Sage oil is a very easy-to-make natural treatment, perfect for enjoying the benefits of this aromatic plant. Renowned for its many virtues and long used in phytotherapy and natural cosmetics, sage oil is particularly beneficial for skin, face and hair.
Not to be confused with sage essential oil, this preparation is a gentle infusion of sage leaves in a vegetable oil. Milder and simpler for daily use, it's ideal for sensitive skin and natural beauty routines. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, regulating and regenerative properties, it hydrates and soothes skin, purifies the scalp and restores radiance and suppleness to the face.
Here's how to easily prepare your own homemade sage oil, with our quick and simple tutorial!
Which sages to choose for making sage oil?
The best variety for preparing an effective treatment oil is common sage (Salvia officinalis). It's renowned for its soothing, antiseptic and purifying properties. If you opt for the benefits of clary sage (Salvia sclarea), use the flowering tops (flowers and young stems), as these contain the highest concentration of active compounds, particularly for hormonal or soothing treatments. Clary sage leaves can be used, but they're less concentrated in aromatic compounds than the flowers.
Important! In all cases, avoid ornamental sages, which don't have the same therapeutic or cosmetic properties. Always choose fresh, organically grown sage to ensure a healthy oil rich in plant actives.
Which vegetable oil should you choose?
To prepare your homemade sage oil, we recommend using a neutral, gentle vegetable oil that preserves the plant's active compounds while being kind to skin and hair. Organic extra-virgin olive oil is an excellent choice thanks to its antioxidant and nourishing properties. You could also choose sweet almond oil or jojoba oil for their nourishing, hydrating qualities and natural affinity with skin and hair.
How to make sage oil step by step?
Equipment needed
- A glass jar with airtight lid
- A dark glass bottle for storage
- A coffee filter or fine muslin cloth
Ingredients
- Approximately 20-30g dried sage leaves or 2-3 handfuls fresh sage leaves, lightly air-dried
- 250-300ml vegetable oil of your choice
Clary sage variation:
- 15-20g dried flowering tops or 2 handfuls fresh flowers, lightly air-dried to remove moisture
- 250-300ml vegetable oil
Cold infusion method
Step 1: Harvesting leaves
Pick fresh sage leaves or flowers, ideally in the morning when their active compounds are most concentrated.
Step 2: Partial drying
Air-dry the leaves or flowers for a few hours, just enough to remove surface moisture. This prevents mould developing during infusion.
Step 3: Preparing the jar
Place the lightly crushed leaves in a clean, completely dry glass jar. Don't pack them too tightly to allow the oil to circulate.
Step 4: Adding the vegetable oil
Completely cover the leaves with your chosen vegetable oil. Ensure all leaves are fully submerged.
Step 5: Beginning the infusion
Seal the jar tightly, then place it somewhere warm and away from light. Leave to infuse for about three to four weeks.
Step 6: Regular shaking
Gently shake the jar once or twice weekly to distribute the active compounds in the oil.
Step 7: Filtering
Once infusion is complete, filter the oil through muslin or a coffee filter to remove all plant particles.
Step 8: Bottling
Pour the filtered oil into a clean, dry dark glass bottle. Store in a cool, dark place to preserve its qualities.
What are the benefits of sage oil?
Sage oil has multiple benefits. Thanks to its antibacterial and regulating properties, it helps purify and balance oily or combination skin, while soothing irritation in sensitive or redness-prone skin. For hair, sage oil is known to calm itching, reduce dandruff and regulate sebum production. It adds softness, shine and vitality to tired or dull hair. Finally, applied to the face, it offers anti-ageing benefits by helping reduce minor imperfections and stimulating skin regeneration.
Oil made from clary sage stands out for its hormone-regulating properties. Traditionally used to relieve certain menstrual cycle discomforts, PMS or pre-menopausal symptoms, it also has a calming, balancing emotional effect that may help soothe stress or nervous tension. However, these hormonal properties mean it's contraindicated for some people (see dedicated section).
How to use sage oil?
Homemade sage oil is for external use only. It shouldn't be used in cooking or consumed, as it's not prepared to food safety standards. For the face, apply a few drops to clean skin as a night treatment, focusing on oily or blemish-prone areas. It helps purify, balance sebum and tighten pores.
For hair, it can be used as a pre-shampoo oil treatment. Massage into the scalp to regulate excess sebum, soothe itching and stimulate circulation. Leave for at least 30 minutes before washing with a mild shampoo. For the body, sage oil can be used in massage, particularly on areas prone to water retention or muscle fatigue. It has a toning, circulatory effect.
If made with clary sage, the oil can be massaged onto the lower abdomen to support menstrual cycles or pre-menopause, thanks to its hormone-regulating effects. It also works well as a massage oil or after-sun treatment to calm redness, hydrate and tone skin, especially after prolonged sun exposure.
Always do a patch test before first use, especially on sensitive skin.
How to store your homemade sage oil?
To preserve your homemade sage oil long-term, always use a dark glass bottle with an airtight lid to protect the oil from light and oxidation. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat. This way, your oil will keep its properties for about six months to a year, depending on the vegetable oil used. Check its smell and appearance regularly to ensure it hasn't gone rancid.
Precautions and sage oil risks
Sage oil made by infusion is much gentler than sage essential oil, meaning it's significantly less concentrated in active compounds. Unlike essential oil, it doesn't contain highly concentrated volatile compounds, making it generally better tolerated for topical use. However, it's not without effects and certain precautions are necessary. It's not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to its potential hormonal effects. As a precaution, it shouldn't be used on children under six. It should also be avoided by people with epilepsy or neurological disorders. Finally, it's not advised for women with or showing symptoms of hormone-dependent cancers, such as certain breast or uterine cancers. Always do an elbow patch test before first application.
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