How to Dilute Essential Oils for a Body Massage: A Simple Guide

Concentrated essential oils are wonderful for a slow, scented massage, but they should never go straight onto the skin. Diluting them in a carrier oil keeps the experience comfortable and makes a small bottle last much longer. Here is the simple method we recommend for all our oils.

Our simple rule: 1 drop per 5 ml

For a body massage, mix 1 drop of essential oil with at least 5 ml of carrier oil. That works out at about a 1% dilution, a gentle strength suited to everyday use on the body.

  • 5 ml of carrier oil (one teaspoon): 1 drop
  • 15 ml (one tablespoon): 3 drops
  • 30 ml (a small bottle): 6 drops

Which carrier oil?

  • Jojoba: light, silky and keeps well. Our favourite.
  • Sweet almond: soft and nourishing, but avoid it if you have a nut allergy.
  • Fractionated coconut: very light, stays liquid and has almost no scent of its own.

Step by step

  1. Pour your carrier oil into a small clean bottle or bowl.
  2. Add the drops of essential oil and mix gently.
  3. Patch test first: apply a little to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. If any redness or irritation appears, don't use it.
  4. Warm a little of the mix between your palms and massage slowly onto the shoulders, arms, legs or feet.

With your body cream

Prefer cream? Mix 1 drop with at least 5 ml of a fragrance-free body cream in the palm of your hand just before applying. Don't pour essential oil into the whole jar.

Where not to apply

  • Avoid the face, eyes, temples and the front of the neck.
  • Never apply to broken, irritated or sensitive skin.
  • Citrus oils such as bergamot can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. After using our Lavender & Bergamot blend, keep treated skin out of direct sun and UV for 12 hours.
  • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or are massaging a child, ask a professional first.

Our favourite blends for massage

For a calm evening, try Lavender or Lavender & Chamomile. For something warmer, Lavender & Vanilla or Lavender & Musc. Every product page includes its own directions and precautions, so take a moment to read them before use.

Questions about a blend? Ask us at our Covent Garden stand on Earlham Street. We are always happy to help you choose.

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