🌼 Dandelion Salve
My Obsession with Natural Skincare
🌼 Homemade dandelion salve — natural skincare at its finest!
📌 In This Article
🌼 My Dandelion Salve Obsession
"I made some dandelion salve and I'm obsessed with it. My skin has never been so happy. My question is how long does it store for?" 🌼✨
I've always loved natural skincare, but this dandelion salve is something else entirely. After making my first batch, I was completely obsessed. My skin has never felt so hydrated, so soft, so genuinely happy.
The recipe I used came from Grow Forage Cook Ferment, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I had 1/2 cup extra of the dandelion infused oil and just threw it in, so my salve is thinner — which actually works perfectly for me because I use it on my whole body.
I honestly can't go back to store-bought lotion now. This salve is too good, too natural, and too effective. Now I'm just trying to figure out: how long will it store? Can I make enough to get through the winter?
💬 My biggest question: "I can't go back to store bought lotion. Can I make a bunch to keep me moisturized through the winter?"
📦 Ingredients
For the Dandelion Infused Oil:
- 🌼 1 cup dandelion flowers (wilted for a day or so)
- 🫒 1½ cups carrier oil (I use equal parts olive, coconut, and sweet almond oil)
For the Salve:
- 🫒 1 cup dandelion infused oil
- 🧈 1 ounce beeswax
- 🧴 1 ounce refined shea butter
- 🌸 12-24 drops essential oils (lavender and sweet orange work well — optional)
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make Dandelion Infused Oil
- Forage: Collect fresh dandelion flowers. Make sure they haven't been sprayed with anything toxic. Always ask permission if picking on someone else's property.
- Wilt: Let the flowers wilt for a day or two to remove excess moisture. This prevents mold during infusion.
- Infuse: Place wilted flowers in a pint jar and cover with carrier oil. Let sit in a dark place for 1-2 weeks.
- Strain: Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve, squeezing out all the golden goodness.
Step 2: Make the Salve
- Prepare double boiler: Create a makeshift double boiler by putting a small bowl or Pyrex measuring cup over a pot with about an inch of simmering water.
- Melt: Add dandelion infused oil and beeswax. Heat until beeswax completely dissolves, stirring occasionally.
- Add shea butter: Stir in shea butter until completely dissolved.
- Add essential oils: If using, stir in 12-24 drops of your chosen essential oils.
- Pour: Carefully pour the mixture into small jars or tins.
- Set: Let sit until the salve sets up completely (a few hours at room temperature).
💡 My modification: "I had 1/2 cup extra of the dandelion infused oil and just threw it in so my salve is thinner which works for me because I use it on my whole body." — Adjust the thickness by adding more or less oil!
📦 Storage Tips: How Long Does Dandelion Salve Last?
Shelf Life of Dandelion Salve
- Unopened: Stored in a cool, dark place, your dandelion salve can last 12-18 months. The beeswax and shea butter act as natural preservatives.
- Opened: Once opened and used regularly, it should last 6-12 months if you keep it clean (use clean fingers or a small spatula).
- Signs of spoilage: Discard if you notice an off smell, discoloration, or mold.
How to Make It Last Longer
- Store in a cool, dark place: Heat and light can degrade the oils and shorten shelf life.
- Use clean utensils: Always use a clean spoon or spatula to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Consider smaller jars: Divide your salve into smaller containers so you're not opening the main jar every day.
- Add Vitamin E: A few drops of vitamin E oil can act as a natural preservative.
Lotion Bars vs. Salve: Which Lasts Longer?
Lotion bars (made with less oil and more wax) tend to last longer because they have a harder texture and less moisture to go rancid. If you're looking to make a large batch for winter, lotion bars might be the better choice for extended shelf life.
However, salves are more versatile and easier to apply to large areas of skin. I personally prefer the salve because I use it all over my body.
✅ The answer: Yes, you can absolutely make a bunch to last through the winter! Just store it properly in a cool, dark place. I'm making a big batch next week! 🌼
✨ Why Dandelion Salve is Amazing for Your Skin
Anti-Inflammatory
Dandelion flowers have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making this salve perfect for sore muscles and joints.
Deep Moisturizing
Shea butter and carrier oils provide intense hydration, soothing dry, cracked, and itchy skin.
Skin Protection
Studies have shown that using dandelion flower and leaves topically has protective benefits for the skin.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How long does homemade dandelion salve last?
Stored in a cool, dark place, it lasts 12-18 months unopened, and 6-12 months once opened (if kept clean).
❓ Can I make a big batch for winter?
Yes! As long as you store it properly in a cool, dark place, you can make enough to last through the winter. I'm planning to make a large batch next week!
❓ Do lotion bars last longer than salves?
Yes! Lotion bars (with less oil and more wax) tend to last longer because they have a harder texture and less moisture to go rancid.
❓ Can I use this salve on my face?
Yes! Dandelion salve is gentle and moisturizing. However, if you have oily skin, you might prefer a lighter formulation.
❓ What carrier oils work best?
I use equal parts olive, coconut, and sweet almond oil. You can also use jojoba, sunflower, or grapeseed oil.
❓ Can I use fresh dandelions instead of wilted?
Fresh flowers contain too much moisture and can cause mold during infusion. Always wilt them for a day or two first.
❓ How do I know if my salve has gone bad?
Discard if you notice an off smell, discoloration, or any signs of mold. Always trust your senses!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ DANDELION SALVE ║
║ My Natural Skincare Obsession ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
YIELD: 12 oz | TIME: 2 weeks infusion + 30 min
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup dandelion flowers (wilted)
- 1½ cups carrier oil (olive, coconut, sweet almond)
- 1 ounce beeswax
- 1 ounce refined shea butter
- 12-24 drops essential oils (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Wilt dandelion flowers for 1-2 days.
2. Cover with oil in a jar. Infuse 1-2 weeks.
3. Strain through cheesecloth.
4. In double boiler: melt oil and beeswax.
5. Add shea butter, stir until dissolved.
6. Add essential oils if desired.
7. Pour into jars. Let set completely.
STORAGE TIPS:
• Cool, dark place
• 12-18 months unopened
• Use clean utensils
"Never going back to store-bought lotion!" 🌼
🌼 You May Also Like
© CanningRebels — Dandelion Salve | My Natural Skincare Obsession
Comments