Curious about making your own CBD-infused skincare and hair care products? You’re in the right place. This post covers how to make herb-infused oil with Olive oil and cannabis, its benefits for skin and hair, and how to create a CBD salve at home. You’ll find a free recipe further down, so stick around if you want to know exactly what’s going on your skin.
Table of Contents
What is CBD and Why Use It?
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a natural chemical found in cannabis and hemp plants. It won’t get you high (that’s THC’s job), but it’s well-known for its anti-inflammatory, calming, and antioxidant effects. People are turning to CBD for all sorts of things, like relieving pain and calming anxiety. The NHS in the UK has noticed this too, and it’s popping up in a bunch of beauty products for some pretty solid reasons.
Why Olive Oil and CBD Make a Great Pair
Olive oil is a staple in traditional beauty regimes and still holds its own in modern skincare. It’s rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamin E, which help moisturise, protect, and nourish both skin and hair. When you mix that with CBD’s ability to fight inflammation, you’ve got a great combo for soothing irritation, hydrating dry skin, and making your hair shiny and healthy.
The History of Olive Oil in Beauty
Olive oil has been known for its beauty benefits for a really long time. The Greeks and Egyptians used it to keep skin supple and hair conditioned. King Tut even took some with him to the afterlife. Its antioxidant content helps protect against free radical damage, making it perfect for anti-ageing. That’s why you’ll still find Olive oil in everything from simple balms to high-end creams.
What Makes Olive Oil Special?
Olive oil contains essential fatty acids like Oleic Acid (Omega-9) and Linoleic Acid (Omega-6), along with vitamin E. These help nourish the skin, repair its barrier, and retain moisture. Oleic acid slows water loss, helping your skin stay plump. Linoleic acid hydrates without greasiness, calms puffiness, and improves overall texture. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your skin and extends the shelf life of DIY oil infusions.
Typical Essential Fatty Acid Profile
- Palmitic Acid: 7% to 20%
- Oleic Acid (Omega-9): 55% to 85%
- Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): 3.5% to –21%
- Vitamin E is naturally present, helps with shelf life.
Benefits of Omega-9
- So, if you take a look, you’ll notice that this essential fatty acid with a double bond, which is also known as Oleic Acid, makes up a big chunk of the oil. This EFA is slowly and evenly absorbed by the skin.
- It is excellent for your skin because it helps your skin retain moisture and slows down skin ageing. This EFA is great for reducing wrinkles and fine lines in skin care products that fight ageing.
- Omega-9 is great for soothing and moisturising sun-kissed skin. It works well in after-sun products to provide long-lasting hydration and relief from irritation.
- Your skin’s protective barrier is shielded against oxidative stress.
- Hair growth and thickness are boosted by activating the follicle with Omega-9 fatty acids. As a result, it can grow longer and stronger, less prone to breakage and split ends.
- With regular use, dandruff will become a distant memory thanks to its nourishing properties.
- In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also provides relief for sore joints and muscles by reducing stiffness and discomfort.
- Both cannabis-infused oils and terpene-rich cannabis work spectacularly well when paired together for maximum pain relief. When Omega-9 and cannabis are combined, they create a powerful synergy that can effectively relieve even severe discomfort.
Benefits of Omega-6
- Linoleic Acid, an essential fatty acid also known as Omega-6, hydrates and reduces inflammation of the skin. It absorbs easily without leaving any residue or stickiness.
- Omega-6 can improve your skin’s appearance, reducing puffiness and creating a smooth, radiant tone.
- It will improve your skin’s health and prevent fine lines and wrinkles from becoming deeply set.
- Omega-6 is important for healthy skin as it keeps it hydrated and moisturised, preventing dryness that causes irritation or flaking.
- It is effective in soothing acne breakouts and healing damaged skin cells, making the complexion smoother and more even. It will also reduce the possibility of future acne breakouts.
- With consistent use, it can effectively shrink enlarged pores, which is good for all skin types.
- Omega-6 encourages better hair growth for stronger hair less prone to breakages.
Skin & Hair Benefits of Olive Oil and CBD
Olive Oil Benefits for Skin
Olive oil is a natural moisturiser, soothing irritation and dryness. CBD amps up the anti-inflammatory effect, reducing redness and calming sensitive or acne-prone skin. The antioxidants in both help tackle premature ageing, softening fine lines and improving elasticity. If you’ve got eczema, psoriasis, or stubborn dry patches, this blend can help smooth and protect.
