How To Make Aloe Vera Oil – 3 Methods!

Learn how to make aloe vera oil for hair growth and skin care in these easy-to-follow recipes. 

In an earlier article, How To Use Aloe Vera Oil in Your Beauty Regimen, I shared the top 13 benefits of aloe vera oil and how to use it for hair and skin. 

In this article, I’ll be sharing how to make aloe vera oil plus which carrier oil to use if it’s for hair growth and if it’s for skin care. 

There’s a handy how-to card at the end of this article you can print and keep on hand for when you’re ready to try it. 

The how-to card also includes lots of tips and recipes to get the best out of your homemade aloe vera oil. 

How To Make Aloe Vera Oil – Method 1

In method 1 for how to make aloe vera oil, you’ll need aloe vera leaf powder and suitable carrier oil.

Exact measurements can be found in the how-to card below. Aloe vera leaf powder is aloe vera leaves that have been dried and then ground into a fine powder. 

• Measure the aloe vera leaf powder into a double boiler and add in the carrier oil. 
• Stir and heat over low heat for 1 – 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
• After two hours, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. You may need to strain twice to get rid of all the powder. 
• Pour into a suitable jar or bottle.
• Add in your choice of essential oils from the recommendations below. Close and shake well.

This is the most uncommon method for homemade aloe vera oil but it works well too.

How To Make Aloe Vera Oil – Method 2

In method 2 for how to make aloe vera oil, you’ll need dehydrated aloe vera leaves and suitable carrier oil.

Exact measurements can be found in the how-to card below. 

• Rinse the aloe vera leaves then trim off the spiky edges.
• Cut in half lengthwise then into smaller pieces. No need to scrape out the gel. 
• Spread out the pieces of aloe vera leaf over a food dehydrator tray and dehydrate. If you don’t have a dehydrator tray, you can spread the leaves in a tray lined with parchment paper and dry them out for a week. Dry until the leaves are crisp and almost crunchy. 
• Once dry, pour the leaves into a large roomy jar then cover with the carrier oil. 
• Close the jar and shake then place it on a windowsill where the sun can hit it every day. 
• Leave the jar for 3 – 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour into a suitable jar or bottle.
• Add in your choice of essential oils from the recommendations below. 

Don’t want to wait a few weeks but still want to use the dehydration method?

In this case, you can cook the mix in a slow cooker on low heat for 5 – 7 hours before straining the aloe vera oil. 

Note – in this method, dehydrated leaves lose a bit of their potency as the gel contains some great compounds.

How To Make Aloe Vera Oil – Method 3

In method 3 for how to make aloe vera oil, you’ll need fresh aloe vera leaves and suitable carrier oil.

Exact measurements can be found in the how-to card below.

• Rinse the aloe vera leaves then trim off the spiky edges.
• Cut each leaf in half and scrape out the gel nestled within then cut the leaves into tiny pieces. You can choose to use only the gel and discard the leaves if preferred. 
• Blend the gel and leaves until smooth then pour into a non-stick pan. 
• Add in the carrier oil and stir to mix together. 
• Heat over low heat for 45 – 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
• After an hour, the oil will rise to the top of the mix and everything else will settle at the bottom. 
• Let the mix cool down then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour into a suitable jar or bottle. 
• Add in your choice of essential oils from the recommendations below. 

This is the best way to make aloe vera oil with fresh aloe leaves. Any other way can create a breeding ground for bacteria due to the high water content in aloe vera.

How To Make Aloe Vera Oil for Skin

When making aloe vera oil for the skin, here are some excellent carrier oils that are great in each category depending on your skin type.

Dry and/or Mature Skin

• Maracuja (passionfruit) oil – luxurious emollient oil that soothes dry and damaged skin, calms inflammation, and helps relax muscles. For more on maracuja oil, head over to Maracuja Oil (Passion Fruit) for Dry and Damaged Skin Care.
• Wheat germ oil – contains a lot of vitamin E plus amino acids that boost the production of collagen and elastin. For more on this oil, head over to Wheat Germ Oil for Dry and Flaky Skin.
• Chia seed oil – improves hydration, reduces water loss, and eliminates itchiness. For more on this oil, head over to How to Improve Dry & Sensitive Skin with Chia Seed Oil.
• Macadamia nut oil – rich source of squalene, hydrates the skin and minimizes premature aging. For more on this oil, head over to Macadamia Nut Oil for the Skin.
• Marula oil – effective anti-aging oil that helps reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles in addition to high vitamin C content. For more on this oil, head over to The Amazing Benefits of Marula Oil for Hair & Skin.
• Kiwifruit seed oil – keeps dry and aging skin soft and supple. For more on this oil, head over to Fight Aging Skin with Kiwi Fruit Seed Oil.
• Poppyseed oil – contains a significant amount of essential B vitamins and vitamin E. Nourishes and protects mature and damaged skin. Try PÖDÖR Premium Poppyseed Oil.

