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Homemade Natural Calendula Infused Oil for DIY Skincare

If you’re not in love with Calendula yet, you’re about to fall head over heels. Growing calendula (calendula officinalis) in our gardens has been so much fun over the years. Calendula has to be one of my all-time favorite plants to grow. It’s a great flowering herb for beginner gardeners to cultivate. Dried calendula flowers are incredibly versatile as a garden crafting supply. Its bright yellow and orange flowers add a dash of color to projects and are also medicinal. Long used to aid skin irritations, calendula, when infused in oil, can be transformed into moisturizing body oil, lip balms, herbal salves, and soaps.

Continue reading to learn how to make calendula-infused oil at home. You only need two ingredients! Dried calendula flowers and your choice of oil. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products for your convenience, such as items on Amazon. A Farm to Keep gains a small commission from purchases made through those links at no additional cost to you.

What is Calendula Infused Oil?

Oil infusions are an infusion of medicinal or culinary herbs in a fixed oil menstruum, usually olive, almond, or other type of oil. 

When applied to the skin, medicinal oil infusions form a protective layer. They are used to hold other therapeutic or cosmetic ingredients to the skin and are often used in herbal remedies. 

Oil infusions prepared for use as food contain the nutrients, flavor, and aroma of culinary herbs. 

What is the Difference between Calendula and Marigolds?

Calendula is sometimes confused with marigolds (genus Tagetes in the family of Asteraceae) because calendula is often called “pot marigold.” They are, however, different types of pants. 

Calendula is also in the family of Asteraceae and is a perineal herb. It has bright yellow, orange, and sometimes white flowers on a long stalk. The flowers resemble a cross between daisies and sunflowers. They grow to be about 2-3 feet tall. The stems hold long and slender leaves. 

Marigolds are stouter and bushier plants that feature yellow, orange, red, or a combination of those colors of flowers. They can be used for a natural dye and tend to have a spicer flavor than calendula flowers. 

What Parts of Calendula  to include in an infused oil

For oil infusions, the flowers of calendula are used, as that is where most of the oils are contained in the plant. 

Collect calendula flowers at their peak bloom in the middle to late summer. Snip the flowers from the stalks and lay them on a flat surface to dry. Once dry, store the flowers in an airtight container until you are ready to use. 

Where to Buy Calendula if You Don’t Grow Your Own

(This article contains affiliate links and Amazon associate program links. When you purchase through an affiliate link, I receive a small payment at no extra cost. Thank you for your support).

Calendula grows well in gardens and is a wonderful plant for companion planting among vegetables. It’s easy to grow and harvest. It grows in nearly in all American soil growing zones. 

Calendula seeds can be purchased online through Amazon or your local garden supply store. 

Where to Buy Dried Calendula Flowers

You can also purchase calendula as a dried herb. Here are a few of our favorite places to shop: 



Why Make Calendula Infused Body Oil?

Making infused calendula oil is a simple and easy process. Great for anyone beginning to make DIY bath and body care products. 

With just two ingredients, you can create a customized infused oil for various products, from soaps, lotions, salves, and more. 

Infused oils are a sustainable method of preserving a seasonal plant like calendula to use for the winter months ahead. Deeply soothing and moisturizing, perfect for the dry winter months. Making infused oils may quickly become a favorite way to enjoy the season as part of your self-care ritual. 

Best Ways To Use Dried Calendula Flowers

I first started working with calendula as a teenager when my mom and I crafted lip balm using olive oil-infused calendula oil. It was such a memorable experience of growing the calendula, harvesting the flowers, drying them, and then infusing the dried flowers in the oil to use as part of the process of making the balm. To this day, it remains one of the best lip balms I’ve ever made.

Calendula is known to be healing for dry and itchy skin, nourishing for wound care, and attending to chapped lips and skin. I am sure you, too, will discover the benefits of calendula and enjoy working with it as part of your body and bath care products. What follows is my favorite folk method for creating infused calendula oil. Incorporate calendula oil into your self-care routine all year long.  

What Types of Oil To Use to Make Homemade Calendula Oil?

It all depends on how you intend to use the oil. Some oils make better carrier oils than others, while some oils are appropriate for use on the skin and for culinary purposes. If you’re looking to use the oil just on your skin, consider your skin type and the benefits you seek. 

Wash Your Face with Oils!

Contrary to popular belief, you can use oil on your face. Yes, that’s right! Applying infused oils to my face has been essential to my natural skincare routine for the past several years, especially as my skin has aged. You may be thinking, wait, oil on my face? Won’t that make my skin extra greasy? Depending on the kind of oil you use, applying oil to your face can be very beneficial and even reduce excess oil production. 

In the stores, you will see conventional products promising to reduce excess oil production, but often, those products contain ingredients that harshly cleanse the face, stripping it of its natural oils, which causes the skin to produce even more oil. 

Using the right oils on your face can be deeply nourishing and soothing for all skin types, even for sensitive skin. When infusing plants like calendula into oil, you increase the benefits of the oil to include support for dry, chapped, itchy, even stressed, and damaged skin. Consider the type of oil used, and use one that is non-comedogenic, which means one that won’t clog pores and cause blackheads. I’ve created an extensive list below of different oils you can use and their ranking on the comedogenic scale. 

