Dilution Solutions
Essential oils are potent and highly concentrated extracts derived from plants. As a frame of reference, a moderately high-producing plant like Lavender 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 Essential Oils, Absolutes, CO2 extracts, Organic Extracts (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.
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, elders 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 Essential Oils, Absolutes, CO2 extracts, and Organic Extracts are soluble in carrier (fatty) oils or alcohol (especially low proof alcohol), and none are soluble in water (without an emulsifier).
DILUTION RATIOS GUIDELINES:
(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 OF AROMATIC OILS FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE 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 |
Respiratory Inhalation | 5 - 7 drops/bowl of hot water |
Room Spray | 1 - 2% in a spray base |
PERCENTAGES/AMOUNTS OF AROMATIC OILS FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE 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 | 1 - 2% |
Shampoo/Conditioner | 2 - 3% |
Stationery Spray | 2% |
PERCENTAGES/AMOUNTS OF AROMATIC OILS FOR NATURAL PERFUMERY PRODUCTS.
(For more information, please see the Natural Perfumery Basics 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% |
Solid Perfume (Parfum Solide) | 20 - 45% |