Olive Oil Benefits for Hair
Olive oil is brilliant for taming dry, frizzy hair and keeping split ends at bay. It moisturises both scalp and strands, making hair easier to manage and less prone to breakage. CBD reduces inflammation, soothing irritated or flaky scalps, while Olive oil’s fatty acids support healthy hair growth and shine.
How to Make Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
Ready to get hands-on? Here’s how to make your own infused oil using olive oil and cannabis. This is your base for all sorts of DIY goodies, from balms to hair masks.
What You’ll Need:
- Dried cannabis (7 grams for a strong batch, but use less if you’re watching the budget)
- Good-quality Olive oil (doesn’t have to be extra virgin, but avoid the cheap stuff)
- For the best results, use a precision infuser like the POT by NOIDS. A slow cooker or double boiler can also work, but the results will be less consistent.
- Digital scales for accuracy
Step-by-Step:
- Decarboxylate your cannabis
Use the infuser’s CBD setting (or heat at 110°C to 120°C for 30 to 40 minutes if using an oven). This process converts CBDa into CBD. - Infuse
Add enough Olive oil to cover the cannabis, set your device to the CBD oil infusion mode, and let it do its thing. If using a slow cooker, keep the temp under 90°C to avoid damaging the oil. - Strain and Store
Use a strainer or a cheesecloth to remove plant bits. Store in a dark bottle, away from sunlight. Your oil should last 18 to 24 months when stored properly.
DIY Cannabis-Infused CBD Salve Recipe
This easy recipe turns your infused oil into a rich balm you can use on skin, lips, or dry patches.
Ingredients
- 75g cannabis-infused Olive oil
- 15g Beeswax
- 8g Cocoa Butter
- 2g Vitamin E oil
Method
- Gently melt the Beeswax and Cocoa Butter in a double boiler.
- Add the infused olive oil and stir until everything is melted and mixed.
- Remove from heat and let it cool just slightly, then stir in the vitamin E.
- Just pour it into jars while it’s still warm and liquid. Let it cool to set.
You’ll get a solid balm that melts in contact with the skin, perfect for nourishing elbows, feet, lips, and more.
Ingredients Spotlight
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a classic favourite in the world of infusions, especially for cannabis and CBD oil. It’s rich in heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, making it as good for your skin as it is for your insides. Its smooth, mild flavour lets the herbal notes of cannabis shine through. Olive oil’s natural emollient properties help lock in moisture if you’re using it for topical blends. It has a heat-stable fat profile that effectively extracts and retains cannabinoids, resulting in a strong and long-lasting infusion.
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Beeswax
Beeswax is the unsung hero of homemade balms, salves, and even infused oils. It acts as a natural thickener, giving your products that satisfying, creamy texture without any synthetic nasties. Beeswax forms a protective layer on the skin, retaining moisture and extending the effects of your CBD or cannabis-infused products.
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Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter adds a smooth and luxurious feel to your infused blends, perfect for skin salves or rich balms. It has essential fatty acids that nourish, soften, and protect the skin while keeping your product firm and stable at room temperature. The gentle chocolatey aroma will not overpower, but it does add a comforting and familiar scent. For anyone after a truly decadent finish, Cocoa Butter is the secret weapon.
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Vitamin E
Vitamin E is my go-to antioxidant for infused oils. It extends the shelf life of your cannabis or CBD oil by preventing oxidation, keeping it fresh for longer. On the skin, it is known for soothing irritation and supporting natural repair.
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You can also check out this other free recipe for a cannabis-infused balm.
Other Heat-Stable Oils for CBD Infusion
When it comes to infusing cannabis for skin and hair care, Olive oil isn’t your only option. There are plenty of other carrier oils out there, each with their own unique benefits and quirks. Let’s have a look at how Olive oil stacks up against some of the other popular choices, so you can pick the best one for your needs.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another favourite for DIY skincare and hair care. It’s packed with saturated fats that help lock in moisture, making it brilliant for dry skin and brittle hair. It also has mild antibacterial properties, so it’s often used in balms and salves for extra soothing power. One thing to keep in mind is that coconut oil is solid when it’s at room temperature. This can make it a bit tricky to mix or use when it’s cold outside. It’s great for some recipes, but Olive oil is usually better when you need a liquid that’s easy to work with.
