Dilution Recommendations

There are many factors that need to be considered when one is diluting essential oils for safe usage. Some factors to be considered are:

• method of application: massage, bath, reflexology, compress, etc.
• the age of the person the blend will be used on
• the safety of the specific essential oil
• if the essential oil is phototoxic
• the health issue being addressed
• whether someone is pregnant or breastfeeding
• skin sensitivities
• prescription medications that are being used

Following are some “general” guidelines for safe dilutions. If ever in doubt always use a lower dilution. Many times this will give one even better results.

Always use a carrier when diluting your blends. These can be: oils, lotions, aloe vera gel, witch hazel, various butters like cocoa or shea, beeswax, etc.

Helpful conversions:

15 ml = 1/2 oz
1 tablespoon = 1/2 oz
30 ml = 1oz
2 tablespoons = 1 oz
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon

The following drops are approximate and have been rounded to a whole drop. When making a blend of various oils, these numbers represent the total number of drops. As each dropper is a little different depending on where you get it from and the viscosity of the oil, these drops are not a precise measurement. Please verity the safety of each essential oil you are using in your blend as these numbers may not be a safe dilution number for the specific oils you are using.

Dilution conversions for 1 ounce (30 ml) of carrier: (information from Robert Tisserand)
(Please Note: Dilution rates are approximate. When diluting one must consider the age, health condition, whether pregnant or nursing, and the method of application.)

.25% dilution: 2 drops of essential oil
.5% dilution: 4 drops
1% dilution: 9 drops
2% dilution: 18 drops
3% dilution: 27 drops
4% dilution: 36 drops
5% dilution: 45 drops

Dilution for Children:
New Borns ~ It is not advised to use essential oils on babies less than 3 months of age because their skin is not mature yet and therefore more permeable and sensitive to essential oils.

3+ months - .25% dilution
diffuser: 1 drop
bath: 1 drop
For full body massage - 1-2 drops
6+ months - .5% dilution
diffuser: 1-2 drop
bath: 1 drop
For full body massage - 2-4 drops
2+ years - 1-2% dilution
diffuser: 1-2 drops
bath: 1-2 drops
For full body massage - 6-8 drops
6+ years - 3% dilution
diffuser: 1-4 drops
bath: 1-3 drops
For full body massage - 8-12 drops
10+ years - By this age, most of the essential oils are safe for topical use or diffusion with appropriate dilution rates according to use

This is just a general guideline and great care should be taken to research each essential oil’s maximum dermal use individually before use. Make sure to learn what oils are safe for the age of the child, as more oils can be added in as they age.

Please note……Peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils are all avoided in younger children because they contain a chemical constituent called cineol 1,8 and menthol. According to Robert Tisserand, in the newest edition of Essential Oil Safety: Peppermint is safe to use at 6+ years but ALL eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils should be avoided until 10+ years of age. It’s important to note that the brand of essential oil you choose to use does not change this recommendation.