Glycerites DIY

March 24, 2025

To formulate a glycerite you can infuse fresh or powdered plant material in glycerin. Glycerites can be used in skincare. It can be added to formulations for properties and colour.

Steps

Prepare ingredients

Select your plant material, fresh or dried.

Fill jar

Weigh out 70% glycerin and 30% plant material by weight. Add the plant material to a clean jar. For fresh plants, add enough glycerin to cover the plant material. For dried plants, dilute glycerin with enough distilled water to combine prior to adding to the glycerin otherwise it will clump up.

Macerate

Put a lid on your jar and let the mixture set for 7 to 10 days. Shake the jar daily. You’ll notice the glycerin start to take on the colour of your infusing ingredient. The glycerin will become thinner or more fluid. This is normal, as the water-soluble constituents are pulled into the glycerin. Cover the jar and let it sit in a dark place at room temperature for 4–6 weeks. Shake the jar every day or two

Strain

Line a strainer with cheesecloth or muslin and strain the mixture if fresh or non powder herbs are used. Squeeze the plant material to extract all the glycerite.

Bottle and label

Pour the glycerite into a clean bottle and label it with the contents and date.

Storage and shelf life: 2 years (depending on the plant material) when kept in a cool dark place.