Our Guide to Dilution Rates for Our Pure Essential Oils
Pure essential oils are highly concentrated extracts of plant material. They can be used for therapeutic purposes for humans and animals, in cooking, or simply to fragrance your home. Because they are so potent, they must always be diluted before use.
Dilution varies according to usage, desired outcome, and the individual or animal receiving the treatment. A baby’s skin requires a far weaker dilution than an adult’s, and facial skincare needs gentler levels than a muscle blend. Some oils can be mildly toxic if overused, and pregnant individuals should reduce both dilution strength and frequency depending on the oil chosen.
Mixing
When adding essential oils or blends to a cream, lotion, vegetable oil, or gel, mix thoroughly to ensure the oils are evenly dispersed throughout the carrier. If possible, use a mechanical mixer for best consistency.
Synergy
What a synergistic blend actually is
A synergistic blend is a purpose-built combination of essential oils chosen because their chemical families reinforce one another. Instead of simply mixing scents, you’re creating a coordinated therapeutic effect.
Blending oils to make synergies (the whole is greater than the part)
When making a blend of pure essential oils, you use 1% of the total blend in your cream, lotion, gel, or oil — not 1% of each oil individually. A synergy is designed so each oil amplifies the others, creating a result more effective than any single oil alone. This is the French “1 + 1 = 3” principle: chemistry working in harmony.
A true synergy includes:
-
A major oil — the primary therapeutic action
-
A supporting oil — strengthens or broadens the effect
-
A modulating oil — reduces irritation, improves tolerance, adds balance
This “rule of three” is one of the most elegant and disciplined frameworks in aromathérapie scientifique.
The French “Rule of Three” (Règle des Trois)
1. The Major (l’huile majeure)
The primary pharmacological action is usually 40–60% of the blend, chosen for its dominant molecule family (phenols, oxides, monoterpenols, etc.)
2. The Supporting Oil (l’huile synergique)
Reinforces or broadens the main action. Usually 20–30%, often from a different but compatible chemical family
3. The Modulating Oil (l’huile modulante)
Reduces toxicity, irritation, or overstimulation and adds tolerance, emotional balance, or anti-inflammatory support. Usually 10–30%. Typically esters or gentle monoterpenols (lavender, petitgrain, neroli, etc.)
“This structure ensures potency + safety + synergy, which is why French pharmacists rely on it.”
Why it works
The Rule of Three is built on: Chemotype logic (not plant names), Pharmacological synergy, Toxicity modulation, Clear therapeutic targeting, Predictable clinical outcomes
“It prevents the ‘kitchen sink’ blends common in wellness aromatherapy and keeps the formula focused.”
Here are our guides to dilution
|
Use |
Dilution |
Drops per 10 ml |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Face |
0.5–1% |
1–2 |
Delicate skin |
|
Daily body use |
1–2% |
2–4 |
Everyday blends |
|
Therapeutic |
3–5% |
6–10 |
Muscles, joints |
|
Localised |
6–10% |
12–20 |
Short-term, small areas |
|
Children/Elderly |
0.25–1% |
1–2 |
Sensitive groups |
|
Bath |
1–3% |
2–6 |
Must emulsify |
So:-
1% of 100 ml = 1 ml (babies, young children, frail elderly, facial skincare)
3% of 100 ml = 3 ml (common dilution)
5% of 100 ml = 5 ml
10% of 100 ml = 10 ml
Comparisons
Most pure essential oils = 20 drops per 1 ml. This is the industry standard approximation used by aromatherapists, formulators, and safety guidelines. Note: droppers can vary in size.
Approximate Guide
|
ml |
Drops |
oz |
g |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 ml |
20 |
0.0338 oz |
1 g |
|
2 ml |
40 |
0.0676 oz |
2 g |
|
3 ml |
60 |
0.1014 oz |
3 g |
|
5 ml |
100 |
0.1691 oz |
5 g |
|
10 ml |
200 |
0.3381 oz |
10 g |
|
15 ml |
300 |
0.5072 oz |
15 g |
|
30 ml |
600 |
1.0144 oz |
30 g |
The amounts are guidelines and may vary slightly depending on the oil.
Oil Type
|
Oil Type |
Drops per ml |
Typical Notes |
Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thin Oils |
25–30 |
Fast, volatile |
Citrus, Eucalyptus |
|
Medium Oils |
18–22 |
Standard |
Lavender, Peppermint |
|
Thick Oils |
10–15 |
Resinous, slow |
Vetiver, Patchouli |
~ Animals ~
Animals respond to essential oils but are far more sensitive, especially to scent intensity. Larger animals may require more product, but dilution must still be carefully controlled.
See our blog: Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets?
Cats are Highly Sensitive
Cats lack key liver enzymes (glucuronyl transferase), making them extremely vulnerable to many essential oil compounds.
Dilution: 0.1–0.5% (1 drop per 20–50 ml carrier oil)
Avoid: tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint, wintergreen, pine, clove, cinnamon, ylang ylang
Dogs are Moderately Sensitive
Dilution: 0.25–1% for small dogs, 1–2% for medium/large dogs, 0.25–0.5% for facial areas, elderly dogs, puppies, and chronic illness
Avoid: tea tree, peppermint, wintergreen, pine, citrus, clove, oregano, cinnamon
Horses are Large but still Sensitive
Dilution: 1% general topical use,1–3% muscular applications, 0.5% facial areas or sensitive horses
Avoid: tea tree, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, oregano, wintergreen
Universal Safety Rules
Never apply neat oils to any animal. Avoid paws, nose, eyes, and genitals. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces with an exit route. Stop immediately if you see drooling, wobbling, vomiting, tremors, or breathing changes
** Our pets lived in a very intense essential oil environment, and we never had any issues. They were often exposed to large quantities of essential oils in the atmosphere. Holly the cat was regularly treated with Tea Tree Oil with no side effects. However, please do follow these guidelines even more so if you buy another company's essential oils.
Lots of other good pet advice here: PDSA — The vet charity for pets in need.
