How To Make Gardenia Extract

About Gardenia Extract

Gardenia extract is so simple to make and the scent of the extract is beautiful, just like the gardenia flower. I use fresh gardenia flowers from my gardenia bush and infuse them into alcohol. I use this extract in my formulations for natural perfume, moisturizer, toner, lotion and hair scent.

Gardenia jasminoides has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine and taken internally. For skin care there isn’t a lot of traditional use or scientific study on it. One study showed that it is antioxidant and can possible be a skin lightener due to the antityrosinase activity to limit the production of melanin. Skin care products are also starting to use gardenia stem cells for the production of collagen. Gardenia extract helps to clarify and soothe the skin and scalp.

This gardenia extract is infused into alcohol. Alcohol is not drying to the skin when used properly in formulations. It helps to deliver the ingredients into the skin. Learn more about alcohol in skin and hair care products here.

How To Make Gardenia Extract

3-4 fresh gardenia flowers
6 ounces high proof alcohol (grain, sugar or grape) or vodka (look for 50% alcohol)

1. Remove petals from gardenia flower and tear into small pieces into the jar.

2. Cover petals with alcohol and cap and label. The flower pedals will turn brown.

3. Place in a dark area for 8-10 weeks. Check the scent in 6-8 weeks. If you like it strain the flowers out of the alcohol or let set it longer before straining.

4. Use the gardenia extract in formulations for natural perfume, moisturizer, lotion, toner and hair scent.

5. Shelf life is about 24 months.

About

Joan Morais is a natural cosmetic formulator, instructor, author and the owner of Joan Morais Naturals. Joan assists product makers on how to make high quality, stable and effective natural body, hair and skin care products for personal use and a product making business. Learn how to make natural skin care products by taking our Pro Natural Skin Care Formulation Course.


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  • I love gardenia flowers and I need to know if there’s others ways to use the flowers cause I’ve many gardenias flowers on the trees
    Some gardenias are turning brown from yesterday. I need your assistance with my gardenias
    Thank you for your support.
    Juliette Johnson

    • The flowers have a very short life on the bush but more will blossom until fall! You can make extract for perfumes and lotions or use them in the kitchen! The petals are edible and have a sweet taste and can be eaten raw, candied or preserved in honey, or you can pickle the buds of the flowers! Such a helpful and important bush!

    • Hello, I pick the flowers every day when they’re white and throw them in the dehydrator. It fills the kitchen with a heavy sweet scent, and when dry, I put them in a mason jar for tea. To make tea, simply boil water, place a dried flower in, steep as you would any other tea, and enjoy. The scent is between jasmine and gardenia, and it’s great sweetened or not. Hope that helps :)

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