How to Make Lavender Oil: 2 Best Methods

Ah, the beauty of lavender. May it be the flower, the colour, the fragrance, and even the oil, it just takes my breath away; wait, yours too? Then read on to find out how to make lavender oil!

How to Make Lavender Oil?

From the title, one would have guessed what is this post all about. ‘How to make lavender oil’, what’s the point in knowing it if we can just buy it out!

Well, of course, we can. We are the people living in the 21st century, almost anything we need is available in the market. Isn’t it?

Though there are wide varieties of products available in the market, still we prefer natural and homemade products. Well, maybe not all of you, but most people like natural and homemade products, including me.

So, for all those people who like using homemade and natural products, here in this post we are going to talk about a multipurpose product that is lavender oil, and some really easy ways ‘how to make lavender oil’.

What Exactly is Lavender Oil?

Before I tell you how to make lavender oil, allow me to tell you what exactly is lavender oil. Lavender oil is one of the essential oils obtained from a certain species of lavender.

There are around 400 types of lavender species, with distinguished characteristics like scent. The commonly used species for making lavender oil is Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender or true lavender.

This plant is not only used in making lavender oil but also in many herbal medicines and tea. It is usually found in the Mediterranean.

Another famous species of lavender is Lavandula latifolia, commonly known as spike lavender. It has a stronger scent, with more camphor in comparison to Lavandula angustifolia.

Often lavender oil obtained from Lavandula angustifolia is commonly used by people, but spike lavender oil is slowly substituted, aromatically as well as in body care products.

Benefits of Lavender Oil:

As I stated before, lavender oil is a multipurpose product. It has a wide range of applications and uses. So, let’s look at some wonders lavender oil can do:

1) Face Wrinkles

Because of the antioxidant effects of lavender oil, it can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles when applied to the skin.

The best way to use it is to mix a few drops of lavender oil with coconut oil. This mixture can be used on the face as a skin moisturizer once or twice a day.

2) Remove Acne and for a Natural Skin Glow

Lavender oil is an amazing ingredient for your skin, it can fight acne and give a natural glow to your skin. What’s more, it is suitable for all skin types!

Be it oily, dry, or normal, anyone can use it on the skin but with proper specifications on how much and how you can use it.

Lavender oil can clean your skin, unclogs pores, and reduce inflammation when you put it on your skin, which in turn helps to avoid and reduce acne. It can also help in fading acne scars because of its regenerative ability.

One can also make witch hazel lavender toner by using dried lavender buds or simply mixing a few drops of lavender oil with some witch hazel.

Lavender can also be used for skin lightening, because of its antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties. Including a few drops of lavender oil in your face creams and lotion can be a good choice for your skin.

Using it twice a day and at night-time, before you sleep, will give you excellent results.

3) Lavender Oil for Better Sleep and to Reduce Stress

Lavender oil-based aromatherapy can not only help you to get better sleep but can also help in reducing stress and soothe anxiety.

Be it, men or women, using lavender oil at night can help you in having a pleasant start to the day.

4) Lavender Oil has Wound-healing Properties

There had been many kinds of research that suggest that lavender oil promotes the healing of skin tissue. If you want to get rid of scars or have a cut, scrape, or any other wound, lavender oil can help speed up the wound-healing process.

Lavender oil works wonderfully on painful inflammation, its pain-relieving and numbing effects help soothe the inflammation.

To apply lavender oil on wounds or scars, mix a few drops of it with around one teaspoon of coconut oil or tamanu oil. Lavender oil can also be applied for sunburns, you can also make a lavender oil spray for sunburns or just for your skin care after a sunbath.

5) Insect Repellent

Lavender oil can also work as an insect repellent. Researchers claim that lavender does repel insects. The insects it can repel include mosquitoes, spiders, ants, gnats, fruit flies, lice, bed bugs, moths, and ticks.

Using lavender in oil form is the best way of using it. But one should not apply it directly to the skin. Though it is not harmful, some people may experience redness and itchiness after applying it.

So, to make a personal insect repellent, add 2-3 drops of lavender oil to an ounce of any carrier oil like sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, sesame oil, apricot kernel oil, or avocado oil.

You can also make a fragrant insect-repelling body wash, you just need to add 10-15 drops of pure lavender oil to plain liquid soap.

6) Lavender Oil for Hair Growth

Lavender oil is getting quite attention when it comes to hair care. It can also be used for treating Alopecia Areata or pattern baldness. An effective way to use lavender oil on hair is to mix it with jojoba oil.

This is not the end of the benefits of this multi-use lavender oil, lavender oil has many more applications. It is also used as a culinary element, in salad dressings, beverages, different kinds of teas, and as a flavoring spice for many cultural dishes.

Important Note: Since essential oil can be harsh on the skin, you need to first mix it with carrier oils before using it.

How to Make Lavender Oil at Home?

