Essential Oil Dilutions for Safety

• Anything essential oils (EO’s) are mixed into, or with, are called “carriers”
• Essential oils dissolve in oil and alcohol. Because of the oil content of lotions and creams, they blend well in these.
• Essential oils do NOT dissolve in water. For this reason, a water/EO mixture must be shaken vigorously before each use,
• Essential oils which are not mixed well with their carrier will “leach” most plastics, over time.
• It is recommended that essential oil dilutions be no more than 1% for full body application and .5% for face (delicate skin) application.
• It is sometimes appropriate for dilutions up to 3% to be used for localized body application.
• When EO’s are mixed with products for the bath, a slightly higher dilution can be used due to the evaporation of the EO’s as the bath is filling – 2-3%.

Dilution Measurements and Conversions – drops, teaspoons, 1 ounce:

• There are approximately 30 drops of EO in 1 milliliter (each EO is a little different due to its viscosity).
• One ounce = 30 milliliters.
  • Therefore, in one ounce of carrier, approximately 9 drops = 1% dilution
• Milliliters to Teaspoons: 1 teaspoon = 5 mls, 2 teaspoons = 10 mls,
• 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 15 milliliters = ½ oz
• 1 oz. = 30 mls = 6 teaspoons = 2 tablespoon

Dilution Measurements – larger quantities

• 2 oz = 60 mls. .5 ml = not quite a 1% dilution
• 4 oz = 120 mls. 1.5 mls = a little over a 1% dilution.
• 8 oz = 240 mls. 2.5 mls = a little over a 1% dilution.

You can also buy glass pipettes which can dispense from 0.1 to 25 mls. Please see our Blog for Resources, or send us an email for links to our favorite lab supply companies.

When working with small dilutions, or scenting small amounts of base, it is best to use the standard euro dropper to preserve the essential oils. Do not use bottles with glass droppers as the essential oils will break down the rubber part of the dropper.