Because they are very concentrated, essential oils can soothe your mind and help clear your skin at the same time. However, using essential oils directly on your skin without understanding how can be harmful.
Is there a safe and assured way to take advantage of essential oils on your skin?
That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this guide. You will be taught how to dilute the essential oils right, select best carrier oils, identify signs of sensitive skin and figure out a suitable skincare routine for yourself.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Why You Need to Dilute Essential Oils Before Applying to Skin
Always remember that, as a general rule, dilute your topical essential oils.
Essential oils are highly concentrated. There are about as many compounds in 28 cups of peppermint tea as there are in just one drop of peppermint oil. When you rub oil directly on your skin, professionals call this “neat” application and it can have a few results:
- Redness or itching
- Burning or stinging
- Rashes or hives
- Prolonged exposure (which can cause you to be allergic to that oil forever)
To dilute essential oils, you mix them with a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba or sweet almond) to weaken their effects and ensure you can still use them for health benefits.
How to Dilute Essential Oils for Skin Use
Depending on your skin, the reason for using the mixture and who you are giving the treatment to, dilution should be adjusted. Here’s a general guide:
How many drops of essential oil should be added to 1oz (30ml) of carrier oil?
Daily skincare – 0.5–1% – 3–6 drops
General use for adults – 2–3% – 12–18 drops
Acute issues (short-term use) – 5–10% – 30–60 drops
Children (age 2–6) – 0.25–0.5% – 1–3 drops
Elderly, pregnant, sensitive skin – 0.25–1% – 1–6 drops
If you are new or have sensitive skin, you should start by using the essential oils in small amounts. You can always adjust upward if needed.
Best Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
Carrier oils serve as the base oils you mix with essential oils. They are usually made by pressing nuts, seeds or plants and contain many skin-healthy nutrients. These are some of the most used and effective recommendations:
1. Jojoba Oil
- Closely mimics your skin’s natural sebum
- Great for acne-prone or oily skin
- Absorbs quickly, leaving little residue
Best for: Face oils, acne-prone skin, daily use.
2. Sweet Almond Oil
- Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids
- Helps soothe dry, flaky skin
- Mild, nutty scent
Best for: Body massage, sensitive or dry skin.
3. Coconut Oil (Fractionated)
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Has mild antibacterial properties
- Long shelf life
Best for: Roll-on blends, muscle rubs, and travel kits.
4. Argan Oil
- Packed with antioxidants and vitamin E
- Helps improve skin elasticity
- Luxurious texture
Best for: Anti-aging blends, nighttime facial serums.
5. Rosehip Seed Oil
- Contains natural vitamin A (retinol alternative)
- Encourages skin regeneration and brightening
- Easily absorbed
Best for: Scar fading, stretch marks, facial serums.
How To Perform a Test Using a New Essential Oil
Diluted essential oils may still be irritating to the skin, most notably if you are using an oil your skin has not tried or you are very sensitive. You can find out about allergies by performing a straightforward patch test.
Here’s how to do it:
- For each essential oil use, put 1 drop in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Put a little on your inner forearm or behind your ear to start off.
- Cover it with a bandage or leave it uncovered.
- Wait 24 hours.
- Watch for signs of reaction:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blistering
- Rash
If one of these develops, wash the place right away and don’t put the oil on your skin again.
Where to Apply Essential Oils on the Body
Absorption of essential oils depends on the area applied to. These are some of the best areas where you can use a topical treatment:
- Wrists: Easy pulse points for emotional support blends.
- Blends and oils for the neck and shoulders can help reduce tension.
- Skin on the feet: Can soak up Vermillon Oil much quicker than other, more sensitive parts of the body.
- Back or spine: It’s great to include these in immune-strengthening or respiratory recipes.
- Skin Products: Everything should be diluted and made with mild oils, for example choosing lavender or frankincense.
Never use this anywhere close to the eyes, eyelids, inner ear, broken skin or the inside of the mouth and nose.
Essential Oils That Are Gentle on Skin
For those just starting with essential oils, it’s best to pick these kinds that are gentle on your skin:
- Lavender: Soothing, calming, and safe for most skin types
- Frankincense: Great for anti-aging and inflammation
- Chamomile (Roman): Gentle, calming, and ideal for sensitive skin
- Geranium can address both dry and oily skin and it helps with changes in hormone-related skin issues.
- Tea Tree: Can be used for acne and blemishes, but it needs to be mixed with water (must be diluted).
Be sure to mix gentle oils into a carrier oil, even if you’re not used to it.
Essential Oils to Use with Caution on Skin
There are oils that remain very strong and even after dilution can cause discomfort. Use these sparingly and with proper knowledge:
- Oregano
- Cinnamon bark
- Thyme
- Clove
- Lemongrass
- Wintergreen
You should not use these full strength and they tend to be better used in lower ratios or for brief periods.
Common Skin Conditions and Essential Oils That May Help
Essential oils alone will not fix all problems, but some have been studied and showed to help in healing and health of the skin when properly applied. Here’s a quick guide:
✅ Acne
Tea Tree, Lavender, Frankincense
Use the solution (1% mix with jojoba oil) as a spot treatment on the area of concern.
✅ Dry Skin / Eczema
Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Rose
Pick an oil like sweet almond or argan to act as the base for mixing the scrub.
✅ Scars and Stretch Marks
Rosehip Seed Oil, Helichrysum, Frankincense
Apply daily to the affected area with consistent use.
✅ Itchy or Irritated Skin
Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood
Use in a bath oil or cooling body spray.
DIY Roll-On Recipe for Skin Nourishment
Glow & Calm Skin Roll-On
- 10ml roller bottle
- 7ml fractionated coconut oil
- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops frankincense
- 1 drop geranium
- 1 drop Roman chamomile
Apply the roll-on to your fresh or just exposed skin to feel sated and soothed.
Final Safety Reminders
Remember these simple safety ideas before you start using topical oils:
- Always dilute—even with so-called “safe” oils
- Do a patch test for new oils or blends
- Put your oils in dark glass bottles and keep them away from the sun and heat.
- Don’t apply near eyes, inner ears, or mucous membranes
- Talk to a professional before using oils on children, when you are pregnant or if you have a health problem.
Using essential oils correctly helps keep the skin radiant and healthy. But safety must always come first.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Skin Soak in Nature’s Best
Massaging essential oils into your skin can be an everyday moment that melds pleasant scent, soft touch and special attention. Using essential oils safely and correctly is the main way to transform that ritual into a healing habit.
Keep in mind that irrespective of which type of product you’re making, dilution, what carrier oils you pick and skin sensitivity are important issues. Introduce small changes, stay aware and have fun discovering the way exercise makes you feel.
Ready to Nourish Your Skin the Natural Way?
Choose skin-safe essential oils that are completely pure at Lassscent – Pure Essential Oil Online Store. Fragrances like lavender, frankincense, chamomile and others are in our collection, ready to help you create custom skincare recipes. All our bottles are checked thoroughly, chosen wisely and are ready for you in your self-care routine. Skin care has never been easier when you shop Lassscent and use products from nature.