How To Make Lily Of The Valley Oil

You can make lily of the valley oil by infusing the delicate white flowers in a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil.

This is a simple process that captures the sweet, intoxicating scent of these spring blossoms.

If you’ve been wanting to learn how to make lily of the valley oil at home, you’ll be happy to know it’s totally doable.

Making lily of the valley oil is perfect for perfumes, massage oils, or adding a floral note to your skincare routine.

In this post, we’ll walk through the best methods for making lily of the valley oil, from harvesting to infusing.

Let’s get started.

How to Make Lily of the Valley Oil: The Key Considerations

Before you start making lily of the valley oil, there are a few critical things to understand.

First, the method you choose will depend on whether you want a truly fragrant oil or just an infused botanical oil.

The most important rule when you make lily of the valley oil is that all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.

So, this oil is strictly for external use only.

There is no safe way to consume lily of the valley oil, and you should always wash your hands after handling the plant.

The classic oil infusion method won’t give you a highly fragrant perfume oil because the scent compounds in lily of the valley are too delicate for heat.

For a true scent, you will need to consider the enfleurage method, which we will cover below.

1. Harvesting the Flowers for Your Oil

The first step to make lily of the valley oil is to harvest the blossoms at the right time.

You should pick them early in the morning after the dew has dried.

Choose fully opened flowers because they contain the most scent.

Snip the stems close to the base of the flower cluster, and avoid bruising the petals.

You will need a generous amount of flowers, as they shrink significantly during the infusion process.

For every cup of carrier oil you use, you will need at least two cups of packed lily of the valley flowers.

It’s better to have too many blossoms than too few.

2. Choosing the Right Carrier Oil

When you make lily of the valley oil, the carrier oil you pick will affect the final product.

For a light, non-greasy oil that absorbs well, jojoba oil is an excellent option.

Sweet almond oil is a good alternative because it has a slightly nutty scent that won’t overpower the flowers.

Grapeseed oil is very light and works well if you plan to use the infusion for skin applications.

Avoid strong-smelling oils like olive oil, as they will mask the delicate floral aroma you’re trying to capture.

Make sure your carrier oil is high quality and cold-pressed.

3. The Solvent Extraction Method

If you want a true, concentrated lily of the valley oil fragrance, you need to learn the solvent method.

This is a more advanced way to make lily of the valley oil at home.

You will need a high-proof, odorless alcohol like vodka and a glass jar.

Place the fresh flowers in a jar and cover them completely with the alcohol.

Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 24 to 48 hours, shaking occasionally.

The alcohol will draw out the aromatic compounds from the petals.

Then, strain the liquid through a fine mesh cloth into a shallow glass dish.

Let the alcohol evaporate naturally over a few days, leaving behind a concentrated fragrant oil called an absolute.

You can use this tiny amount to scent your carrier oil, creating your final lily of the valley oil.

4. The Enfleurage Method for a True Scent

Historically, the best way to make lily of the valley oil was through enfleurage.

This is a cold, fat-based method that preserves the floral scent perfectly.

You will need a neutral fat like refined coconut oil or shea butter.

Spread a thin layer of fat on a glass plate.

Press the fresh flowers into the fat, making sure they are fully in contact.

Leave the flowers in place for 24 to 72 hours.

As the flowers wilt, remove them and carefully replace them with fresh ones.

You will need to repeat this process many times, sometimes up to a week.

After many rounds, the fat will become saturated with the lily of the valley fragrance.

Finally, melt the fat gently and strain it to remove any plant material.

The result is a solid, scented pomade that you can use directly or mix with a carrier oil to make your liquid lily of the valley oil.

5. The Simple Hot Oil Infusion

The easiest way to make lily of the valley oil is with a gentle heat infusion.

This method is not as aromatic as enfleurage, but it still transfers some of the flower’s beneficial properties.

Place your fresh flowers in a glass jar and cover them with your chosen carrier oil.

Set the jar in a saucepan filled with a few inches of water.

Heat the water on the lowest setting possible for several hours, ensuring the water never boils.

This slow heat helps release the flower’s essence into the oil.

After about 6 to 8 hours, let the oil cool, strain out the flowers, and bottle your lily of the valley oil.

How to Make Lily of the Valley Oil Last Longer

Once you make lily of the valley oil, you want it to stay fresh for months.

Here are some simple tips to preserve your oil.

1. Store in Dark Glass Bottles

Light will degrade the quality of your oil quickly.

Always store your finished lily of the valley oil in amber or cobalt blue glass bottles.

These dark bottles filter out harmful UV rays that can cause the oil to turn rancid.

Keep the bottles in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight.

2. Add Vitamin E Oil

Adding a few drops of vitamin E oil is a great natural preservative.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that slows down the oxidation process.

Just add about 5% vitamin E oil to your total oil volume.

This will help extend the shelf life of your lily of the valley oil by several months.

3. Keep it Water-Free

Water is the enemy of oil, as it encourages bacterial growth.

Make sure all your tools and jars are completely dry before you start infusing.

Do not wash the flowers right before you use them; instead, pick them and gently brush off any dirt.

If any water gets into your final bottle, your lily of the valley oil will spoil quickly.

So, How to Make Lily of the Valley Oil?

You can make lily of the valley oil using one of several methods, depending on the desired result.

For a genuine, highly fragrant oil, the enfleurage method or solvent extraction gives you the truest scent.

For a simpler, everyday botanical oil, the heat infusion method works fine for skin benefits.

Remember that this oil is always for external use only, and you should never consume it.

Always store your finished oil in a dark, cool place, and you’ll have a beautiful homemade product.

Now that you know how to make lily of the valley oil, you can enjoy that lovely spring fragrance all year round.