Which Oil Is Best for Making Clove Oil?

Clove oil, with its distinctively warm, spicy aroma, has secured its place as a powerhouse in the realms of natural health, oral care, and aromatherapy. From soothing a toothache to purifying the air, the benefits of clove oil are vast and well-documented.

However, the question often arises, especially for those venturing into DIY essential oils or cosmetic formulation: Which oil is best for making clove oil?

The answer lies in understanding the critical role of the carrier oil. Carrier oils are not just inert diluents; they are the foundation of your final product, determining its absorption rate, shelf life, therapeutic properties, and suitability for different applications like clove oil for hair and skin.

This in-depth guide will dissect the essential characteristics of the top contenders—Coconut, Olive, Jojoba, Sweet Almond, and Grapeseed oils—providing you with the factual, scientific, and actionable insights needed to select the perfect base for your homemade or commercial clove oil blends. Whether you are a skincare enthusiast or a budding cosmetic formulator, mastering the carrier oil choice is the key to unlocking the full, safe potential of clove oil.

What Is Clove Oil? Understanding the Power of Eugenol

Before we select the perfect partner, we must know the star player. Clove oil is a highly concentrated essential oil derived from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, a native of Indonesia.

The primary method used to produce the high-quality essential oil found on the market is steam distillation. This process ensures the volatile aromatic compounds are captured in their purest form.

• The Science Behind the Spice

  Clove oil's remarkable potency stems from its chemical composition, which is dominated by:

  • Eugenol (70%–85%): This phenolic compound is responsible for the oil's intense aroma and most of its therapeutic actions, primarily its analgesic (pain-relieving) and antimicrobial effects.
  • Beta-Caryophyllene: A known anti-inflammatory component that also contributes to the oil’s spicy scent.
  • Eugenyl Acetate: A milder form of eugenol, also contributing to its fragrance.

  Scientific Facts: Studies have consistently demonstrated clove oil's broad-spectrum activity. It is a powerful antimicrobial, effective against bacteria and fungi, making its traditional use in dental care and food preservation scientifically credible. Its anti-inflammatory properties also support its use in massage blends for muscle and joint pain relief.

Clove oil is highly concentrated and considered a "hot" essential oil. This is why a safe, stable carrier is non-negotiable.

Why You Need a Carrier Oil for Clove Oil

The term "carrier oil" refers to vegetable oils derived from the fatty parts of a plant, such as the seeds, nuts, or kernels. They are called "carriers" because they literally carry the essential oil onto the skin.

Here is why a carrier oil is essential for nearly all applications of clove essential oil (or for how to make clove oil at home):

1. Mitigating Skin Irritation and Sensitivity

   Undiluted clove oil is a dermal irritant and sensitizer. Applying it directly to the skin can cause redness, burning, itching, and potentially chemical burns or severe allergic reactions. The carrier oil dilutes the high concentration of eugenol, drastically reducing the risk of adverse reactions and making it safe for topical use.

2. Improving Absorption and Controlling Evaporation

   Essential oils are highly volatile; they evaporate quickly, meaning the therapeutic compounds might be lost to the air before the skin can fully absorb them. Carrier oils, being fixed (non-volatile) oils, slow down the evaporation rate. They also lubricate the skin, aiding in the smooth, controlled spread and absorption of the essential oil's molecules into the skin's layers.

3. Enhancing Stability and Shelf Life

   A high-quality carrier oil, particularly those rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E, can act as a natural preservative, protecting the clove oil's therapeutic compounds from oxidation. This is crucial for making clove oil at home, as the blend's stability is key to maintaining its efficacy over time.

Carrier Oils 101: Unlocking the Essentials for Aromatherapy & Skin

Top Carrier Oils for Making Clove Oil: A Detailed Analysis

The selection of the best carrier oil for clove oil depends on your intended application (face, body, massage, oral rinse) and personal preferences regarding skin feel and shelf life. Below is an in-depth comparison of the top five choices.

1. Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

   Coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils, especially in DIY communities, due to its accessibility and unique composition.

   • Composition & Benefits: Extremely rich in saturated fats, primarily lauric acid (a medium-chain fatty acid). Lauric acid itself has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties, providing a powerful, synergistic effect when paired with clove oil's eugenol.
   • Best For: Oral care blends, thick body creams, and massage oils (especially Fractionated Coconut Oil).
   • Pros: Highly stable with a long shelf life (up to 2 years for fractionated); reinforces the antimicrobial benefits of clove oil; easily available and affordable.
   • Cons: Unrefined (solid) coconut oil can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some facial skin types. Fractionated Coconut Oil (liquid) is less comedogenic but has fewer inherent benefits.
   • Factual Insight: The high saturated fat content makes it less prone to oxidation, giving it a much longer shelf life than most unsaturated oils. This stability is excellent for commercial formulations.

