How to dilute essential oils

Essential oils are concentrated, so for the body they go into a carrier oil first. For the face, one drop of essential oil to 5 ml of carrier; for the body, two drops to 5 ml. Mix in a clean bottle, test a little on the inside of the arm and wait a day before using more widely.

Face: 1 drop per 5 ml
Body: 2 drops per 5 ml
Carriers: jojoba, almond, apricot, coconut
First: test on the inner arm

Why dilute

An essential oil is the concentrated scent of many plants in a few drops. Straight on the body it can be too strong, so it is carried in a plain plant oil that spreads it and lets it be used gently. The carrier also keeps the scent on the body longer.

Choosing a carrier

Jojoba is light and keeps well. Sweet almond and apricot kernel are soft, classic massage oils. Fractionated coconut stays liquid and clear and leaves little shine. Any cold-pressed plant oil you like the feel of will do.

How much

A teaspoon holds about 5 ml. One drop of essential oil in it gives roughly a 1% blend, gentle enough for the face; two drops give about 2%, usual for the body. Shake the bottle before each use and keep it out of the light.

On our shelf

Fractionated Coconut Oil 100ml 100 ml · Fractionated

Malaysia£7.95£79.50 per litreMembers: +£0.25 back

Jojoba Oil Cold Pressed Carrier Oil 100ml 100 ml · Cold pressed

Israel 5.0 (3)£11.95£119.50 per litreMembers: +£0.20 back

Apricot Kernel Base Oil Cold Pressed 50ml 50 ml · Cold pressed

Turkey£3.28£65.60 per litre

French Lavender Essential Oil 10 ml 10 ml · Pure

France 4.9 (25)£4.49£449.00 per litreMembers: +£0.10 back

See all: Carrier Oils

Questions people ask

How many drops of essential oil per 10 ml of carrier oil?

Two for the face, four for the body: one or two drops for each 5 ml.

Which carrier oil is best?

Jojoba for its light feel and long life, sweet almond or apricot kernel for massage, fractionated coconut if you want no shine.

Can I put essential oils straight on my skin?

Better not. Dilute them in a carrier oil first and test a small area.