Since essential oils are extremely concentrated, it’s generally not a good idea to apply them directly to your skin. This can cause sensitization, irritation, or allergic reactions. To stay safe, dilute your oil in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil.
Common dilution rates are as follows:
- 1% – 5 to 6 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: Suitable for children under 12, seniors over 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
- 2% – 10 to 12 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: General dilution for DIY skincare and beauty products.
- 3% – 15 to 18 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: Often used in specific application blends.
- 5% – 28 to 30 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: Used to treat specific acute illnesses.
- 10% – 58 to 60 drops per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil: Used for DIY cologne and perfume products.
If you’re not sure how much essential oil to use, start with the lowest dilution and work your way up. You can always add another drop or two, but it’s much harder to fix a solution that has too much oil in it.
Aside from being an important safety precaution, diluting your essential oils will save you money by making sure you’re not using more oil than you really need.