Diluting Essential Oils for Safety

Essential oils are powerful and just a little bit goes a long way!

For topical use, dilution is always a good idea. Rest assured, you will not dilute the effectiveness but will make your essential oil go further since a very large percentage evaporates off of the skin when no carrier oil is applied. A carrier oil is just an oily oil that helps “carry” the essential oil into the body. That could be coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, unscented lotion or many others.

Dilution occurs when you drip a drop, or more of an essential oil into a carrier oil before applying to the skin

This is very important for using essential oils on little ones and helpful, even on adults. Not only does it absorb better, it spreads your essential oil over a larger surface area of your skin and that helps increase the effect.

How much to dilute depends on what type of health issue you are trying to address. Here are some guidelines.

Essential Oil Dilution Guidelines for Topical Use

• 0.3% dilution or less is appropriate for babies from birth to around a year of age. My general rule of thumb for newborns is to use only if needed, in consultation with a practitioner well-versed in essential oil safety for newborns. Newborns are so fresh and responsive that just 1 drop in a Tablespoon or two of carrier oil works well. Over 3 months, the 0.3% dilution is an appropriate application. Apply to the baby's feet and put on cotton socks.
• 1.5% to 3% dilution would be appropriate on children from 1-5 years, the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immunity or sensitive skin. This is a great dilution for rubbing over larger areas of skin in adults, basic skin support and daily use.
• 3% – 10% dilution is great for short-term use or for a temporary health issue where you may need extra respiratory support or for achy, tired or overworked muscles.
• 25%-50% dilution is sometimes warranted to support occasional muscle cramps, bruising, aches or for seasonal support.
• Neat or using essential oils, undiluted, on the skin should be done with understanding and care because some people can experience skin irritation or sensitivity.

Some essential oils that can be used without dilution by most people are: Melaleuca, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Cypress, Eucalyptus and others. 

Keep in mind that we are all different in nature and chemistry so what may be totally fine for one person, may cause itching or discomfort in another. If that happens, just follow it with a carrier oil to immediately reduce any discomfort.

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To purchase 10ml roller bottes to ease your dilution and application, CLICK HERE

How do I determine the appropriate dose of an essential oil?

When determining the appropriate dose of essential oil , there are two important factors to consider—the amount of oil to use and the frequency of application. 

Essential oils are very potent so using a small amount will go a long way. Individual factors such as age, size, weight, and overall health status influence the amount of oil needed. Typically, it is best to start with a low amount and increase the dose as necessary to achieve the desired benefit.

Consistency of application has been scientifically validated to be the most beneficial way to apply essential oils. Using essential oils on a daily basis is an excellent way to practice preventative healthcare. When treating a specific condition, it is typically most beneficial to use smaller doses throughout the day rather than a single large dose.

What is dilution and when should I dilute an essential oil?

Dilution is the process by which an essential oil is mixed with a carrier oil. Although dilution does decrease the oil’s potency, there are also many benefits to using dilution including enhancing absorption, slowing the rate of evaporation, and preventing sensitivities. Some common varieties of carrier oils include: fractionated coconut oil, unscented lotion, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, aloe vera gel, and almond oil. If applied undiluted, some essential oils, especially those with more potent chemistry, can cause irritation to young or sensitive skin.