Ensure your calendula flowers are completely dry. Fresh flowers contain moisture, which can lead to mold and spoilage. If you’re using fresh flowers, spread them out on a tray and let them dry in a warm, dark place for a week or until they are crisp.
Choose a high-quality carrier oil. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its availability and skin-nourishing properties. Jojoba oil and sweet almond oil are also excellent options, especially for skin applications.
Place the dried calendula flowers into your glass jar, filling it about halfway.
Pour the carrier oil over the flowers until they are completely submerged and the jar is filled. Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.
Seal the jar tightly with the lid. Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot, like a windowsill. The warmth will help extract the beneficial properties of the calendula into the oil.
Give the jar a gentle shake every few days to mix the contents and ensure the flowers are fully immersed in the oil.
After 4-6 weeks, your calendula oil infusion should be ready. The oil will take on a golden hue and a mild, pleasant scent of calendula.
Line a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a clean bowl or jar. Pour the infused oil through the strainer to remove the flowers. Gently press the flowers to extract as much oil as possible.
Transfer the strained calendula oil into dark glass bottles to protect it from light, which can degrade the oil's quality.
Label the bottles with the date and contents. Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for up to a year.
