Diluted Essential Oils

Diluting essential oils is crucial because they are highly concentrated and can cause irritation or adverse reactions if used directly on the skin. Here’s a guide on how to properly dilute essential oils for safe topical application:

Why Dilute Essential Oils?

- Skin Safety: Prevents skin irritation, sensitization, and allergic reactions.

- Efficacy: Helps in the absorption of the oil through the skin without overwhelming the senses.

- Economy: Extends the volume of essential oil, making it last longer.

Tools and Ingredients

- Carrier Oil: These are oils used to dilute essential oils for topical application. Common carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil.

- Essential Oil: The essential oil or oils you want to use.

- Measuring Tools: Droppers, measuring spoons, or pipettes for precise measurement.

- Storage Bottle: A small glass bottle or container to mix and store the diluted oil.

Common Dilution Ratios

The dilution ratio you choose can depend on the intended use, the age of the person using the oil, and the type of essential oil. Here are some common dilution ratios:

- General Use: 2% dilution — 2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil, or about 12 drops per ounce.

- Facial Skincare: 1% dilution — 1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil, or about 6 drops per ounce.

- Children and Sensitive Skin: 0.5% dilution — 1 drop of essential oil per 2 teaspoons of carrier oil, or about 3 drops per ounce.

- High Dilution (for specific, short-term health issues like muscle pain or injury): 3-5% dilution — 3 to 5 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

Steps to Dilute Essential Oils

1. Choose Your Carrier Oil: Select a carrier oil that suits your skin type and the purpose of the application.

2. Measure the Carrier Oil: Pour the carrier oil into the glass bottle using a measuring spoon or cup based on how much you want to make.

3. Add Essential Oils: Using a dropper, add the appropriate number of drops of your essential oil to the carrier oil based on the desired dilution ratio.

4. Mix Thoroughly: Cap the bottle and shake it well to ensure the essential oil is evenly distributed throughout the carrier oil.

5. Label and Store: Label your bottle with the contents and date of mixing. Store the oil in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency.

Tips for Using Diluted Essential Oils

- Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using a new oil blend to check for any adverse reactions.

- Consult Healthcare Providers: Especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, have existing health conditions, or are using oils with children.

- Be Aware of Phototoxic Oils: Some essential oils (like citrus oils) can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Be cautious with sun exposure if using these oils on the skin.