How to Make Homemade Infused Herbal Lotions and Topicals: A Simple 3-Step Guide

Discover how to create your own herbal moisturizers, salves, balms, and topicals in just three easy steps. 

Herbs aren't just for smoking, vaping or eating—they can also be absorbed through your skin for targeted, localized relief when infused into topicals.

Quick Topical Break Down

How to Make an Herbal Infused Topical 

Step 1: Heat Herbs to Increase the Bioavailability of Their Active Components

To start, you’ll need to activate your herbs through a process called decarboxylation. This simple process involves heating your herbs at a consistent temperature for a specific period of time, activating the compounds that provide their therapeutic effects. Don't be intimidated by the term either—it's easy to do in a home oven or with one of our decarb devices! 

Here's a quick link to one of our favourite decarbers :)

https://thehippiehouse.com.au/collections/featured-products/products/australian-decarboxylator-oil-infuser

 Step 2: Infuse/Extract Herbs into an Oil or Alcohol Base 

Once your herbs are activated, it's time to infuse them into your chosen base like oil or alcohol. This extraction is done by heating and stirring the herbs into the base. You can do this manually, but using a specialized extractor will save you time and ensure maximum potency. (The unit we linked to above will also allow you to infuse your activated botanical into oils, tinctures or butters)

 Step 3 (Optional): Add Additional Ingredients for Desired Sensory Qualities 

This step is optional, but it’s where you can get creative! Mix in essential oils, beeswax or other ingredients to enhance the texture, scent and overall effect of your topical. 

 Quick Tip: If you’re in a hurry for relief, you can skip Step 3 and simply apply your infused base (from Step 2) directly to your skin for immediate use!

Avoid oils with low saturated fat content, such as canola oil as they are less effective at absorbing the active ingredients in herbs. Additionally, these oils tend to be less healthy overall. Another consideration when choosing an oil is its versatility. If you use food-grade oils, you’ll have the added benefit of using them in culinary applications, making them a dual-purpose ingredient in your kitchen and wellness routine.

Pros and Cons of Oils for Topical Herbal Infusions

 Coconut Oil 

Pros: 

• Excellent absorption of active herbal compounds 
• Solid at room temperature, melts easily for smooth application
• Neutral aroma when refined

 Cons: 

• Unrefined coconut oil may impart an unwanted coconut scent 

 Olive Oil 

Pros: 

• High absorption of active herbal compounds

Cons: 

• Unrefined olive oil can have a strong olive scent
• Remains liquid at room temperature 

Grapeseed Oil 

Pros: 

• High absorption of active herbal compounds 
• Neutral aroma 

Cons:

• Liquid at room temperature

Sunflower Oil 

Pros: 

• Neutral aroma 

Cons: 

• Liquid at room temperature

Homemade Topical Recipes

To help you get started with herbal topicals, here are a couple of beginner-friendly recipes that make the most of the active properties of your herbs.

LEMON HONEY LIP BALM 

This herb-infused lip balm does more than just moisturize—it can also provide a subtle buzz when you lick your lips. What a clever way to microdose! Made with all-edible ingredients, this lip balm offers a moisturizing shine, thanks to the natural properties of beeswax. 

Ingredients: 

5 tablespoons honey 

5 tablespoons infused coconut oil 

5 tablespoons beeswax 

3 drops lemon essential oil 

 Directions: Melt the honey, infused coconut oil, and beeswax together. You can do this in a microwave-safe glass bowl, heating in 10-second intervals or in a saucepan over low heat - or in one of our decarber and infusers. Add in the lemon essential oil and stir well. Pour the melted mixture into tubes, tins or jars. Allow it to cool and solidify. This recipe makes about 75mL of lip balm. To avoid spillage, we recommend using a large plastic syringe for easier control when transferring the balm. Just be sure the balm is warm enough to flow smoothly without solidifying in the syringe.

RELAXING HERBAL SALVE

Herbs have been used for centuries to support muscle recovery and provide external relief. This salve harnesses the anti-inflammatory properties of comfrey and calendula (marigold), along with the soothing effects of wintergreen, which contains methyl salicylate—the same compound found in IcyHot and aspirin.

Ingredients: 

2 cups refined coconut oil 

1⁄2 cup dried calendula flowers 

1⁄2 cup dried comfrey leaves 

1⁄2 cup dried wintergreen leaves 

14–30 grams activated herb 

Directions: Combine all ingredients in your infusion machine (or a double boiler). Set the temperature to 130°F and let it run for 2 hours. Strain the infused oil through a fine mesh or cheesecloth. Pour the infused oil into tins or jars and let it cool. Store the salve in a cool place. If it melts, simply cool it down to below 78°F (the melting point of coconut oil) to resolidify. You can also keep it in the fridge to prevent melting.

MAKING LOTION

If you want a pumpable, easy-to-pour lotion instead of a thicker salve, you can combine your infused oil (like coconut oil) with water and an emulsifier such as sunflower lecithin. This will create a lotion-like consistency that’s smooth and easy to apply. 

These recipes are just the beginning! Once you’ve mastered these basics, feel free to explore more advanced formulations like herbal-infused hand salves, soaps, bath bombs and more. 

There’s a whole world of herbal topicals to discover!

*Please note the above products prices are subject to change and are listed as of the 10-03-2025