How To Read A Dilution Chart
Using undiluted essential oils frequently can be a one-way ticket to sensitized, irritated skin. Diluting not only saves your skin, but also saves you money and is a good practice to learn.
Though our aromatherapists have discussed how to dilute and even created a nifty dilution chart for oils and roll-ons, we at EG feel it is important to break down the dilution chart until everyone feels comfortable diluting. After all, what use is a dilution chart if you don’t know how to read it? Continue on to learn more.
The Diluent
When diluting, the first thing you’re going to need is a carrier oil. A carrier oil, or base oil, is a vegetable oil commonly derived from the following plant parts:
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Nuts
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Seeds
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Kernels
Examples of carrier oils include:
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Coconut Oil
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Oat Oil
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Shea Nut Oil
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Walnut Oil
Carrier oils are made up of fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acids, whereas essential oils are a much more complex combination of volatile components. Fatty acids are skin-loving and combine with essential oils to make them safe as well. When used on their own, essential oils can cause skin irritation and sensitization. Furthermore, only a little essential oil is needed to make an effective topical application, thus diluting is necessary.
Dilution Percentages
Now that you know why it’s necessary to dilute essential oils, let’s uncover dilution percentages.
You’ll notice that we often recommend diluting your essential oils in one ounce of carrier oil. One ounce is also equal to 30 ml or 2 tablespoons. On a dilution chart, the amount of carrier oil you dilute in doesn’t change – it will always be the same amount.
What numbers do change on a dilution chart? The percentage of essential oil and the amount of essential oil.
Now let’s look at the dilution chart. The above example shows that a 1% dilution in one ounce of carrier oil equals to 6 drops of essential oil. This means that 6 drops of essential oil makes up 1% of the total essential oil in your final concentration and that the carrier oil makes up 99% of the final concentration.
But what if you want a blend with more essential oil in it, for example, a 3% dilution? In this case, you would keep the amount of carrier oil the same, one ounce, and multiply the 6 drops of essential oil that makes a 1% dilution by 3. Therefore a 3% dilution equals to 18 drops of essential oil combined with one ounce of carrier oil. In a 3% dilution, your essential oil makes up 3% of the blend and the carrier oil makes up 97%.
Let’s break this down further. To increase your essential oil dilution, you’ll always keep the carrier oil amount consistent and multiply the amount of essential oil drops that makeup a 1% dilution by the dilution ratio you desire. Using our dilution chart as an example, to increase your dilution concentration, the one ounce of carrier oil will remain the same and you’ll multiply the 6 drops of essential oil that makeup a 1% dilution rate in one ounce of carrier oil by your desired percentage. In the example above, we multiplied 6 drops by 3, meaning 18 drops of essential oil are needed to achieve a 3% dilution in one ounce of carrier oil.
Scaling Up And Down
What if you’re making a large, stock blend and want to use 4 ounces of carrier oil, or you’re making a blend in a 10 ml roll-on? In this case, you’ll need to make a few adjustments.
Let’s use our dilution chart as an example for scaling up to achieve a 1% dilution in 4 ounces of carrier oil. Because our chart is based on dilutions containing one ounce of carrier oil, multiply each number in our chart by 4. A 1% dilution in 4 ounces of carrier oil now equals to 24 drops of essential oil (6 multiplied by 4). And further, a 3% dilution in 4 ounces of carrier oil now equals to 72 drops of essential oil (18 multiplied by 4).
What about scaling down to a 10 ml roll-on? Again, because our chart is based on dilutions containing one ounce or 30 ml of carrier oil, divide each number in our chart by 3 – because 30 ml divided by 3 equals 10 ml. A 1% dilution in 10 ml of carrier oil now equals to 2 drops of essential oil (6 divided by 3) and a 3% dilution in 10 ml of carrier oil now equals to 6 drops of essential oil (18 divided by 3).
Skip The Dilution
Still have trouble diluting? Reach out to us, we’re always happy to help! Or try our range of prediluted and ready to use essential oil roll-ons and body oils. Don’t have a carrier oil to dilute your essential oils? We’ve got you covered with our range of 100% pure, high quality carrier oils. From Baobab Seed and Kukui Nut to Moringa and Raspberry Seed, our carrier oils help wrap skin in silky, nourishment. Find the carrier oil that’s right for you today with our carrier oil comparison chart.
About the Author, Bella Martinez
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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25 comments
Ceejay
Hi, I’m looking into making up a salve/balm…the recipe I have makes up 8oz of product, consisting of carrier oil, beeswax, shea butter and essential oils. I’ll be using three (vetiver, kunzea & yarrow)…the recipe recommends half a teaspoon of combined E.O.‘s or less total…however, I don’t know how to do it so I get the right dilution. How do I dilute the oils…before or after the blending?
