How to Dilute Essential Oils (2024)

Essential oils are great for multitude of uses. Using undiluted essential oils on skin or in any other use can be harmful. So be sure to dilute the oils correctly, in the right proportions, and with the correct solution.

Dilution of Essential Oils is typically done by using a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, almond oil, etc. A 2% dilution is considered a safe guideline for adults when used topically. A 1% dilution is suggested for children and elderly. Note. Use only essential oils regarded as safe for children.

2% dilution example

12 drops of essential oil to 1 fl. ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil

1% dilution example

6 drops of essential oil to 1 fl. ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil

Lavendar Massage Oil

Ingredients: Lavendar Essential Oil, Grapeseed oil/Almond oil – your carrier oil, 2 ounce bottle

Add 2 fl. ounces of your carrier oil
Add 24 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

Cap tightly
Shake well
Store in dark, cool place

If you do not dilute, clients and or yourself may experience symptoms of sensitization. Which include and are not limited to: skin rash, itching, redness, respiratory issues, anaphylactic shock. Once sensitization occurs, you are likely to remain sensitized to that oil for the remainder of your life.

Each essential oil is different, in regards to the dilution process. Each one requires different ratios to obtain the desired effect. Some oils are harsher than others, and some people are more sensitive to some oils over others, and even their scents.

You can now buy your favorite essential oils from our school’s apothecary. Stop by to shop and get a rejuvenating treatment at our student clinic. Choose one or more spa services such as a facial or a massage.

Our 500-Hr Certified Herbalism Program start soon. Click here for more more information.

How to Dilute Essential Oils (2024)

FAQs

How to Dilute Essential Oils? ›

A good rule of thumb is to simply add two drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil, or 5 drops for every 10ml of carrier oil. One drop of essential oil equals one percent of dilution (1 drop = 1%), so be sure not to go overboard if you want to ensure complete safety for your skin!

How to make essential oils thinner? ›

Mixing essential oils with a carrier oil is arguably the most popular way to dilute essential oils. There are many different carrier oils on the market, but the most popular choices are jojoba oil, coconut oil and sweet almond oil, thanks to their holistic benefits and ease of access.

What is the best ratio for essential oils? ›

For facial applications such as masks or oils, a 1% or less dilution is recommended. For massages oils and other leave-on body products, we recommend a 2% dilution, and for other rinse-off bath and body products, we recommend 3%. When using essential oils with children, there are more precautions to consider.

What happens if you don't dilute essential oils enough? ›

Some common signs of sensitization include itchy skin, bumpy rash, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. By applying essential oils undiluted on the skin over time, your body can begin to trigger an immune response which can lead to sensitization.

How do you dilute essential oils for experiments? ›

General Blending Information
  1. 1% dilution: approximately 6 drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
  2. 2% dilution: approximately 12 drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
  3. 3% dilution: approximately 18 drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

How do you dilute 100% pure essential oils? ›

A good rule of thumb is to simply add two drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil, or 5 drops for every 10ml of carrier oil. One drop of essential oil equals one percent of dilution (1 drop = 1%), so be sure not to go overboard if you want to ensure complete safety for your skin!

What can you add to oil to make it thinner? ›

Combining Oil and Mineral Spirits for Art Projects

To thin out the oil, add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of mineral spirits into the jar. Use a palette knife or other thin tool to stir these ingredients together. Store the medium in a small glass container.

Which essential oils should not be mixed? ›

The combination of Peppermint and Thyme may lead to stomach irritation. There is also some evidence that skin irritation may be caused by the combination of Peppermint and Ylang Ylang, or Grapefruit blended with Lemon.

What is best to dilute essential oils? ›

There are many types of products that you can use to dilute your essential oils, depending on your needs. The most common option would be carrier oils, but you can also use body butter, lotions, creams, and soaps. If you want to add essential oil to your hair, you can add them to your shampoos and conditioners as well.

What is the maximum dilution rate for essential oils? ›

If used undiluted, essential oils can cause skin sensitization or allergy. In most circles, a normal dilution rate is considered to be anything between 1-5% and a high dilution is 5-10%.

Which two essential oils do not need to be diluted? ›

Specific essential oils that tend to be safe to apply undiluted include tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) **Be sure it has not oxidized!, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), rose (Rosa damascena), and sandalwood (Santalum album or Santalum ...

What is the best carrier oil to mix with essential oils? ›

Some of the most commonly used carrier oils are grapeseed, jojoba, coconut and apricot kernel oils, as these oils are typically similar in structure to our skin's natural sebums and therefore absorb easily and don't cause clogged pores or breakouts.

Does rubbing alcohol dilute essential oils? ›

Essential oils can also be diluted in other mediums, like alcohol or water, which is common when making non-topical or dispersed applications like cleaners, air/room sprays, bug sprays, etc.

What is the best way to mix essential oils? ›

Follow the 30:50:20 ratio when mixing scent notes - 30% top note (3 drops), 50% middle note (5 drops) and 20% base note (2 drops), label each new blend clearly. Essential oil blends perform best after 'resting' for a day or so, this will allow the oils to blend and harmonise fully.

What essential oils smell good together? ›

What are the Best Smelling Essential Oil Blends?
  • Lavender, Ylang-Ylang and Orange: a soothing citrus mix.
  • Orange, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Peppermint and Cardamom: an uplifting, energising, motivating combination (Motivate Pure Essential Oil Blend).
  • Ylang-Ylang and Geranium: a floral springtime scent.

How do you make fragrance oil thinner? ›

If the Perfume is oil based (and you know that for a fact) I would choose Fractionated Coconut Oil as the diluent since it is colorless, odorless, and has an almost infinite shelf life. If, however, the Perfume is alcohol based, you must use more alcohol to dilute.

What oil is best for diluting essential oils? ›

Fractionated coconut oil is the most popular carrier oil for essential oils, and for good reason. Coconut oil, extracted from the fruit of the coconut tree, is a super-oil full of natural antioxidants and is in itself an excellent antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil.

How do you dilute essential oils for daily use? ›

General dilution guidelines are: Adults: Usually, a 2-3% dilution is suitable, about 12-18 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

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