Essential Oil Safety — What You Must Know First

  • Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to skin — they can cause burns, sensitisation and allergic reactions
  • Always dilute in a carrier oil before skin contact
  • Some oils (citrus especially) cause photosensitivity — avoid sun exposure for 12–24 hours after use
  • Keep away from eyes, ears and mucous membranes
  • Do not ingest essential oils unless under direct supervision of a qualified aromatherapist
  • Certain oils are not safe for use during pregnancy or around children or pets — research individual oils

Dilution Ratios

  • 2% — standard adult body use: 12 drops essential oil per 30ml carrier oil
  • 1% — face, sensitive skin, elderly: 6 drops per 30ml
  • 0.5% — children aged 2–6: 3 drops per 30ml
  • 3% — targeted muscle/joint blends: 18 drops per 30ml

Best Carrier Oils

  • Jojoba: Most similar to skin's natural sebum. Long shelf life. Good for all skin types and face use.
  • Sweet almond: Light, versatile, moisturising. Good for massage blends.
  • Fractionated coconut oil: Light, non-greasy, long shelf life. Does not solidify like regular coconut oil.
  • Rosehip: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Excellent for face serums and anti-ageing blends.

How to Build a Blend

  1. 1

    Choose a purpose

    Relaxation, energy, sleep, headache relief, muscle soreness. This guides your oil selection.

  2. 2

    Choose notes: top, middle, base

    Top notes (citrus, peppermint) are what you smell first — they evaporate quickly. Middle notes (lavender, rosemary, chamomile) are the body of the blend. Base notes (cedarwood, sandalwood, frankincense) anchor the blend and last longest. Aim for roughly 30% top, 50% middle, 20% base.

  3. 3

    Start with small amounts

    Work in small batches — 10ml total to start. Calculate your drops based on the dilution ratio. Add oils one at a time, smelling as you go.

  4. 4

    Let the blend rest

    The scent of a blend changes as the oils interact. Let it rest for 24–48 hours in a dark glass bottle before judging the final result.

Classic blends to start withSleep: lavender + cedarwood + vetiver. Energy: peppermint + lemon + rosemary. Stress relief: bergamot + frankincense + lavender. Muscle relief: peppermint + eucalyptus + ginger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oil and water do not mix — the essential oil will float on top and you will get an uneven concentration each spray. For a room spray, add the essential oils to a small amount of alcohol (vodka or isopropyl) first, then add water. The alcohol acts as an emulsifier to help disperse the oils.
Avoid mixing oils with similar strong properties that could overwhelm (like multiple high-camphor oils). Some oils irritate skin at any concentration and should not be used in skin blends at all — clove, cinnamon bark, oregano and thyme (thymol type) are powerful irritants. Always research individual oils before use.