Essential Oil Safety First

  • Always dilute before skin application — neat (undiluted) essential oils can cause chemical burns, sensitisation and allergic reactions
  • Patch test first — apply diluted oil to inner wrist, wait 24 hours before broader use
  • Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes
  • Citrus oils are photosensitive — do not apply to skin exposed to sunlight within 12 hours
  • Some oils are harmful to pets — tea tree, eucalyptus and others are toxic to dogs and cats
  • Consult a healthcare provider if pregnant, breastfeeding or treating medical conditions

Dilution Guide for Skin Application

  • 0.5–1% (3–6 drops per 30ml): Face oils, children (over 2 years), sensitive skin
  • 2% (12 drops per 30ml): Standard dilution for general adult body use. The most commonly recommended rate.
  • 3–5% (18–30 drops per 30ml): Targeted muscle relief, short-term use only

How to Make a Basic Massage Oil

  1. 1

    Choose a carrier oil

    Sweet almond oil: light, slightly nutty, good for most skin types. Jojoba oil: technically a wax, closest to skin’s natural sebum, absorbs well, long shelf life. Fractionated coconut oil: lightweight, odourless, absorbs quickly. Rosehip oil: rich in vitamin C, good for mature or dry skin. All are available at health food stores and pharmacies.

  2. 2

    Measure your carrier oil and add essential oils

    Pour 30ml of carrier oil into a dark glass bottle (amber or cobalt blue — dark glass protects essential oils from light degradation). Add 12 drops of your chosen essential oil or blend for a 2% dilution. Replace the cap and roll between palms to mix (do not shake vigorously).

Simple Blending Recipes

  • Relaxing blend: Lavender (6 drops) + Bergamot (4 drops) + Cedarwood (2 drops)
  • Energising blend: Peppermint (4 drops) + Lemon (5 drops) + Rosemary (3 drops)
  • Sleep blend: Lavender (7 drops) + Roman chamomile (3 drops) + Vetiver (2 drops)
  • Muscle relief: Peppermint (4 drops) + Eucalyptus (4 drops) + Lavender (4 drops)

For a Diffuser

Add 3–5 drops of essential oil per 100ml of water in your diffuser. Single oils or blends both work. Start with fewer drops than you think you need — essential oil scent in an enclosed room builds up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — most essential oils last 1–3 years, with citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit) oxidising faster (6–12 months) and heavier resins (sandalwood, vetiver, frankincense) lasting 4–8 years. Signs of expiration: changed smell (sharper, harsher, or diminished), changed colour or cloudiness. Oxidised oils are more likely to cause skin sensitisation. Store in dark glass bottles, away from heat and light, with the cap tightly closed.
This is an area where caution is essential. Many essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats, including tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, citrus oils, clove, cinnamon and thyme. Cats are especially sensitive as they lack liver enzymes to metabolise many compounds. Lavender is generally considered safer but reactions vary. If you have pets, diffuse in well-ventilated rooms with an escape route for the pet, for short durations only. Consult your vet for specific guidance.