Choose cold-pressed or organic carrier oils whenever possible. [3] X Research source Sweet almond oil smooths the skin, helps combat dehydration and dryness, and even has a pleasant scent. It’s a great choice for all skin types. [4] X Expert Source Barbie RitzmanBeauty & Skincare Specialist Expert Interview. 23 August 2021. Sunflower oil is very soothing since it contains fatty acids. It’s also rich in protective antioxidants, which are excellent for anti-aging. [5] X Expert Source Barbie RitzmanBeauty & Skincare Specialist Expert Interview. 23 August 2021. Cold-pressed, unrefined extra virgin olive oil locks in moisture and hydrates your skin. [6] X Expert Source Barbie RitzmanBeauty & Skincare Specialist Expert Interview. 23 August 2021. Always do a patch test beforehand. Dab a drop of the oil onto your inner wrist, and wait at least 24 hours to see if there’s a reaction. [7] X Expert Source Barbie RitzmanBeauty & Skincare Specialist Expert Interview. 23 August 2021.
Examples include peppermint, basil, eucalyptus, neroli, and verbena. oils. [8] X Research source It’s probably best to avoid using citrus oils, as many can cause severe burns when applied to the skin and exposed to sunlight. [9] X Research source
Good choices include chamomile, ginger, rose, lavender, geranium, and other herbal and flowery scents. [11] X Research source
Try deep, strong scents such as vanilla, cocoa, sandalwood, patchouli, or frankincense.
Dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil to twice the concentration you plan to use. For instance, if you plan to use a 3% mixture, dilute it to 6% for the test, which would be 6 drops of the essential oils in 1 teaspoon (4. 9 mL) of the carrier oil. Wet the inside of a bandage with the mixture and place on your inner arm. Remove the bandage after 48 hours. If there is any redness or itchiness, do not use that oil.
Use bottles with a tight cap or cork.
For example, if you plan to make a large batch of 50 mL, your bottle holds 50 mL x 20 drops/mL = 1,000 drops. For reference, 1 US fluid ounce is close to 30 mL.
For example, if you have a 1,000-drop bottle and plan to dilute to 1%, you’ll need 1000 x 0. 01 = 10 total drops of essential oil. Expensive essential oils are often sold in diluted form to make them affordable. If the label says it’s already 5% diluted, multiply the number of drops by 20 (since 100% ÷ 5% = 20%).
2 parts base note x 2 drops/part = 4 drops base note. 1 part middle note x 2 drops/part = 2 drops middle note. 2 parts top note x 2 drops/part = 4 drops top note. Sometimes the math doesn’t work out neatly, and you can’t get a perfect ratio. Just get as close as you can. This isn’t the only recipe you can use. If you want your middle note to be the centerpiece, you can go as high as a 1:3:1 ratio. [19] X Research source
At this stage, you can smell the oil and mix in another drop or 2 of essential oil to change the characteristics. Just remember that adding too much can increase the concentration to levels that irritate the skin.
Use the oil within 1 year. [23] X Research source Discard the oil sooner if it smells very different than it did fresh, if it thickens, or if it turns cloudy. If you keep your body oil in the fridge, let it warm up on the counter for a few hours so it comes to room temperature before you use it. [24] X Research source
