Safe Use of Essential Oils
I love using essential oils—they are potent plant extracts that can be very beneficial when used correctly. Essential oils are increasingly finding their way into mainstream use, addressing a variety of ailments, skincare needs, and supporting relaxation. However, great care and responsibility are necessary due to their high potency. In a time when many believe that more is better, it’s important to understand that with essential oils, less is more. It can take umpteen pounds of plant material to create a single bottle of essential oil, highlighting their incredible potency. My goal is to help you feel comfortable using essential oils so that you can safely reap their benefits by using them sparingly and correctly, enjoying their therapeutic properties without risk.
Understanding Dilution
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts—a little goes a long way. While undiluted (neat) use is occasionally appropriate, essential oils should generally be diluted to avoid skin irritation, sensitization, or systemic toxicity. Proper dilution reduces these risks, making your essential oil experience both safe and enjoyable.
Reasons to Dilute Essential Oils
Prevents Skin Reactions: Reduces the chance of irritation or sensitization
Cost-Effective: Extends the usage of your essential oils.=
Improved Absorption: Helps oils absorb more effectively into the skin
Added Benefits: Carrier oils also provide their own skin benefits
General Guidelines for Dilution
The ideal dilution ratio can vary depending on the route, frequency, intended use, essential oil, and individual. Here are some general guidelines:
Adults: 1-2% dilution is typically safe for most applications
Children Over the Age of 5: 0.5-1% dilution is recommended
Sensitive Skin: Start with a 0.5% dilution and adjust as needed
Acute Short-term Use: 3-5% may be used for a 1-2 week duration, if necessary
Essential Oil Dilution Chart
Amount of Product | 0.5% | 1% | 2% | 3% | 5% |
0.5 oz (15 ml) | 1 drop | 2-3 drops | 5-6 drops | 8-9 drops | 13-15 drops |
1 oz (30 ml) | 2-3 drops | 5-6 drops | 10-12 drops | 15-18 drops | 25-30 drops |
2 oz (60 ml) | 5-6 drops | 10-12 drops | 20-24 drops | 30-36 drops | 50-60 drops |
3 oz (90 ml) | 6-9 drops | 15-18 drops | 30-36 drops | 45-54 drops | 75-90 drops |
4 oz (120 ml) | 10-12 drops | 20-24 drops | 40-48 drops | 60-72 drops | 100-120 drops |
Diluting with a Carrier Oil for Topical Use
Carrier oils play a vital role in diluting essential oils and aiding their absorption into the skin. Here’s a quick guide to some popular carrier oils:
Oil | Properties | Shelf Life |
Jojoba Oil | Similar to skin's natural sebum, excellent for moisturizing, nearly odorless | Long shelf life |
Argan Oil | Rich in antioxidants; nourishing and balancing; ideal for skincare and haircare | Up to 2 years |
Avocado Oil | Rich in vitamins A and D; improves skin elasticity; relieves chronic skin irritation | Up to 3 years |
Sweet Almond Oil | Emollient, light, easily absorbed; suitable for all ages; avoid if you have nut allergies | About 1 year |
Olive Oil | Antioxidant and vitamin-rich; nourishes dry and inflamed skin; mild antifungal properties | Up to 2 years |
Sunflower Oil | Light, non-greasy; anti-inflammatory; ideal for eczema | About 1 year |
Rosehip Oil | Strong nourishing and regenerative properties; ideal for dry and mature skin; golden to reddish hue | About 6 months |
Castor Oil | Thick and viscous; well absorbed; relieves muscle spasms and tightness; helpful for digestive issues | Over 2 years |
Camellia Oil | Nearly scentless; dry-feeling; rich in antioxidants; ideal for oily or acne-prone skin | About 2 years |
How to Dilute Essential Oils
Choose Your Carrier Oil: Select based on your skin type, the intended use, and preferences of texture.
Determine the Desired Dilution Ratio: Use the above information for reference.
Mix the Oils: Use a clean glass bottle. For a 1% dilution, add 5-6 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil. See the above dilution chart for more information.
Label Your Mixture: Always label your mixtures with the date and contents.
