How to Make Lavender Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Essential Oil

Lavender oil is one of the most popular natural remedies, known for its calming, antibacterial, and aromatic properties. Whether you’re making lavender-infused oil for skincare or attempting to create lavender essential oil, this guide will show you exactly how to do it at home.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✔️ How to make lavender-infused oil with fresh or dried lavender
✔️ How to extract lavender essential oil at home
✔️ The best carrier oils for lavender oil making
✔️ How to store and use homemade lavender oil

Let’s get started with your homemade lavender oil! 🌿💜

1. What is Lavender Oil?

Lavender oil comes in two forms:

🌿 Lavender-Infused Oil – Made by steeping lavender flowers in a carrier oil for several weeks.
🌸 Lavender Essential Oil – Extracted through steam distillation, producing a concentrated, highly aromatic oil.

Tip: Most DIY methods focus on lavender-infused oil, as making true essential oil requires special equipment.

2. How to Make Lavender-Infused Oil (Easiest Method)

This is the simplest way to make lavender oil, using fresh or dried lavender and a carrier oil.

Ingredients & Supplies:

✔️ 1 cup of dried or fresh lavender flowers
✔️ 2 cups of carrier oil (olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil)
✔️ A glass jar with a lid
✔️ A strainer or cheesecloth
✔️ A dark glass bottle for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Lavender

• If using fresh lavender, dry it first to prevent mold.
• Lightly crush the flowers to release their natural oils.

Step 2: Combine Lavender and Oil

• Place the lavender flowers in a clean glass jar.
• Pour your carrier oil over the flowers until fully submerged.

Step 3: Infuse the Oil

• Cover the jar with a lid and shake gently.
• Store in a warm, sunny spot (like a windowsill) for 2–4 weeks, shaking it daily.

Step 4: Strain the Oil

• After infusion, strain out the lavender flowers using cheesecloth or a fine strainer.
• Pour the infused oil into a dark glass bottle to preserve its potency.

Tip: Store your homemade lavender oil in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life (up to 6 months).

3. How to Make Lavender Essential Oil (Advanced Method)

Making true lavender essential oil requires steam distillation, which extracts pure, concentrated oil.

What You Need:

✔️ Fresh lavender flowers (at least 2 cups)
✔️ Distillation kit or DIY steam distillation setup
✔️ Filtered water
✔️ Glass jar for collection

Steps to Make Lavender Essential Oil:

Step 1: Harvest & Dry the Lavender

• Harvest lavender flowers early in the morning for the strongest aroma.
• Allow them to dry for a few days before distillation.

Step 2: Prepare the Distillation Setup

• Place water and lavender flowers in the distillation chamber.
• Heat gently to produce steam, which carries the lavender oil.

Step 3: Collect the Oil

• As the steam cools, it separates into water and oil.
• The top layer is pure lavender essential oil, which should be carefully separated.

Step 4: Store the Essential Oil

• Use dark glass bottles and store them in a cool, dark place.
• Essential oil lasts for years if stored properly.

Tip: The remaining lavender water (hydrosol) can be used as a linen spray or facial toner!

4. Best Carrier Oils for Making Lavender Oil

Using a high-quality carrier oil enhances the benefits of your lavender-infused oil.

Top Carrier Oils:

🥥 Coconut Oil – Antibacterial and deeply moisturizing.
🌿 Jojoba Oil – Closest to the skin’s natural oils.
🌻 Sunflower Oil – Light and absorbs quickly.
🍶 Olive Oil – Rich and nourishing, best for dry skin.
🥜 Almond Oil – Great for sensitive skin and massage.

Tip: Choose a cold-pressed, organic carrier oil for the best results.

5. How to Use Homemade Lavender Oil

Your DIY lavender oil has multiple uses, from skincare to aromatherapy.

Lavender Oil for Skin & Hair

✔️ Massage Oil – Relaxes muscles and relieves tension.
✔️ Moisturizer – Helps soothe dry, irritated skin.
✔️ Acne Treatment – Reduces redness and inflammation.
✔️ Hair Growth Oil – Strengthens hair and reduces dandruff.

Lavender Oil for Aromatherapy & Relaxation

✔️ Stress Relief – Apply to pulse points or use in a diffuser.
✔️ Sleep Aid – Massage onto temples before bedtime.
✔️ Headache Relief – Rub onto forehead and neck.

Lavender Oil for Household Use

✔️ Natural Insect Repellent – Keeps mosquitoes and moths away.
✔️ DIY Candles & Soaps – Adds a relaxing scent.
✔️ Linen Spray – Mix with water for fresh-smelling clothes.

Tip: Add a few drops of lavender oil to your bath for a calming soak.

FAQs: Making Lavender Oil at Home

Can I use fresh lavender to make oil?
✔️ Yes, but dried lavender is better as it prevents mold during infusion.

How long does homemade lavender oil last?
✔️ Lavender-infused oil lasts up to 6 months, while essential oil lasts years if stored properly.

Which carrier oil is best for lavender oil?
✔️ Jojoba, coconut, almond, and olive oil are all excellent choices.

Can I use lavender oil on my face?
✔️ Yes! It helps soothe acne, inflammation, and dry skin.

How do I make lavender essential oil without a distiller?
✔️ You can’t make true essential oil without a distiller, but lavender-infused oil is a great alternative.

Final Thoughts: How to Make Lavender Oil at Home

✔️ Lavender-infused oil is easy to make and can be used for skincare, relaxation, and aromatherapy.
✔️ True lavender essential oil requires steam distillation, but it’s worth the effort for a concentrated, therapeutic oil.
✔️ Choosing the right carrier oil enhances the quality and benefits of homemade lavender oil.
✔️ Store lavender oil in dark glass bottles to extend shelf life.

Making your own lavender oil is a simple, rewarding process that allows you to enjoy its natural benefits anytime. Whether for self-care, wellness, or home use, lavender oil is a must-have addition to your natural remedies! 🌿💜

Have you made lavender oil before? Share your experience in the comments!

Now you’re ready to make your own lavender oil! 🌿💜 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