3 min read

2018-02-06

Dilution Solutions

Written By: Eden Botanicals

Essential oils are potent and highly concentrated extracts derived from plants. As a frame of reference, a moderately high-producing plant like L a v e n d e r can yield up to 1 kg of essential oil from about 200 kg of flowers, while it takes roughly 60 roses to yield just ONE drop of pure essential oil. Thus, whether they are used for aromatherapy or natural perfumery, these extracts must be used with a great deal of respect and care. ALL E s s e n t i a l O i l s, A b s o l u t e s, C O 2 E x t r a c t s, E n f l e u r a g e E x t r a c t s (collectively referred to as aromatics), should be properly diluted before application to the skin. Using undiluted (neat) essential oils repeatedly on the skin may lead to irritation and sensitization. Not only are essential oils safer in dilution, it has long been observed that aromatics in general and essential oils in particular are more highly active in low concentrations. There are some exceptions to this rule, mainly the application of neat essential oils to a very small, targeted area of the skin for specific skincare purposes. There are only a few oils that are appropriate for this type of undiluted application – for example, Lavender, Tea Tree and Helichrysum. Lastly, always remember to perform a Patch Test (see our F A Q section for instructions).

The charts provided below will serve as a reference to the proper dilution ratio for the application and the particular oils involved. These recommendations do not apply to children, the elderly and pregnant women. We recommend consulting with a professional aromatherapist or naturopath before applying essential oils to these individuals or those with unique sensitivities.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all E s s e n t i a l O i l s, A b s o l u t e s, C O 2 E x t r a c t s, and E n f l e u r a g e E x t r a c t s are soluble in C a r r i e r O i l s or alcohol (especially low proof alcohol), and none are soluble in water (without an emulsifier).

(Helpful Tip: 1 fluid oz. = approx. 30 ml, 1 ml = approx. 30 drops)

Dilution Ratio: # of drops of essential oil in 1 oz of carrier

1% 9 drops

2% 18 drops

3% 26 drops

4% 35 drops

5% 43 drops

Percentages/amounts for aromatherapy purposes:

Baths 7 - 15 drops in 1 Tbs carrier oil per bath

Chest Rub 5 - 7% in the carrier oil(s) of your choice

Compress 7 - 10 drops/bowl of water

Facial Steam 2 - 3 drops/bowl of hot water

Massage Oil 2 - 5% in the carrier oil(s) of your choice

Inhalation 5 - 7 drops/bowl of hot water

Room Spray 1 - 2% in a spray base

Percentages/amounts for personal care/aromatherapy products:

Body/Facial Spray 0.5 - 1%

Candles 1 tsp. per lb. of wax

Clothing/Linens 2% in a spray base

Cream/Lotion 1 - 4%

Deodorant 2 - 5%

Facial Serum 0.5 - 1%

Shampoo/Conditioner 2 - 3%

Stationery Spray 2%

Percentages/amounts for natural perfumery products:

(For more information, please see the N a t u r a l P e r f u m e r y B a s i c s section of our website.)

Eau Fraiche 1 - 3%

Eau de Cologne 3 - 8%

Eau de Toilette 5 - 10%

Eau de Parfum 10 - 20%

Extrait or Parfum 15 - 30%

Parfum Solide (Solid Perfume) 20 - 45%

Dilution Solutions

Comments

Lavender, Bulgaria - Organic EO

Tea Tree - Organic EO

Helichrysum - Organic EO

Suggested Reading