DIY Hedera helix Leaf Oil Macerate: A Natural Remedy for Firming and Body Care
Ivy isn’t always the first herb that comes to mind when we think of skincare. But after a coastal walk where I stumbled upon wild ivy curling around the entrance of a cave, I felt instinctively drawn to it. I picked a few fresh leaves, let them gently air-dry for a day or two — and started my next seasonal maceration.
This post is part of my Herbal Oil Infusion Series, where I share how to capture the skin-loving benefits of local plants through slow, mindful preparation. If you’re new to this method, check out my core guide on How to Make Herbal Oil Infusions for a beginner-friendly overview.
I’ve already covered how to infuse herbs like urucum, and now it’s time for ivy — an often underestimated plant with powerful toning potential. For a deeper dive into ivy’s cosmetic effects, including its saponins and skin-stimulating actions, visit my post on Hedera Helix in Skincare.
Here, we’ll focus on the DIY process: how to prepare the leaves, choose your oil, and infuse ivy into a body macerate you can use for massage, firmness, and self-care.
How to Prepare Ivy Leaves for Maceration
The first step in crafting a quality macerate is harvesting your ivy thoughtfully.
🕐 When to harvest:
Look for healthy, vibrant leaves — ideally mid-morning on a dry day, once the morning dew has evaporated. Avoid damaged or overly mature leaves, as they may carry too much moisture or environmental stress.
🌬️ Why and how to dry:
Even though ivy leaves are relatively waxy, they still contain internal moisture. To avoid spoilage during infusion, allow them to air-dry for 1 to 2 days in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Lay the leaves out in a single layer on a clean towel or drying rack — never in direct sunlight, which can degrade delicate compounds.
💡 Moisture risks:
Infusing fresh ivy without drying can lead to bacterial growth or rancidity. Partial drying helps protect your oil while preserving the leaf’s vibrant green aroma and active compounds. If in doubt, err on the side of dryness — the infusion will still be effective.
Ingredients & Supplies
To create your ivy oil macerate, you’ll need just a few simple tools and ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
🌿 Ingredients
Partially dried ivy leaves (see preparation notes above)
Carrier oil – Choose a light, fast-absorbing option like:
Sunflower oil (non-comedogenic, skin-friendly)
Grapeseed oil (rich in linoleic acid)
Sweet almond oil (gentle, ideal for body care)
🧴 Supplies
Clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (amber or clear)
Strainer or cheesecloth for filtering
Dark glass bottle for storing the finished oil
Label with date and ingredients
🧰 Optional Tools
Small scale for measuring ingredients
Funnel for easy pouring
Gloves if you have sensitive skin or plan to handle large quantities
⚖️ Herb-to-Oil Ratio
A general guideline is 1 part ivy leaves to 5 parts oil by weight. For example:
10 g of dried ivy → 50 g of oil
This ratio allows for proper extraction without overwhelming the oil with moisture.
How to Make the Ivy Macerate (Cold Infusion Method)
Once you’ve prepared your ingredients and tools, it’s time to begin the infusion.
Turning ivy leaves into a skin-loving herbal oil is simpler than it sounds — and deeply satisfying. Once your leaves are partially dried, it’s time to gently unlock their potential with a traditional cold infusion method.
Before adding oil, it’s helpful to lightly bruise the leaves in a mortar and pestle or chop them finely with clean scissors. This increases surface area and helps the plant release its beneficial compounds more easily into the oil.
Now you’re ready to begin.
🧪 Infusion Method
Use 1 part ivy leaves by weight to 5 parts carrier oil by volume.
For example:
• 80 g of ivy leaves
• 400 mL of cold-pressed plant oil
You can choose a light, fast-absorbing oil like sunflower, sesame, or go with more nourishing options such as apricot kernel or sweet almond.
Place the crushed ivy leaves in a clean, dry glass jar. Pour the oil over them slowly, making sure the plant material is fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly.
Let the mixture infuse for 3 to 4 weeks in a bright place. Gently shake or turn the jar every 2–3 days to keep the herbs evenly saturated and discourage microbial growth.
When your oil is ready, strain it thoroughly. For best results, use a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth to remove all plant debris and achieve a smooth, clear macerate.
📎 Want to know which oil is best for your skin? Explore my Botanical Oil Guide.
📎 You might also enjoy my guides to making St. John’s Wort Oil and Rosemary Infused Oil.
Pro Method: Alcohol-Intermediated Extraction
While the classic cold infusion method is effective for drawing out oil-soluble compounds, ivy contains powerful saponins — such as hederacoside C – that are more readily extracted with polar solvents like ethanol.
If you’re looking to boost the toning and circulation-supporting potential of your macerate, this advanced technique is ideal.
Here’s how to apply it:
- After air-drying your ivy leaves, lightly moisten them with high-proof ethanol (95%) — just enough to dampen the surface.
