Why dilute essential oils prior to applying to our skin? Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil ensures that the skin doesn’t get irritated by “hot” (warm sensation when applied to skin). Diluting the essential oils with a carrier doesn’t actually dilute the effects of the oil it helps you as the consumer use less essential oils so you are not wasting your precious oils. 🙂
What is a hot oil?
A hot oil will create a warm sensation when you apply it to your skin, it isn’t actually like boiling hot or an oil you heat up. An example of a hot oil is Thieves it has cinnamon and clove in the blend so this should be applied with a carrier oil. Hmm, I have a story for you…
I was trying different essential oils as a deodorant trying to avoid the many toxic deodorants on the market today. I wanted to make good choices and I was using Purification without a problem on my underarms. So one day I get out of shower with clean shaven under arms and I get this bright idea that I am going to try Thieves in my freshly shaven pits. Ok, well let me tell you, my arm pits were on fire lol I was shaking my arms up and down and blowing under my arm to try and cool it off. Learn from me even though Thieves smells amazing you don’t want to put it neat (without a carrier oil, straight on skin) on freshly shaven under arms. (he,he) I can laugh now but I felt quite silly, lol.
Other examples of hot oils are Thyme, Exodus II, Lemongrass, and Oregano. It is recommended you use a carrier oil with these essential oils.
Carrier oil? What are you talking about…
I prefer to use edible carrier oils because like you always here me say at class skin is our largest organ. So whatever we are putting our skin goes into our bloodstream. Some of my favorite food grade carrier oils are unrefined coconut oil
Please note: When using the extra virgin olive oil you can use the dark one too but it will have a very olive oil smell to it. If you utilize the light extra virgin olive oil you will not experience te strong smell of the dark olive oil.
Carrier oils can be a bit messy if you don’t have roller balls
Can I dilute my essential oils with water?
When you are applying to skin for a therapeutic benefit I dont’ suggest it. You will find on some sites they suggest you dilute your essential oils with water. However, if you get the essential oils in your eye DO NOT use water it will increase the intesity of the essential oil on your eye/skin. So grab a carrier oil you have on hand and rub that on your eye and the burning in your eye or on your skin will decrease.
I don’t want to confuse you when speaking about diluting essential oils with water. You can use a indigestible essential oils and add some honey and add 1 drop of essential oil to an eight ounce glass of water. Here are some recipes for essential oil infused water. This is different from applying to your skin or if you were to get an essential oil in your eye.
Special note: There are sprays etc that you can make that will you will use water for but that is different from applying to your skin or getting essential oils in your eye accidently. Here is a bug spray recipe.
If you are looking to learn more about essential oil quality you can view my post HERE
Are you looking for additional support with essential oils.
These are some of my favorite recipes with essential oils and a guide on how I use essential oils.
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we have jojoba and shea butter as carrier oils. Which one do you think have the greatest affect for skin?
Furkan,
It would depend on what you are doing with the carrier oils. Jojoba is amazing for skin and can be used in roller balls etc but there are less expensive alternatives for roller balls (coconut, olive oil, almond oil). I love shea butter as a body butter especially for the feet. I use unrefined shea butter
very nice site. I think a new one of my faves…good color schemes and awesome content. Good stuff. Keep up the good work.
Brent,
Thank you! Pop by often as I am always adding new info. Let me know if there is something you would like to learn more about. 🙂
Great information! I have a few essential oils but not sure how to use all of them and which ones I can use in the diffuser. I agree with you on the smell of thieves as I think that is my favorite. I have a thieves cleaner and I was wondering where I could buy another one so maybe I found a good site. I will check out more of your site but just wanted to thank you for sharing your information with us
Sherry,
Thank you! I am happy you have enjoyed my site. I started with a few essential oils, now I have a handmade shelf that I have filled. I am going to have to get another one. I love the smell of Thieves it is amazing for immune support and this time of the year it smells so great in the diffuser. Who am I kidding it always smells good in the diffuser. I love to add a little nutmeg in with the Thieves during this time of year. (in my diffuser) If you are needing to order another Thieves cleaner you can check out my page on how to order by clicking HERE If you need any additional assistance feel free to contact me
Hi Francine,
Great tips there. I wasn’t aware that you could dilute oils but I will be passing this information on to my wife. I guess the dilution is good because it’s a money-saver too! I’ll need to ask her if she uses hot oil on her under arms ha ha. Where is the best place to buy these oils, can you buy on Amazon?
– Craig
Craig,
Thank you. Yes, you can make some of your own blends when diluting the essential oils. Plus, it saves money. You would remember if she used a hot oil on her under arms she would have been flapping her arms like a bird, lol. I purchase my oils HERE. No it is not a good idea to purchase the essential oils on Amazon and it has to do with the quality. You can read more here (click here)
Hi Francine,
Love your website. You said you don’y use deodorants for armpits. You use essential oils. So any suggestions of essential oils that have like a floral scent that I could substitute my deo for?
Thanks
Tasleem
Tasleem,
Thank you. I am actually using one of Young Living’s deodorant. It rocks! It has a mint scent not a floral. However, I do make my own perfume with essential oils. 🙂
Francine
Great information, as always! Thank you Francine Brown!