Coming to the main point, there are many ways to make lavender oil, Let’s take a look at the 2 most popular methods for making lavender oil.

• Method 1: Cold Infusion Method

This method is a really simple and mostly used method of making homemade lavender-infused oil. Let’s look at how to make lavender oil using this method:

Things you need:

• Fresh lavender flowers
• Olive oil (if possible, use extra virgin olive oil) or any other carrier oil
• A dark-coloured bottle
• Glass jar or container
• Cheesecloth or muslin
• Measuring spoon

Step 1: Harvesting and Drying Lavender

The first step in this method of ‘How to make lavender oil’, is harvesting and drying lavender. Pick out the lavender flowers that are about to bloom, make a bundle of them and tie and hang them upside down to dry in a warm, dry location with good air circulation for 3 to 4 weeks.

Once they are fully dried, the flowers feel brittle. Try breaking the stem if it snaps easily without bending, the lavenders are fully dried up.

Step 2: Gently Crush the Dried Lavender Flowers

The second step in this method is crushing the flowers. Lightly crush the lavender to release the oil and transfer the crushed lavender into a glass container. Pour the carrier oil of your choice into it until the crushed flowers are covered completely.

Step 3: Cover the glass jar and place it on a Sunny Windowsill

Cover the container or jar with a tightly fitted lid and place it on a windowsill that allows exposure to direct sunlight. Leave the jar there for around 3 to 6 weeks. This is the most important step, as it will release the parts of the lavender plant that will infuse the oil.

Step 4: Strain the Oil

The next one on ‘How to make lavender oil’ is to strain it. Once the infusion is over, use a cheesecloth to strain the lavender flowers. Discard any pieces or flowers of lavender in the compost or garden.

Step 5: Add a Few Drops of Vitamin E Oil

Add some drops of vitamin E oil or pierce a vitamin E capsule and pour it into the oil and stir it well. This step is optional in this method on ‘How to make lavender oil’ but, adding it will increase the shelf life of your oil.

Step 6: Store the oil

Transfer the content into a bottle made from dark glass or opaque plastic to prevent overlong exposure to sunlight from breaking the aroma down.

Try keeping it in a dry and dark location to prolong its shelf life. This completes our first method on ‘How to make lavender oil’.

• Method 2 : Crock-Pot Method

The crock-pot method is not very different from the cold infusion method. You can use this method if you prefer to make the oil in less time.

The things you require are the same as in method 1, the only additional thing you require is a crock-pot.

• Just like in method 1 on ‘How to make lavender oil’, we have to start with harvesting to dry the lavender.
• But in this method, you have to fill the crock-pot with 1 half cup of lavender to 1 whole cup of carrier oil.
• Then set the crock pot to low and allow it to steep for the next 3 hours. Keep the temperature between 100F and 120F.
• After 3 hours, allow the oil to cool down.
• After it, strain the oil, add some vitamin E, if you want, and store it appropriately, as described in method 1.

One would probably go with the crock-pot method, if you are making it in large quantities, or you need some right away. Also, when following the methods of ‘How to make lavender oil’, be careful with the quantities.

Which Carrier Oil Should You Choose?

“Which carrier oil should you choose?”, is an important factor in answering the question, “How to make lavender oil?”. One should select according to the purpose, for which you are making lavender oil. So, let’s look at some carrier oil you can use to make your homemade lavender oil:

1) Sweet Almond Oil

If you have dry skin, then this is the best oil you can use to moisturize your skin. It is an edible carrier oil with a strong and nutty aroma. It’s often used in general aromatherapy, massage oils, bath oils, and soaps.

Though it is edible, avoid heating it. So, it’s recommended to use the cold infusion method of ‘How to make lavender oil’ rather than the crock-pot method to make lavender oil.

2) Argan Oil

Argan oil is another good option for dry skin, because of its highly moisturizing property. It is also known as Morocco oil, as it is extracted from the fruit of argan trees, which are native to Morocco. It is edible and used in many hair care and skincare products.

It can help prevent sun damage, reduce excess oil production and fine lines, and can be even used to treat stretch marks. This all makes it a multipurpose oil, for your general skincare, hair care as well as massage oils.

3) Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is extracted from grapeseed, it is a byproduct of winemaking, after the grapes are pressed, the seeds left over are used to make grapeseed oil¹.

Grapeseed oil is a better option for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin types. It is anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial, and also contains vitamin E, which helps lessen the appearance of acne scarring.

It also contains vitamin C, which reduces radical damage. Furthermore, it can slow oil production, which can be quite beneficial for people with dry skin.

4) Olive Oil

Using extra virgin olive oil as a base oil to make homemade lavender-infused oil has been the best way among all other methods. Since, it is one of the most versatile ingredients, known for nourishing and moisturizing skin, and is considered best for aromatherapy and massage.