Example Recipe: Sore Muscle Massage Oil (3% dilution for acute use)
15 ml (1 Tbsp) coconut oil
15 ml (1 Tbsp) jojoba oil/wax
5 drops of black spruce (Picea mariana)
4 drops of bergamot mint (Mentha citrata)
3 drops of ginger (Zingiber officinalis)
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Dilution for Salves
Salves can be used for a large variety of needs, so depending on the intention of your salve, you will most likely dilute the essential oil to 0.5-3% of the total oil in the salve. If you are making a pain salve that will only be used for acute needs, you could go up to a 5% dilution.
Example Recipe: Sinus Salve (1% dilution)
1 cup (8 oz) jojoba oil infused with pine resin
1-2 oz beeswax (adjust by consistency preference)
20 drops of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
10 drops of black spruce (Picea mariana)
10 drops of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Safe Topical Usage Tips
To ensure the safe use of essential oils, follow these tips:
Patch Testing: Apply a single drop of diluted oil to a patch of skin and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
Photosensitivity: Some oils, like citrus oils, can cause skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure after applying these oils.
Storage: Keep your essential oils in dark glass bottles, away from direct sunlight and heat. You may want to store them in the refrigerator.
Chart: Common Photosensitive/Phototoxic Essential Oils
Essential Oil | Sun Exposure Warning |
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) | Avoid sunlight for 12 hours, or use a furanocoumarin-free oil (bergamot FCF) |
Expressed/Cold Pressed Lemon (Citrus limon) | Avoid sunlight for 12 hours, keep dilution below 2% |
Expressed/Cold Pressed Lime (Citrus medica) | Avoid sunlight for 12 hours, or use distilled lime |
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) | Avoid sunlight for 12 hours, and keep dilution below 4% |
Additional Safe Ways to Use Essential Oils
Use in Salt Baths
Salts are a wonderful addition to baths and foot soaks, but they do not act as a carrier, so you will need to also use a carrier oil or Castile soap. Mix the essential oil with the carrier or Castile soap before adding to the water, otherwise, the essential oil will sit on top of the water. For baths and soaks, 0.5-1% dilution is ideal.
Example Recipe: Relaxing Salt Bath (0.5% dilution)
2 oz (~4 Tbsp) Celtic Sea Salt
1 Tbsp sweet almond oil
2 drops Roman chamomile (Chamaemulum nobile)
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Use in Steam Inhalations
Steam inhalations offer a soothing remedy for respiratory discomfort, whether stemming from allergies or respiratory infections. This is not a dilution so much as a limitation, as you will only need a single drop into the steaming pot of water. Make sure that the water is only steaming, not boiling, and be sure to keep your eyes closed. Lean over the steaming pot to breathe in the oil. For enhanced effectiveness, you can create a makeshift steam tent by draping a towel over your head and the bowl to concentrate the steam inhalation.
Use in a Room Spray
Room sprays and linen sprays are a quick and wonderful way to bring freshness and happiness to any room. The common dilution for sprays is 2%.
Example Recipe: Awake and Ready Room Spray
2 oz spray bottle
15ml alcohol (95%)
~ 43 ml Distilled water
10 drops Siberian fir (Abies sibirica)
6 drops Lemon (Citrus limon)
6 drops Juniper berry (Juniperus communis)
Use in a Personal Inhaler
Essential oil inhalers are personal aromatherapy inhalers that allow for convenient and discreet inhalation of essential oils. Essential oil inhalers offer a convenient, discreet, and effective way to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils wherever you go. Whether you need respiratory support, stress relief, or a mood boost, inhalers provide a portable solution for incorporating aromatherapy into your daily routine.
Example Recipe: Headache Inhaler
1 aromatherapy inhaler
5 drops of Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
5 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
5 drops of Roman chamomile (Chamaemulum nobile)
Special Considerations
Certain groups require more caution when using essential oils:
Children Under the Age of 5: Always use lower dilution rates and avoid certain oils like peppermint and eucalyptus.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: Consult an aromatherapist before using essential oils. Avoid oils like cinnamon, fennel, hyssop, oregano, clary sage, wintergreen, and rosemary.
Elderly: Use lower dilution rates and avoid oils that could affect blood pressure or interact with prescription medications.
Final Word
Proper dilution and safe usage of essential oils are key to enjoying their benefits without adverse effects. It is important to purchase your essential oils from reputable sources to ensure quality and purity. Before using a new oil, always conduct thorough research to understand any special precautions associated with it. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this article, you can confidently incorporate essential oils into your holistic wellness routine. Experiment safely and enjoy the wonderful world of essential oils!
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