- "Less is More". This old adage often proves true with essential oils. Essential oils are up to 70 times STRONGER than herbs. They are highly concentrated. Because of this, there is no reason to use a large amount of an essential oil. Instead, one to two drops are often all that is needed to see the desired effect.
- One of my personal favorite reasons why I dilute my essential oils is that they go further and last longer! I mean, this is precious stuff, especially with my favorite oils such as Frankincense, if diluting an oil produces the same effect as if I applied it neat, then why in the world would I want to not make my oils last as long?
- Not only do they last longer, but using a carrier oil actually helps in absorption of the essential oil. By adding a carrier oil, more of the essential oil is absorbed into the skin, and less evaporates into the air. So using a carrier oil can make the effect of an essential oil, MORE potent, not less. Plus, using the carrier oil, like I noted earlier, will allow the same amount of essential oil to be spread over a larger area of skin, allowing greater benefit.
- And finally, the main reason to dilute of course would be to protect the skin from any skin sensitivities to the potent oil, and to allow proper dilution for infants, children, and the elderly.
What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil could technically be any pure vegetable oil, but here are some of my favorites:
- Almond Oil - Probably my favorite carrier oil, because it is conditioning to the skin and is very beneficial for all skin types.
- Grapeseed Oil - My favorite oil for oily skin, it is recognized as a massage oil, lotion base, hygiene cream, and lip balm. It offers regenerative and restructuring characteristics that offer quality skin moisturizing. Saturation takes longer than some other carriers. Some claim it has astringent qualities that tighten and tone the skin. It does not aggravate acne or clog pores.
- Jobaja Oil - Known for it's nourishing qualities for the skin, it's excellent absorption, protective qualities, and it's close resemblance to our own natural oils, it also has a very stable shelf life and when mixed with other carriers, increases their shelf life.
- Olive Oil - is often the first oil people have available to use as a carrier oil. It has a high vitamin and mineral count, has approximately a one-year shelf life, and is an excellent conditioner for hair.
- Fractinated Coconut Oil - This oil never goes rancid because of the fact there is no oxidation. Therefore, has an indefinite shelf life and is in a perfectly clear liquid form. It is orderless, won't clog pores, and is colorless.
- Extra Virgin Pure Coconut Oil - this oils is firm at room temperature, so it is perfect for salves and ointments, but not so much for premixed oils you would prefer in a liquid form. It also has it's own health benefits such as being absolutely amazing and healing for skin, and being an antifungal.
Dilution:
For babies, a 0.3% or 0.5% dilution is often recommended. For children, pregnant women, and the elderly 1%-2% is often recommended. For adults, it depends upon the oil, but a 5% dilution is a good recommendation.
Carrier Oil 1% 2% 5% 10%
1 Teaspoon 1 drop 2 drops 5 drops 10 drops
1 Tablespoon 3 drops 6 drops 15 drops 30 drops
1 Fluid Ounce 6 drops 12 drops 30 drops 60 drops
For quick reference:
For babies 1 drop per Tablespoon (0.3% dilution)
For children 1 drop per teaspoon (1% dilution)
For adults 5 drops per teaspoon (5% dilution)
5mL bottle = 1 tsp 10mL roller = 2 tsp 15mL bottle = 3 tsp / 1 TB
Hot Oils that may need a higher dilution ratio:
Basil
Cassia
Cinnamon Bark (in On Guard)
Clove (In On Guard)
Oregano
Peppermint (in Breathe, Past Tense, Deep Blue)
Thyme
White Fir
Wintergreen (in Deep Blue)
Lavender and Melaleuca are two oils that are often used "neat". I will even use lavender "neat" on a young child for cuts, bruises, pain, or teething.
Another thing that I get asked, is where I get my roller bottles. Honestly, I usually just buy them from Amazon. They are sometimes labeled under "perfume" bottles, and can be bought cheaply in packs.
I hope this information was helpful to you in your exploration of essential oils!