Coffee oil is becoming increasingly popular as a body care product. You might be thinking about using it, but don’t know exactly where to begin.
This DIY guide will tell you how to make coffee oil and all its uses and benefits.
What You’ll Need to Start
Before diving into our project, it’s time to round up the essentials.
Coffee Beans
Take two tablespoons of whole, organic coffee beans. For the best results, you’ll want to grind the beans yourself right before use. This guarantees the coffee’s natural oils are fresh and ready to infuse your oil with all their goodness.
Carrier Oil
The carrier oil is the base oil you choose to infuse the coffee with. Some examples include
Olive Oil
Almond Oil
Sunflower Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Coconut Oil
Jojoba Oil
While there are many to choose from, rosehip seed oil stands out. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Feel free to select an oil that suits your personal preferences or specific skin needs. You will need 1/4 cup of the oil.
Making Coffee Infused Oil: The Warm Infusion Method
The warm infusion method is a fast way to create coffee infused oil. Here’s what to do:
Fill a medium-sized pot halfway with water and put it on the stove. This will be the base of your double boiler. The water acts as a buffer, allowing for even, gentle heating without direct contact with the stove’s flame or heating element.
Grind your coffee beans and mix them with the oil in a heat-proof glass measuring cup. A coarse grind works best, as fine grounds could make the oil too sludgy. Use a natural oil like almond or coconut for the best results. The oil should just cover the coffee grounds.
Place the cup in the pot of water and turn the stove on low heat. The cup should sit in the water without touching the bottom of the pot. If necessary, use a trivet or metal cookie cutter to keep it elevated.
Let the mixture warm up for about an hour, making sure the water doesn’t boil too much. A gentle simmer is perfect. This slow infusion process helps to draw out the aromatic compounds from the coffee without burning them.
After an hour, carefully take the cup out of the pot. Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the heat. The oil will be hot, and it’s important to handle it safely to avoid spills or burns.
Rushing could lead to overheating, which might spoil the delicate coffee aroma you’re trying to capture. Once done, let the oil cool down before straining it to remove the coffee grounds.
Cold Infusion Method
Cold infusion is another method to make coffee essential oil. This method is also easy, but it takes a longer period of time.
The process starts by combining coffee beans with the carrier oil in a glass jar. The jar is then sealed with a lid and left to sit for a period of time (up to a month), allowing the flavors to brew into the oil.
During this time, it is important to occasionally shake the jar to ensure even distribution of the coffee beans.
Getting the Grounds Out
Now, it’s time to tackle the challenge of removing the ground coffee from your homemade infusion. Here is a handy method to make this step easy.
Firstly, grab a heat-proof glass measuring cup—this will be your container to catch the coffee-free oil. Place a wire strainer with a fine mesh on top. Make sure it’s stable to avoid any spills.
Next, take a coffee filter and nestle it inside the strainer. This catches the bits of coffee that we don’t want in our final product. If a filter is not available, choose a cheesecloth.
Now, carefully pour your oil and coffee blend into the filter. Watch as the oil starts to seep through, leaving the grounds behind. This part requires a bit of time, typically 1-2 hours, so feel free to let gravity do its work.
If you’re in a bit of a hurry, there’s a way to speed up the process. Use a spoon to gently press on the grounds. This encourages the oil to pass through the filter more quickly, but be gentle to avoid tearing the filter.
After the oil has fully drained, you can transfer it. Pour the clear oil into a clean jar or bottle that you can seal tightly. This ensures your infusion stays fresh and is easy to use whenever you need it.
Uses For Homemade Coffee Oil
Homemade coffee oil can be used in a variety of skin care products due to its many benefits.
Lip Balm
One popular use of coffee infused oil is in making coffee lip balm. The oil helps to moisturize and protect the lips, while also infusing them with a rich coffee aroma.
Body Care
When used in a warm infusion, coffee oil can also be added to lotion and body care products to help combat cellulite and improve skin firmness.
Because this oil is high in antioxidants and Vitamin E, it is a great addition to any natural skin care routine. When applied directly, the oil can help to protect and nourish the skin while also providing a subtle coffee scent.
Eye Cream
For a quick pick-me-up, lightly dab the oil under your eyes. The caffeine can work to reduce the appearance of dark circles by stimulating blood flow, giving you a more refreshed look.
Massage Oil
After a warm shower, when your pores are open and ready to absorb, apply the oil to your legs. Massage it in with gentle, circular motions.
The coffee oil infusion can also help to improve circulation and even skin tone. Its natural fragrance is a great bonus.
Infused Coffee Oil: An Excellent Way To Use Coffee Beans.
Coffee-infused oil is proof that coffee beans can have more uses than just being used for a beverage. This oil has several benefits for the skin and has a variety of uses. The most important thing is that it’s easy to make right at home.