A spicy oil that changed the way stylists treat scalp and hair care
Unrefined bay laurel oil belongs to the Butters section, and although it looks like a typical solid plant fat at first glance, its composition and aroma set it apart from most other butters on the market. It is cold pressed from the fruit of the bay laurel tree and left unrefined, which preserves the natural aromatic compounds responsible for its distinctive spicy, herbal scent. The 10 g pack size is a practical choice for anyone who wants to test this oil in a small trial batch of homemade cosmetics before committing to a larger quantity for regular production.
Worldwide, the strongest demand for bay laurel oil comes from hair and scalp care. It is commonly added to hair masks, leave-in treatments and scalp serums to help strengthen hair follicles, reduce breakage and balance oil production at the scalp level. The oil is also valued in formulations for blemish-prone skin thanks to its mild antiseptic character and ability to regulate sebum. Beyond cosmetics, bay laurel oil is used in aromatherapy blends and in niche perfumery as a fixative that adds a warm, spicy woody note, and in several culinary traditions it is used sparingly as a flavoring agent for dishes and sauces.
Because of its concentrated aroma and active compounds, bay laurel oil is rarely used alone. Formulators typically add it at 3 to 7 percent of total batch weight, blended with other base oils and butters. Combining it with unrefined palm oil gives balms and creams a firm, stable texture that holds well in warmer climates. To soften the sharp herbal scent and introduce a lighter citrus facet, many formulators reach for refined orange butter. For a lighter, fast-absorbing finish without a heavy oily film, bay laurel oil pairs nicely with babassu butter.
Add bay laurel oil during the oil phase of your formulation, keeping the temperature below 60-65 degrees Celsius to avoid degrading its volatile aromatic components. Allow the melted base to cool slightly before introducing heat-sensitive actives. Store the oil in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve its properties over time.
Scalp strengthening solid balm
Unrefined bay laurel oil 10 g
Babassu butter 15 g
Unrefined palm oil 10 g
Refined orange butter 5 g
Melt the babassu butter together with the palm oil in a double boiler until fully liquid, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly to a warm but pourable state. Stir in the bay laurel oil and orange butter, mixing thoroughly until smooth, then pour the blend into a small tin or jar. Allow it to set at room temperature for a few hours before use, and apply a small amount to the scalp with gentle massaging motions two to three times a week.