Essential oils have a lot of significance and that’s why professional aromatherapists are recommending them into our lifestyles. Since these professionals have different experiences, however, you must have come across some contradicting opinions when it comes to applying these oils on the skin.
A portion of consumers narrates that you can use the essential oils on the skin without having to dilute them.
However, experts believe that undiluted (also called “neat”) essential oils are not very safe to use on the skin.
Of course, you can be professionally advised and guided to do so but if not, you should dilute your oil for the best outcome. Why? Hmm, since we want you to accustom yourself to using diluted essential oils.
Why You Should Dilute Essential Oils
Essentially, essential oils are (extracted) products from plants, which have both the chemical makeup and the nutrient concentrations.
A single pound of essential oil comes from very large quantities of plants, leading to a higher concentration of the contained compounds.
If it is rose petals, for instance, 10, 000 pounds of the plant are used to make a single pound of its essential oil. This explains why Rose essential oil is not just amongst the most expensive brands.
But also you have to properly dilute before using to help prevent adverse or even “toxic” reactions due to the concentration of the contained compounds.
10 Best Carrier Oils You Can Use To Dilute Essential Oils
Since there are various types of vegetable oils, the following are the few ranked as the best carriers of essential oils.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
If you’re wondering what is fractionated coconut oil, it’s a type of oil whose long-chain fatty acids have been removed through the hydrolysis and steam distillation. The process is to help make the vegetable oil a liquid at room temperature, as well as enhance its absorption by the skin. On top of being a carrier, this oil is a powerful moisturizer for soft and smooth skin.
Sweet Almond Oil
This is another vegetable oil that is not only helpful to the skin but very friendly as well. The sweet almond oil benefits in so many ways and that’s why professional aromatherapists advise it in diluting essential oils. For one, the vegetable oil features Vitamin E that helps keep your skin cells healthy and protected from harmful UV radiation. Other importance includes reducing the appearance of scars, healing acne, improving complexion, and help keep your skin smooth.
Jojoba Oil
Though you might feel it a bit expensive, Jojoba oil features Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins which are really good in skin repairing. In fact, it’s the best oil for dry skin due to the contained anti-inflammatory properties. So, if your skin is prone to acne, chaffing, and chapping, you can dilute your essential oil with Jojoba since they both share anti-inflammatory properties.
Grapeseed Oil
As it serves its purpose in carrying an essential oil to the skin, organic grapeseed oil helps make your skin firmer and reduce/ slow down the development of wrinkles. Therefore, the blend of the two can help improve your skin complexion and curb premature aging.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the widely used oils in cooking, as well as managing the skin health. Since the oil is available in various forms, we highly recommend you to use the organic olive oil as your carrier oil. This comes as the oil (commonly known as extra-virgin olive oil) is in its purest form fully-packed with vitamins and hardworking antioxidants for relieving skin ailments.
Apricot Kernel Oil
If we’re to define it, Apricot Kernel oil is by far the best carrier oil following its numerous chemical constituents. The oil comes from the kernels of Prunus armeniaca, which is from the family of plums. Amongst the compounds in argan oil is the Oleic acids, which are a form of Omega 9 for maintaining the softness and the radiance of the skin.
Argan Oil
Although we’re sure you hardly know about it, Argan oil is a remarkable skin moisturizer. Particularly if it’s the organic argan oil, the oil is remarkably high in vitamin E and fatty acids. Thus, helps keep the skin hydrated and real smooth. Considering its high absorption on the skin, it is a carrier oil you ought to consider among your first five options.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip is one of the fruits that people have relied on for medicinal properties for ages. Duchess Kate Middleton is one of the celebrities as of now we know has been enjoying thebenefits of rosehip oil. So, why are you not? The oil boosts skin health in a big way, including improving the collagen formation and helping protect the skin against sun damage. Other benefits include hydrating & brightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation & inflammation.
Black Seed Oil
For Years, Black seed oil has been treating various medical conditions, including high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes. As for the skin, the oil does help fight acne, inflammation, and clogged pores. As you dilute your essential oil, though, we highly recommend you to pick the best black seed oil brand to avoid comprising the effectiveness.
Avocado Oil
For the healthiest fruits, you’ll always find avocados listed due to the high amount of vitamin E and minerals like potassium and lecithin. The fruit is also very rich in fatty acids for moisturizing the skin and that’s why professionals recommend the use of its oil when diluting essential oils.
How To Dilute Essential Oils?
That simple. You just need a favorable carrier oil to help you in the carrying of the essential oil onto the skin.
Carrier oils are forms of vegetable oils extracted from the fatty portion of plant-like kernels, seeds, or nuts. So, they won’t jeopardize the effectiveness of the essential oils in any way.
Now, How Do We Mix Carrier Oil With Essential Oils
When adding carrier oil to the essential oil, you must remember the core reason for it is to moderate the concentration.
So, you shouldn’t do it just like when you water down your vodka.
2% essential oil dilution
Following the essential oil safety guide used by aromatherapy practitioners across the world, adults should use a 2% essential oil dilution.
To achieve this 2% dilution rule, you can use 12 drops of essential oil to each fluid ounce (30ml) of favorable carrier oil.
In case you’re wondering where 12 has come from, 1 fl. Ounce has approximately 600 drops, right? Then, that means it’s a 2% dilution of 600 drops (which is 0.02x 600 drops). As such, the 12 drops of essential oil ought to mix with 600 drops of carrier oil.
As stated by the Tisserand Institute, though, the 2% dilution rule can change respective to the use of your essential oils.
With Facial cosmetics, for instance, you’ll need a 0.2-1.5% dilution.
For example, if you need a dilution of 0.7%, you’ll just need to take 0.007 (decimal of the percentage) and multiply by 600 to get 4. Then, you’ll take this number (4) and multiply with the ounces of carrier oil you want to use. You will now get the number of drops of essential oil to use.
Easy Dilution Chart
Bottom Line
For the formula of mixing the essential oils and carrier oil, though, you can only apply it if you want to use the blend on skin. If it’s the diffuser, kindly follow the directions provided by the device’s manufacturer to ensure optimal effectiveness.
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