If you’re looking for a simple homemade facial oil, this flaxseed and clove infusion combines a nourishing carrier oil with two popular botanical ingredients.
Flaxseeds contain naturally occurring plant compounds and oils, while cloves are rich in aromatic compounds. When infused into a carrier oil, they create a fragrant facial oil that can be used as part of a moisturizing skincare routine.
Despite the popular name “Collagen Drops,” this homemade serum does not contain collagen and has not been proven to stimulate collagen production or erase wrinkles. It should be viewed as a moisturizing beauty treatment rather than a medical anti-aging treatment.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Serum | Flaxseed & Clove Facial Oil |
| Preparation Time | 15–20 minutes |
| Application | External use only |
| Recommended Use | Evening |
| Application Area | Face and neck |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Flaxseeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole cloves | 1 tablespoon |
| Sweet almond oil | 150 ml |
| Optional alternative oil | Jojoba or olive oil |
| Clean dropper or spray bottle | 1 |
Choosing the Carrier Oil
Sweet almond oil provides a lightweight, nourishing base and is commonly used in homemade skincare.
Jojoba oil is another popular option because of its skin-friendly texture and relatively lightweight feel.
Olive oil can also be used, although it has a richer texture and a more noticeable scent.
If you have sensitive skin, choose a simple carrier oil without added fragrance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Place the 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds and 1 tablespoon of whole cloves into a clean, heat-resistant glass jar.
Make sure the jar is suitable for gentle heating in a water bath.
Step 2: Add the Carrier Oil
Pour 150 ml of sweet almond oil over the flaxseeds and cloves.
Stir gently so that the ingredients are fully coated with the oil.
Step 3: Gently Infuse the Oil
Place the glass jar in a warm water bath over low heat.
Allow the mixture to warm gently for approximately 15–20 minutes.
Avoid high temperatures or boiling the oil. The goal is gentle warming rather than cooking the ingredients.
Step 4: Cool the Mixture
Remove the jar carefully from the water bath.
Allow the infused oil to cool until it is comfortably warm or reaches room temperature.
Do not filter the oil while it is dangerously hot.
Step 5: Filter the Serum
Pour the mixture through a clean fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Press gently to recover the infused oil while removing the flaxseeds and cloves.
The finished oil should be as free of solid particles as possible.
Step 6: Transfer to a Bottle
Pour the filtered oil into a clean, completely dry dropper bottle.
A dark glass bottle is preferable for protecting oil-based skincare preparations from excessive light.
Do not add whole cloves to the finished bottle for extended storage. Leaving plant material inside homemade oil can make the preparation less predictable and may shorten its safe storage life.
Step 7: Apply in the Evening
After cleansing your face, apply 3–5 drops to clean, dry skin.
Gently massage the oil over the face and neck using light circular movements.
Avoid the immediate eye area and do not apply the serum to broken or irritated skin.
Best Tips
Always perform a patch test before applying a homemade botanical preparation to your face.
Because cloves contain concentrated aromatic compounds, they may cause irritation or sensitivity, especially on delicate facial skin.
Start with a small amount rather than applying a large quantity of oil.
Use clean, dry equipment throughout the preparation process to reduce contamination.
Store the finished oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Patch Test
Before your first facial application, place a small amount of the finished oil on a small area of skin, such as the inner elbow.
Wait approximately 24 hours and observe the area.
If you experience burning, intense redness, itching, swelling, or another unusual reaction, wash the area and do not use the serum on your face.
A patch test reduces risk but cannot guarantee that a reaction will not occur later.
How to Use It
Apply 3–5 drops in the evening after cleansing.
Gently massage the oil into the skin without pulling or aggressively rubbing the face.
If your skin feels excessively oily, reduce the amount to 1–2 drops.
For daytime use, sunscreen remains important because no homemade facial oil provides reliable UV protection.
What Are the Benefits?
This type of facial oil can help reduce the feeling of dryness by providing an emollient layer over the skin.
Flaxseed oil and carrier oils can contribute to a softer, more moisturized skin feel.
Cloves provide a naturally aromatic component, but they can also be irritating to sensitive skin. More is not necessarily better when it comes to clove-infused skincare.
Important Anti-Aging Note
The name “Collagen Drops” is a beauty-marketing term rather than a scientifically established description of this homemade serum.
Applying flaxseeds and cloves to the skin does not mean that collagen is being added to the skin or that the serum has been proven to increase collagen production.
For evidence-based anti-aging skincare, ingredients such as sunscreen and certain dermatologically studied topical products may have stronger evidence than homemade botanical preparations.
Storage
Keep the finished serum tightly closed and protected from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
Because this is a homemade oil infusion without a cosmetic preservative system, its shelf life is not guaranteed.
Discard the serum if it develops an unusual smell, visible contamination, cloudiness, or another noticeable change.
For better safety, prepare small batches rather than making a large quantity that will remain unused for a long time.
Who Should Avoid It?
People with very sensitive or reactive skin should be particularly cautious with clove-containing skincare.
Do not apply the serum to broken, irritated, sunburned, or inflamed skin.
Avoid getting the oil into the eyes.
If you have a known allergy to any ingredient, do not use the preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this serum actually contain collagen?
No. The serum contains flaxseeds, cloves, and a carrier oil. It does not contain collagen.
Can it remove wrinkles?
It may help moisturize the skin and temporarily make dry fine lines appear less noticeable, but there is no good evidence that this homemade serum can remove wrinkles.
Can flaxseed increase collagen?
Flaxseed contains various nutrients and plant compounds, but applying a homemade flaxseed infusion to the skin should not be presented as a proven way to stimulate collagen production.
Can I use this serum every night?
Some people may tolerate an oil-based serum well, but daily use is not necessary. Because cloves can be irritating, start with occasional use and discontinue it if your skin reacts.
Can I use olive oil instead of almond oil?
Yes. Olive oil can be used as an alternative carrier, although it is richer and may feel heavier on the skin.
Can I use this serum around my eyes?
It is best to avoid the immediate eye area, especially because clove-infused products may irritate delicate skin and the eyes.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Flaxseed & Clove Facial Serum is a simple oil infusion that can be incorporated into an evening moisturizing routine.
It may help leave the skin feeling softer and more nourished, but the popular term “Collagen Drops” should not be interpreted as proof that the serum produces collagen or reverses aging.
Because clove is a concentrated aromatic ingredient, always perform a patch test before facial use and stop immediately if irritation occurs.
⚠️ This recipe is for cosmetic use only. It is not a proven treatment for wrinkles, skin disease, or collagen loss. Perform a patch test 24 hours before use, avoid the eye area and broken skin, and discontinue use if irritation or an allergic reaction occurs.