Essential oils have a wide range of uses, from massage and bathing to candles, home fragrance, cosmetics and cleaning. This page gives an overview of some of the most popular ways they are used. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and the amount used depends on the oil and the application.
Massage Oils
Blending essential oils into a carrier oil to make a massage oil is one of the most popular ways to use them. Sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba and fractionated coconut oil are common carrier choices.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, so only a small amount is blended into the carrier. They should not be applied to the skin neat (undiluted). Every oil has its own recommended usage level, so the amount used varies from oil to oil.
Bathing
Many people add essential oils to their bath for a fragranced soak. Essential oils do not mix with water and will float on the surface, so they are usually blended first into a carrier oil, an unscented bath oil, bath salts or milk before being added to the water.
Only a few drops are needed. Stir the water well before getting in.
Diffusers & Oil Burners
A simple way to enjoy essential oils is through an ultrasonic diffuser or a ceramic oil burner. A few drops are all that's needed to fragrance a room.
Use your diffuser or burner in a well-ventilated room and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Candles
Many essential oils can be added to candle wax to create a natural ambient fragrance, and they are a popular choice with candle makers.
Oils behave differently in hot wax, so the amount used and the temperature at which it is added vary from oil to oil. Small test batches are a good way to find what works best.
Room Sprays
Room sprays are usually made by blending essential oils into an alcohol base, which helps the oils mix evenly and gives a fine mist.
Some people use water instead. Essential oils do not dissolve in water, so a water-based spray needs a good shake before each use.
Skin & Body Cosmetics
Essential oils are widely used as ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, always diluted into a carrier oil, cream, lotion or other base.
The range of product types is very broad. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) groups them into categories, and sets a maximum usage level for each oil in each category. Levels vary from oil to oil and from category to category.
Product types that can include essential oils (IFRA 51 categories)
- 1Lip products — lipstick, balms
- 2Underarm products — deodorant, antiperspirant
- 3Eye area & face cosmetics
- 4Fine fragrance — perfume, cologne, eau de toilette
- 5ALeave-on body lotions & creams
- 5BLeave-on face moisturisers & toners
- 5CLeave-on hand products — hand cream
- 5DBaby leave-on products
- 6Oral care products — toothpaste, mouthwash
- 7ARinse-off hair treatments
- 7BLeave-on hair products — hair sprays, leave-in conditioners
- 8Intimate hygiene wipes
- 9Rinse-off body wash, soap, shower gel, shampoo
- 10AHousehold products with hand contact — laundry, washing-up liquid
- 10BAerosol / pump room sprays
- 11AProducts with minimal skin contact, no UV — pads, tissues
- 11BProducts with minimal skin contact and UV exposure — pillow sprays
- 12No direct skin contact — candles, incense, car diffusers
Hair Care
Essential oils can be added to rinse-off shampoos and conditioners as well as leave-in products such as hair serums and sprays. They are always diluted into the base product.
Soaps & Shower Gels
Soaps, shower gels, hand washes and body scrubs can all be fragranced with essential oils, which are blended into the base product. As these products are rinsed off, they generally allow higher usage levels than leave-on products.
Household & Cleaning
Essential oils can be added to homemade cleaning sprays, unscented washing-up liquid and laundry products to give them a natural fragrance.
Perfumery & Blending
Blending essential oils to create a personal fragrance is one of the most creative uses. Oils are grouped by their note (top, middle or base), which describes how quickly they evaporate and when they are noticed in a blend.
Top notes are light and noticed first (e.g. citrus oils). Middle notes form the heart of a blend (e.g. many floral and herbal oils). Base notes are deep and long-lasting (e.g. woods and resins). A balanced blend often includes oils from all three.
Steam Bowl
A few drops of essential oil can be added to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water so the aroma is carried on the steam. Keep your eyes closed if leaning over the bowl, and keep the bowl out of reach of children.
A Few Simple Tips
Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, avoid contact with the eyes, and store bottles tightly closed in a cool, dark place. Essential oils are not for internal use.