Clove-infused oil is a popular DIY skincare recipe often shared online. Combined with baby oil, it’s claimed to promote glowing, youthful skin. While cloves contain natural antioxidants and baby oil is an effective moisturizer, there is no scientific evidence that this mixture can erase wrinkles, permanently brighten the skin, or make someone look years younger.
If you’d like to try it as a moisturizing body or facial oil, here’s a safer way to prepare and use it.
Why These Ingredients?
Cloves
Cloves contain eugenol, a natural compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Potential benefits include:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Pleasant natural fragrance
- May help protect against environmental stressors
However, cloves can also irritate sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.
Baby Oil
Baby oil is a mineral oil-based moisturizer that helps:
- Lock in moisture
- Prevent water loss from the skin
- Leave skin feeling soft and smooth
- Improve the appearance of dry skin
It moisturizes the skin but does not treat wrinkles or pigmentation.
Ingredients
- ½ cup baby oil
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- Clean glass jar with a lid
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Small storage bottle
Step 1: Clean Your Equipment
Wash and thoroughly dry your jar, bottle, and utensils before preparing the oil.
Clean containers help reduce contamination.
Step 2: Add the Cloves
Place the whole cloves into the clean glass jar.
Pour the baby oil over them until the cloves are completely covered.
Seal the jar tightly.
Step 3: Infuse the Oil
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 1–2 weeks, shaking it gently once a day.
This allows some of the clove’s aromatic compounds to infuse into the oil.
For a quicker method, you can gently warm the jar in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water for 20–30 minutes. Avoid overheating, as excessive heat may degrade the oil.
Step 4: Strain the Oil
After the infusion period, strain out the cloves using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Transfer the infused oil into a clean bottle with a secure lid.
Step 5: How to Use
- Wash your face or body with a gentle cleanser.
- Pat the skin slightly damp.
- Apply 2–3 drops to your face or a small amount to your body.
- Massage gently until absorbed.
For facial use, it’s often best applied at night.
How Often Can You Use It?
If your skin tolerates it well:
- 2–3 times per week for the face
- Daily for dry areas of the body if no irritation occurs
Because clove can be irritating, avoid excessive use on the face.
Benefits You May Notice
With regular use, this oil may help:
- Reduce the feeling of dryness
- Leave skin softer
- Improve the appearance of rough patches
- Give the skin a temporary healthy-looking glow due to improved hydration
Important Safety Tips
Before using this DIY oil:
- Perform a patch test on your inner arm for 24 hours.
- Stop using it if redness, itching, or burning develops.
- Avoid the eyes, lips, and broken skin.
- People with sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea should be especially cautious.
- Avoid using clove-infused products on young children unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Can This Oil Remove Wrinkles or Dark Spots?
There is no strong scientific evidence that clove-infused baby oil can:
- Eliminate wrinkles
- Fade age spots
- Remove acne scars
- Permanently brighten the skin
Healthy skin typically results from consistent moisturizing, daily sunscreen use, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and evidence-based skincare ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
Storage Tips
Store the oil:
- In a cool, dark place
- Away from direct sunlight
- With the lid tightly closed
Discard it if it develops an unusual smell, changes color significantly, or shows signs of contamination.
The Bottom Line
A DIY clove-infused baby oil can be a simple moisturizer that helps keep the skin feeling soft and smooth. While cloves provide antioxidant compounds and baby oil helps lock in moisture, claims that this mixture can dramatically reverse aging or permanently improve skin tone are not supported by scientific evidence.
Used carefully and after a patch test, it can be a pleasant addition to your skincare routine—but for long-term improvements in skin health, gentle cleansing, regular moisturizing, daily sun protection, and evidence-based skincare products remain the most reliable approach.