When making products, or even writing recipes, following the appropriate dilution percentage rate is important to make products with the right amount of essential oils. However, for people who are not really into numbers or good at Math, this can be confusing. Looking at different literature and articles from websites to look for a dilution guideline can also be confusing because it sounds too complex and packed with so many details, and ‘numbers’. That’s why when I’ve seen this article from NAHA which is a reliable source about essential oils, it inspired me to write this post, so that individuals like me, would be able to easily understand this topic.
Listed below are the dilution rate percentages for infants, children, and adults for different products using essential oils.
1. Diluting oils per ounce
If you prefer making oil preparation using ounces, here’s a reliable guide from NAHA’s method of application article post.
a. Dilution Rates For Massage and Body Oils
Per ounce of base oil, follow the recommended dilution rates for massage and body oils
for children
- 0.5-1% 3-6 drops
For adults if you want to use:
- 2.5% dilution rate, use 15 drops
- 3% – 20 drops
- 5% – 30 drops
- 10% – 60 drops
b. Dilution Rates For Adult Facial Oils
Per ounce of base oil, follow the recommended dilution rates for adult facial oils
- 0.5-1% – use 3-6 drops, this is suited for sensitive skin
- 1-2.5% – use 6-15 drops, this is applicable for normal skin
c. Dilution rates for creams and lotion
Per ounce of base oil, follow the recommended dilution rates for creams and lotions
For infants, children, and those who have sensitive skin
- 0.5-1% 3-6 drops
For adults with normal skin
- 1-2.5% dilution rate, use 6-15 drops
- 3% – 20 drops
- 5% – 30 drops
- 10% – 60 drops
2. Diluting oils per mL
The indicated number of drops per volume in the table represents the essential oil combined total number of drops for oil blends.
For blends, numbers represent the total number of drops of essential oils combined
| volume of carrier oil | No. of drops per 30ml | No. of drops per 10ml | No. of drops per 15ml | shelf life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .5% | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3-24 months |
| 1% | 9 | 3 | 4 | 3-24 months |
| 2% | 18 | 6 | 9 | 2-6 years |
| 3% | 27 | 9 | 13 | 7-15 years |
| 4% | 36 | 12 | 18 | |
| 5% | 45 | 15 | 22 | 16 year’s + |
2% dilution rate percentage is recommended for pregnant women and elderly
Please note that the dilution rate percentage provided in the table is not applicable and safe for all situations. It is best to know your skin sensitivities and allergies.
seEK to understand ❤
References:
- Methods of Application. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/methods-of-application/
- Asteria Apothecary Dilution Guideline for Essential Oils
Oil Therapy 