Have you heard about macerated oils?
These oils really can take your DIY skincare to the next level.
If you already create your own serums and creams using essential oils, chances are you're familiar with carrier oils such as Jojoba oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Rosehip Oil and Apricot Kernel Oil.
Macerated oils, otherwise known as infused oils, are basically carrier oils that are infused with dried plant matter, such as dried flowers. The carrier oil is infused with the beautiful properties of the plant, and if you choose a bright coloured flower, the carrier oil may slightly take on the colour of the flower.
You can add this infused carrier oil to your DIY skincare and beauty products such as face serums, body oils, creams, lotions, perfumes and soaps.
How to infuse dried flowers.
1. Choose a good quality carrier oil. Different oils can have different properties, and can feel different on the skin.
2. Select your dried flowers. We suggest you use dried flowers, because wet plant matter can add water. You don't want to add water as it can encourage microbial growth, which may turn your oil rancid.
3. Try to chop the flower up into small pieces, this will help break down the plant's cell walls, so more goodness goes into your oil.
4. Clean and sanitise a small glass jar or container and fill it with your dried flowers, then pour your carrier oil over it. Secure it with a lid so it's air tight.
5. Put your jar in a warm spot for three weeks. A sunny windowsill works well, just make sure you turn it every day and give it a gentle shake.
6. If you want to fast track your infusion, you can place your jar in a warm water bath or bain-marie and let simmer gently for a few hours.
6. Strain out the flowers and store the infused oil in a dark place out of direct sunlight. To stop oils going rancid too quickly, add a small amount of vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant. If stored correctly and with a good quality carrier oil, it should keep for 6 months. We typically add around 1% vitamin E. So for example if you created 100g infused oil you would use 99 grams of oil and 1g of vitamin E.
7. Use your infused oil to enhance your DIY bath, body and skincare products, and when combined with essential oils, you're getting the full benefits of the plant.
Flower Infusion Ideas for Skincare
Rose Petals - nourishing, rejuvenating, promotes glowing skin, can gently scent the oil
Butterfly Pea Flower - soothes irritation, reduce redness, contains plant-based antioxidants
Hibiscus Petals - natural source of AHAs, can help reduce hyperpigmentation, can increase cell turnover
Cornflower petals - soothes sensitive skin, reduce redness, great for acne-prone skin
Calendula - anti-inflammatory, great for healing, stimulate collagen
What's the difference between essential oil and infused oils?
Don't confuse infused oils with essential oils. They are two different things.
Essential Oils are extracted from plant matter by methods such as steam distillation, pressing or resin tapping. This makes the oils more concentrated. Essential oil molecules are smaller and not all constituents of the plant comes over in distillation.
Infused Oils (macerated oils) are created when plant matter is soaked or infused within an oil base. The fragrance is often lighter and the larger molecules are captured in macerated oils.
So when you use both, you have more chance of capturing the full benefits of the whole plant.
Can I use both essential oils and infused oils in my creations?
Yes absolutely! You can enhance your bath and body DIYs by adding essential oils and using an infused oil. We create an amazing face serum with Lavender essential oils with Hibiscus and Rose infused oil.
Can I infuse powders or other ingredients?
You sure can! We love infusing Vanilla Bean pods in Jojoba Oil and adding them to our cleansing oil. The oil takes on the scent and properties of the vanilla bean and the aroma is divine. We also use this Vanilla Bean infusion as a basis for our perfume roll on.
You can also infuse dried botanical powders such as Aloe Vera, Rose Petal Powder, Butterfly Pea Powder. Just ensure you strain the oil thoroughly before use.
