Choosing the Best Oils for Herbal Infusions: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Selection of carrier oils to use for herbal infusions.

When you begin making herbal infused oils, one of the first questions that comes up is:

Which is the best oil for herbal infusions?

At first glance, it might seem like any oil will work — and technically, many will. But the oil you choose can change everything about your final product, from how it feels on your skin to how long it lasts on your shelf.

Some oils are rich and slow to absorb, making them ideal for salves and deeply moisturizing applications. Others are lighter, soaking into the skin quickly and leaving very little residue. Some are more stable and long-lasting, while others are more delicate and require a bit more care.

Understanding these differences allows you to choose the right oil for your purpose, rather than guessing and hoping for the best.

In this guide, we’ll look at four of the most commonly used oils in herbalism — olive oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil — and how each one works in herbal infusions and salves.

What Makes an Oil Good for Herbal Infusions?

Before diving into specific oils, it helps to understand what you’re looking for.

A good oil for herbal infusions should:

• Be stable enough to resist going rancid quickly

• Effectively extract plant constituents

• Feel appropriate for your intended use (skin, salve, massage, etc.)

• Be accessible and practical for regular use

Most herbalists choose carrier oils, which are plant-based oils that can safely carry herbal properties into the skin.

The “best” oil isn’t the same for every situation — it depends on what you’re making and how you plan to use it.

Olive Oil: Traditional, Nourishing, and Reliable

Olive oil has been used for centuries in herbal preparations, and for good reason. It is one of the most traditional oils for infusing herbs and making salves.

It has a rich, slightly heavy texture and a slower absorption rate, which allows it to sit on the skin longer. This makes it especially useful for dry or rough areas that benefit from deeper moisture.

Olive oil is also relatively stable compared to many other oils, giving your infused oils and salves a longer shelf life when stored properly.

One thing to consider is its scent. Olive oil has a distinct aroma that can carry through into your final product. Some people love this, while others prefer a more neutral-smelling oil.

Because of its thickness, olive oil works beautifully in salves and balms, where a more protective, longer-lasting layer on the skin is beneficial.

Sweet Almond Oil: Light, Gentle, and Skin-Friendly

Sweet almond oil is a favorite among herbalists who want something lighter and more easily absorbed.

It has a smooth, silky texture that glides easily over the skin, making it an excellent choice for massage oils and body applications. It absorbs more quickly than olive oil, leaving the skin soft without feeling overly greasy.

This oil is often chosen for facial products or areas where a lighter touch is preferred.

In terms of shelf life, sweet almond oil is moderately stable but not as long-lasting as olive oil. It’s best to make smaller batches or use it within a reasonable time frame to ensure freshness.

Its mild scent is another advantage, allowing the natural aroma of the herbs to come through more clearly in your infusion.

Sunflower Oil: Simple, Affordable, and Versatile

Sunflower oil is one of the most approachable and budget-friendly options for herbal infusions.

It has a light to medium texture and absorbs relatively well into the skin, making it a good middle-ground option — not as heavy as olive oil, but not as light as some specialty oils.

One of its biggest advantages is accessibility. It is widely available and often more affordable than other oils, making it a great choice if you plan to make larger batches of infused oils or salves.

Sunflower oil has a fairly neutral scent, which works well if you want the herbal qualities to take center stage.

The main consideration with sunflower oil is stability. While it can be a good option, it tends to have a shorter shelf life than olive oil, especially if not stored properly. Choosing high-quality, fresh oil and keeping it in a cool, dark place can help extend its usability.

Jojoba Oil: Lightweight, Stable, and Unique

Jojoba oil is a bit different from the other oils on this list. Technically, it is not an oil at all but a liquid wax, which gives it unique properties.

It is very lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving little to no greasy residue.

This makes it especially popular for facial products and for those who prefer a lighter feel.

One of the biggest advantages of jojoba oil is its stability. It has an exceptionally long shelf life and is resistant to going rancid, which can make it appealing for long-term use.

Because of its composition, jojoba closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, which is why many people find it particularly compatible with their skin.

However, jojoba oil is typically more expensive than the other oils listed here. For that reason, many herbalists reserve it for smaller batches or more specialized applications rather than large salve-making projects.

Choosing the Best Oil for Your Herbal Preparations

When deciding which oil to use, it helps to think about your end goal.

If you are making a salve or balm, a heavier oil like olive oil can provide a more protective and long-lasting barrier on the skin.

If you are creating a body oil or massage oil, sweet almond or sunflower oil may offer a more pleasant, lighter feel.

If you are working on a facial oil or a lightweight application, jojoba oil can be an excellent choice due to its quick absorption and skin compatibility.

There is no single “perfect” oil — only the oil that best fits your intention.

A Simple Way to Begin

If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to over-complicate the process.

Choose one oil, one herb, and make a small batch. Pay attention to how it feels on your skin, how it smells, and how well it holds up over time.

This kind of hands-on experience will teach you far more than trying to memorize the properties of every oil at once.

Over time, you’ll naturally develop preferences based on what you enjoy working with and what your skin responds to best.

Learning Through Practice

Working with herbal infused oils is one of the most rewarding ways to begin practicing herbalism. It combines observation, patience, and creativity in a way that brings the plants to life in your daily routine.

Inside The Herbal Schoolhouse, we take this process step by step, focusing on one herb at a time and guiding you through making your own infused oils, salves, and other simple remedies. With each project, you build confidence and deepen your understanding of how herbs and oils work together.

You don’t need a shelf full of supplies to begin. Just a jar, a good oil, and a plant you’re curious about.

That’s more than enough to get started. 🌿