Table of Contents
Table of Contents
▼Essential Oil Dilution Chart & Calculator: Safe Ratios Guide
Essential oils are powerful. Just one drop of peppermint oil is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea. While this potency is great for wellness, applying it undiluted can damage your skin.
Whether you are filling a 10mL rollerball for headaches or mixing a 100mL body oil, getting the math right is crucial. This guide provides a free Dilution Calculator and a printable Reference Chart to help you blend safely every time.
Why You Should Always Dilute
Diluting doesn't make the oil "weaker" in effect; it makes it safer and smarter.
- 🛡️ Prevents Sensitization: Undiluted oils can cause chemical burns or long-term allergies.
- 💧 Better Absorption: Carrier oils (like Jojoba) help the volatile essential oils absorb into the skin before they evaporate.
- 💰 Saves Money: A 10mL bottle of essential oil can last for months when diluted properly.
💧 Essential Oil Dilution Calculator
Skip the mental math. Enter your container size to see exactly how many drops of essential oil you need.
Then fill the rest of the bottle with Carrier Oil.
Shop Best Carrier Oils →Reference Chart: Drops per Bottle Size
Prefer a visual guide? Save this chart. It shows the number of drops needed for common bottle sizes.
| Bottle Size | 1% (Facial) | 2% (Body Daily) | 3% (Massage) | 5% (Acute) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mL (Roller) | 3 drops | 6 drops | 9 drops | 15 drops |
| 15 mL (0.5 oz) | 4 drops | 9 drops | 13 drops | 22 drops |
| 30 mL (1 oz) | 9 drops | 18 drops | 27 drops | 45 drops |
| 60 mL (2 oz) | 18 drops | 36 drops | 54 drops | 90 drops |
| 120 mL (4 oz) | 36 drops | 72 drops | 108 drops | 180 drops |
Note: 1% dilution is roughly 1 drop per teaspoon (5mL) of carrier oil.
Best Carrier Oils for Dilution
A "Carrier Oil" is a vegetable oil used to dilute essential oils. Choosing the right one depends on your skin type.
Jojoba Oil
Closest to skin's natural sebum. Non-greasy. Best for Face & Acne-prone skin.
Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT)
Always liquid, odorless, clear. Best for Rollerballs & Massage.
Sweet Almond Oil
Rich in Vitamin E. deeply moisturizing. Best for Body & Dry Skin.
Rosehip Oil
Packed with antioxidants. Best for Anti-aging & Scars.
Dilution by Use: Quick Guide
- 0.5% - 1% (Low): Face serums, children (ages 6+), sensitive skin, emotional healing.
- 2% - 3% (Medium): Daily body oils, massage, foot rubs, hair growth oils.
- 5% - 10% (High): Rollerballs for headaches, muscle pain relief, natural perfumes (apply to small areas only).
DIY Dilution Recipes
🌙 Sleepy Rollerball (10mL)
Make your own bedside remedy.
- Container: 10mL Roller bottle
- Dilution: 5%
- 8 drops Lavender
- 7 drops Cedarwood
- Fill rest with Jojoba Oil
☀️ Glow Face Serum (30mL)
Daily moisture boost (1% Dilution).
- Container: 30mL Dropper bottle
- Dilution: 1%
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 3 drops Geranium
- 3 drops Lavender
- Fill rest with Rosehip Oil
Safety Tips & Storage
- Storage: Keep blends in amber or blue glass bottles to protect from UV light.
- Labeling: Always put a sticker with the date and ratio (e.g., "Lavender 2% - Feb 2026").
- Patch Test: Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for reactions.
- Shelf Life: Once mixed, use within 6-12 months.
FAQs About Dilution
Undiluted oils can cause contact dermatitis, redness, burning, and long-term sensitization (where you become allergic to the oil forever).
No! Oil and water do not mix. If you put oils in a bath without carrier oil, they floats on top and can burn your skin. Mix with oil, milk, or salts first.
A standard dropper dispenses about 20 drops per 1 mL. This is the math we use in our calculator above.
Conclusion
Dilution is the key to safe and effective aromatherapy. By using the right carrier oils and following the 2% rule for daily use, you can enjoy the full benefits of nature without the risk.
Ready to start blending? Pick up your organic carrier oils below.
Shop Organic Carrier Oils →
Essential Oil for Earache: Natural Comfort & Safe Relief Tips
Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil: Natural Grounding & Everyday Uses