How to Make Calendula Oil (Infused Oil Recipe)
Calendula infused oil is the quiet workhorse of a home herb shelf — a golden, faintly resinous oil that becomes the base for salves, balms, and simple skin oils. It is also one of the easiest herbal preparations to make: dried flowers, a good oil, a clean jar, and a little patience are all it takes. There is no special equipment and very little that can go wrong, provided you keep water out of the jar.
This guide walks through how to make calendula oil two ways — the slow solar method and a quicker warm method — plus how to strain and store it. At La Ferme À Ciel Sur Mer we grow and slow-dry calendula (Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold) as a certified Organic herb in Quebec, and a good infused oil really does start with good flowers. For the wider picture of what calendula is and how it's used, see our guide to calendula benefits, uses and where to buy dried flowers.
What You'll Need
Two ingredients and a jar:
- Dried calendula flowers. Use dried, not fresh — fresh flowers carry water, and water in an oil invites mould and rancidity. Whole heads or petals both work.
- A carrier oil. Olive oil is the traditional choice because it is stable and keeps well. Sunflower, sweet almond, and jojoba oils are all good alternatives; jojoba is especially shelf-stable.
- A clean, dry glass jar with a tight lid, a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and a clean bottle or jar for storage.
A Quick Note on "Calendula Oil"
The oil in this recipe is an infused oil — dried flowers steeped in a carrier oil so their oil-soluble compounds move into it. That is different from an essential oil, which is a concentrated distillate. Calendula is almost always used as an infused oil rather than a true essential oil, and it is the infused version that goes into salves and skin preparations. Everything below refers to the infused oil.
Method 1: The Solar Infusion (Slow)
- Fill the jar. Loosely fill a clean, dry jar about halfway to three-quarters with dried calendula flowers.
- Cover with oil. Pour your carrier oil over the flowers until they are fully submerged and covered by at least 2–3 cm (about an inch) of oil. Any flowers poking above the surface can spoil.
- Cap and steep. Seal tightly and set the jar in a warm, sunny spot for at least four weeks — up to several months for a stronger oil. Give it a gentle shake every few days.
- Check on it. Keep the flowers submerged; the oil will deepen to a warm gold as it infuses.
Method 2: The Warm Infusion (Quick)
When you don't want to wait weeks, gentle heat does the same job in hours:
- Combine the dried flowers and oil in a heatproof bowl or jar set over a double boiler, or in a slow cooker on its lowest setting.
- Warm gently for one to a few hours. Keep the heat low — warm, never frying. Overheating scorches the flowers and degrades the oil.
- Cool slightly, then strain as below.
Straining and Storing
- Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or a couple of layers of cheesecloth into a clean, dry bowl.
- Press the spent flowers to squeeze out the last of the oil, then discard them.
- Bottle the strained oil in a clean, dry jar or bottle and label it with the date.
- Store somewhere cool and dark. A well-made infused oil keeps for about a year; refrigeration extends that. If it ever smells off or rancid, let it go.
Your finished oil is ready to use on its own or, most usefully, as the base for a salve. To turn it into a balm with beeswax, follow our calendula salve recipe. Starting from your own garden? See how to grow and dry calendula from seed.
From Our Fields
A good infused oil is only as good as the flowers in it, which is why we pick our calendula by hand at peak bloom — when the backs of the heads are tacky with resin — and slow-dry the whole flowers to protect their colour and aromatic compounds. Our calendula is certified Organic and grown in Charlevoix, Quebec. If you'd like flowers to infuse without growing your own, we sell whole dried calendula flowers by the bag; for larger amounts, just contact us.
A Note on Safety
Calendula belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family and can cause allergic skin reactions, particularly in people sensitive to ragweed, mugwort, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, chamomile, or yarrow — patch-test the finished oil on a small area of skin before wider use if you have known sensitivities. This oil is intended for topical use. Calendula is traditionally not taken internally during pregnancy, so speak with a qualified healthcare provider before any internal use, and keep homemade oils clean and water-free to prevent spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oil for making calendula oil?
Olive oil is the traditional choice because it is stable and long-keeping. Sunflower, sweet almond, and jojoba oils also work well; jojoba is particularly shelf-stable. Choose one to suit how you'll use the finished oil.
Can I use fresh calendula flowers instead of dried?
Dried flowers are strongly recommended. Fresh flowers hold water, and water trapped in oil leads to mould and rancidity. If you only have fresh flowers, wilt them well first to reduce their moisture.
How long does calendula oil take to infuse?
The solar method takes at least four weeks, and up to several months for a stronger oil. The warm method takes only one to a few hours over gentle heat.
How long does homemade calendula oil last?
Stored in a clean container somewhere cool and dark, a well-made infused oil keeps for about a year; refrigeration extends it. Discard it if it smells rancid.
Is calendula oil the same as calendula essential oil?
No. This recipe makes an infused oil — flowers steeped in a carrier oil — which is what's used in salves and skincare. An essential oil is a concentrated distillate and is a different product.
What is calendula oil used for?
It is most often used as the base for salves and balms, and as a simple skin or massage oil. Traditionally it has been valued for soothing and supporting the skin; patch-test first if you have allergies in the daisy family.
Want to learn more? Explore the rest of our calendula guides:
- Organic Calendula: Benefits, Uses & Where to Buy Dried Flowers
- Calendula Salve: A Gentle Herbal Recipe for Skin Support
- How to Grow Calendula From Seed
Interested in knowing more about what's going on on the farm? Our occasional emails bring you stories from the field, new herbs for sale, and herbal insights. Browse our Organic herbs or sign up for our newsletter to stay connected.