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How to Make Lavender Extract
You can make lavender extract at home by soaking dried lavender buds in a solvent like vodka, which pulls out the plant’s oils and scent over a few weeks.
It’s a simple process that anyone can do with just a couple of ingredients and some patience.
If you’ve been wondering how to make lavender extract for baking, DIY skincare, or natural cleaning products, this guide will walk you through it step by step.
In this post, we’ll cover the different methods for making lavender extract, which one works best for your needs, and the tips that help you get a strong, fragrant result every time.
Let’s get into it.
Why Make Lavender Extract at Home
Learning how to make lavender extract at home gives you full control over quality and strength.
Store-bought versions often contain artificial additives or weaker concentrations that don’t deliver the same punch.
When you make lavender extract yourself, you know exactly what’s in the bottle.
Here’s why so many people prefer making lavender extract from scratch:
1. It’s Cheaper Than Buying It
Dried lavender buds cost very little compared to a small bottle of commercial extract.
A single bag of buds can make several batches of lavender extract, which saves you money over time.
That’s one of the biggest reasons people learn how to make lavender extract in the first place.
2. You Control the Strength
When you make lavender extract, you decide how concentrated it gets.
Want a bold, aromatic extract for baking? Use more buds.
Prefer something milder for skincare? Use fewer buds or a shorter steep time.
This flexibility is something you just don’t get with store-bought bottles.
3. No Unwanted Additives
Homemade lavender extract contains only what you put in it.
No preservatives, no artificial colors, and no mystery ingredients.
That matters a lot if you plan to use your lavender extract on your skin or in food.
How to Make Lavender Extract: Two Main Methods
There are two popular ways to make lavender extract, and each one suits different purposes.
You can make lavender extract with alcohol or without it, so let’s break down both approaches.
1. The Alcohol Method (Best for Baking)
This is the classic way to make lavender extract, and it’s the one most bakers rely on.
You’ll need dried lavender buds and a neutral, high-proof alcohol like vodka.
Fill a clean jar about one-third full with dried buds.
Pour vodka over the buds until they’re fully submerged, leaving a little headspace at the top.
Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks.
Shake the jar every few days to help the flavors blend.
After the steeping period, strain out the buds using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Transfer your finished lavender extract into a dark glass bottle for storage.
2. The Glycerin Method (Best for Skincare)
If you want to make lavender extract for skincare, vegetable glycerin is a gentler option.
Glycerin extracts are alcohol-free, which makes them ideal for sensitive skin.
Combine one part dried lavender buds with three parts vegetable glycerin in a clean jar.
Let the mixture sit for four to six weeks, shaking it gently every couple of days.
Strain the buds out and bottle your lavender extract.
This version is thicker and sweeter than the alcohol-based one, so keep that in mind.
3. The Heat-Assisted Quick Method
Short on time but still want to make lavender extract?
You can speed things up with gentle heat.
Place your lavender buds and alcohol in a double boiler over low heat.
Keep the temperature low and let it simmer gently for about two hours.
Don’t let it boil, or you’ll lose the delicate aromatics.
Strain, cool, and bottle your lavender extract.
It won’t be quite as complex as the slow-steeped version, but it works when you’re in a hurry.
Tips for Making Lavender Extract That Actually Smells Great
The quality of your lavender extract depends heavily on a few key details.
Follow these tips so every batch you make turns out beautifully fragrant.
1. Always Use Dried Buds, Not Fresh
Fresh lavender contains water, which can cause mold or spoilage in your extract.
Dried buds are concentrated and safe for long steeping.
This one change makes a huge difference when you make lavender extract.
2. Choose the Right Lavender Variety
English lavender is sweet and floral, which works well for baking and perfume.
French and Spanish lavender have stronger, more camphor-like notes.
Pick your variety based on what you plan to do with your lavender extract.
3. Store It Properly
Keep your finished lavender extract in a dark glass bottle away from sunlight.
Heat and light break down the aromatic compounds over time.
Stored correctly, your homemade lavender extract can last for years.
So, How Do You Make Lavender Extract?
You can make lavender extract by steeping dried lavender buds in vodka, glycerin, or another solvent until the oils and scent are fully infused.
It takes a few weeks of patience, but the result is a fragrant, versatile extract you can use in baking, skincare, and beyond.
Now that you know how to make lavender extract, grab some dried buds and start your first batch.
Once you make lavender extract at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.