How to (safely) dilute essential oils
How many drops should I put in my blend?
I often get asked this by clients who are keen to get blending at home. Essential oils are a natural plant-based substance, they are highly concentrated oils and contain a mixture of chemical compounds. Something that often gets forgotten about when working with natural products is safety. When you’re making your own aromatherapy blends it’s important to remember that you’re working with powerful substances. Be sure to work carefully and with caution, working with appropriate dilutions to ensure everyone’s safety.
Why do I need to dilute?
Respect
My first approach to essential oils and to aromatherapy is to respect the plants. So much work and effort goes into planting, growing, harvesting and producing the oils. So much goes into the process of creating these precious concentrated oils , it’s really unnecessary to use loads of drops. Diluting the oils shows careful consideration and respect for the plant, to the process and to the sustainability of the oil and the natural resource that it offers us.
Skincare
High dosages and neat topical application can cause dangerous and negative skin or health reactions. Using essential oils that are undiluted, or at a dilution that is too high can lead to skin irritation, skin sensitisation and in some cases, allergic reactions (although this is quite rare).
Age and health
When creating blends for children, women who are pregnant, the elderly and people with particular health conditions - dilutions must be lowered. This is because their bodies are more sensitive and vulnerable and we want to reduce the toxic load put onto them.
Less is more
Less really can mean more. Using more essential oils doesn’t always mean that you are going to pack a load more benefits or have a more powerful blend. It may actually increase your risk of skin sensitisation and irritation and also potentially follow with other effects such as headaches or nausea.
Base products
Natural base oils and butters are super nourishing and moisturising to the skin. I’ll repeat for effect - essential oils can react and irritate the skin, so it’s important to blend them into a base product. Essential oils are fat soluble, meaning that they only dissolve in fats, therefore we must blend with fats - jojoba, grapeseed and sweet almond oil are all great options for blending and if you’re looking to make something a little more solid, you can use coconut oil or butters such as cocoa and shea butter.
It’s important to note here that this is a general dilution guide and that some essential oils have specific safety guidelines. You should always check the safety information for the essential oils you’re using as certain oils call for very low dilutions or a maximum dermal (skin) use of 2%.
Below i’ve made a super easy table of dilutions from 1 - 3%.
On the far left column you will see the measurements (10, 20, 30ml..) - this is your base oil and the drops on the 3 right columns show the amount of essential oils needed for the amount of base oil, in relation to the dilution you have chosen - are you still with me?
1%
This dilution is for children (over five years old), pregnant women and the elderly. For anyone who is sensitive to fragrances, who gets headaches as a result of aromas, has sensitive skin, or when making a product for the face this is a great place to start.
2%
This is the general dilution used for dermal application, for massage and overall skincare (use 1% for the face). It’s the most used dilution for chronic conditions, for overall health and wellbeing for both physical and emotional support
3%
These dilutions should be used if you are blending to support yourself through a particular health condition or symptom or if you have an acute pain or problem - for example, menstrual pain, colds, cough, sinusitis, pain relief.
