HOW TO MAKE CARROT OIL
What is Carrot Oil?
Carrot oil is a natural oil used in skincare and haircare products. It is extracted from carrots and contains beta-carotene, which has antioxidant properties.
It is made by infusing carrot root in a base oil like coconut or olive oil, extracting its nutrients through a gentle infusion process.
Composition and Nutrients
Carrot Oil is packed with nutrients such as:
- Beta-carotene (provitamin A)
- Vitamins A and E
- Alpha-carotene
- Lycopene
- Antioxidants
These components give carrot oil orange-red colour and contribute to its benefits for skin and hair.
Benefits of Carrot Oil
- Carrot oil helps improve skin texture and tone
- It combats dry skin, leaving it soft and supple.
- It promotes hair shine, volume, and helps prevent hair loss.
- It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
How to Make Carrot Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 medium organic carrots
- Olive or coconut oil
- Clean glass jar
- Tissue or cheesecloth for straining
Step-by-Step Process for making Carrot Oil:
- Wash the two medium-sized organic carrots thoroughly using a mixture of baking soda, salt, and vinegar to remove dirt and debris. Peel the carrots if necessary.
- Remove the tops and bottoms, then grate or chop the carrots into smaller bits. This increases the surface area for infusion.
- Dehydrate the grated carrot for one to two days. This step is crucial to remove excess water, which can cause spoilage during the infusion process.
- Infuse the dried carrot shreds by:
- Placing the dried carrot shreds in a clean jar.
- Add a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil until the carrots are fully submerged.
- Hot Water Bath
- Place the jar in a pot of hot water (not boiling) for 15-20 minutes.
- This process gently warms the oil, helping it absorb the nutrients and colour from the carrots.
- To get a more potent oil, let the mixture sit longer, ideally overnight.
- Once the oil is ready, strain the mixture using a clean cloth or fine mesh to separate the oil from the carrot solids.
- Transfer the oil into an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place. Properly stored carrot oil can last up to six months.
One of the things I love doing with carrot oil is face streaming.
Watch our video on how to make carrot oil.
Important Tips:
While carrot oil is generally safe, please keep these points in mind:
- Always perform a patch test to check for allergies before applying it fully
- Consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns
- Carrot oil should never be used during pregnancy or if you are allergic to birch, celery, mugwort, spices, and related plants.
- Be aware that carrot oil can temporarily tint light skin or hair orange
- Store in a cool, dark place
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalised guidance.