When making natural cosmetics or herbal products at home, you will often encounter terms like infusion, decoction, or extract.
Each method of extracting active compounds from plants has its specific properties, and knowing when and how to use them can significantly improve both the effectiveness and shelf life of your products.
In this article, we explain the differences and illustrate them using lavender and hemp, which are very popular in the production of salves, butters, or creams.
What Is an Infusion and When to Use It?
An infusion is the simplest way to process herbs. You pour hot (not boiling) water over them and let them steep for 10–15 minutes – just like making tea.
Suitable for:
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Delicate parts of herbs: flowers, leaves (e.g., lavender)
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Short-term use (e.g., facial water, hair rinse)
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Water-based preparations (e.g., mists, tonics)
Not suitable for:
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Making salves or butters (due to low shelf life)
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Long-term storage
Example of use:
A lavender flower infusion can be added to facial water or a calming mist. Store in the fridge and use within 2–3 days.
What Is a Decoction and When to Use It?
A decoction is made by boiling herbs (especially harder parts such as stems, seeds, bark) in water for 10–30 minutes. This extracts more active compounds than simple steeping.
Suitable for:
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Harder parts of herbs or whole dried plants (e.g., hemp stems)
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Sitz baths, compresses, or as the water base for creams
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Stronger extraction of water-soluble compounds
Not suitable for:
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Direct production of salves (again due to water content and low shelf life)
Example of use:
A decoction of hemp stems can be used as the water phase in a soothing cream for atopic eczema. You can also add a lavender infusion for fragrance and additional benefits.
What Is an Extract and Why Prefer It for Making Salves and Butters?
An extract is obtained from herbs using oil, alcohol, glycerin, or other solvents. This produces a concentrated form of active compounds with long shelf life.
Suitable for:
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Making salves, butters, serums, balms, and tinctures
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Long-term preservation of active compounds
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Maximum utilization of therapeutic components
Types of extracts:
| Type | Suitable for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Oil extract (macerate) | Salves, butters, oils | Macerate of lavender or hemp in olive/almond oil |
| Alcohol extract (tincture) | Tinctures, additive for creams | Hemp tincture – anti-inflammatory effect |
| Glycerin extract | Skin care products | Lavender extract for creams for sensitive skin |
Practical Use: Making Lavender and Hemp Butter
Lavender Butter (soothing)
Macerate dried lavender flowers in shea or coconut oil for 3 weeks (or heat gently to 40–50 °C for faster extraction).
Strain.
After solidifying, you get a fragrant butter suitable for skin, chapped lips, or relaxing massages.
Hemp Butter (for eczema, dry skin)
Macerate crushed hemp stems in high-quality hemp or olive oil.
Let stand for at least 2–3 weeks, or gently heat (do not boil) to 40–50 °C.
Strain, mix with shea butter, and let solidify – ideal for eczema, irritation, and regeneration.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
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Infusion: gentle, short-term, suitable for delicate herb parts – ideal for the water phase of creams.
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Decoction: stronger water extraction – good base for medicinal creams and compresses.
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Extract: long-lasting, potent – best for salves, butters, and tinctures.
When making natural cosmetics, we recommend combining different extraction methods, but above all, choose the one that matches the nature of the final product.
