How to Make Rosemary Infused Oil: A Simple DIY Recipe
- Astrid van Essen
- Aug 12
- 4 min read
Rosemary infused oil is one of the easiest botanical beauty products you can make at home. With just fresh or dried rosemary and a carrier oil, you can create a nourishing oil that's perfect for hair care, scalp massages and relaxing self-care rituals.
Unlike rosemary essential oil, which is highly concentrated, rosemary infused oil is made by slowly infusing rosemary into a plant-based carrier oil. The result is a gentle, fragrant oil that's easy to incorporate into your natural beauty routine.
In this guide, you'll learn how to make rosemary infused oil safely, how to use it and how to store it.
What Is Rosemary Infused Oil?
Rosemary infused oil is created by steeping rosemary leaves in a carrier oil over time, allowing the oil to absorb the herb's natural aroma and botanical compounds.
It's commonly used for:
Hair care
Scalp massages
Dry ends
Body massage
DIY beauty recipes
Botanical self-care rituals
Because it contains no synthetic ingredients, many people enjoy making it as a natural alternative to commercial hair oils.
Rosemary Infused Oil vs Rosemary Essential Oil
These two products are often confused, but they're very different.
Rosemary infused oil is made by soaking rosemary in a carrier oil such as jojoba or olive oil. It's gentle enough to apply directly to the skin and hair.
Rosemary essential oil is produced through steam distillation and is highly concentrated. It should always be diluted before use.
For most DIY beauty recipes, rosemary infused oil is the better choice.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
A handful of fresh rosemary (well dried after washing) or 2–3 tablespoons dried rosemary
250 ml carrier oil
Good carrier oils include:
Jojoba oil
Sweet almond oil
Olive oil
Grapeseed oil
Fractionated coconut oil
Equipment
Clean glass jar
Fine sieve or cheesecloth
Dark glass bottle for storage
How to Make Rosemary Infused Oil
It's important that fresh rosemary is completely dry before using it. Any moisture can reduce the shelf life of your oil.
Fill a clean glass jar with the rosemary.
Pour the carrier oil over the herbs until they are completely covered.
Seal the jar and place it somewhere warm but out of direct sunlight.
Allow the oil to infuse for two to four weeks, gently shaking the jar every few days.
Once ready, strain out the rosemary using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
Transfer the infused oil to a clean dark glass bottle.
How to Use Rosemary Infused Oil
Rosemary infused oil is incredibly versatile.
Massage a small amount into your scalp before washing your hair.
Apply a few drops to the ends of your hair to help reduce dryness.
Use it as a relaxing massage oil.
Add a small amount to homemade body scrubs.
Mix it into DIY hair masks.
Use it as part of your weekly self-care ritual.
How Long Does Rosemary Infused Oil Last?
When made with completely dry herbs and stored correctly, rosemary infused oil generally keeps for around six months.
Store it in a cool, dark place in a sealed glass bottle.
If the oil develops an unpleasant smell or becomes cloudy, discard it and make a fresh batch.
Which Carrier Oil Is Best?
Different oils suit different hair types.
Jojoba oil is lightweight and works well for most people.
Sweet almond oil is nourishing and ideal for dry hair.
Olive oil is rich and deeply conditioning.
Grapeseed oil is light and suitable for fine hair.
Choose whichever best suits your hair and skin.
A Beautiful Self-Care Ritual
Making rosemary infused oil isn't just about the finished product. Watching the rosemary slowly infuse the oil over several weeks is a lovely reminder that good things take time.
At Simmer & Stir, we believe these slow, mindful rituals are just as valuable as the finished recipe itself.
Discover More Rosemary DIY Recipes
If you enjoyed making rosemary infused oil, explore our other rosemary recipes, including How to Make Rosemary Water, Rosemary Hair Rinse, DIY Rosemary Bath Salts and our complete guide Rosemary: Benefits, Uses and DIY Recipes for Hair, Skin & Wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions How to Make Rosemary Infused Oil
Can I use fresh rosemary to make infused oil?
Yes, but make sure the rosemary is completely dry before placing it in the oil. Any moisture can encourage mould and shorten the shelf life.
Which oil is best for rosemary infused oil?
Jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed and olive oil are all excellent choices. The best option depends on your hair and skin type.
How often should I use rosemary infused oil?
Most people use it one or two times a week as a scalp treatment or apply a few drops to the ends of their hair whenever needed.
Can I leave rosemary infused oil in my hair overnight?
Yes. Many people apply it before bed and wash their hair the following morning. If you have fine hair, you may prefer leaving it on for one to two hours instead.
How long does homemade rosemary infused oil last?
If stored in a sealed bottle away from heat and sunlight, homemade rosemary infused oil will usually keep for around six months.
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