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Avocado Oil: (INCI: Persea Gratissima Oil)
This oil is rich in Omega-9, which makes it very heat stable, and it is a wonderful emollient. It contains beneficial vitamins and nutrients that absorb quickly into the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. It’s an excellent choice for dry and sensitive skin types, as well as mature skin.
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Sweet Almond Oil: (INCI: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil)
Always thought of as the classic massage oil, it is so much more than that. It has very soothing properties for dry or irritated skin. A good mix of Omega-9 and Omega-6, it has a lightweight feel and is easily absorbed into the skin.
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Jojoba Oil: (INCI: Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil)
Jojoba is a liquid wax at room temperature and has a chemical structure similar to the sebum in our skin. It is commonly used as a facial oil because it helps dissolve sebum in clogged pores, reducing blackheads on acne-prone skin.
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Sunflower Oil: (INCI: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil)
Sunflower oil is a popular choice for cooking and it’s great for your skin, too! It has a light feel that soaks right into dry or chapped skin without feeling greasy. It promotes good skin hydration and is an excellent oil to use for herbal macerations.
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Grapeseed Oil: (INCI: Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil)
This is an excellent oil for massage as it has a great slip, even though it feels light on the skin. It tightens and tones the skin with a gentle astringent effect that is useful for mature skin.
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Calendula Oil: (INCI: Calendula Officinalis Oil)
This is an interesting option because this is already an infused oil. The flowers of the dried plant are infused, usually in Sunflower oil or Jojoba oil for stability. Instead of buying it made by a company, you can make herb-infused oil yourself with the PBN.
Once you have decarbed your cannabis, add the dried flowers to the glass beaker and pour oil of your choice on top. Choose the infusion setting, and after you have strained it, you will get a Calendula and Cannabis oil. This combination with Olive is brilliant if you have cracked heels on your feet or suffer from chilblains. The Cannabidiol in the cannabis will also reduce the inflammation.
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Synergistic Effects with Other Natural Oils
Olive oil can boost the benefits of other natural oils when mixed together. Infusing cannabis with cannabidiol in olive oil, which is high in oleic acid, enhances the skin’s absorption of cannabidiol. Likewise, when you mix Olive oil with essential oils, it can really help bring those healing benefits right to your skin and hair.
Conclusion
Cannabis-infused Olive oil is a great addition to your DIY skin and hair care routine. My research and personal experience show that this natural remedy is very effective for skin and hair. This cannabis infusion effectively moisturises and nourishes your skin and hair. Olive oil essential fatty acids retain moisture, hydrating skin and hair, while Cannabidiol from cannabis helps soothe inflammation and irritation.
Another benefit of using this natural remedy is its potential to promote hair growth. Olive oil’s antioxidants protect hair and promote growth, while Cannabidiol from cannabis improves scalp circulation and stimulates hair follicles.
FAQ
Can I use any type of olive oil to make cannabis-infused CBD oil?
You can use any good-quality olive oil, but extra virgin isn’t essential for skincare. Choose a fresh oil with a mild scent, and avoid the cheapest options as they can go rancid faster.
Does cannabis-infused olive oil make you high?
No, CBD oil made from hemp or low-THC cannabis does not cause a high. It contains little to no THC, the compound responsible for psychoactive effects.
How long does homemade CBD-infused olive oil last?
If stored in a cool, dark place, your infused oil should last up to 18 to 24 months. Adding vitamin E can help extend its shelf life.
Can I use cannabis-infused olive oil on my hair?
Yes, it’s excellent for moisturising dry hair, soothing the scalp, and adding shine. Use a small amount on damp ends or massage gently into your scalp. The antioxidant effect of the cannabis will slow down oxidation on colour-treated hair, keeping the colour true for longer.
Is it safe to use cannabis-infused products on sensitive skin?
Most people find these products gentle and soothing, but always do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Do I need a special device to infuse cannabis into oil?
Devices like the POT by NOIDS make the process easier and more reliable, but you can also use a double boiler or slow cooker with careful temperature control.
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