If you want to consume the oil internally, I have also listed information regarding which oils are best used for edible purposes. Calendula-infused olive or sunflower oil makes a tasty addition to salad dressings. 

The Best Carrier Oils For Making Infused Oils

Selecting the right carrier oil for making infused oils is important. All oils have different ratings on the comedogenic scale. The higher their ranking, the thicker and more likely they are to clog or block pores. These thicker oils are beneficial to use on the trunk and limbs of the body but are not recommended for use as a face oil. Other oils are intended for topical use only and should not be ingested. 

It’s always best to select unrefined, high-quality, and cold-pressed oils. Selecting organic oil is always best when possible. The goal is to make the best possible medicinal oil, after all. Below, you will find twelve different kinds of oils listed with their comedogenic rating, benefits, and moisturizing abilities. Additionally, those that can be consumed internally are indicated. 


The comedogenic scale:

  • 0: Non-comedogenic and will not clog pores.
  • 1: Very low comedogenic (very unlikely to clog pores)
  • 2: Moderately low comedogenic (May clog pores for some, but unlikely for most)
  • 3: Moderately comedogenic (More likely to clog acne/oily skin types)
  • 4: Fairly high comedogenic (Risk of clogging pores for almost all skin types). 
  • 5. High comedogenic (very high risk of clogging pores of all skin types)

Aragon Oil: Comedogenic rating of 0, there are both edible and non-edible versions of Aragon oil. It is also known as Morrocan oil and is a frequent ingredient in conventional skincare and hair care products. It is known for its hydrating properties and its proven record of assisting in healing damaged skin. 

Avocado Oil:  Comedogenic rating of 3 and is edible with a high heat temperature. Avocado oil is thick and deeply hydrating. It is best used on the body but can provide high-intensity moisturization for dry skin. It is thought to help with reducing the appearance of scars. 

Castor Oil: Comedogenic rating of 1, not recommended as edible oil. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory castor oil is beneficial for those who suffer from acne. It contains high levels of triglycerides that assist in maintaining the moisture and hydration of the skin, which can benefit those suffering from dry skin. 

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Comedogenic rating of 2, edible oil, a highly moisturizing oil that absorbs well into the skin. It’s a heavier oil and may cause breakouts in those susceptible to acne. EVOO contains the antioxidant hydroxytyrosol, which is not found in other carrier oils. This antioxidant protects the skin from free radicals and is thought to help maintain the skin’s elasticity.  

Grapeseed Oil: Comedogenic rating of 1, edible oil, a very light-weight and “dry-feeling” oil. It absorbs well into the skin but is less moisturizing than other oils. It’s known to be anti-inflammatory and can be a helpful oil for those susceptible to acne. 

Jojoba Oil: Comedogenic rating of 2, non-edible oil, Absorbs easily into the skin. Its fatty acid structure is closely related to skin structure, making it a great choice for most skin types. Even with its low comedogenic rating, Jojoba oil is still a highly moisturizing oil. It’s a good choice for those with oily complexions. 

Safflower Oil: Comedogenic rating of 0, and it is edible at both high and low temperatures. It is a great oil choice for those with combination skin that is both dry in parts and oily in other parts. Its lightweight and moisturizing qualities heal the skin and can balance the natural oils in the skin while unclogging the pores to release trapped oil and dirt. It is closely related to ragweed, and those who are sensitive to the ragweed family should avoid using Safflower oil. 

Sunflower Oil: Comedogenic rating of 0, and it is edible! Sunflower oil contains high levels of vitamin E, which can help to repair damaged skin. It is a beneficial oil for those whose skin tends to be greasier. 

Sweet Almond Oil: Comedogenic rating of 2, edible oil that is best consumed raw. Often used to reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks. Sweet Almond Oil is a hydrating oil with a silky smooth finish. It absorbs well into the skin and can be used for deep moisturization of the hair. 

You can also combine oils to create a custom oil blend depending on your intended use. Add a few drops of vitamin E oil for additional sun damage repair or rosehip seed oil for an extra boost of Vitamin C for additional brightening and clarifying. 

Folk Method for Making Calendula Infused Oil

Ingredients

Just a few ingredients

  • 1 cup of dried calendula flowers
  • 2 cups of your choice of oil

Tools and Equipment



The Folk Process for Making Calendula-Infused Oil

The folk method for infusing calendula into oil is a simple process that uses time and the power of the sun.

 Prepare the Herbs and oil.

Measure the dried calendula flowers and use a mortar and pestle, or coffee grinder to reduce the herb to a fine powder. 

The grinding will release the plant oils for better absorption during infusion. 

Pour the crushed herb into a dry jar that is glass and heat-safe. No liquid can be introduced to the oil during the infusion process to avoid contamination. 

Always work with clean, dry hands and tools. 

Pour the oil over the plant material, completely submerging the calendula powder in the oil. 

