Last Updated on July 3, 2025 by Nico
Calendula is a wonderful flower to use in natural remedies. Learning how to make calendula oil from scratch is super simple, and you can use it to make lip balm, salves, and more. Here’s how to make it!
Infused oil from calendula (Calendula officinalis (also called pot marigold) has been long used in natural remedies to help with dry skin, minor cuts and scrapes, mild skin irritations, and even chicken pox.
What is calendula oil
Calendula oil is an herb-infused oil made by steeping dried calendula flowers in a carrier oil. Over time, the oil pulls out the medicinal properties, color, and anti-inflammatory properties of the flowers. The oil can be used on its own or as a base for other body products made with calendula, like salves and lip balms.
Why make it at home
There are a lot of good reasons to make your own calendula oil:
- You control the quality of the ingredients used
- It’s (much) more affordable than store-bought natural remedies
- You can use homegrown or foraged calendula
- There’s no added fragrance, colorants, or preservatives
Fresh or dried calendula
You can use fresh or dried flowers to make this oil. If you use fresh flowers that you forage, make sure to leave them on a paper towel or in a brown paper bag for a week or so. This allows most of the water to evaporate before using the flowers to make the oil.
Even a small amount of moisture can make the oil spoil more quickly so it’s important to let most of it evaporate before using them to make an oil.
How to make homemade calendula oil
Ingredients
Dried calendula flowers – try to find an unsprayed source local to you
A carrier oil of your choice – there are many carrier oil options. I like using fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil.
Optional – A few drops of vitamin E to extend shelf life
Optional – essential oils such as tea tree or peppermint essential oil for added cleansing benefits
Tools
Glass jar or dark amber glass dropper bottle for storage – I like these oil bottles
Cheesecloth – I like these unbleached ones
Instructions
Method 1: Folk Method (Cold Infusion)
This method takes longer but is basically hands-off. To start the calendula oil infusion, fill a clean, dry glass mason jar with 1 cup of dried calendula.
Pour your carrier oil over the flowers, covering them by at least an inch.
Stir to release air bubbles and ensure everything is submerged.
Cover the jar with a lid and place it in a sunny windowsill.
Shake gently once a day or so.
Let it infuse for a couple of weeks, up to 4–6 weeks for stronger oil.
Strain the flowers using cheesecloth, squeezing out as much oil as possible.
Transfer to a clean bottle, and add vitamin E oil, if you’re using it. Make sure to date and label it!
Method 2: Quick Method (Double Boiler)
This method takes less time but is more hands on.
Set up a double boiler: place a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup inside a pot with a few inches of water.
Add your carrier oil and dried calendula to the bowl.
Warm over low heat (never boiling!) for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Let cool to room temperature, then strain and store.
How long does it last?
This oil can be used right away and lasts up to a year if stored properly. Try to store it away from direct sunlight and in a cool dark place.
How to use calendula-infused oil
Once you know how to make calendula oil, there are different ways to use it in your everyday routines:
- Massage a small amount into dry skin, rashes, or skin irritations
- Use it as a daily body oil
- Apply to scars, stretch marks, or bug bites
- It’s gentle and can be used on all skin types
- Combine with beeswax pastilles and shea butter for a soothing salve – here’s my full recipe (it’s simple!)
- Mix with lavender essential oil for a calming lip balm
Tips & troubleshooting
- If your oil smells “off” or cloudy, discard it—likely caused by too much moisture
- Infused oil can be frozen in ice cube trays for long-term storage
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
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How To Make Calendula Oil At Home (And Three Ways To Use It)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- This method takes longer but is basically hands-off. To start the calendula oil infusion, fill a clean, dry mason jar about ½ to ¾ full with dried calendula. This is normally 1 cup for me.
- Pour your carrier oil over the flowers, covering them by at least an inch. This is normally 1.5 cups for me.
- Stir to release air bubbles and ensure everything is submerged.
- Cover the jar with a lid and place it in a sunny windowsill.
- Shake gently once a day or so.
- Let it infuse for a couple of weeks, up to 4–6 weeks for stronger oil.
- Strain the flowers using cheesecloth, squeezing out as much oil as possible.
- Transfer to a clean bottle, and add vitamin E oil, if you’re using it. Make sure to date and label it!
- This method takes less time but is more hands on. Set up a double boiler: place a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup inside a pot with a few inches of water.
- Add your carrier oil and dried calendula to the bowl. I use 1 cup of dried calendula and 1.5 cups of carrier oil.
- Warm over low heat (never boiling!) for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Let cool to room temperature, then strain and store.
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