- Let the alcohol fully evaporate in a well-ventilated area. This typically takes 1–2 hours. The leaves should feel dry to the touch before you proceed.
- Once ready, follow the same oil infusion process outlined above.
This method helps unlock water-soluble bioactives that may not extract well in oil alone — without introducing excess moisture to your macerate.
📖 Inspired by a 2024 study, where ethanol-based ivy extracts were successfully used in cosmetic gels and microemulsions to support firming and skin conditioning benefits.
By bridging the gap between water- and oil-based extraction, this approach offers deeper functionality — especially useful for herbal formulators who want to create results-driven, plant-powered body oils.
How to Use Ivy Macerate
Once strained and bottled, your ivy macerate becomes a versatile botanical oil you can incorporate into various body care rituals — especially those focused on tone, circulation, and self-massage.
🌿 Firming Body Oil
Apply a small amount of ivy macerate to damp skin after showering. Massage using upward strokes, focusing on areas prone to slackness or cellulite. The oil absorbs best when the skin is slightly warm and hydrated.
🛁 Post-Dry Brushing Ritual
Use your ivy-infused oil after dry brushing to help stimulate microcirculation and support skin elasticity. This pairing works particularly well for sluggish or dull skin on the thighs, abdomen, and arms.
✨ Custom Anti-Cellulite Blend
Combine ivy macerate with other stimulating oils like rosemary for an energizing, toning effect.
💡 Pairing Tips
For a more aromatic and synergistic effect:
- Blend with rosemary oil for circulation
- Mix with citrus macerates for detoxifying body oils
Ivy oil is best used as a leave-on treatment for the body — not for facial care, unless formulated with extra caution due to its potency.
⚠️ Storage & Safety
To ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of your ivy macerate, it’s important to follow proper storage practices and use it with care — especially considering ivy’s naturally active botanical compounds.
📦 Storage Guidelines
Once strained, transfer the macerate into a dark glass bottle to shield it from UV light, which can degrade the oil over time. Store the bottle in a cool, dry location — such as a bathroom cabinet away from direct heat sources or humidity.
When made under hygienic conditions and filtered thoroughly, the macerate typically remains stable for up to six months. Including a label with the preparation date and plant name helps you keep track and stay organized — especially if you’re preparing multiple seasonal oils.
🔍 Signs of Spoilage
Even with the best technique, natural oils can oxidize. Check your macerate occasionally for changes in:
- Scent – a sharp or sour smell may indicate rancidity
- Color – if it darkens significantly or becomes cloudy
- Texture – if it feels sticky, unusually thick, or separates abnormally
If any of these occur, it’s best to discard the product and start fresh.
✋ Patch Testing & Skin Sensitivity
Although ivy is a traditional remedy used in toning and firming applications, its saponins and polyphenols can be too strong for some skin types. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm before first use, and observe the area for 24 hours.
This is especially important for:
- Sensitive or allergy-prone individuals
- Those with eczema, psoriasis, or compromised skin barrier
- Pregnant or breastfeeding users (consult a healthcare provider first)
🚫 Usage Boundaries
This oil is intended strictly for external body care and is not suitable for use on the face, mucous membranes, or open wounds. While it may offer benefits when used thoughtfully, ivy is a potent plant and should be approached with respect.
Healing Applications of Climbing Ivy Extract
Ivy leaf oil macerate, derived from the climbing ivy plant (Hedera helix), is used in various cosmetic products due to its abundant healing properties. This oily extract is known for its effectiveness in addressing conditions such as cellulite and chronic cough, making it a valuable component in formulations aimed at reducing the appearance of stubborn fat and promoting overall skin health.
The composition of ivy leaf oil macerate includes various chemical constituents that provide its medicinal benefits. Used in massage, this oil can help drain toxins from the body and promote the elimination of excess water, thus aiding in the reduction of puffiness and enhancing skin texture.
In Europe and Asia, the raw preparation of ivy extract is popular, with various regions utilizing its flowers, seeds, and roots in traditional remedies. The decoction process involves boiling the leaves to extract their beneficial properties, which can then be used in topical applications or consumed in small dosages for health benefits.
As a result of its extensive use in herbal medicine, ivy leaf oil macerate has become a staple in the manufacture of natural skincare products, promoting healing and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Crafting your own ivy oil macerate is more than just a recipe — it’s a way to connect with the rhythm of nature and create intentional skincare that supports your body and respects the land around you.
Whether you’re drawn to ivy for its traditional toning properties or simply curious about working with locally foraged plants, this preparation invites you to slow down, observe, and formulate with purpose.
As always, listen to your skin, adjust the process to your needs, and enjoy the meditative ritual that herbal formulation offers.
🌿 Have you tried making your own ivy macerate?
I’d love to hear how it turned out or how you’ve blended it with other plant infusions. Share your experience — or explore more seasonal macerates in my Herbal Oil Infusion Series.Until next time, stay grounded in nature, gentle with your skin, and curious in your craft. 🌿
Kristina
