The combination of whole cloves and baby oil is a popular home preparation often used to support skin elasticity and provide a warming, soothing sensation to the muscles. While “collagen oil” is a common name for this blend in folk beauty circles, it primarily works by using the antioxidant properties of cloves to protect the skin’s surface and the mineral oil base to seal in deep moisture.
Benefits of Clove-Infused Oil
- Skin Firmness: Cloves are rich in eugenol and antioxidants, which help protect the skin from environmental stressors that contribute to the breakdown of natural collagen.
- Intense Hydration: The mineral oil base acts as a powerful occlusive, preventing transepidermal water loss and leaving the skin feeling incredibly soft.
- Warming Relief: Cloves have natural warming properties that can help soothe tired joints or muscles when massaged into the skin.
- Improved Circulation: Regular massage with this infused oil can stimulate blood flow to the surface of the skin, promoting a healthy, vibrant glow.
Clove-Infused Skin Firming Oil
This recipe uses a gentle heat-free infusion method to preserve the aromatic compounds of the cloves while creating a silky, fragrant body oil.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (approx. 200ml) Johnson’s Baby Oil (or any high-quality mineral oil)
- 2 tablespoons Whole cloves
- 1 small Clean glass jar with a tight-sealing lid
Instructions
- Prepare the Cloves: Use a mortar and pestle to slightly bruise the whole cloves. You do not want to grind them into a powder; simply cracking them open helps release the natural oils and eugenol into the base liquid.
- Combine: Place the bruised cloves into your clean glass jar. Pour the baby oil over the cloves until they are completely submerged and the jar is nearly full.
- Infuse: Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place. Let the mixture sit for at least 7 to 10 days. Shake the jar gently once every day to ensure the cloves stay distributed.
- Strain (Optional): After the infusion period, you may choose to strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a fresh bottle, or you can leave a few cloves at the bottom for a decorative look.
- Application: For the best results, massage the oil into damp skin immediately after a bath or shower. Focus on areas where you want to promote firmness or soothe tension.
