How to Dilute Essential Oils (NZ Guide)

How to Dilute Essential Oils (NZ Guide)

Struggling with “How many drops is 1%?”
Worried about skin sensitivity or strong scents?
Let’s keep it simple, safe, and NZ-ready.

Quick take (TL;DR)

• For 10 ml carrier:

  • 0.5% = 1 drop, 1% = 2 drops, 2% = 4 drops, 3% = 6 drops, 5% = 10 drops

• For 30 ml carrier:

  • 0.5% = 3 drops, 1% = 6 drops, 2% = 12 drops, 3% = 18 drops, 5% = 30 drops
    (Rule-of-thumb: ~20 drops essential oil ≈ 1 ml. Drop size varies by nozzle—go low first.)

Safe dilution levels (adults)

• Face / delicate skin: 0.5–1%

• Daily body oil: 1–2%

• Short-term or spot care: 3–5% (small areas, brief use)

• Bath: 2–3% in a dispersant (EO + bodywash/solubiliser first—never straight into water)

Always patch test. If pregnant, nursing, on meds, or you have a condition, talk to a professional first.

Carrier oils you’ll actually use (NZ)

• Jojoba (non-comedogenic): balances oil, fast-absorbing (great face oil).

• Sweet Almond: body massage classic; softens rough patches.

• Fractionated Coconut (MCT): light, clear, long shelf life.

• Grapeseed: light slip, good for blends and massage.

• Olive / Avocado: richer feel for very dry skin.

(If you’re acne-prone, start with Jojoba.)

Easy recipes (ready in 60 seconds)

1) Daily face oil (≈1%, 10 ml)

• Carrier: Jojoba 10 ml

• EO: 2 drops total → e.g., Frankincense (1) + Lavender (1)

• Use 2–3 drops on damp skin, AM/PM.

2) Body & hands (≈2%, 30 ml)

• Carrier: Sweet Almond 30 ml

• EO: 12 drops total → e.g., Lavender (8) + Orange (4)

• Apply post-shower on damp skin.

3) Scalp & hair mask (≈2%, 10 ml)

• Carrier: Jojoba 10 ml

• EO: 4 drops → Rosemary ct. cineole (2) + Lavender (2)

• Massage in, leave 20–30 min, shampoo.

4) Calm bath (≈2%, for one bath)

• Disperse first: 6–8 drops EO mixed into 1 tsp unscented bodywash

• Swirl into a warm bath after you’re in.

• Faves: Lavender (4) + Frankincense (2–4)

Little NZ story 

A customer in Auckland said, “I keep guessing and over-scenting.”
We switched to a 1% face oil (2 drops in 10 ml jojoba).
Message a week later: “No redness. Smells right. I use it every night.”
Simple ratios = daily habit = better skin.

Safety, I never skip

• Dilute before skin. A neat application can irritate.

• Photosensitive oils (e.g., cold-pressed citrus): avoid sun for 12–24 h.

• Store cool, dark, sealed (cap on tight).

• Keep away from eyes, inner ears, broken skin, children, and pets.

FAQs — How to dilute essential oils (NZ)

How many drops make 1%?
For 10 ml carrier, 2 drops ≈ 1%.

Can I put EO straight in the bath?
No. Mix into a dispersant (bodywash/solubiliser) first to avoid skin contact with undiluted oil.

Which carrier is best for oily skin?
Jojoba—it mimics natural sebum and absorbs fast.

Why do my drops vary?
Drop size changes with the orifice reducer and thickness. That’s why I teach low-first ratios.

How long do blends last?
Most last 3–6 months if stored well. Make small batches you’ll use.

Related links

• Jojoba Oil NZ (carrier) 

• Frankincense Oil NZ (pairs perfectly at 1%) 

• Essential Oils/Carrier Oils Collection