How to dilute essential oils for massage

Contents

To dilute essential oils for massage, mix them into a carrier oil at a low dose, between 0.5 and 1%, then patch test the blend on a small area of skin. Below you will find the amounts for 10 to 100 g of blend, a 30 g recipe and the precautions to follow.

Getting the dose right takes a little care, because not all drops are the same size. In practice, weighing the oils is the most reliable method.

How much should you dilute essential oils for massage?

To dilute essential oils for massage over a large area of the body, keep them between 0.5 and 1%. That is a cautious range: the Tisserand Institute dilution guidelines put body massage oils at 1 to 3%, and suggest 0.2 to 1% for sensitive skin. At 1%, mix 1 g of essential oil with 99 g of carrier oil to make 100 g of blend.

Is your skin dry or reactive? Have you never used an essential oil before? Then choose 0.5%. It is the lowest rate suggested here.

Here are some benchmarks for different batch sizes:

• 10 g at 0.5%: 0.05 g of essential oil and 9.95 g of carrier oil.
• 30 g at 1%: 0.30 g of essential oil and 29.70 g of carrier oil.
• 50 g at 1%: 0.50 g of essential oil and 49.50 g of carrier oil.
• 100 g at 1%: 1 g of essential oil and 99 g of carrier oil. Only make this amount if you plan to use it quickly.

To work out the amounts, multiply the total weight by the percentage you want. For 30 g at 1%, for example, you need 0.30 g of essential oil and 29.70 g of carrier oils.

Why weigh rather than count drops?

A drop is not always the same size. Tisserand Institute measurements of drop size found that one millilitre holds 20 to 40 drops depending on the oil and the dropper, and that 20 drops weigh 0.66 g on average. To make up a bottle, weigh the essential oil. Without scales, 0.3 g is roughly 9 average drops: a rough guide, not a measurement.

At 1% by weight, you need 1 g of essential oil per 100 g of blend. At 1% by volume, allow roughly 1 ml per 100 ml of blend. For small batches, weighing is more reliable.

Which carrier oils should you use to dilute essential oils for massage?

A base that glides well

To dilute essential oils for massage, this recipe starts from Organic Jojoba Oil, a pure, light and fluid carrier oil. You can add Organic Black Seed Oil, which is richer but also has a stronger smell.

In this recipe, Organic Rosehip Oil rounds out the blend. Organic Castor Oil is thick and sticky. Add only a small amount to enrich the texture: in larger proportions, it makes the massage feel sticky.

Our 30 g recipe

This formula contains no water and no preservative, and it is designed for one adult. It suits a non-therapeutic body massage.

• Organic Jojoba Oil: 69%, or 20.70 g. It gives fluidity and a good glide.
• Organic Black Seed Oil: 20%, or 6 g. It makes the base richer and has a stronger smell.
• Organic Rosehip Oil: 10%, or 3 g.
• One essential oil from the range: 1%, or 0.30 g in total. Stick to a single oil to keep better control of the scent and of how your skin tolerates it.

Prefer a more neutral base? Swap the 3 g of Organic Rosehip Oil for 3 g of Organic Jojoba Oil. For a thicker texture, replace 1.50 g of jojoba with 1.50 g of Organic Castor Oil.

Pour the blend into a 30 ml bottle, in amber or opaque glass, with a cap that closes tightly. Label it with the date you made it and the name of the essential oil you chose.

Mix without heating

Wash your hands. Wash the container, the spatula and the bottle in hot soapy water too. Rinse them, then disinfect them with a suitable product. Leave them to dry completely on a clean surface.

Weigh the carrier oils, then add the essential oil. Stir gently for about a minute and fill the bottle. Do not heat the blend. Heat can speed up oxidation and change its smell.

How do you apply a massage blend safely?

To apply a massage blend safely, always carry the essential oil in a carrier oil, because an essential oil does not mix with water. In a bath or a basin, the drops can stay concentrated and reach the skin almost undiluted. For skin use, mix them into a carrier oil or a cosmetic base made for the purpose.

For the back, legs or arms, pour a little into the palm of your hand first. Add more gradually if needed. Looking for a ready-to-use option instead? Read our review of the Bon Sens edible massage oil.

After the massage, wash your hands with soap. This stops you from transferring the blend to your eyes or mouth.

Precautions not to overlook

This recipe is for healthy adults only. The French health agency ANSES advises that essential oils are not recommended for children or pregnant women. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for a child, ask a healthcare professional before any use.

Do you have asthma, epilepsy, an allergy or a long-term condition? Are you taking medication? Ask for advice before applying these oils. Do the same before massaging anyone who is vulnerable.

Do not massage a large area with Organic Peppermint Essential Oil. Avoid the face, neck and mucous membranes. With Organic Eucalyptus and Organic Ravintsara essential oils, take care if you are massaging a child or someone with breathing problems.

Always dilute Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil. Before applying it to a large area, check the instructions on the label.

"Natural" does not mean harmless. Respect the dilution, the person's age, the area being massaged and the instructions on each bottle.

For your next massage, make a small batch at 0.5 or 1%, weighing the oils and choosing a single essential oil. Patch test the blend on the inside of your elbow, then wait 24 to 48 hours before applying it more widely if no reaction appears.

Frequently asked questions

Can you add an essential oil to a food-grade vegetable oil?

Yes, if the vegetable oil is clean and suitable for skin, it can serve as a carrier for massage. An essential oil being food grade does not mean it can be swallowed or applied neat: follow the instructions on its label.

How long does the blend keep?

Keep the bottle tightly closed, away from light and heat, make small batches and use the blend quickly, without going past the date shown on your bottles. Throw it away if it smells rancid, if its colour changes noticeably, if it turns cloudy or if an unusual deposit appears.