How To Dilute Your Pure Essential Oils Properly (2024)

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Because of the concentrated strength of pure essential oils, proper dilution is a fundamental component of practicing safe aromatherapy. Dilution refers to the practice of mixing drops of pure essential oils into a carrier oil, water, or other unscented delivery methods including lotions and creams.

How to Dilute Essential Oils

There are a few different ways to measure and dilute your essential oils. Measure by the drop either from an insert (known as a reducer) or by a glass pipette. Or use measuring spoons, especially when mixing larger amounts. Any of these choices work depending on the container you're using.

Most essential oil dilution rates should be3% or less for topical use (as an example, 3 drops of essential oil to 97 drops of carrier oil). This dilution rate would be considered safe and effective for most aromatherapy applications.

The exception would be for children, pregnant women, the elderly, or anyone weakened from chronic illness. In those cases, a 1% dilution is recommended although even less might be appropriate.

Always remember: in aromatherapy, more doesn’t mean better. Too great a concentration can lead to an unwanted reaction.

The following is standard dilutions and conversions.

  • 1% dilution: 6 drops per ounce
  • 2% dilution: 12 drops (about ⅛ teaspoon) per ounce
  • 3% dilution: 18 drops (a little less than ¼ teaspoon) per ounce

      The intended use for your essential oil will determine what dilution percentage you should use. For example, for facial cosmetics, a lower range of 0.2-1.5% is recommended but for room sprays, a higher percentage can be used. We’ve created a chart to help you follow our recommended practices:

      Essential Oil Dilution Chart

      End-Use

      Dilution Range

      Facial Cosmetics

      0.2 - 1.5%

      Body Massage

      1.5 - 3%

      Bath & Body Products

      1 - 3%

      Hair Care

      1.5 - 3%

      Air Mist/Room Freshener

      2 - 3%

      Surface Spray

      3%

      Measuring larger amounts? It can be easier to use measuring spoons instead of trying to track the number of drops you’ve used. The following conversion chart is a helpful tool for whichever measuring method you prefer.

      Essential Oil DilutionApproximate Measurement Conversion Chart

      12 drops

      ⅛ tsp

      1/48 oz.

      ⅙ dram

      ⅝ ml.

      25 drops

      ¼ tsp

      1/24 oz.

      ⅓ dram

      1 ¼ ml.

      100 drops

      1 tsp

      ⅙ oz.

      1⅓ dram

      5ml

      150 drops

      1½ tsp

      ¼ oz.

      2 drams

      7.5 ml

      300 drops

      1 Tbsp

      ½ oz.

      4 drams

      15 ml.

      Have questions about diluting your essential oils? Drop us a line or give us a call at 1-800-207-8538. We’re always here to help you out on your essential oil journey.

      SHOP Essential Oils

      SHOP Carrier Oils

      How To Dilute Your Pure Essential Oils Properly (2024)

      FAQs

      How To Dilute Your Pure Essential Oils Properly? ›

      The easiest way to figure out a 2% dilution is by using the dropper provided on your essential oil bottle. 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.

      What is the proper dilution of 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.

      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.

      How do you mix pure 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.

      How do you diffuse pure essential oils? ›

      Place 2-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and keep it nearby. You can tuck it into an air vent in your car or simply hold it close to your nose and breathe in. Refresh with 1 drop every hour. Room Spray: A quick spritz into the air helps freshen a room and mask odors.

      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!

      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 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.

      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 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.

      What oils cannot be mixed together? ›

      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 the best mix of essential oils? ›

      Give these combinations a try:
      • 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 I make sure my essential oil is pure? ›

      To check, you just have to pour a drop of the oil on a piece of paper, if the oil does not leave a mark and evaporates quickly, then it is a pure essential oil. If the mark remains on the paper, it shows that the essential oil has been mixed with vegetable oil.

      What is the healthiest way to diffuse essential oils? ›

      Intermittent diffusion is much more effective, as well as being safer, than continuous diffusion. Intermittent means 30-60 minutes on, then 30-60 minutes off. This is because our body, especially our nervous system, habituates after this length of time.

      How do you purify essential oils? ›

      Essential oils can be purified by steam distillation. Q.

      What ratios do you mix essential oil? ›

      QUICK REFERENCE BLENDING CHART
      Essential Oil Blend PercentageEssential Oil AmountCarrier Oil Amount
      2%40 drops100 ml
      3%6 drops2 teaspoons
      12 drops1 tablespoon
      60 drops100 ml
      8 more rows

      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.

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

      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.

      What is the ratio of essential oil to water in a diffuser? ›

      Most experts recommend up to 5 drops per 100ml of water, just remember that many diffusers hold much more water than that. When it comes to oil, each flavour is different. You would only want to use 1 drop of Wintergreen Oil, for example, but you might want to use more drops of Lavender Oil.

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