Dilutions
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant compounds. A very, very small amount of EO is more than you will usually need for any remedy. Diluting your EOs is a safe practice as well as allows for the EO to be better absorbed into the skin.
for most purposes for children under 12, pregnant women, elderly adults, anyone with sensitive skin and all massage oils:
1% blend = 6 drops EO per 1 oz of carrier oil
for most purposes for adults:
2% blend = 12 drops EO per 1 oz of carrier oil and
2.5% blend = 14 drops EO per 1 oz of carrier oil
for acute short term application on a small area:
3% blend = 18 drops EO per 1 oz of carrier oil
5% blend = 30 drops EO per 1 oz of carrier oil
10% blend = 60 drops EO per 1 oz of carrier oil
These essential oils you can use “Neat”, which means that you can apply it without any dilution directly onto the skin:
Lavender, tea tree, sandalwood, frankincense, ginger, cypress, eucalyptus, spearmint, pepermint, roman chamomile, ylang ylang and helichrysum.
However, since you receive the same benefit by diluting your essential oils as you would using neat, why not dilute and have your bottle of essential oil last longer!
Carrier Oils
There are many different carrier oils that are used for diluting your Essential Oils. Experiment and find ones that you like and are suited for your essential oil applications. I do purchase the highest quality oil that I can afford as well as purchasing a cold-pressed, pure, unrefined oil without additives.
I use many different oils depending on the application of EO:
Tamanu Oil
Sweet Almond Oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Apricot Kernal Oil
Jojoba Oil
Casstor Oil
Sunflower Oil
Rosehip Oil
Black Seed Oil
Avocado Oil