How to Make Lemon Peel Oil at Home: A Natural Recipe for Kitchen, Beauty & Cleaning

Don’t toss your lemon peels just yet. With a simple infusion technique, you can transform them into a fragrant, multi-purpose oil perfect for your kitchen, skin care routine, or natural home cleaning. This DIY recipe helps you reduce food waste while creating something truly useful—and totally natural.

1. Why Make Your Own Lemon Peel Oil?

Lemon peels are rich in essential oils that carry both aroma and antibacterial properties. Unfortunately, they often end up in the trash. By turning them into infused oil, you create a sustainable solution that’s great for food, skin, and surfaces.

This zero-waste trick is popular among DIY lovers, eco-conscious families, and even herbalists looking for gentle alternatives to store-bought products.

2. What You’ll Need

• Peels from 2 organic lemons (washed and dried thoroughly)
• Extra virgin olive oil or another carrier oil
• A clean, dry, airtight glass jar

Tip: Always use organic lemons to avoid pesticide residues concentrated in the peel.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

3.1 Peel Your Lemons

Use a vegetable peeler to remove the yellow zest only. Avoid the white part (pith), which is bitter and unnecessary.

3.2 Fill Your Jar

Place the lemon peels in your jar, filling it halfway. Gently press down to remove air pockets.

3.3 Add Oil

Pour olive oil over the peels until they are completely submerged. No peel should be exposed.

3.4 Let It Infuse

Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 10 to 14 days. Shake it gently every few days to help the infusion process.

3.5 (Optional) Strain and Store

After 2 weeks, strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Store in a dark glass bottle for best shelf life.

4. How to Use Homemade Lemon Oil

4.1 In Cooking

• Drizzle on salads, roasted veggies, grilled fish, or pasta
• Add to hummus or homemade vinaigrettes for a citrusy twist

Pro tip: Add a few drops to cooking water for rice or couscous to elevate the flavor.

4.2 For Natural Cleaning

• Apply to a cloth to polish wooden furniture or stainless steel surfaces
• Use with baking soda to clean greasy kitchen areas

4.3 As a Beauty Oil (Caution Required)

• Massage onto dry areas like elbows, heels, or cuticles
• Use sparingly on dry hair ends as a pre-wash treatment
• Always apply at night and avoid sun exposure due to possible photosensitivity

Do a patch test first to check for skin reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin.

5. Storage Tips

• Keep oil in a sterile, dry glass container
• Store in a cool, dark cupboard
• Check for signs of mold or odd smells — discard if noticed
• Use within 3–4 weeks, especially if unfiltered

6. FAQ

Can I use lemon peel oil on my face?

We don’t recommend it due to citrus oils causing photosensitivity. If used, only apply at night and never before sun exposure.

Can I use other oils instead of olive?

Yes, grapeseed or sunflower oil works, but olive oil provides better shelf stability for infusions.

What if I use frozen peels?

You can, but they may hold moisture and reduce the oil’s shelf life. Dry them well before using.

7. Final Thoughts

This DIY lemon oil recipe is simple, effective, and a great example of turning kitchen scraps into something valuable. Try it once, and you might never throw lemon peels away again.

You Can Also Read :

5 Smart and Sustainable Ways to Reuse Kitchen Peels 🍽️🌿