Extra virgin olive oil isn't just an excellent staple of the Mediterranean diet, but also a great ally for beauty and personal care.
That's why today we want to show you how to make a peppermint oil infusion with refreshing, toning properties, perfect for summer.
What is an oil infusion?
An oil infusion is a concentrated oil obtained by macerating, in vegetable oil, fat-soluble functional substances found in certain plants like herbs, flowers, spices or vegetables. With water, and possibly heat, water-soluble active compounds are extracted from plants instead.
Like vegetable oils, oil infusions are also prone to rancidity, so they should be protected from light and excessive heat by storing them in the fridge inside dark glass bottles when the ambient temperature exceeds 30°.
Extra virgin olive oil, thanks to its antioxidant tocopherols that extend its shelf life, can be used as a carrier for active compounds.
DIY peppermint oil infusion
Here's the recipe for making a refreshing, toning mint oil infusion, using our unfiltered extra virgin olive oil.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of mint leaves
- 100 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- a small glass bottle, preferably dark
Preparation
Chop the mint leaves and add them to the extra virgin olive oil inside a glass container covered with a lid. Let it macerate for 8 days, remembering to shake the mixture once a day. Finally, strain the oil: your infusion is ready!
How to use the oil infusion
The oil infusion can be applied to the skin using your hands or a cotton cloth. It's also perfect as a massage oil, helping soothe sensations linked to heat build-up.
By adding water, you can also make a spray to spritz all over your body to cool off from the heat.
