How Do You Make Your Own Lavender Oil

You can make your own lavender oil at home with just a few simple ingredients and a little patience.
 
It’s a lovely way to capture the calming scent of lavender for use in massage, skincare, or even as a natural perfume.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a total beginner, making lavender oil is surprisingly straightforward.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make your own lavender oil, from choosing the right lavender to storing your finished product.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Do You Make Your Own Lavender Oil?

You make your own lavender oil by infusing dried lavender flowers into a carrier oil, which is often called a lavender infusion.
 
This method extracts the plant’s natural oils and scent into the carrier oil over time.
 
You can also make lavender essential oil through steam distillation, but that requires special equipment.
 
For most home crafters, the infusion method is the easiest and safest way to make your own lavender oil.
 
Below, we’ll break down the process step by step so you can make your own lavender oil with confidence.
 

1. Choose the Right Lavender

To make your own lavender oil, start with high-quality dried lavender buds.
 
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best choice because it has a sweet, mild fragrance.
 
Avoid using fresh lavender, as the moisture can cause mold in your oil.
 
If you’re growing your own, harvest the flowers in the morning after the dew has dried.
 
Then hang them upside down in a dark, dry place until they’re completely dry.
 

2. Gather Your Supplies

Making your own lavender oil requires just a few basic supplies.
 
You’ll need a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, such as a mason jar.
 
You’ll also need a carrier oil like sweet almond, jojoba, olive, or fractionated coconut oil.
 
And of course, you’ll need your dried lavender buds.
 
A cheesecloth or fine strainer is also helpful for the final step.
 

3. Fill Your Jar with Lavender

Fill your glass jar about halfway to three-quarters full with dried lavender buds.
 
Don’t pack them too tightly; you want the oil to be able to circulate around each bud.
 
Then, pour your carrier oil over the lavender until it’s completely covered.
 
Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar.
 

4. Seal and Store

Seal your jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to combine the lavender and oil.
 
Store the jar in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard or pantry.
 
Let it sit for about four to six weeks, shaking it gently every few days.
 
This slow infusion is what allows you to make your own lavender oil with a rich, true scent.
 

5. Strain and Bottle

After four to six weeks, your oil should smell strongly of lavender.
 
Line a fine strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a clean bowl.
 
Pour the mixture through the strainer to separate the oil from the lavender buds.
 
Squeeze the cheesecloth gently to get every last drop of oil.
 
Then, transfer your finished lavender oil into a dark glass bottle for storage.
 

Tips for Making the Best Lavender Oil

If you want to make your own lavender oil that smells amazing and lasts long, keep these tips in mind.
 

1. Use Dried Lavender, Not Fresh

Fresh lavender contains water, which can cause your oil to spoil.
 
Dried buds give you a more concentrated scent and a longer shelf life.
 
This is the golden rule when you make your own lavender oil.
 

2. Choose a Light, Unscented Carrier Oil

Carrier oils like sweet almond or jojoba have a mild scent that won’t overpower the lavender.
 
Olive oil works too, but its strong flavor can mask the lavender.
 
So pick a carrier oil that lets the lavender shine.
 

3. Shake Regularly

Shaking your jar every few days helps the oil extract more of the lavender’s goodness.
 
It also prevents the buds from clumping at the bottom.
 
A quick shake is all it takes to make your own lavender oil more potent.
 

4. Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Heat and light can degrade the quality of your oil.
 
Keep your jar in a dark cupboard while it infuses.
 
And store your finished oil in a dark glass bottle away from sunlight.
 

5. Be Patient

The longer you let your lavender infuse, the stronger the scent will be.
 
Four to six weeks is a good starting point, but you can let it go longer.
 
Just check the oil every week to make sure it still smells fresh.
 

How to Use Your Homemade Lavender Oil

Once you make your own lavender oil, you’ll find plenty of ways to use it.
 

1. Massage Oil

Lavender oil is soothing and relaxing, making it perfect for a calm massage.
 
Warm a small amount in your hands and massage into your skin.
 

2. Bath Oil

Add a few tablespoons to your bathwater for a spa-like experience.
 
The lavender scent will fill your bathroom and help you unwind.
 

3. Skin Moisturizer

Use a few drops as a facial or body moisturizer.
 
Lavender oil is gentle and can soothe dry or irritated skin.
 

4. Natural Perfume

Dab a little behind your ears and on your wrists for a subtle, natural fragrance.
 

5. Sleep Aid

Rub a bit on your temples or pillowcase before bed to promote relaxation.
 

So, How Do You Make Your Own Lavender Oil?

You make your own lavender oil by infusing dried lavender buds in a carrier oil for several weeks.
 
It’s a simple, rewarding process that gives you a versatile product for skincare, relaxation, and more.
 
With a little patience and the right supplies, you can make your own lavender oil that’s just as good as anything you’d buy in a store.
 
So grab your dried lavender and carrier oil, and get started today.