⭐ Clove-Infused Baby Oil (Gentle DIY Scented Body Oil)
This is basically an oil infusion—the cloves slowly release fragrance and some natural oils into the carrier oil.
✔ Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) baby oil
- 1–2 tablespoons whole cloves
(Do NOT use ground cloves—they make sludge and can irritate skin.)
✔ Equipment
- Clean glass jar with lid
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (for later)
🔧 Instructions
1. Prepare the cloves
- Lightly bruise the whole cloves with the back of a spoon (optional).
This helps release aroma but isn’t required.
2. Combine with baby oil
- Place cloves in the jar.
- Pour in the baby oil.
- Seal tightly.
3. Infuse
Choose one method:
Slow, cold infusion (best)
- Leave the jar in a cool, dark place for 1–2 weeks.
- Shake it gently every couple of days.
Warm, quick infusion (acceptable but gentler heat only)
- Place the sealed jar in a bowl of warm water (NOT hot) for 30–60 minutes.
- Repeat daily for 3–5 days.
(Do not heat the oil directly on a stove—baby oil is petroleum-based and can be a fire hazard.)
4. Strain
- Once it reaches the scent strength you like, strain out the cloves.
- Store in a clean bottle.
🌿 What Actually Happens When You Add Cloves to Baby Oil
- The oil picks up a warm, spicy clove scent.
- The cloves may slightly darken the oil.
- No chemical reaction occurs—it’s simply infusion, not extraction.
- Over time (months), the cloves can break down if left in the oil, causing cloudiness—so straining helps.
⚠ Safety Notes
- Do not use on infants or toddlers. Clove compounds can irritate their skin.
- Patch test on your own skin: apply a drop to your inner forearm for 24 hours.
- Avoid use on broken skin, mucous membranes, or sensitive areas.
- Store away from heat—baby oil is flammable on hot surfaces.