Cinnamon Oil Recipe: 3 Easy Ways to Make Cinnamon Oil at Home

If you’ve been following Simply Beyond Herbs for a while, you probably know how much I love making infused oils. Not only do they add wonderful flavors and aromas to my kitchen cabinet, but they also serve many purposes around the house. I often use oregano oil in soothing gargles, rosemary oil in homemade hair care recipes, and clove oil for tooth discomfort.

Cinnamon oil falls somewhere in between. I love its warm, comforting character and the way it instantly makes a room feel cozy. It’s one of those simple projects that requires very little effort but feels rewarding every time.

Today, I’ll show you three easy ways to make cinnamon oil at home and share some of my favorite ways to use it.

Why Make Cinnamon Oil at Home?

• Easy to make year-round: Unlike many herbal infusions that depend on seasonal harvests, cinnamon is always available and requires only 2 ingredients.
• Versatile and practical: Depending on the carrier oil you choose, you can use cinnamon oil in homemade body oils, sugar scrubs, salves, candles, potpourri, and to add warm cinnamon flavor to oatmeal, baked goods, and hot drinks.
• Beginner-friendly with a long shelf life: Because cinnamon is a dried spice, it introduces very little moisture into the oil. This helps the infusion last longer and makes it one of the easiest oils for beginners to make successfully.

What Is Cinnamon Oil?

The term cinnamon oil can refer to either a highly concentrated essential oil or a simple homemade infusion. In this article, we’re making the latter by steeping cinnamon sticks in a carrier oil. This easy method captures the warm character of cinnamon without requiring specialized equipment. For the most delicate flavor and aroma.

Ingredients

What Type of Cinnamon Is Best for Cinnamon Oil?

The quality of your cinnamon oil starts with the cinnamon you choose. Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum family, and there are two main varieties commonly available.

Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), often called true cinnamon, is prized for its delicate, sweet flavor and light brown color. Native to Sri Lanka, it contains lower levels of coumarin, a naturally occurring compound that may be harmful when consumed in large amounts over time.

Cassia cinnamon, the variety most commonly sold in supermarkets, has a darker reddish-brown color and a stronger, spicier flavor. While perfectly suitable for many culinary uses, it contains significantly higher levels of coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon.

For infused oils, either variety will work, but I prefer using Ceylon cinnamon whenever possible. Its sweeter aroma creates a more balanced infusion and is often considered the better choice for herbal preparations.

When making cinnamon oil, use fresh cinnamon sticks rather than old ones that have been sitting in the pantry for years. The more fragrant the sticks, the more aromatic your finished oil will be. If you open a package and are immediately greeted by a warm cinnamon scent, that’s usually a good sign you’ve found a quality product.

Carrier oil

Choose a high-quality carrier oil for your infusion. Jojoba oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and olive oil all work well. Coconut oil creates a rich, creamy infusion, while olive oil is a versatile choice that’s easy to find in most kitchens. For skincare applications, I often reach for sweet almond or jojoba oil because they absorb quickly and leave less of a greasy feel on the skin.

For culinary uses, I usually reach for olive oil, while sweet almond oil is my favorite for skincare projects.”

Other infusions for your inspiration

Which Method Should You Choose?

If you’re making cinnamon oil for the first time, I recommend starting with cinnamon sticks. The finished oil is clear, attractive, and easy to work with in both skincare and household projects.

Ground cinnamon is a great option when you want a stronger infusion more quickly, especially for culinary uses. If you’re after the deepest flavor and aroma possible, the cinnamon extract blend is worth the extra effort.

There is no single best way to make cinnamon oil. The right method depends on how you plan to use it and how much time you’re willing to invest.

Method	Best For	Advantages	Drawbacks	Time
Cinnamon Sticks	Skincare, gifts, DIY projects	Clear oil, easy to strain, longest shelf life	Takes longer to infuse	2–4 weeks
Ground Cinnamon	Cooking and quick infusions	Faster extraction, stronger flavor	Cloudy oil with sediment	1–2 weeks
Cinnamon Extract Blend	Strong flavor and aroma	Richest cinnamon character	Requires an additional step	Several weeks

Method 1: Cinnamon Stick Infusion

This is my preferred method because it produces a clear, beautiful oil with very little sediment. It’s ideal for skincare recipes, massage oils, salves, and gifts where appearance matters. Cinnamon sticks are also easy to strain, resulting in a cleaner finished product and a longer shelf life.

Method 2: Ground Cinnamon Infusion

Ground cinnamon infuses more quickly because more of the spice comes into contact with the oil. If you’re looking for a stronger cinnamon flavor or don’t want to wait several weeks, this method is a great option. I often recommend it for culinary uses where a little sediment isn’t a concern.

Because cinnamon powder contains very fine particles, the finished oil may appear cloudy and develop sediment at the bottom of the bottle. While this doesn’t necessarily affect its quality, it makes the oil less suitable for gifts or skincare products where appearance matters.

Method 3: Cinnamon Extract and Oil Blend

Why Choose This Method?

This method combines the richness of an oil infusion with the concentrated character of cinnamon extract. The result is a more intense cinnamon flavor and fragrance that works especially well in seasonal recipes and homemade gifts.

Best Uses

• Holiday baking
• Homemade gifts
• Potpourri
• Cinnamon-scented Christmas DIY projects

How to Speed Up Any Infusion

If you’re short on time, you can use gentle heat with any of the methods above.

