How do you dilute essential oils?

Pick a carrier oil and a target strength, then add the right number of drops: at 2%, that’s about 12 drops of essential oil per 30 ml (1 oz) of carrier. Mix well and patch-test before wider use.

How many drops of essential oil per ml of carrier?

Multiply the carrier volume by the dilution percentage, then by about 20 drops per ml. For example, 10 ml at 2% = 10 × 0.02 × 20 = 4 drops.

What is a safe dilution for essential oils?

For most adults, 2–3% for body use and 0.5–1% for the face. Go lower for sensitive skin, older adults, pregnancy and children — and check each oil’s own limit, since some (like bergamot) need much less.

Free tool

Essential oil dilution calculator

Enter how much carrier oil you have and the strength you want. You’ll get the exact number of essential-oil drops to add.

Add 12 drops of essential oil

Essential oil: 0.60 ml
Carrier: 30 ml
Final blend: 30.6 ml at 2%

Uses the common estimate of 20 drops per ml. Drop size varies with the oil and the dropper, so treat it as a close guide. Prefer a table? See the dilution chart.

How to dilute essential oils

Choose a carrier oil. Fractionated coconut oil suits most blends; jojoba is the favourite for faces. Compare carriers →
Pick a dilution for the person and the use (guide below).
Add the drops to the carrier — essential oil into carrier, not the other way round — and mix well.
Patch-test on the inner arm and wait 24 hours before using more widely.

Which dilution should I use?

Who / what for	Dilution	Notes
Adults — everyday body use	2–3%	Massage, body oils, roller blends.
Face	0.5–1%	Facial skin is thinner and more reactive.
Short-term, small area	3–5%	A targeted spot for a few days — not all over.
Sensitive skin, elderly, pregnancy	≤1%	Start low; check the oil is suitable.
Children (2–6 years)	0.5–1%	Avoid peppermint/eucalyptus-type oils near the face.
Babies under 2	Ask a professional	Many oils aren’t suitable at all.

Some oils carry their own lower limit — bergamot and other cold-pressed citrus oils are phototoxic, for example. Check the oil’s safety panel in our oil library.

Common questions

How do you dilute essential oils?: Pick a carrier oil and a target strength, then add the right number of drops: at 2%, that’s about 12 drops of essential oil per 30 ml (1 oz) of carrier. Mix well and patch-test before wider use.
How many drops of essential oil per ml of carrier?: Multiply the carrier volume by the dilution percentage, then by about 20 drops per ml. For example, 10 ml at 2% = 10 × 0.02 × 20 = 4 drops.
What is a safe dilution for essential oils?: For most adults, 2–3% for body use and 0.5–1% for the face. Go lower for sensitive skin, older adults, pregnancy and children — and check each oil’s own limit, since some (like bergamot) need much less.

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