How Do You Make Orange Peel Oil for Your Skin?

Introduction

Orange peel oil is a natural oil extracted from the rind of oranges that has many benefits for skin health and beauty. Making your own orange peel oil at home is simple, inexpensive, and customizable. In this 1500 word guide, I will cover everything you need to know to make your own skin-nourishing orange peel oil.

What is Orange Peel Oil?

Orange peel oil is extracted from the outer layer of orange peels. It contains various active compounds like limonene, myrcene, alpha pinene, and linalool that give it anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and skin-brightening properties.[1]

Commercial orange peel oil is often extracted using chemical solvents. But it’s easy to make your own pure, natural orange peel oil at home using a simple infusion method.

Using orange peel oil can:

Soften and smooth skin texture
Brighten dull complexions
Reduce acne and inflammation
Hydrate dry skin
Slow signs of aging
Provide a fresh, uplifting citrus aroma

Why Make Your Own Orange Peel Oil?

There are several benefits to making DIY orange peel oil rather than buying it:

Control quality: By making it yourself, you can ensure the oranges are fresh and organic. Commercial oils may use conventionally grown oranges with pesticides.
Customize strength: Adjust the amount of oranges and infusion time to create mild or strong oil based on your preference. Store-bought oil only comes in set concentrations.
Save money: Homemade orange oil costs a fraction of the price of buying ready-made.
Use fresh oranges: The oil will be more vibrant, aromatic, and nutrient-rich when made from fresh oranges versus ones that have been sitting in storage.
Creative combinations: Experiment with other complementary citrus peels or botanical ingredients.
Fun hobby: It’s an enjoyable and rewarding kitchen craft.

What You’ll Need

Making orange peel oil is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients and tools:

Ingredients

Oranges: Use thick-skinned organic oranges if possible. Navel or Valencia oranges work well. Figure 2 large oranges per 1 oz of oil.
Carrier oil: Olive, coconut, jojoba, almond, or avocado oil. Use about 1 cup per batch.

Supplies

Glass jar with lid (1 pint/500ml size is ideal)
Cheesecloth
Spoon or spatula
Zester, grater, or vegetable peeler
Saucepan
Dark glass bottles for storing finished oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to extract fresh, aromatic orange peel oil:

1. Wash and Dry the Oranges

Thoroughly wash the oranges to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them completely dry.

2. Zest the Peel

Use a zester, grater, or vegetable peeler to remove just the outermost orange peel. Try to avoid including much of the bitter white pith underneath.

You should have around 2 packed cups of zest for every 1 cup of carrier oil. Pack the zest down into a glass jar.

3. Cover with Carrier Oil

Pour the carrier oil over the orange zest, making sure all of the zest is submerged. Leave at least 1 inch of headspace in the jar. Seal the jar tightly.

4. Infuse the Oil

Place the sealed jar in a saucepan and fill with water halfway up the sides. Heat over low heat until the water reaches a bare simmer.

Let the jar infuse in the water bath for 30-60 minutes. Gently shake the jar every 10-15 minutes to distribute the oranges.

5. Strain and Store

Remove the jar from the water and allow it to cool completely. Strain out the orange zest through cheesecloth, squeezing to extract all the oil.

Transfer the finished orange infused oil to dark bottles. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

How to Use Orange Peel Oil

There are endless ways to use your homemade orange peel oil for skin and hair:

Moisturizer: Add several drops to your regular lotion or cream to boost hydration and brighten dull skin.
Massage oil: Rub a few drops between palms and massage into skin. Promotes circulation and leaves skin soft.
Bath oil: Add 5-10 drops to warm bath water for a relaxing soak.
Body scrub: Mix with sugar or salt and gently scrub skin to exfoliate.
Acne spot treatment: Dab diluted orange oil on breakouts to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
Skin toner: Add a drop or two to witch hazel or floral water to tone and tighten pores.
Hair oil: A few drops added to coconut oil helps strengthen hair and adds shine.
Aromatherapy: Diffuse for an energizing citrus lift.

Always do a patch test before wider application to check for allergic reactions. Dilute with a carrier oil or water if applying directly to skin.

Customizing Your Orange Peel Oil

One of the best parts of homemade orange peel oil is experimenting with different ingredient combinations. Try adding:

Other citrus peels – lemon, grapefruit, lime, mandarin, etc.
Spices – cinnamon, clove, cardamom, star anise, etc.
Herbs – rosemary, mint, basil, lavender, etc.
Other fruits – vanilla, berries, mango, etc.

Simply add the complementary ingredients along with the orange zest during the infusion process. Use your imagination to create signature oil blends!

Troubleshooting Orange Peel Oil

Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

Oil smells bitter – The white pith was probably included. Use a sharp zester and be careful to only remove the outermost peel.

Oil isn’t very strong – Try letting it infuse for the full 60 minutes to extract more oil. Or use more orange peels relative to the amount of carrier oil.

Oil goes moldy – Make sure equipment is fully dry before use. Store the finished oil in sterilized bottles in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.

Oil separates – Separation is natural. Gently shake or roll bottle between palms to reincorporate.

Final Thoughts

Homemade orange peel oil is simple to make with huge benefits for skin and hair. It’s customizable, affordable, and made from fresh quality ingredients.

Follow this easy tutorial to craft your own signature orange peel oil. Experiment with different citrus, herbs, and spices to create unique blends.

With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, orange peel oil will leave your skin looking healthy, radiant, and youthful!