How to make calendula oil is something I get asked all the time, and for a good reason! This infused oil is pure skincare magic!
Calendula oil is one of my absolute favorites when it comes to DIY herbal extracts. I use it quite frequently in salves, after-sun and after-depilation treatments and even in my special oat oil and calendula salve that helped heal my son’s eczema (and still keeps it from coming back!). If I could only make one herbal oil, this would be it!



Since I don’t like making huge batches (I always want my ingredients and homemade cosmetics fresh and potent), I prepare it two or three times a year. That means I almost always have a jar of infused calendula oil macerating somewhere in my house. Sometimes, I mix it with chamomile for an even more powerful infusion.

And now, I’m letting you in on all my secrets so you can make your own.

What Is Calendula Oil Good For?

Calendula oil is one of the most effective natural remedies for soothing and healing the skin. It’s packed with anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerating properties, making it perfect for:

✔️ Soothing irritated or sensitive skin
✔️ Healing small wounds, cuts, or burns
✔️ Calming dermatitis, eczema, and rashes
✔️ Post-waxing or shaving care (I always use it after depilation, together with aloe vera!)
✔️ After-sun care to soothe, nourish and repair skin

It’s a must-have in my herbal cabinet, and once you try it, you’ll understand why!

The Best Oils for Infused Calendula Oil

Choosing the right oil is just as important as the calendula itself. Some oils enhance calendula’s soothing effects, while others aren’t ideal for skincare (looking at you, olive oil! Sorry, but I don’t want my skincare smelling like salad!).

My top picks:

✔ Rice bran oil – A soothing oil that boosts calendula’s calming properties and is excellent for sensitive skin.
✔ Sunflower oil – Always a great choice! Lightweight and naturally contains ceramides, which help restore the skin barrier. Perfect for soothing balms and creams.
✔ Raspberry seed oil – High in linolenic acid and fantastic for inflammation, but not very resistant to oxidation, so only use this if you plan to use your infused calendula oil quickly. Not suitable for the fast hot method (Curious about it? Continue reading to discover it!).

For a full breakdown of which oils are best for infusions, check out my guide here: How to Choose the Best Oil for an Infused Oil.

How to Make Calendula Oil

There are two methods to make this golden elixir: the cold method (slower but better for long-term storage) and the hot method (faster but not ideal for long-term storage).

Method 1: Cold Infusion (Best for Shelf Life)

This method preserves all the goodness of the calendula without exposing it to heat and without spoiling the carrier oil.

🔸 What you’ll need:

• 15 g of dried calendula flowers (crush them slightly for a better and more concentrated infusion, it helps a lot!)
• Around 60-100 g of your chosen carrier oil (see recommendations above). The exact amount depends on how finely your calendula is crushed. If you skip this step, you may need significantly more oil to fully cover the flowers.
• A clean, dry glass jar with a lid
• A fine colander and gauze for straining
• 1% Vitamin E oil 

🔸 Steps:

1. Fill your jar with calendula flowers. If you crush them slightly, you’ll need less oil and get a stronger infusion. But don’t grind them into powder or it’ll be a nightmare to strain!
2. Cover completely with oil, making sure the flowers are fully submerged.
3. Close the jar and place it in a warm, sunny spot (a windowsill works well). Sunlight gently helps the infusion process.
4. If your calendula is slightly crushed, let it infuse for 1-2 weeks. If left whole, let it sit for 3-4 weeks. Shake the jar gently every couple of days.
5. After the infusion period, strain with a colander and a gauze.
6. Add 1% Vitamin E oil to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life.
7. Pour in a dark bottle.
8. Store in a cool, dark place. Your infused calendula oil should last up to a year, depending on the freshness of the base oil you used (check the expiration date).
   
   
   

How to Make Calendula Oil Fast (Hot Infusion Method)

Need your oil fast? This method speeds things up while keeping the integrity of the ingredients. But if you plan to store the oil for a long time, the cold method is still the best.

🔸 What you’ll need:
Same as above, plus an oven!

🔸 Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 50°C (122°F). This temperature is low enough to keep the oil’s and calendula’s properties intact.
2. Place your jar of calendula and oil (sealed) in the oven. Let it infuse for about 5 hours.
3. Once done, let it cool, then strain as described in the cold method.
4. Add 1% Vitamin E oil, bottle it up, and store properly.

🔥 Why 50°C (122°F) and not higher? Heating oils too much can destroy their beneficial properties. This gentle heat speeds up the extraction without degrading the oil, unlike higher temperatures, which can cause oxidation.

How Long Does Calendula Oil Last?

With proper storage, your infused calendula oil can last up to a year. But always check the expiration date of the base oil you used! If your carrier oil expires in 6 months, then your infused oil will too.

💡Tip: If you used an oil like raspberry seed, which is more fragile, stick to the cold infusion method and plan to use it within a few months.

Where to Buy Calendula Dried Flowers

Before you start making your own calendula oil, you'll need high-quality dried calendula flowers. Luckily, they’re quite easy to find!

• Herbal and Tea Shops – Many local herbal stores or tea shops carry dried calendula since it’s often used in herbal remedies and teas.
• Cosmetic Ingredients Shops – If you make your own skincare products, check stores that sell raw cosmetic ingredients, they usually have high-quality and organic calendula flowers suitable for oil infusions.
• Organic Products Shops – Health food stores and organic markets often offer dried calendula in their herbal section.
• Amazon – If you prefer shopping online, you can easily find dried calendula flowers on Amazon.
  
  

Always choose bright orange or yellow petals with a strong herbal scent—this ensures they’re fresh and packed with beneficial properties!

So, are you going to try it? Let me know in instagram how your infusion turns out! And don’t forget to check out my oil guide here to choose the best base oil for your needs!

Happy infusing!