How To Infuse Lavender Into Oil

You can infuse lavender into oil easily at home using dried lavender buds and a carrier oil like olive, jojoba, or sweet almond oil.
 
Whether you want to infuse lavender into oil for massage, skincare, or aromatherapy, the process is simple and rewarding.
 
You only need a few basic supplies and a little patience to get a beautifully scented oil that captures the calming essence of lavender.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to infuse lavender into oil using a few different methods, plus tips to make your infusion last longer.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Infuse Lavender Into Oil

To infuse lavender into oil, you’ll want to choose the right lavender, the right oil, and the right method for your timeline.
 
Here’s what you need to know before you start.
 

1. Choose Dried Lavender Buds

When you infuse lavender into oil, always use dried lavender buds rather than fresh ones.
 
Fresh lavender contains water, and water in oil can cause mold and spoilage.
 
Dried buds give you a clean, concentrated scent without the risk of bacteria growth.
 
You can grow and dry your own lavender or buy food-grade dried buds online or at a health store.
 

2. Pick a Good Carrier Oil

The oil you choose matters when you infuse lavender into oil.
 
Olive oil is affordable and works well, but it has a strong scent that can overpower the lavender.
 
Jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, and fractionated coconut oil are lighter options that let the lavender shine.
 
For skincare, jojoba and almond oil are especially nice because they absorb quickly and feel silky on the skin.
 

3. Use the Right Ratio

A good rule of thumb is one part dried lavender buds to two parts oil by volume.
 
So if you’re using one cup of lavender, add two cups of oil.
 
You can adjust this ratio depending on how strong you want your finished oil to smell.
 

Methods to Infuse Lavender Into Oil

There are three main ways to infuse lavender into oil, and each one suits a different schedule.
 

1. The Slow Solar Infusion Method

The traditional way to infuse lavender into oil is the solar method.
 
Fill a clean glass jar with dried lavender buds, then pour your carrier oil over them until they’re fully covered.
 
Seal the jar and place it in a sunny window for two to four weeks.
 
Shake the jar gently every day or two to help the oil absorb the lavender’s properties.
 
Strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer when the scent is strong enough for you.
 

2. The Quick Double Boiler Method

If you don’t want to wait weeks, you can infuse lavender into oil in just a couple of hours.
 
Combine your lavender and oil in a heat-safe bowl or double boiler.
 
Heat the mixture on low, keeping the temperature around 100 to 120°F.
 
Let it sit for one to two hours, stirring occasionally, and never let it boil.
 
Strain the oil once it cools and store it in a clean bottle.
 

3. The Fast Overnight Method

A slow cooker on the warm setting also works well to infuse lavender into oil.
 
Add lavender and oil to the slow cooker and leave it on warm for four to six hours.
 
You can also use a yogurt maker or a warm closet for a gentle overnight infusion.
 
Just remember that heat speeds things up but can slightly reduce the delicate floral notes.
 

Tips for a Better Lavender Oil Infusion

A few small tweaks can make a big difference when you infuse lavender into oil.
 

1. Crush the Buds Slightly

Gently crushing the dried buds with your fingers or a mortar and pestle helps release more of their essential oils.
 
Don’t grind them into a powder, or the oil will be hard to strain.
 

2. Strain Thoroughly

Any plant matter left in the oil can turn rancid over time.
 
Strain your infused lavender oil twice if needed, and squeeze the cheesecloth to get every last drop.
 

3. Store It Properly

Keep your finished lavender oil in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dark place.
 
It will stay fresh for six to twelve months, and you can extend that by adding a few drops of vitamin E oil as a natural preservative.
 

4. Label and Date Your Bottle

Always label your infused lavender oil with the date and the type of oil you used.
 
That way you’ll know when to use it up and which batch you liked best.
 

So, How Do You Infuse Lavender Into Oil?

You infuse lavender into oil by combining dried lavender buds with a carrier oil and letting them steep using heat or time.
 
Whether you choose the slow solar method, the quick double boiler, or an overnight slow cooker, the result is a fragrant oil you can use for massage, skincare, bath products, and more.
 
Just use dried buds, pick a light carrier oil, and store your finished infusion in a dark bottle.
 
Once you learn how to infuse lavender into oil, you’ll never want to buy the store-bought version again.