A gentle botanical oil for dry or reactive skin, with honest notes on shelf life, patch testing and what not to put on your face.
Infusing oils is quietly satisfying: dried flowers, a clean jar, a sunny windowsill and two weeks of doing nothing. Calendula is the classic choice because it's well tolerated by most skin types.
Use fully dried plant material — any residual water invites spoilage. Jojoba and sunflower oil are stable carriers; add rosehip at the end rather than infusing it, since it oxidises quickly.
Always patch test on your inner arm for 48 hours, and skip essential oils entirely if your skin is reactive.
Key takeaways
- Dried botanicals only — moisture spoils oil.
- Store dark, cool, and use within three months.
- Patch test every new blend.
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