Start with a small set of single-plant oils, check the label for the plant's Latin name and a pure-oil statement, and never put essential oil on skin undiluted. For adults, a 2% dilution in a carrier oil (about 12 drops per ounce, or 30 ml) is a widely used general starting point. Store oils in dark glass, tightly closed, away from heat and children.
Single oils, blends and fragrance oils
A single essential oil comes from one plant. A blend combines several. A fragrance oil is a composed scent and may contain no plant extract at all. Read the product page to see which you are buying. Our essential oil collection is the place for single oils, the fragrance oil collection covers composed scents, and the wider aromatherapy oils collection brings everything together.
What to read on the label
Look for the plant's common and Latin name, the bottle size, a clear statement of what is inside, and a dark glass bottle. Be careful with claims that an oil is "therapeutic grade". There is no single official grade, so treat it as a marketing phrase unless the maker explains what it means.
Which oils to try first
A sampler is the cheapest way to learn what you like. The PHATOIL 15-piece set and the MAYJAM 20-piece set both use small 5 ml bottles with one plant per bottle. When you know your favorites, buy a larger bottle, such as the single-scent bottles in the MAYJAM 100 ml range.
How to dilute essential oils for skin
Essential oils are concentrated, and the Tisserand Institute advises against applying them undiluted. For adults, a 2% dilution is a common general starting point, which is about 12 drops in one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil. Guidance for body massage typically ranges from 1.5% to 3%. Some oils need much lower limits: cassia and cinnamon bark are cited at no more than 0.1% on skin, and citrus oils can make skin more sun-sensitive. Lower dilutions apply for children, older adults and sensitive skin, so ask a qualified aromatherapist or your doctor first. Do a patch test on a small area before wider use. Choose a carrier from our carrier oil collection.
Using oils in a diffuser
Use a few drops in a water-based diffuser, in a ventilated room, for short sessions. Do not diffuse for hours in a small closed room. If you share your home with cats or other pets, ask your vet first. Browse the diffuser oils if that is how you plan to use them.
Storing your oils
Keep oils in their original dark glass bottles with the cap tight, away from heat, sunlight and children. Citrus oils tend to lose their freshness sooner than woody or resin oils, so buy smaller bottles of those.
Important safety note
Do not swallow essential oils. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are choosing oils for a baby or child, speak to a doctor or qualified aromatherapist first. This guide is general information about fragrance and aromatherapy and is not medical advice.
Related reading
- Hotel Scent at Home: How Hotel-Style Diffuser Oil Works and How to Choose One
- Body Oil vs Body Lotion: Which One Should You Use?
Frequently asked questions
Can I put essential oil directly on my skin?
Generally no. Essential oils are concentrated and are normally diluted in a carrier oil first. The Tisserand Institute advises against applying them undiluted.
What dilution should I use for adults?
A 2% dilution, about 12 drops per ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil, is a widely used general starting point. Body massage guidance often runs from 1.5% to 3%, and some oils need much less.
What is the difference between essential oil and fragrance oil?
An essential oil is distilled from one plant. A fragrance oil is a composed scent that may be partly or fully synthetic. Check each product page to see which one it is.
Which essential oils should a beginner buy first?
A small gift set of single-plant oils is an inexpensive way to find your favorites before buying larger bottles.
Sources
This guide is general information about fragrance, aromatherapy and home use. It is not medical advice.
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