However, if applied too heavily, it can block pores, so it’s not always suitable for oily skin types. it’s not always suitable for oilier skin types as it can block pores if applied too heavily. So, this one is also for the ones having dry skin.

5) Apricot Kernel Oil

As the name suggests, apricot kernel oil ²is pressed out from the oil-rich kernels of Apricots. It is known to moisturize dry and sensitive skin and smooth out blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, and some other symptoms of maturing skin.

Lavender oil, made using apricot kernel oil, will help detangle and nourish the strands, in addition to promoting hair growth, when it is used on hair.

Not only, is it good for skincare but can also be used for massage, which in turn helps to soothe inflammation, enhance your skin conditions, and relieve the pain of aching temples or sore muscles and joints.

Those with nut allergies can substitute oils like Sweet Almond Oil with it, to experience its healthful properties.

6) Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil can be extracted from the fruit of a rosebush. It is known to contain vitamins A and C, which may help in preventing dry skin and reduce ultraviolet light damage caused by free radicals.

This oil is said to be beneficial for all skin types. It may also help brighten the skin and decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Nowadays it is being used in making many skincare products and aromatherapy.

Though it’s safe, some people may have allergic reactions to it. Since it has not been well studied till now it is recommended to not be used by children, pregnant, or breastfeeding women.

7) Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is not only used in cooking but is also good for skin care and hair care. When used for skin, it can replenish dry skin, hydrate and moisturize skin, calm itchy skin, heal chapped skin and protect it against skin damage.

As for hair, avocado oil may reduce dandruff and dry scalp, detangle hair, prevent hair breakage, and protect it from damage. Likewise, it is also used in aromatherapy.

Lavender Essential Oil v. Lavender Infused Oil

Many people are unaware of the difference between essential oils and infused oil. So, the method which we discussed on “how to make lavender oil”, is about lavender essential oil ³or infused oil.

Well, the recipes mentioned are on how to make lavender-infused oil.

Though lavender essential oil is quite good, I would prefer using lavender-infused oil instead because of the following reasons:

• The lavender-infused oil is much milder in comparison to essential oils. Because of this, essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, especially on sensitive skin.
• The lavender essential oil only captures about one-third of the plant’s properties, whereas an infused oil captures most of the constituents, giving them a broader spectrum of applications.
• Infused oils can be used regularly or for your daily skincare, without worry.
• Essential oil can easily get damaged by bright sunlight, infused oil shouldn’t also be placed in sunlight but, they are more tolerable to sunlight in comparison to essential oils.
• Lastly, it’s much easier and cheaper to make lavender-infused oil rather than lavender essential oil.

Possible Side Effects of Lavender Oil Use

• Apply lavender oil on the skin is safe in most cases. But people can have allergic reactions or suffer skin irritation when it is applied to the skin.
• Lavender oil is a commonly used food ingredient, but consuming it may show side effects like headaches, constipation, and increased appetite.
• When used as a scent or in aromatherapy, it is usually safe, but excessive use can cause side effects like drowsiness, lethargy, and headaches.

This is not the complete list of side effects, but some common side effects that can happen while using it. That is why not only lavender oil but any other oil should be used with caution. One should first try using it in small quantities and then if no symptoms or side effects occur, one can use it normally.

Precautions & Warnings

• Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women – It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil to be on the safer side and not suffer any side effects during such an important phase.
• Surgery – People who are going to have surgery or had surgery, shouldn’t use it for some time. As using it with other medicinal drugs can be dangerous and if it is used with anesthesia given during surgery, may slow down the functioning of the central nervous system.
• Children – Lavender oil shouldn’t be used by children, as ingesting even a little of it may cause severe toxicity in children.
• The quantity used – Lavender oil can be dangerous when consumed or applied in large quantities. Especially, in the case of essential oil, it should be used in small quantities and one should not use it daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can we apply lavender oil on hair?

Lavender oil tends to boost blood circulation to hair follicles, enabling your hair to become thicker and grow more quickly.

2. Does lavender oil glow skin?

Lavender oil is renowned for smoothing out skin tone and providing a healthy glow to the skin due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Is lavender oil safe on the skin?

Lavender oil has numerous skin-care purposes. It naturally decreases inflammation and discomfort and removes the skin’s dirty surface.

EndNote

This was all about the multipurpose product “lavender oil”. I hope this post will inspire you to not only use homemade lavender oil but many other products too, that can be easily made by yourself and at a low cost!

1. Kim, Tae-Kyung, et al. “Effects of replacing pork fat with grape seed oil and gelatine/alginate for meat emulsions.” Meat Science 163 (2020): 108079. ↩︎
2. Makrygiannis, Ioannis, et al. “Exploring the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Apricot Kernel Oil.” Separations 10.6 (2023): 332. ↩︎
3. Isman, Murray B. “Commercial development of plant essential oils and their constituents as active ingredients in bioinsecticides.” Phytochemistry reviews 19 (2020): 235-241. ↩︎

Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Suchi