associated with raising blood pressure. In fact, it is often used in natural remedies to support circulation and improve cardiovascular health. However, if you have specific concerns or are on medication for blood pressure, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider before using calendula, especially if you plan on consuming it in large quantities or in concentrated forms like oils.

Is Calendula Good for Mature Skin?

Calendula is excellent for mature skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Calendula oil infusion, made from dried calendula flowers, is a great way to nourish and rejuvenate skin that’s beginning to show signs of aging. It helps soothe irritation and promotes skin healing, making it an ideal choice for sensitive or mature skin. When combined with a good carrier oil of your choice, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, calendula makes an effective, natural remedy for moisturizing and calming the skin.

Is Calendula Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Yes, calendula is widely known for its gentle nature, making it safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce skin irritations and are often used to treat minor burns, cuts, and rashes. A cold infusion method, where dried calendula flowers are infused in a carrier oil, ensures the potency of its healing properties while keeping the oil gentle on the skin. If you’re prone to allergic reactions, it’s always best to test a small amount first.

Does Calendula Affect Hormones?

Calendula does not appear to have a significant effect on hormones. However, because it is a medicinal herb, it’s always important to use it with caution, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some sources suggest that while calendula has properties that can help with immune system support and reduce inflammation, it’s best to stick to topical uses, such as calendula oil in lotions or salves, when in doubt. If you’re using calendula oil for topical application, it’s safe to make your own calendula oil at home with fresh or dried calendula flowers in your favorite carrier oil.

Final Thoughts on Calendula Infused Oil

Patience is key when it comes to infusing herbs into oil—good things really do take time! And while the process may be slow, the end result is so worth it.

Calendula-infused oil is a staple in any natural skincare routine, and it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Take your time, trust the process, and soon enough, you’ll have a homemade remedy that’s both beautiful and beneficial.

Thanks for stopping by!

-Kacie at Her Country Roots

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