Use Oils Confidently & Safely

Essential oils can be powerful tools for emotional support and wellbeing – but only when they’re used safely. This section covers everything you need to know about essential oil dilution, application, and sensitivity, so you can get the benefits without the burn (literally). Especially important for kids and neurodivergent families, where less is often more.

Diluting essential oils is one of the most important steps in using them safely, especially for kids, those with sensitive skin, and anyone new to oils. It helps reduce the risk of skin irritation, makes your oils go further, and actually improves absorption – all while delivering the same powerful support.

Why Dilute Essential Oils?

  • Reduce Skin Sensitivity: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be irritating if used neat (undiluted). Diluting them with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil, Jojoba, or Sweet Almond Oil reduces this risk and makes them easier to absorb.
  • Better Absorption: Diluting oils actually enhances absorption by slowing the rate of evaporation, allowing the essential oil to stay on the skin longer and work more effectively.
  • Cost-Effective: Using a carrier oil means you need less essential oil per application, which makes your oils last longer.

Essential Oil Dilution Chart

Here’s a quick reference guide for diluting essential oils based on bottle size and desired strength:

Here's alt text for the image: "Essential Oil Dilution Guide" by Totally Frank. A chart displays essential oil dilution ratios for various bottle sizes (5ml, 10ml, 15ml, and 30ml) and dilution percentages (0.5% to 10%). For example, a 1% dilution requires 1 drop for 5ml, 2 drops for 10ml, 3 drops for 15ml, and 6 drops for 30ml. An illustration of a roller bottle is on the left side of the chart.

Dilution for Kids

  • Under 6 Years Old: Use a 0.5-1% dilution (1 drop of essential oil per 10 mL of carrier oil).
  • Ages 6 to 12: Use a 1-2% dilution (1-2 drops of essential oil per 5 mL of carrier oil).
  • Over 12 Years: You can increase to a 3-5% dilution depending on their sensitivity (3-5 drops of essential oil per 5 mL of carrier oil).

My Best Advice: Start with less – you can always add more. I’ve found this especially important when using oils with my boys, who can have big reactions to strong scents. If you have kids or family members with sensory sensitivities, it’s a good idea to have them take a small sniff before diffusing or applying a new oil. I learned this the hard way after slathering myself in a new blend my husband hadn’t smelled yet – just before jumping in the car!

Final Tips for Safe Essential Oil Dilution

  • Patch Test New Blends: Always test a small amount of your blend on the inside of your wrist or elbow before wider use – it’s worth the extra step.
  • Adjust for the Application Area: Areas like the face, neck, and underarms are more sensitive and should always use a lower dilution.
  • Combine with Moisturising Carriers: For dry or sensitive skin, use a nourishing carrier oil like Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba for better hydration.
  • Check for Photosensitivity: Some oils can cause skin to burn or blister if exposed to sunlight – more on this in the Photosensitivity section.