Essential Oils Dilution Ratios

To use essential oils topically, you need to dilute most in a carrier oil (such as grape seed, coconut, sunflower oils)  to protect the skin.  Unlike an essential oil, a carrier oil is a fatty - or fixed - oil.   I love the term "carrier" because it illustrates what the fatty oil does to the essential oil: it carries or envelops it - like a little package!  It has been becoming increasingly popular to use essential oils without dilution (or neat); in most cases, with the exception of very few oils like lavender (l. angustifoila) or specific medical needs, this practice is not safe!    For example, oregano oil can cause severe burns on the skin if applied neat.

So back to math:  There are 30 ml in an ounce, so our 10 ml example above is 1/3 of an ounce - or 2 teaspoons.  Other exact percentages can be computed from the chart above.  For example, .5% can be estimated based on the chart ratios:  You would simply take 4 teaspoons of carrier oil (or 20 ml) and add 3 drops of essential oil.  (these lower dilutions are useful for younger children)   Oils higher in phenols (such as blends with cinnamon and clove in Josiah's Germ Fighting Blend) need to be significantly diluted - such as a 1% to 2% ratio.  For specific ratios for our oils, please contact us directly!  We are happy to help!
 Ninette Jackson, C.A.
Josiah's Oils
8 Meadow Lane, Lancaster, PA
(717) 824-3222