Essential Oil Dilution Table

Essential Oil Dilution Chart

Why Dilute Essential Oils?

Essential oils are often used diluted because their pure form can cause skin irritation when applied directly to the skin. Additionally, diluted essential oils are generally safer and more user-friendly. We do not recommend using some essential oils, especially those with high acidic content such as Thyme, Clove and Lemon oils, directly on the skin. Here are a few common carrier oil suggestions that can be used to dilute essential oils:

Carrier / Fixed Oils:

  • Coconut Oil
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Grape Seed Oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Fractionated Coconut Oil
  • Pure Olive Oil
  • Sunflower oil.

Although the carrier/ fixed oils mentioned above are examples, they are generally the most used oils. To see other carrier oils, you can review our Alfheim Fixed/Carrier Oils category.

How to Dilute Essential Oil?

Dilution table according to intended use:

  1. Usage recommendation:

This rate of 0.5% is recommended for use in babies under 2 years of age.

  • 10 ml / 4 teaspoons: 1 drop
  • 30 ml / 12 teaspoons or 3 tablespoons: 3 drops
  • It can be used as 10 drops: 100 ml / 40 teaspoons or 10 tablespoons.
  1. Usage recommendation:

1%, this rate is recommended for children over 2 years old, and for facial applications, long-term and daily use.

  • 10 ml / 4 teaspoons: 3 drops
  • 30 ml / 12 teaspoons or 3 tablespoons: 9 drops
  • 100 ml / 40 teaspoons or 10 tablespoons: 20 drops
  1. Usage recommendation:

2% is recommended for children, bath and full body products and is ideal for regular daily use of an oil. We always recommend starting with low dilution recommendations and then increasing as needed.

  • 10 ml / 4 teaspoons: 6 drops
  • 30 ml / 12 teaspoons or 3 tablespoons: 18 drops
  • 100 ml / 40 teaspoons or 10 tablespoons: 40 drops
  1. Usage recommendation:

3%, This rate is recommended for a specific regional application.

  • 10 ml / 4 teaspoons: 9 drops
  • 30 ml / 12 teaspoons or 3 tablespoons: 27 drops
  • 100 ml / 40 teaspoons or 10 tablespoons: 60 drops
  1. Usage recommendation:

5%, This rate is recommended for short-term use in a specific area, not exceeding two weeks.

  • 10 ml / 4 teaspoons: 15 drops
  • 30 ml / 12 teaspoons or 3 tablespoons: 45 drops
  • 100 ml / 40 teaspoons or 10 tablespoons: 100 drops

End use recommendation

10% is recommended for small application areas and acute situations.

  • 10 ml / 4 teaspoons: 30 drops
  • 30 ml / 12 teaspoons or 3 tablespoons: 90 drops
  • 100 ml / 40 teaspoons or 10 tablespoons: 200 drops

Why Is It Important to Dilute Essential Oils?

It is important to prevent potential skin irritation that may result from using essential oils in their pure form and to make them safe to use. Here are the reasons for proper dilution in essential oil:

  • Prevent Skin Irritation: Pure essential oils can cause skin irritation and sensitivity when applied directly to the skin. Dilution allows the essential oil to be applied to the skin more gently and safely.

  • Increase Skin Absorption: Carrier oils can help essential oil penetrate the skin better. This allows the effects of the essential oil to be more effective.

  • Controlling the Amount of Essential Oil: Dilution prevents uncontrolled use of essential oil. This helps prevent unwanted skin reactions and side effects.

  • Improving Product Performance: Dilution can improve product performance by uniformly distributing essential oils in a carrier oil. This promotes ease of application and creating an impressive scent profile.

  • Providing Safety in Sensitive Areas: Dilution, especially in the face, neck and other sensitive areas, reduces the risk of possible irritation in these areas. Lower rates provide safer use in these regions. Since each essential oil has different concentrations and application properties, the dilution rate of each oil may be slightly different. Therefore, it is important to test each new essential oil with a small amount and observe skin reactions before using it in a carrier oil.