Blending essential oils can be a fun activity either alone or with your family and friends. When blending essential oils for topical use (applying on to the skin), you must always take note of the recommended dilution. Depending on the person or the purpose for the application, the recommended dilution will change. For example, if you are diluting for a child, you will need roughly 1% to 2% of essential oils. This translates to 6 drops of essential oils to be mixed in a 30ml carrier oil. However, if wish to use essential oils for treatment of localised pain such as a muscle ache, you will need up to 60 drops for the same amount of carrier oil used.

Another key pointer you should take note of is that essential oils are extremely potent and should never be used on the skin directly, unless it is Lavender or Tea Tree essential oil. For everyday use, you can add essential oils in a roller bottle with 10ml of carrier oil and 2 to 6 drops of essential oils.

Read also: How to Blend your Own Massage Oil

Babies and young children can also use essential oils topically on their body, but there are some essential oils that should be avoided until the child grows older where their respiratory system is more matured. For younger children, a 0.1% to 1% is usually sufficient for them. As their skin is more sensitive than adults, do conduct a patch test by applying a small amount of diluted essential oil onto the back of their neck and wait to see if there is any irritation occur before applying the rest on the body.

Refer to this handy chart for HYSSES' recommendation of diluting essential oils.