How to Make Baby Oil

Baby oil is handy product to have around the house and can be used for a variety of purposes, from soothing your infant’s dry skin to removing makeup. But the primary ingredient of most store-bought baby oils is mineral oil, which is a petroleum by-product.^{[1]XResearch source} If you’re not comfortable using this chemical on your or your baby’s skin, you can make your own baby oil at home with or without using the stove.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Method 1: Infusing with Heat

1
Choose a base oil. This can be olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, or any other oil that you prefer. These oils all have different textures and scents, so be sure to smell and feel them before you begin working so that you don’t end up with a finished product you don’t like.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so keep this in mind when choosing it as your base oil. You will likely need to find a container with a wide mouth. That way you can scoop the finished oil out with a spoon or your fingers.^{[3]XResearch source}
2
Select additional optional ingredients. Add dried herbs like calendula, chamomile, or lavender to give your baby oil additional anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. You can buy them at most health food stores and organic shopping centers, or grow them yourself in containers to have on hand for future recipes.
- Choose a fragrance oil or essential oil if you want your baby oil to have a particular scent, like lavender, orange, or rose.
Use 1 cup (about .25 liters) of your base oil and 2 tablespoons of any chosen herbs.^{[4]XResearch source} Adjust the amount of herbs accordingly if you want a stronger or more subtle scent. If you’re adding any additional fragrance or essential oils, only use a few drops. Too much of these oils can irritate skin.
4
Heat the ingredients in a double boiler. Herbs can burn quickly, so don’t heat the concoction in a pan directly on the burner. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can make one by filling a saucepan with an inch or so of water and bringing the water to a boil. Place another saucepan on top of that one and fill the top pan with your ingredients.
- Heat the ingredients for about an hour, or until the oil begins to take on the color and the scent of the herbs.^{[5]XResearch source}
Allow the pan to cool to room temperature before you attempt to handle the oil.
6
Strain the oil to remove the herbs. Take a mesh colander or a piece of cheesecloth and sift the contents through that into a mason jar or glass bottle.
- If you chose to work with coconut oil, the oil will need to be warmed slightly so that it’s liquid again while you strain it. Try not to touch the warm oil as you strain it to avoid getting burned.
A dark spot like a cabinet or closet shelf is best, and be sure the jar or bottle you’ve selected has a tight-fitting lid. The oil will have a shelf life of 6-9 months.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Method 2: Infusing without Heat

1
Select your base oil and other ingredients. Coconut oil is not recommended for this method, since there won’t be any heat applied to melt it and combine it with the herbs. Otherwise, you can use any other base oil that is in liquid form at room temperature, like almond, olive, or apricot oil.
- Choose any dried herbs or fragrance oils that you’d like to infuse into the oil.
Mason jars are best since the lid gives you a tight seal, but any glass bottle or jar with a lid is fine. Measure 2-4 tablespoons of herbs into your container and then pour one cup (about .25 liters) of your base oil over the herbs. If you’re adding fragrance or essential oil, put in a few drops and then seal the jar.^{[6]XResearch source}
A porch or deck is the perfect spot if you have one. Otherwise, use a windowsill that gets lots of sun.^{[7]XResearch source}
4
Strain out the herbs. Once the herbs have been infusing the oil for a few weeks, it's time to remove them. Strain them out using a mesh colander or piece of cheesecloth as you pour the oil into another jar or bottle.
- Put a lid on your jar of baby oil and store it in a cool, dry place for up to 6-9 months.
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Community Q&A

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Question
Do I have to use an essential oil or fragrance? Can i just skip that part? Do I have to use herbs?
Community Answer
You don't need essential oils. I would suggest coconut oil if you would like a thicker consistency. The herbs could be replaced by other dry fragrances, such as dried flower petals.
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Question
Do I have to use herbs?
Community Answer
No, you can use other natural ingredients that aren't herbs, such as essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus.
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Question
Is there a quicker method that doesn't require waiting two weeks?
Community Answer
This method doesn't require waiting two weeks. It's ready immediately, but it can be stored for up to two weeks.
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