2. Olive Oil (Olea europaea)

   A staple in pantries, high-quality extra virgin olive oil also serves as an excellent therapeutic carrier oil.

   • Composition & Benefits: Predominantly composed of oleic acid (an Omega-9 fatty acid). It is rich in antioxidants (polyphenols) and Vitamin E, making it highly beneficial for mature or dry skin.
   • Best For: Therapeutic massage oils, blends targeting muscle pain, and applications where rich moisture is desired.
   • Pros: Deeply moisturizing and restorative; its strong antioxidant profile protects the blend from going rancid; good for dry or inflamed skin.
   • Cons: Has a distinct, strong aroma that can overpower the clove scent; it has a heavy, greasy texture that absorbs slowly, making it unsuitable for quick-absorbing facial serums.
   • Factual Insight: The presence of squalene in olive oil is known to help improve the skin’s barrier function, enhancing the restorative effects of the clove oil blend.

3. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

   Technically a liquid wax ester, Jojoba oil is considered the gold standard in cosmetic formulation.

   • Composition & Benefits: Jojoba oil is structurally almost identical to the sebum (natural oil) produced by human skin. This allows it to mimic and balance the skin’s natural oil production, making it non-comedogenic and ideal for all skin types.
   • Best For: Facial serums, hair and scalp treatments, and professional cosmetic formulations.
   • Pros: Non-greasy and fast-absorbing; excellent for sensitive and acne-prone skin (clove oil for hair and skin); incredibly long shelf life (up to 5 years) due to its wax nature, providing superior stability for your clove oil blend.
   • Cons: One of the more expensive carrier oils.
   • Factual Insight: Its similarity to human sebum means the skin recognizes it readily, allowing it to deliver the clove oil deeply and effectively without blocking pores. This is arguably the best carrier oil for clove oil when facial application is the goal.

4. Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis)

   Sweet Almond oil is a classic, versatile carrier oil known for its light texture and skin-nourishing qualities.

   • Composition & Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and abundant in Vitamins A and E. It is highly emollient, meaning it helps soften and soothe the skin.
   • Best For: Sensitive skin applications, full-body massage, and quick-absorbing bath oils.
   • Pros: Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and virtually odorless; well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin; makes the clove oil blend easy to spread over large areas.
   • Cons: Shorter shelf life (around 1.5 years) compared to Jojoba or Coconut oil. Not suitable for those with nut allergies.
   • Factual Insight: The high Vitamin E content in sweet almond oil helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress, further bolstering the antioxidant power of the clove oil.

5. Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera)

   Grapeseed oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of grapes and is a favorite among massage therapists and aromatherapists.

   • Composition & Benefits: High in polyunsaturated linoleic acid (Omega-6). It is remarkably light and has an astringent quality, making it excellent for oily skin.
   • Best For: Non-greasy massage oils, facial application for oily skin, and aromatherapy diffuser blends.
   • Pros: Very fast-absorbing (the fastest of all listed); non-comedogenic and non-greasy; an affordable and accessible option.
   • Cons: Low antioxidant content and a shorter shelf life (around 1 year), making it highly susceptible to oxidation (rancidity).
   • Factual Insight: Due to its very light texture, grapeseed oil is perfect for maximizing the aromatic release of clove oil in aromatherapy applications without leaving a heavy residue on the skin.

6. Carrier Oil Comparison Summary

   Carrier Oil	Texture	Best For	Shelf Life	Absorption Rate	Comedogenic Rating
   Coconut Oil (Fractionated)	Light-Medium	Oral & Body Care	2 Years	Moderate	Low (0–1)
   Olive Oil	Heavy	Therapeutic/Dry Skin	2 Years	Slow	Moderate (2)
   Jojoba Oil	Light	Scalp & Face (Acne-Prone)	5 Years	Fast	Very Low (2)
   Sweet Almond Oil	Light	Massage/Sensitive Skin	1.5 Years	Fast	Low (2)
   Grapeseed Oil	Very Light	Oily Skin/Aromatherapy	1 Year	Very Fast	Very Low (1)

Ultimate List of Carrier Oils and Their Benefits

How to Make Clove Oil at Home (Infusion Method)

For those looking to prepare clove-infused oil without steam distillation, the following DIY method is safe and effective, using a carrier oil to extract the beneficial compounds from dried cloves.

• Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Preparation (Select Ingredients): Gather 1–2 tablespoons of fresh, whole, dried cloves. Select your ideal best carrier oil for clove oil (Jojoba or Sweet Almond are highly recommended for this method).
  2. Crush the Cloves: Lightly crush the whole cloves using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon. Do not grind them into a powder; simply break the surface to release the volatile compounds.
  3. Combine: Place the crushed cloves into a clean, dry, sterilized glass jar (a Mason jar works well).
  4. Pour Oil: Pour your chosen carrier oil over the cloves until they are completely submerged and covered by at least one inch of oil.
  5. Seal and Infuse: Seal the jar tightly. Place it in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard). Shake the jar gently once a day for 1–2 weeks. The heat from the oil will slowly infuse the eugenol and other compounds into the carrier.
  6. Strain and Store: After 1–2 weeks, strain the oil using cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove all the solid clove pieces. Transfer the final infused oil to a clean, amber or dark-colored glass bottle.

• Storage and Safety Tips

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Heat and light accelerate oxidation, reducing the oil’s efficacy. Store the finished oil in a cool, dark place.
  • Use Within 6–12 Months: While the infusion method creates a stable product, it should ideally be used within 6–12 months for maximum freshness, especially if using an oil with a shorter shelf life like Grapeseed.
  • Always Patch-Test: Even homemade infused clove oil is potent. Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait 24 hours before using on large areas of skin.

Method to Use Carrier Oils - Essential Oils

Best Clove Oil Uses and Benefits (Diluted)

The powerful therapeutic effects of the correctly diluted clove oil blend can be leveraged across several areas of wellness:

1. Dental Care: Natural Toothache Remedy

   Clove oil's traditional fame rests on its analgesic power. Eugenol works as a topical anesthetic, temporarily numbing the area.

   • Evidence-Based Detail: Diluted clove oil or a clove-infused oil dabbed onto a painful tooth or gum area can provide temporary relief from minor dental pain and inflammation until professional care is available.

2. Skincare: Fights Acne and Inflammation

   Used as part of a diluted serum (ideally with Jojoba oil), clove oil can be highly effective.

   • Evidence-Based Detail: The antibacterial properties of eugenol actively combat Propionibacterium acnes, the primary bacteria responsible for breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory action also reduces the redness and size of active blemishes, supporting its use as a clove oil for skin spot treatment.

3. Massage: Relieves Muscle Tension and Pain

   Clove oil is a mild circulatory stimulant and warming agent.

   • Evidence-Based Detail: When blended with a carrier like Sweet Almond or Olive oil, it can be massaged into sore muscles and stiff joints to increase local blood flow, creating a warming sensation that helps to relax tissues and alleviate tension.

4. Aromatherapy: Promotes Relaxation and Purifies Air

   Its spicy, comforting aroma is a favorite in seasonal and therapeutic blends.

   • Evidence-Based Detail: Inhaling the scent can promote a feeling of calm and focus. Furthermore, its antimicrobial properties make it an excellent choice for diffusing to purify the air from airborne pathogens.

Clove Oil vs Oregano Oil

Safety Tips and Dilution Ratios

Adherence to proper safety guidelines is paramount when working with clove oil.

• Ideal Dilution: For almost all facial and sensitive skin applications, stick to a 1–2% concentration. This equates to 1–2 drops of Clove Essential Oil per teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil.
• Body Application: For general body massage or muscle relief, you may safely increase the dilution to 3–5% (6–10 drops per teaspoon), but only after a successful patch test.
• Special Populations: Avoid topical use of clove essential oil during pregnancy or on children under 6 years of age without explicit medical advice.
• Patch Test: Always conduct a patch test before applying the diluted oil to larger areas of the body or face, regardless of your experience level.

Conclusion: The Synergy of Science and Nature

The simple question, "Which oil is best for making clove oil?" unlocks a crucial lesson in natural formulation: the synergy between the essential oil and its carrier defines the final product’s quality, safety, and effectiveness.

Whether you choose Jojoba Oil for its skin-mimicking stability, Sweet Almond Oil for its lightweight feel, or Fractionated Coconut Oil for its antimicrobial boost, your choice should always be guided by your end-use application. The right carrier oil ensures that the potent benefits of eugenol are delivered safely and effectively, transforming a highly concentrated essence into a powerful, user-friendly natural remedy.

To guarantee the quality of your homemade formulations, always start with the finest ingredients. AG Organica provides pure, cold-pressed carrier oils and natural essential oil manufacturer quality clove oil that are ideal for both the discerning DIY enthusiast and the professional cosmetic formulator. Elevate your wellness journey by building your blends on a foundation of purity and quality.