Place the oil and cinnamon in a heat-safe jar and set it in a saucepan filled with a few inches of water. Warm over very low heat for two to four hours, making sure the oil never simmers or boils.

This warm infusion technique helps release the cinnamon’s flavor and fragrance more quickly while preserving the quality of the oil. Although the results won’t be quite as deep as a long infusion, it’s an excellent option when you need cinnamon oil the same day.

Can You Make Cinnamon Essential Oil at Home?

Many people wonder if they can make cinnamon essential oil themselves.

True cinnamon essential oil and cinnamon bark essential oil are produced through steam distillation. This process requires specialized equipment that generates steam, collects distilled plant compounds, and separates the oil from the water.

Because of the complexity and low oil content of cinnamon bark, home production is generally not practical. Most people purchase steam distilled essential oils from reputable suppliers instead.

How Can You Use Cinnamon Oil?

One of the reasons I enjoy making cinnamon oil is its versatility. Depending on the carrier oil and infusion method you choose, it can be used in the kitchen, around the home, or as part of your DIY beauty routine.

For culinary uses:

Cinnamon oil adds a warm, spicy flavor to a variety of recipes. I like stirring a small amount into oatmeal, pear butter, and baked goods such as muffins or cinnamon tea cake. You can also use it to flavor coffee, tea, or homemade chai.

Beyond the kitchen:

Cinnamon oil can be incorporated into homemade soaps, sugar scrubs, and massage blends. Its warming character pairs beautifully with other infused oils and seasonal ingredients.

Around the home:

I enjoy adding it to potpourri, wax melts, and homemade candles, where its comforting fragrance helps create a cozy atmosphere, particularly during autumn and winter.

Potential Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been valued for centuries in both traditional medicine and the kitchen. Much of its appeal comes from naturally occurring compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, which give cinnamon its distinctive aroma and flavor.

Rich in antioxidants
Cinnamon contains antioxidant compounds that help protect plant tissues from oxidation. These same compounds are the subject of ongoing research into their potential role in supporting overall wellness.

Traditionally used for immune support
For generations, cinnamon has been used in teas, tonics, and herbal preparations during cold weather and seasonal illnesses.

Naturally aromatic
The warm, spicy scent of cinnamon is one of its most appreciated qualities. Many people enjoy cinnamon-infused oils, candles, and potpourri for the cozy atmosphere they create.

Antimicrobial properties
Research has shown that cinnamon contains compounds with antibacterial and antifungal activity. These properties have contributed to its long history of use in traditional herbal preparations.

A versatile pantry staple
Beyond its potential wellness benefits, cinnamon is a delicious spice that can be used in everything from baked goods and beverages to infused oils and homemade skincare products.

Is Cinnamon Oil Safe to Use?

Homemade cinnamon-infused oil is generally much milder than cinnamon essential oil, but it can still cause irritation in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.

Before using it on a larger area, apply a small amount to a patch of skin and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction. If redness, itching, or discomfort occurs, discontinue use.

Using cinnamon safely also means storing it properly. Keep oils in a stable environment away from heat and direct sunlight. Proper storage helps extend shelf life and preserve quality.

How to Store Cinnamon Oil

For the longest shelf life, transfer the finished oil to a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool location.

Label the bottle with the preparation date and monitor for any changes in smell or appearance. Properly stored infused oil can remain fresh for several months.

Keeping the oil in a tightly sealed container helps preserve its flavor, fragrance, and overall quality.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make cinnamon oil is surprisingly simple. Whether you choose the slow infusion method, the quick warm process, or a cinnamon extract blend, you’ll end up with a versatile infused oil that’s useful in the kitchen, around the house, and in DIY projects.

I usually keep a small bottle on hand throughout the cooler months. Between its comforting fragrance and practical uses, it’s one of those pantry staples that I find myself reaching for again and again.

Does Cinnamon Oil Reduce Pigmentation?

There is limited scientific evidence that cinnamon can reduce skin pigmentation or lighten dark spots. While cinnamon contains antioxidant compounds and is sometimes used in DIY skincare recipes, it can also irritate sensitive skin. If you’re concerned about hyperpigmentation, it’s best to consult a dermatologist and use products specifically formulated for that purpose.

Can Cinnamon Oil Cure Candida?

No, cinnamon should not be considered a cure for candida infections. Some laboratory studies have investigated the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon, but there is not enough evidence to support using cinnamon as a treatment for candidiasis. If you suspect a candida infection, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Can Cinnamon Oil Repel Snakes?

Some gardeners and homeowners use strongly scented substances, including cinnamon, as a natural deterrent around outdoor spaces. To make a simple cinnamon oil spray, combine 10–15 drops of cinnamon essential oil with 250 ml of water and a small amount of liquid soap in a spray bottle. Shake well before use and apply around entry points, patios, or garden borders. Keep in mind that evidence for cinnamon as a snake repellent is largely anecdotal, and results may vary depending on the species and environment.

Can Cinnamon Oil Help with Hair Growth?

Cinnamon is often included in DIY hair masks and scalp treatments because it is believed to support scalp circulation. However, there is currently limited scientific evidence that homemade cinnamon-infused oil directly promotes hair growth. If you’d like to try it, blend a small amount with a carrier oil and perform a patch test first, as cinnamon can be irritating to sensitive skin.