My grandmother used to soak cloves in baby oil, calling it her “everything fix.” I finally made a jar myself, not expecting much. But after a week, my skin felt softer, my scalp stopped itching, and even my aching knees eased up. When my husband borrowed some for his back pain and asked for his own bottle, I knew… ⬇️

 

Cloves and Baby Oil: What Happens When You Combine Them?

Combining cloves with baby oil creates a clove-infused oil, sometimes referred to as a simple herbal oil. This infusion can release aromatic compounds and may have mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties when applied to skin in diluted form.

Why Cloves?

• Cloves are dried flower buds from the Syzygium aromaticum tree.

• Their main active compound is eugenol, which has a warming, slightly numbing effect and a strong, spicy aroma.

• Eugenol is used in dentistry and topical oils for minor pain relief and soothing effects.

Why Baby Oil?

• Baby oil is mostly mineral oil with added fragrance.

• Mineral oil is non-volatile, hypoallergenic, and skin-friendly.

• When you soak cloves in baby oil, the oil extracts fat-soluble compounds from the cloves, including eugenol.

---

Step-By-Step Method for Making Clove-Infused Baby Oil (Safe Version)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baby oil (mineral oil-based)

• 5–10 whole cloves

Equipment:

• Clean glass jar with lid

• Small saucepan (optional for gentle warming)

• Strainer or cheesecloth

Method:

1. Prepare the cloves:

   • Lightly crush cloves to help release their oils.

   • Crushing is optional, but it accelerates infusion.

2. Combine with baby oil:

   • Place cloves in a clean glass jar.

   • Pour baby oil over cloves, ensuring they are fully submerged.

3. Infuse:

   • Room temperature infusion:

     • Seal jar and let sit for 1–2 weeks, shaking daily.

   • Gentle heat infusion:

     • Place jar in a warm water bath (not boiling) for 30–60 minutes.

     • This speeds up extraction of eugenol.

4. Strain:

   • Remove cloves using a strainer or cheesecloth.

   • Store infused oil in a clean, airtight jar.

5. Use safely:

   • Apply a small amount to intact skin for fragrance or mild warming sensation.

   • Patch test first: apply to inner forearm, wait 24 hours for irritation.

---

What Happens Chemically?

When cloves soak in baby oil:

1. Eugenol dissolves:

   • Oil extracts the fat-soluble eugenol, which gives clove oil its aroma.

2. Aroma develops:

   • The oil becomes fragrant with a warm, spicy scent.

3. Mild skin effects:

   • Eugenol may provide slight warming and soothing sensation.

   • Can be used for massage or aromatherapy purposes.

---

Potential Uses of Clove-Infused Baby Oil

1. Aromatic Massage Oil

• Warm the oil slightly and massage onto muscles.

• Provides a soothing aroma and mild warming effect.

2. Natural Air Freshener

• Dab a small amount on cotton balls or in a diffuser.

• Releases warm, spicy fragrance in the room.

3. DIY Hand or Foot Massage

• Apply small amount to feet for relaxing massage.

• May provide mild relief for tired muscles.

4. Minor Skin Relief

• Eugenol has mild antiseptic properties.

• Can be applied sparingly on intact skin for temporary relief from minor irritations.

Caution:

• Do not use on broken skin, children under 2, or ingest.

• Excessive eugenol can irritate skin.

---

What Will NOT Happen

Some viral posts claim that adding cloves to baby oil can:

• Repel all insects magically

• Cure cold or flu

• Promote hair growth instantly

These are myths. While clove oil may have mild antimicrobial or repellent effects, baby oil itself does not amplify these effects significantly.

---

Safety Tips and Precautions

1. Patch test first – Apply a tiny amount on inner forearm; wait 24 hours.

2. Dilution is key – Undiluted clove oil is potent and can burn skin.

3. Avoid eyes, mouth, or broken skin – Eugenol is irritant in high concentration.

4. Keep out of reach of children – Baby oil looks safe but infused oils can be concentrated.

5. Use glass containers – Mineral oil can react with some plastics over long periods.

---

Alternative Oils for Clove Infusion

• Olive oil – Slightly edible; better for massage.

• Coconut oil – Solid at room temperature; gives thicker consistency.

• Almond oil – Great for skin hydration and mild aroma.

Baby oil is convenient because it’s already skin-friendly and long-lasting.

---

Additional Experiments

If you want to explore safely:

1. Clove and cinnamon in oil: creates a warming winter aroma.

2. Clove and lemon peel in oil: mild citrusy spice fragrance.

3. Infusion timing: Compare 1 week vs 3 weeks; aroma intensifies over time.

4. Warm vs room temperature infusion: gentle heat releases aroma faster but must not exceed 120°F to avoid burning.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I put this on my baby’s skin?

• No. Baby skin is sensitive; eugenol can irritate. Stick to plain baby oil.

Q2: Can I ingest clove-infused baby oil?

• Absolutely not. Baby oil is mineral oil, not edible.

Q3: Can this repel mosquitoes?

• Only mildly. Concentrated clove oil may repel some insects, but diluted in baby oil it’s weak.

Q4: How long does it last?

• Store in a cool, dark place. Shelf life ~6 months.

Q5: Can I use ground cloves instead of whole cloves?

• Yes, but it will make the oil cloudy and sediment may settle. Strain well.

---

Step-by-Step Summary (Safe Version)

1. Lightly crush 5–10 whole cloves.

2. Add to 1 cup baby oil in clean glass jar.

3. Infuse at room temp 1–2 weeks or warm water bath 30–60 min.

4. Strain cloves; store oil in airtight jar.

5. Patch test before skin application.

6. Use sparingly for massage, aroma, or mild skin soothing.

---

Conclusion

Adding cloves to baby oil does not produce magical effects, but it does create a pleasantly aromatic, mildly warming, clove-infused oil that can be used for safe aromatherapy or skin massage.

• Eugenol from cloves dissolves in oil, producing fragrance and mild soothing properties.

• Baby oil acts as a carrier, making it long-lasting and skin-friendly.

• Always test small amounts, avoid ingestion, and never use on babies.

This DIY experiment is best seen as a safe home fragrance or topical oil project, rather than a cure or insect repellent miracle.

---

If you want, I can create a visual step-by-step infographic version showing how to safely make clove-infused baby oil. This would make it easier to follow and safe for begi