Oily and/or Acne-prone Skin

• Argan oil – rich in vitamin E, carotenes, and squalene. It is an emollient that also regulates the production of excess oil on the skin. Try Kahina Giving Beauty Argan Oil for your DIY recipes. 
• Abyssinian (crambe) oil – For more on this oil, head over to Organic Abyssinian Oil.
• Hemp seed oil – has the perfect 3:1 ratio of omega-6 (linoleic acid) to omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) essential fatty acids. This ratio is the optimal requirement for healthy hair and skin. Though indicated for oily and/or acne-prone skin, this oil works for all skin types too. For more, head over to Hemp Seed Oil Benefits & Uses.
• Kiwifruit seed oil – works for oily and/or acne-prone skin as well. Try Organic Pure Oil Kiwi Seed Oil.  
• Safflower oil – has a high linoleic acid content and leaves behind a silky feeling when applied to the skin. Try Eden Foods Organic Safflower Oil.
• Watermelon seed oil – removes excess sebum from the skin and promotes elasticity. Also ideal for mature skin. Try Shea Terra Organics Kalahari Ootanga Oil. 

Normal and Sensitive Skin

• Chia seed oil – one of the best oils for normal and sensitive skin. Gentle, non-comedogenic, and hydrating. Try Organic Pure Foods Chia Seed Oil.
• Rosehip seed oil –  promotes cell regeneration, refines the appearance of hyperpigmentation and scars, and encourages skin cell renewal leading to a brighter complexion. For more on this oil, head over to Rosehip Seed Oil for Hyperpigmentation and Acne Scars.
• Apricot kernel oil – closely resembles sebum produced by human skin. Try Maple Holistics Apricot Kernel Seed Oil.
• Hemp seed oil – ideal oil suited for all skin types. Try Manitoba Harvest Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil.
• Calendula oil – soothes, hydrates, and moisturizes the skin. For more on this oil, head over to 8 Benefits of Calendula Oil for Skin. This oil is also suitable for acne-prone skin. 
• Peach oil – non-greasy, moisturizing oil that seals in moisture for longer. Try Plant Guru Peach Kernel Oil.

Essential Oils

You can use any of the essential oils recommended below for your homemade aloe vera oil for the skin.

• Geranium essential oil
• Cedarwood essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Neroli essential oil
• Tea tree essential oil
• Orange essential oil
• German chamomile essential oil

 How To Make Aloe Vera Oil for Hair Growth

When making aloe vera oil for healthy hair growth, here are some of the best carrier oils to help you achieve this goal. These carrier oils will also work for scalp issues.

• Carrot oil – strengthens hair from the roots, prevents split ends, and promotes shiny hair. For more on this oil, read How to Strengthen Your Hair with Carrot Oil.
• Pumpkin seed oil – nourishes follicles, protects hair, and strengthens hair with a high beta-carotene content. For more on this oil, read Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Growth & Stronger Follicles.
• Castor oil – anti-inflammatory and antifungal oil with unique ricinoleic acid, which nourishes the scalp and spurs hair growth. Castor oil may also help with thickening thin hair. For more on this oil, read How to Grow Thicker Hair Strands with Castor Oil.
• Jamaican black castor oil –  potent treatment for hair conditions such as bald spots, thin hair, dandruff, and shedding. For more on this oil, read How To Grow Longer & Thicker Hair with Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
• Burdock root oil – relieves scalp irritation, improves scalp condition, and strengthens hair. For more on this oil, read Reverse Hair Thinning with Burdock Root Oil.
• Jojoba oil –  mimics the sebum produced on the scalp and is one of the best oils for scalp issues. Combine jojoba oil with one of the other hair growth oils above for the best results. For more on this oil, read Eliminate Dry Hair and Scalp Issues with Jojoba Oil.
• Coconut oil – prevents protein loss from hair, penetrates the hair shaft, and prevents breakage. Combine coconut oil with one of the other hair growth oils above for the best results. For more on this oil, read Coconut Oil for Hair Growth. Don’t like coconut oil? Use grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil instead. 

Essential Oils

You can use any of the essential oils recommended below for your homemade aloe vera oil for hair growth.

• Peppermint essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil
• Tea tree essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Lemongrass essential oil

FAQs About Aloe Vera Oil

How Long Does Homemade Aloe Vera Oil Last?

If made correctly, homemade aloe vera oil will last for 6 – 12 months but also check the shelf life of whatever carrier oil you macerated it in.

In all cases, if the homemade aloe vera oil starts smelling funny, discard it immediately and make a fresh batch. 

I also recommend not making huge batches at a time unless you’re going to be using the oil frequently.

What is The Best Oil To Mix With Aloe Vera?

The best oil to mix with aloe vera depends on if you want to use it for hair or skin as well as your skin type.

I’ve recommended the best oils to mix with aloe vera in this article. If you have questions about other oils, drop them in the comments section. 

Can You Make Oil Out of Aloe Vera?

I think you can see after reading this article that you can indeed make oil out of aloe vera in a few simple steps. 

Where To Get Aloe Vera Oil?

You can find aloe vera oil from independent artisans on Etsy or Amazon. 

I shared my top aloe vera oil recommendations in Aloe Vera Gel for Hair: Benefits, Uses, and Best Recommendations.