To mix essential oils for skin application, the key is proper dilution using a carrier oil. This makes them safe to apply directly and helps them spread evenly.
Understanding Essential Oil Dilution
Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent plant extracts. Applying them undiluted to the skin can cause irritation, sensitization, or other adverse reactions. Diluting them with a carrier oil reduces their concentration, making them suitable for topical use while still allowing you to benefit from their properties.
General Dilution Ratio
For typical skin application, a standard guideline is to mix a small amount of your essential oil blend with a larger quantity of a carrier oil.
Do this easily by adding 1 drop of your essential oil blend to 1 teaspoon of your favourite carrier oil.
This provides a safe and effective concentration for most individuals.
Dilution for Sensitive Skin
If you have particularly sensitive skin, a lower concentration is recommended to minimize any potential reaction.
For sensitive skin, add 1 drop of your essential oils blend to 1 tablespoon of your favourite carrier oil.
This creates a more diluted mixture, offering greater safety for easily irritated skin types.
Choosing a Carrier Oil
Carrier oils are vegetable oils derived from fatty portions of a plant, like the seeds, nuts, or kernels. They don't evaporate like essential oils and help essential oils "carry" onto the skin.
Some common carrier oils are:
- Jojoba oil
- Sweet Almond oil
- Fractionated Coconut oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Apricot Kernel oil
Choosing the right carrier oil can also add beneficial properties to your skin mix. For example, Jojoba oil is often well-tolerated and mimics the skin's natural sebum.
Summary of Dilution Ratios
Here's a quick overview of the recommended mixing ratios:
| Skin Type | Essential Oil Blend | Carrier Oil |
|---|---|---|
| General Skin | 1 drop | 1 teaspoon |
| Sensitive Skin | 1 drop | 1 tablespoon |
Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any new essential oil mixture more widely.
