Many parents love using baby oil because applying a baby oil while skin is still wet after a bath can lock in more moisture more effectively than applying lotion to dry skin. It’s also great for a bonding baby massage. But commercial baby oils can do much more harm than good. Most are made with high amounts of mineral oil. According to the Environmental Working Group, mineral oil is derived from petroleum and may be contaminated with cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Mineral oil aggravates acne and negatively impacts skin function, causing it to age prematurely. Mineral oil is a very common ingredient in any personal care or beauty product that requires a smooth gliding action, and may be listed under different names, including petrolatum or paraffinum.
This baby oil recipe is a fantastic alternative that is safe and soothing to skin, and also happens to be really great for the whole family, soothing eczema and other skin issues.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of organic olive oil
- 2 tablespoons calendula flowers
- 2 tablespoons chamomile flowers
Baby Oil Instructions
You can make this oil the quick way or the long way. I prefer the long way because it’s more potent and effective. It doesn’t take a lot of work at all, it just needs to sit for a while! The fast way is also good, especially if there are no apparent skin discomforts or eczema present. (If there are, I would recommend making a small batch the fast way to get started immediately, but also start a batch using the longer instructions which will provide more effective relief.)
Quick Method:
Heat about two inches of water over medium high heat in a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a sauce pan with water in it, and then place a glass jar or bowl into the sauce pan to create the effect of a double boiler. Heat the oil in a glass bowl or double boiler top above the boiling water. Add the dried flowers and keep the heat going on low/medium for 1-4 hours (until the oil has started to turn yellow and smells of chamomile and calendula). Check the water level often, adding more as it evaporates. Don’t allow it all to evaporate off, and make sure it doesn’t get so hot as to cause the oil to boil or smoke. When done, strain the flowers out and allow to cool before pouring into your container to use as a baby oil.
Long Method:
Place dried flowers in a glass jar and pour oil over it. Put an air-tight lid on. (I use a quart sized canning jar.) Keep in a cool, dark place (pantry is perfect) and shake daily for 6-8 weeks. The result will be a very beautiful orange-colored oil. Strain off the flowers and use the oil for the whole family. It works great as a therapeutic massage oil, baby oil, or eczema oil. Simply massage a small amount (a little goes a long way!) into still-wet skin after bath. Then use the towel to dab body dry. The towel will absorb the water, but not the oil.
So that’s how you make chemical free baby oil! Which method do you prefer? Comment below!