That said, baby oil and cloves (or clove oil) may have some traditional uses.
Potential benefits
1. Moisturises the skin
- Baby oil helps lock in moisture and can leave the skin feeling soft.
- It works best when applied to slightly damp skin after bathing.
2. Massage oil
- Baby oil provides good glide for massages.
- Cloves add a warm, spicy scent and may create a mild warming sensation.
3. Clove properties
Cloves contain eugenol, a natural compound that has:
- Antioxidant properties.
- Mild antimicrobial activity.
- Temporary numbing effects (which is why clove oil has traditionally been used for toothache).
How to use it safely
If using whole cloves:
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of whole cloves to 100 ml of baby oil.
- Let the mixture infuse for several days to a week in a sealed container (10 seconds is not enough for the cloves to release much into the oil).
- Strain out the cloves before use.
- Apply a small amount to clean skin and massage gently.
If using clove essential oil:
- Mix 1–2 drops of clove essential oil into 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baby oil.
- Mix well before applying.
Important precautions
- Do a patch test on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to check for irritation.
- Do not apply near the eyes, inside the nose, or on broken skin.
- Clove oil can irritate the skin if used undiluted.
- Keep the mixture out of reach of children.
If you saw this mixture promoted for a specific purpose—such as hair growth, pain relief, mosquito repellent, skin care, or sexual performance—let me know which one, and I can explain what the evidence says for that particular claim.