How to Dilute Essential Oils

Essential oils are aromatic liquid and alkaline substances obtained by the distillation or expression of plant material; essential oils must be properly diluted before topical application. Direct application of oils results in their concentrated impact, giving rise to skin reactions like rash, skin burns, etc. Of course, you can quickly be at risk of side effects or uncomfortable feelings – if you don’t dilute them correctly. When adequately diluted, their benefits can be enjoyed.

Why Dilute Essential Oils

Concentrates such as oils are solid, they contain entire plants contained in tiny bottles in the form of oils. They are very concentrated in form, and thus cannot be applied neat most of the time. 

There are a few key reasons why dilution is necessary:

- Skin Sensitivity: However, essential oils may have the harmful effect of making skin irritable if not diluted. Skin tolerance varies from one person to another. Diluting enables one to deduce his or her limits.

- Safety: The beauty of it is that there are different oils, but some may be hazardous when taken in concentrated form. It reduces impacts of uncertainty whenever trying out other types of oil. 

- Efficiency: In some cases, for instance, diluting enhances the effectiveness of oils. Each skin receptor may be overwhelmed by high concentration.

- Economics: This is particularly important because diluting oils enables you get more portions from a single bottle. When diluted more times, more solution application is possible with one bottle.

Choosing a Dilutant

The dilutant you use with essential oils depends on the method in which the oil will be applied or used. 

Some common dilutants are:

Carrier Oils

Of all the categories carrier oils, the topical one is the most popular. They help spread essential oils while conditioning skin:

- Coconut Oil 

- Jojoba Oil

- Sweet Almond Oil 

- Olive Oil

- Avocado Oil

Lotions and Creams

Organic products that do not contain fragrance and are free from chemicals can blend with essential oils for massages. While many lotions have oils included in their recipe, the primary ingredient is water thus be careful to adhere to directors for dilution diligently.

Baths

When mixing with bath water, put a few drops of the diluted essential oil together with a dispersant. Common dispersants are: 

- Bath salts

- Whole milk 

- Liquid soap

- Carrier oils

Cleaning Products

Some essential oils can be added into homemade cleaners to produce fragrance. Still, a lesser percentage is often safer from cleaning point of view. Add oils to unscented products like:

- Distilled white vinegar

- Water 

- Castile soap

Directions to Dilute Them?

The rule is to always dilute an oil before using the concentrate directly on the skin. 

Here are some critical steps:

1 - Select your carrier for oil or lotion

Depending on the primary use of the oil, you need to choose an oil suitable for your skin type. Pour out a measured doses directly into a clean bottle or a bowl.

2- Calculate your oil ratios 

After washing, use low oil concentrations and increase them depending on the oil toxicity and skin type. Children and elderly people in general need heavier dilutions usually. Recommended starting dilutions are:

- Adults: 0.5% to 1% 

- Children & Elderly: 0.25% to 0.5%

Subtract the percent volume of the essential oils from the total percent volume of the mixture and then divide by the number of oils. For example, to create a 0.5% dilution with one ounce of carrier oil, add: 

1 oz carrier oil x 0.5% = 0.005 oz essential oil = 15 drops

3- Add oils to your carrier

Determining the volumes of essential oils needed for the water the client chooses using a calibrated dropper. Stir well into the carrier oil. Rub a small amount – just enough to moisten a dime – of diluted oil on the skin on your forearm. 

4 - Test for sensitivity 

Do not perform vital diluted oils on the face, genitals or on any injured or sensitive skin at first. Do a patch test. Stop any oil if you develop discomfort.

5- Adjust concentration

If no irritation appears the first time, the concentration is to be raised slightly from time to time. Gradual enhancement of steps from 0.25 % to 0.5 % by incorporating more number droplets per ounce of the carrier. Careful observation may be needed to observe responses at much higher doses.

Special Dilution Consideration

Take extra precaution when diluting oils that are harsher in nature or used on sensitive people:

Children & Elderly

While attending to the needs of the children and the elderly their usually sensitive skin should not be exposed to essential oils. Some researchers recommend that concentrations should be below 0.5 %. Before applying oils on the babies or people with specific health condition, one should consult with a doctor.

Sensitive Areas

When applying to the face or other vulnerable skin areas of the body, dilute oils considerably: to 0.25% or less. 

Phototoxic Oils 

Certain oils such as citrus extracts should be avoided because they may cause skin sensitivity to the sun. Use below 1% and protect from sunlight after application.

Pregnant Women  

Follow the word of the doctor when pregnant if you want to use essential oils. Most oils are poisonous during pregnancy and must be diluted more when allowed.

Summary

But it is advisable to dilute essential oils slowly. For initial balancing exposure, start with application at a concentration of approximately 0.5% for normal skin and intensely monitor skin reaction. Gradually build up concentration over time once you establish whether or not an oil will suit your skin and purpose. To increase effectiveness and reduce risks always dilute the oils before each use.