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Enter your carrier oil volume and target dilution. The calculator returns the exact number of drops to add - no guesswork, no measuring errors.
Dilution percentage
Add to your carrier oil
12 drops into 30 ml carrier oil = 2% dilution
| Dilution | 10 ml | 30 ml | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1% | 2 drops | 6 drops | Children 6+, face, pregnancy (consult first) |
| 2% | 4 drops | 12 drops | Daily body lotion, diffuser blends |
| 3% | 6 drops | 18 drops | Massage oil, muscle tension |
| 5% | 10 drops | 30 drops | Short-term spot treatment only |
Based on the standard of 1 drop = 0.05 ml (20 drops per ml). Actual drop size varies slightly by dropper type.
The carrier oil affects how quickly the blend absorbs into skin, the shelf life, and any additional skin benefits. The most practical all-purpose option is fractionated coconut oil: it is odourless, absorbs quickly, and has a long shelf life. Sweet almond oil is richer and slower to absorb, making it better for massage. Jojoba is technically a liquid wax and is particularly stable - a good choice for facial blends where shelf life matters.
Avoid using food-grade oils like olive oil or sunflower oil for skin blends unless you know how your skin reacts - they can feel heavy and their shorter shelf life means the blend turns rancid faster than the essential oils themselves.
These guidelines follow the recommendations used by professional aromatherapists for healthy adults. Always do a patch test before applying a new blend over a large skin area. Certain oils have specific contraindications - citrus oils are photosensitive, eucalyptus should be used cautiously around young children, and some oils interact with medications.
If you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are blending for children, consult a qualified aromatherapist before using. The dilution percentages here are general guidelines, not medical advice.
Related reading
Natural Home
Getting Started with Essential Oils at Home