Fill the jar until the oil rests 1 inch above the submerged plant material. With a spoon, mix the herbs and the oil. Release any air bubbles and press the plant matter down into the oil so all

 parts remain covered.

Let the herbs settle for 5-10 minutes, and add more oil if needed. Some lighter herbs will float at first; the additional 1/4 inch of oil will ensure the herbs remain covered. 

Infuse for 7-10 days.

Cap the jar tightly.

Place the jar in a thick paper bag or box to keep the light out, and place it in direct sunlight for seven to ten days (a warm to hot infusion, depending on the weather).

Shake and stir the mixture every four to six hours or at least several times daily. 

Strain the Infused Oil

When the infusion is complete, strain the oil from the herb. 

Place a mesh strainer or sieve lined with the cheesecloth over a clean, sanitized, airtight jar. 

Pour the infused oil through the mesh strainer, separating the herbs from the oil. 

Press the remaining pulp with your fingertips to release any remaining oils. 

Allow the fresh infusion to sit indoors for two to three days, then decant and filter out any remaining sediment. 

Bottle the infusion in glass airtight bottles or jars, label, and store in a cool, dry, and dark place.  

Tips & Tricks

  • Many dried herbs will absorb the extra 1/4 inch of oil. Check your mixture 24 hours after making it; if absorption has occurred, add enough oil to reestablish the extra measure of oil. 
  • Add a few small rocks to the paper bag for extra weight to steady the jar of oil.
  • The oil will last up to one year if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Once opened, use the oil within three months.

More Uses and Benefits of Calendula-Infused Oil

Calendula flowers have a wide range of medicinal, creative, and culinary uses. When infused in oil, the flowers can be made into several kinds of ointments, salves, balms, and lotions that aid. in relieving dry and itchy skin and soothing irritation. Calendula can assist in wound healing as it is antibacterial. Here are more ways to use the many benefits and attributes of calendula. 

More Uses and Benefits of Calendula-Infused Oil


  • Use calendula-infused oil to make a whipped body butter
  • Use dried calendula in a facial steam. Check out our spring facial steam for steaming basics. 
  • Soothe itchy, dry skin with a calendula salve.
  • Dye with calendula! Turn cloth a buttery shade of yellow when you use calendula flowers as a natural textile dye. 

Recommended Before Using Calendula-Infused Oil

As with all DIY and homemade body care products, please spot-test the product before use. 

Dab a small amount of the infused oil on a soft body spot, like the fold where the elbow bends or behind the knee. 

Spot-checking will avoid any allergic reaction.

If you have a known allergy to other plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family, do not use Calendula.

Do not apply the infuse doil to mucous membranes. 

I am not a medical professional and do not claim that these herbs are a substitute for professional care. Always consult a professional for medical advice when starting natural remedies or using homemade natural products at home. These are just things that I use and love in my own home.

How to Make Calendula-Infused Oil

How to Make Calendula-Infused Oil

Yield: 16oz
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 day
Additional Time: 3 days
Total Time: 4 days 10 minutes

If you're not in love with Calendula yet, you're about to fall head over heels. Making herbal-infused oils by the folk method is simple and easy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried calendula flowers
  • 2 cups of your oil of choice

Instructions

Prepare the Herbs and oil.

Measure the dried calendula flowers and use a mortar and pestle, or coffee grinder to reduce the herb to a fine powder. 

The grinding will release the plant oils for better absorption during infusion. 

Pour the crushed herb into a dry jar that is glass and heat-safe. No liquid can be introduced to the oil during the infusion process to avoid contamination. 

Always work with clean, dry hands and tools. 

Pour the oil over the plant material, completely submerging the calendula powder in the oil. 

Fill the jar until the oil rests 1 inch above the submerged plant material. With a spoon, mix the herbs and the oil. Release any air bubbles and press the plant matter down into the oil so all

 parts remain covered.

Let the herbs settle for 5-10 minutes, and add more oil if needed. Some lighter herbs will float at first; the additional 1/4 inch of oil will ensure the herbs remain covered. 

Infuse for 7-10 days

Cap the jar tightly.

Place the jar in a thick paper bag or box to keep the light out, and place it in direct sunlight for seven to ten days (a warm to hot infusion, depending on the weather).

Shake and stir the mixture every four to six hours or at least several times daily. 

Strain the Infused Oil

When the infusion is complete, strain the oil from the herb. 

Place a mesh strainer or sieve lined with the cheesecloth over a clean, sanitized, airtight jar. 

Pour the infused oil through the mesh strainer, separating the herbs from the oil. 

Press the remaining pulp with your fingertips to release any remaining oils. 

Allow the fresh infusion to sit indoors for two to three days, then decant and filter out any remaining sediment. 

Bottle the infusion in glass airtight bottles or jars, label, and store in a cool, dry, and dark place.  

Notes

Many dried herbs will absorb the extra 1/4 inch of oil. Check your mixture 24 hours after making it; if absorption has occurred, add enough oil to reestablish the extra measure of oil. 

Add a few small rocks to the paper bag for extra weight to steady the jar of oil.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 32 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 124Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

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