How to Dilute Essential Oils: What, Why, and Best Practices

Essential oils are powerful, concentrated plant extracts that offer a wide range of benefits—from skin care and stress relief to immune support and natural cleaning. But to use them safely and effectively, dilution is key.

If you’ve ever wondered why you need to dilute essential oils, how to do it correctly, and what to use as a carrier, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why Should You Dilute Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even toxicity if used undiluted on the skin. Diluting them ensures:

• Safety for skin and body

• Better absorption into the skin

• Longer-lasting effects

• Cost-effectiveness (a little goes a long way)

• Balanced aroma, especially when blending

In short: Dilution protects your skin without reducing the oil’s effectiveness.

What Should You Use to Dilute Essential Oils?

You should always dilute essential oils using a carrier oil—a neutral, plant-based oil that "carries" the essential oil onto the skin.

Common Carrier Oils:

• Sweet Almond Oil – Light, great for all skin types

• Jojoba Oil – Closest to skin's natural sebum, long shelf life

• Coconut Oil (fractionated) – Lightweight, non-greasy, and easily absorbed

• Grapeseed Oil – Light and non-comedogenic

• Olive Oil – Thicker, better for dry or mature skin

• Argan Oil – Rich in vitamin E, great for skin and hair

You can also use:

• Unscented lotion or cream

• Aloe vera gel (pure, without additives)

• Hydrosols (for water-based sprays or mists)

How to Dilute Essential Oils: Dilution Ratios

The amount of essential oil you use depends on the age, sensitivity, and purpose. Below is a helpful dilution chart:

Tip: Always do a patch test first when trying a new blend.

How to Dilute Essential Oils for Different Uses

1. For Skin (Massage or Skincare)

Mix essential oils into your chosen carrier oil:

• For 30ml (1 oz) of carrier oil: add 6–18 drops of essential oil (1–3%)

2. For Facial Application

Use a lower dilution:

• For 10ml of carrier oil: 1–2 drops of essential oil (1%)

3. For Children

Stick to very mild dilutions:

• 1 drop in 10ml carrier oil (0.25–0.5%)

4. For Baths

Mix essential oils into a dispersant first (like full-fat milk, Epsom salts, or a carrier oil), then add to the water. Never drop oils directly into bathwater—they will float and could irritate the skin.

5. For Roller Blends

Use a 10ml roller bottle:

• Add 5–10 drops of essential oil (2–3%), fill the rest with carrier oil

Essential Oil Dilution Tips

• Always dilute before applying to the skin – even “gentle” oils like lavender

• Avoid using water as a carrier – oils are not water-soluble and can float on top

• Store blends in dark glass bottles – to protect from light and oxidation

• Label your blends with dilution percentage and date

• Use lower dilutions for daily use, and stronger ones only for short-term support

• Pregnancy and elderly care require extra caution—stick to 1% or less unless advised by a professional

Oils That Require Extra Dilution or Caution

Some essential oils are naturally stronger and more likely to irritate the skin:

• Cinnamon

• Clove

• Oregano

• Thyme

• Peppermint

• Eucalyptus

Use these at lower concentrations (0.5–1%), especially for children or sensitive skin.

Final Thoughts

Diluting essential oils is one of the most important practices for safe and effective aromatherapy. With the right carrier oil and proper ratios, you can enjoy all the therapeutic benefits of essential oils—without risking irritation or harm.

Whether you're making your own massage blend, facial serum, or roller bottle, always dilute according to age, skin type, and purpose. A little knowledge and care go a long way in making aromatherapy safe for everyone.