Floral Body Oil Recipe

I first learned how to make this body oil while studying for my herbalism certification, and now it’s something I always keep on hand. I also incorporate it into other skincare products, like lip balms and healing salves.

You can find all the ingredients for this recipe at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Overview

The recipe involves infusing dried flowers into oils, allowing them to steep for a month. Afterward, the mixture is gently heated to help extract the last of the flowers’ beneficial compounds. This oil can be used on its own as a nourishing skin treatment or as a base for other skincare products.

Equipment Needed

• Mason jar: For steeping the herbs and oils together.
• Glass jar: To store the finished oil.
• Double boiler: For gently heating the oil.
• Measuring cups: For accurately measuring the herbs and oils.
• Cheesecloth/fine mesh strainer: For straining the oil to remove any flower particles after infusion.
• Instant-read thermometer: To monitor the temperature.

Ingredients

• Dried rose petals (½ cup): Rose is soothing for the skin and it adds a light, floral scent.
• Dried calendula flowers with green sticky parts attached (½ cup): Calendula is known for its skin-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The green sticky parts, called involucres, contain resin with medicinal compounds.
• Dried elder flowers (½ cup): Elder flowers are anti-inflammatory, helping to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
• Jojoba oil (½ cup): Jojoba oil is light, easily absorbed, and mimics the skin’s natural oils.
• Almond oil (½ cup): Almond oil is moisturizing, rich in vitamins, and helps soothe irritated skin.
• Vitamin E oil (5 drops): Vitamin E oil acts as a natural preservative and adds antioxidant properties.

Instructions Summary

1. Infuse: Combine dried flowers and oils in a clean, dry mason jar. The flowers need to be fully submerged. Let the mixture sit in a dark, cool place for about a month.
2. Heat: After the infusion period, heat the mixture to a low temperature (105-110°F). This helps the oils extract the beneficial compounds from the flowers.
3. Strain and Preserve: Strain the oil to remove any solids, then add vitamin E oil as a natural preservative.
4. Store: Pour the infused oil into a clean, dry jar and label it. Then, store it in a cool, dark place for up to a year. I recommend storing it in the refrigerator to keep it from spoiling too soon.

Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to gently heat the oil for about 4-8 hours. The floral oil will be ready to use immediately after that!

Keep the temperature around 105-110°F to prevent the medicinal compounds from degrading. Many plant compounds, like certain antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils, are sensitive to heat and can break down when exposed to temperatures above 110–120°F (43–49°C).

Print

Floral Body Oil

My favorite nourishing body oil recipe for healthy, hydrated skin.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Active Time30 days d

Keyword: Herbal Remedies

Yield: 8 ounces

Equipment

• Mason jar
• Glass jar for storage
• Double boiler
• Measuring cups
• Cheesecloth
• Fine mesh strainer
• Instant read thermometer

Materials

• ½ cup dried rose petals or buds pink or red
• ½ cup dried whole calendula flowers
• ½ cup dried elder flowers
• ½ cup jojoba oil
• ½ cup almond oil
• 5-10 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions

• Add the dried flowers, jojoba oil, and almond oil to a clean and dry mason jar. The flowers should be fully submerged and covered by the oils. If not, add enough oil to cover the flowers.
• Seal the jar, label it, and store in a dark cabinet for about 1 month (4-6 weeks).
• After one month, heat the oil mixture with a double boiler on low heat until it’s between 105-110 degrees F.
• Strain the oil with a cheesecloth and fine mesh strainer. Then with very clean hands, squeeze the last bit of oil from the herbs in the cheesecloth. Stir in the vitamin E oil.
• Pour into a clean glass jar for storage. Store in a cool, dark place or a refrigerator.
• Use within 6-12 months.

Video

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