A dilution is the share of your finished blend that is essential oil. A 1% blend is one part essential oil to 99 parts carrier. Drops are an approximation (a drop varies with the oil and the bottle's dropper), so take the result as a close guide, and measure with a small syringe or pipette when you want accuracy. This calculator uses 20 drops to the millilitre.
The same numbers as a table
| Dilution | Per 5 ml (1 tsp) | Per 15 ml (1 tbsp) | Per 30 ml (1 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25% | 0 to 1 drop | 1 drop | 1 to 2 drops |
| 0.5% | 1 drop | 1 to 2 drops | 3 drops |
| 1% | 1 drop | 3 drops | 6 drops |
| 1.5% | 1 to 2 drops | 4 to 5 drops | 9 drops |
| 2% | 2 drops | 6 drops | 12 drops |
How the figures are chosen
- Face: 1% or less. Facial skin is thinner and shows reactions sooner.
- Body: 1 to 2%. Aromatherapy safety texts give 1 to 2% as the usual range for daily use over larger areas. Higher percentages are for a small area and a short time, and we do not give figures for them.
- Children and babies need lower figures, covered in babies and essential oils.
- Cold-pressed citrus oils have their own, much lower skin limits because they make skin react to sunlight. See oils and sun exposure. When a blend mixes citrus with other oils, count the citrus on its own against the limit.
- Some oils have a lower limit than the general figure (clove bud, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, oregano, thyme, and others). If you are not sure about an oil, stay at or under 0.5% and write to us.
Before you use the blend
Do a patch test on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Keep blends away from the eyes, and keep every bottle out of reach of children. Not for use by mouth.
Please note: this is general information, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a health professional's care, ask them before using essential oils.
Sources
- Tisserand R, Young R. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone, 2014
- Tisserand Institute, safety and learning resources
More guides
- Dilution and the patch test
- Babies, children and essential oils
- Pets and essential oils
- Oils and sun exposure
- Storage and shelf life
- Choosing a carrier oil
- Using a diffuser safely
- Mixing oils in a diffuser
- How to read our label
Questions about an oil or a blend? aura.elixir@outlook.com