Cheers
Edens Garden
Hi Deshawn! A 4% dilution in 2 oz of carrier oil = 48 drops of essential oil and a 5% dilution in 2 oz of carrier oil = 60 drops of essential oil.
Deshawn
Hi. How many drops of tea tree oil can I put in a 2 fl oz (56 ML) Bottle of jojoba oil to get a 4 to 5 percent dilution for a hair treatment?
Edens Garden
Hi Poornima! If you are looking to make a 3% dilution, then yes, you can always combine 18 drops of essential oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (not teaspoons). Here’s a helpful dilution calculator as well: https://marvymoms.com/dilution-calculator-that-will-change-how-you-use-essential-oils-forever/
Poornima
Great article, Bella! I have a bottle of 3% dilution of EO in jojoba. If I’m using it to make a product, lets say a roll-on, how would I calculate the total EO? Can I always assume it’ll be 18 drops (2 tsps) for every EO? How do I calculate the jojoba (minus the EO) for any recipe?
I hope this question makes sense! Thanks so much!
Margaret
Since the specific gravity of many EO’s is very different than that of water (water=20drop/ml), many EO have SG of 30drop/ml or higher. These dilution charts are a great “Guide” but one must respect the chemical one is working with. It might be helpful to note the SG for each EO in your description so precise calculations could be made.
Thanks
Edens Garden
Hi Carol! It depends on what purpose you want to achieve with the blend. You can find our guide on how to formulate your own blends here, but feel free to let us know if you have any further questions: https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/how-to-blend-essential-oils-aromatically-and-therapeutically
Carol Amis
Thank you now the % I get thanks to your chart….. I have a nice lot of oils I want to put into 10mil bottles for my son (adult) I have may chang, spearmint, sage, rosemary,grapefruit and geranium how do I know how many drops of what oil to put in…..many thanks, Carol
Edens Garden
Hi Shay! It depends on the topical application. A 1% dilution is recommended for facial use, bath use, young children, and pregnant women. A 2-3% dilution is recommended for general topical use. A higher dilution may be necessary for short-term injuries and pain, spot treatment, as well as perfume.
Shay
how do you determine what delusion percentage you want to use? I’m confused about that.
Shay
Edens Garden
Hi Tejendra! It depends on what dilution you’re trying to achieve. For further assistance, reach out to our aromatherapist here: aaa@edensgarden.com
Tejendra
Hi how can I mixed any three to four essential oil in % for crop insect repellent
Ines Rojas
Excellent information! Very clear and easy to understand.
Edens Garden
Hi Joan! For a 5% dilution ratio, we suggest 30 drops of essential oil (total) per 1 oz carrier oil.
Joan Jensen
I am mixing four essential oils for hair growth. Lavender, rosemary, peppermint and cedar wood. If I want a 5% dilution is it 5% for each essential oil, or 5% total of all the essential oils with the carrier oil?
Edens Garden
Hi Dawna! We find it easiest to add carrier oil and essential oil to an empty bottle such as these: https://www.edensgarden.com/collections/extras-supplies/products/amber-glass-bottles-30-ml?variant=793966557
Dawna Borman
What is typically used for mixing essential oils and carrier oils?
Edens Garden
Hi Denise! Different issues call for different doses. Likewise, different individuals (children, adults, the elderly, etc.) require different doses. You can learn more about what dilution rate to choose for your specific need and age range here: https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/how-to-dilute-essential-oils-1
DENISE SCHWEINFURTH
Why would you need different dilutions?
Edens Garden
Hi Sybil! Some essential oils have specific recommended maximum dilutions rates. You can find those oils and their dilution rates here: https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/aaa-what-are-maximum-dilution-rates-of-essential-oils
Sybil T
Hello,
Do the ratio of the essential oil drops to carrier oil remains the same for all types of essential oil or it varies by essential oil? example would you dilute Frankincense and Peppermint Essential Oil according to the chart?
Lauren
I’ve read some of your other articles re: recommended dilutions of single oils, but I get confused with blends. I just bought your Shea nut carrier oil with the Skin Love synergy blend. Is there a max dilution you recommend with that blend?
Edens Garden
Hi Jim! Store-bought carrier oils like Avocado and Walnut are suitable diluents for essential oils. Dilution is also unnecessary if using essential oils in a water diffuser.
Jarmel Barnett
This is so simply explained and gives you a pattern to make any dilution. It is 1 drop of essential oil for each 5 ml of carrier oil for a 1% solution.
A. If you have more carrier oil, devise the amount by 5 and that’s how many drops of essential oil to add.
B. If you want a higher concentration (greater percentage), add 1 additional drop of essential oil for each percent increase in stronger dilutions than 1%.
C. When using a greater amount of carrier oil and greater (stronger) dilutions, combine the aspects of A. and B.
Thank you
Lou
April 4, 2024 at 11:37 am
This was the best article I have found on diluting oils. I’ve always had issues with diluting. This was simple enough to understand. Thank you.